ST-E2 vs. built-in wireless flash control

Well hello everyone.. I have been lurking around here for the last few weeks. I am new to the whole photography thing, and I recently got myself a T3i with an 18-135mm kit lens. Well, as with all new hobbies of mine, i tend to go crazy with the craigslist seeing what things are going for, what kind of used stuff is out there, upgrades, etc.. Well, I stumbled upon a sweet deal the other day when searching around. I got a Speedlite 580EX, 580EXII, ST-E2, 50mm 1.8, 28-105mm 3.5-4.5, a snoot and some other accessories for $500.. yeah, it was sweet. Anyway, I know that my T3i has a wireless controller built in, but do I gain anything by using the ST-E2 over it? I am thinking that I may try to sell it and put the money towards a new 50mm 1.4(the 1.8 has seen its better days) or maybe a long Tamron or Sigma.. I appreciate any input.. Thanks..

Sac

The ST-E2 gives you a focus assist beam for when you are trying to work in low light places. I havent checked the capability of the t3i controller, but I'm not certain if it will allow the use of HSS which the ST-E2 does.

You got all that for $500? Sick deal, lucky guy.

gonzogolf wrote in post #12273632
The ST-E2 gives you a focus assist beam for when you are trying to work in low light places. I havent checked the capability of the t3i controller, but I'm not certain if it will allow of HSS which the ST-E2 does.

Ohh, I didnt think about that.. I looked in the T3i manual and it doesnt say anything about HSS it in the Wireless section.. Thanks..

suecassidy wrote in post #12273639
You got all that for $500? Sick deal, lucky guy.

Yes, I was very lucky..

ST-E2 eats the 7D's flash commanders lunch, I've not used the other bodies that are flash commander capable.

Sweet deal indeed. If I recall the St-E2 controls two cannel's A & B, will a dedicated flash allows you to control A B & C

jim_escalante wrote in post #12273783
Sweet deal indeed. If I recall the St-E2 controls two cannel's A & B, will a dedicated flash allows you to control A B & C

Yes, but the C channel is limited. You can do ratios between A&B, but C pretty much is dedicated to use as a background light.

gonzogolf wrote in post #12273796
Yes, but the C channel is limited. You can do ratios between A&B, but C pretty much is dedicated to use as a background light.

It has limited control using FEC.
Also, flash commander has no HSS.

I sold my ST-E2 when I got a 7D. Between the 7D and the 580 EX flashes I don't need the ST-E2. I love the wireless control of the 7D and I assume it's the same on the T3i.

I became un-enamored with the flash commander when I need to shoot a lot of flash. At some point the on board flash gets to hot and shuts down. Mileage may very.

I never liked having to use my best flash as a controller so I was never in love with the 580exII as a master. I recently picked up a cheap ST-E2 and another 430ex and have been having some fun using the canon wireless system.

Wow, this is awesome. I am surprised that there wouldn't be a difference between the T3i and the 7D flash commanders. I would have thought that a higher end camera like that would support the HSS. I guess I am asking myself, "Self, am I ever really gonna use the HSS capabilities of the ST-E2?" Like I said, I am new to this whole photog thing. Just not sure where I want to go with it. I am sure that I will use the wireless flashes at some point, just not sure if the HSS is necessary. I want to do some portrait stuff, have a new 3 week old daughter, and also want to do street and wildlife. Thanks again..

gonzogolf wrote in post #12273981
I never liked having to use my best flash as a controller so I was never in love with the 580exII as a master. I recently picked up a cheap ST-E2 and another 430ex and have been having some fun using the canon wireless system.

Did you not like this because you wanted to use the flash elsewhere in the shot, or was there something else?

Sacadelic wrote in post #12274015
Did you not like this because you wanted to use the flash elsewhere in the shot, or was there something else?

That was primarily the reason. You spend $400 on a flash and then it spends most of its time not providing light. I have no complaints with the function of the 580exII as a master, other than perhaps the extra bulk over the ST-E2 as master.

the st-e2 will give you more channel options vs the built in. And it works better then the built in flash in regards to range.

I have the 60D and have a yongnuo st-e2. And each is good, but there are more options when going with the st-e2 over the incamera flash.