Is the Canon 580EX II able to flash wirelessly without a transmitter?

From what I heard, the Canon Speedlites can flash without a radio transmitter needed because of the infrared signals or something, which sounds like a really good money saver.

But is this true? Or would I have to buy myself a radio system, or some other cheaper system?

bsmith14 wrote in post #12673098
From what I heard, the Canon Speedlites can flash without a radio transmitter needed because of the infrared signals or something, which sounds like a really good money saver.

But is this true? Or would I have to buy myself a radio system, or some other cheaper system?

Depends on which camera you're using. Some Canon cameras are able to communicate with it (off the top of my head the 7D and the T3i), otherwise you'd need the ST-E2, or a 580EX II to act as a master. Keep in mind it's line of sight. Inside I can bounce the IR off walls and get reliable triggering, even without line of sight. Outside is a challenge, or sometimes not even possible at all.

I have the 7D and the system is OK not good. I would splurge on the youngnuo triggers.

The 580 series can be used as master but it has to be on the Camera for my 5D, however as dbilon stated my 7D has a wireless capabilities but the pop up flash has to be activated. It triggers the other flashes. You need to research what your camera can do.

If your camera does not have wireless you can get OCF cable and connect it go to a 580 off camera and in turn it can be a master and trigger other flashes.

http://ocfgear.com/

Next is going radio triggers. You can go very cheap but many inexpensive triggers do not have ETTL. Now you are getting into PW for that. I think the Yongnuo rf 602 which is inexpensive has ETTL but I'm not sure.

sigma pi wrote in post #12673229
I have the 7D and the system is OK not good. I would splurge on the youngnuo triggers.

Yes going radio is the best way.

so would you advise against the canon st-e2/yongnuo clone? I think it uses IR? Seems like it would maintain ttl, which for what I do would save a lot of faffing around

The Canon ST-E2 supports ETTL II, High Speed Sync, flash exposure lock, flash exposure compensation, and stroboscopic flash. It does not support second curtain flash or flash exposure bracketing via infra-red; only the 580EX II lets you use all of those features wirelessly. It also has only about half the wireless range of the 580EX II.

mrjames wrote in post #12673411
so would you advise against the canon st-e2/yongnuo clone? I think it uses IR? Seems like it would maintain ttl, which for what I do would save a lot of faffing around

I would own both. To me, they each have their use. I like the ST-E2 because sometimes I get real simple assignments on a moments notice, like shoot someone for a small web/paper ad. I have a client that needs shots NOW but doesn't need them to be amazing or super creative. For situations like this I just throw a flash up on a stand with an umbrella in your typical key light fashion (up high and from 45 degrees), color correct with a gel (if needed) and pop off 5 or 6 shots using my umbrella as key, ambient as fill in ETTL. I fold up my gear, bungee it all back together and I'm done in all of 5 minutes. I get nice shots for my client, their client isn't bothered with me wasting time (which is the key here). I do a couple of shots at 2.8 and 5.6 an sometimes 8 to get different DOF, and I never have to go to the flash and adjust it. As long as there isn't something in the shot that's going to throw off ETTL, I never really have to tweak anything. So for reasons of speed, I love the ST-E2. I also use it for a lot of basic indoors stuff, like birthday parties. I'll set a flash up in each corner of the room, then depending on where I'm taking shots at in the room, I use ratio button to make one light act like key, and another as fill. I stay with my camera and never have to go to a flash.

I use PocketWizard for situations where the ST-E2 just won't work.

So the ST-E2 clone does ETTL and HSS?

digital paradise wrote in post #12673736
So the ST-E2 clone does ETTL and HSS?

as far as I can tell yes. it also does 3 groups, the canon st-e2 only controls 2. The 580 ex2 can also control 3 but its not fun walking round with a flash on camera as it


Is the IR of the st-e2 more reliable than the visible light of the 7d/60d?

I also own radio triggers, but as bdillon says, sometimes you don't have the time to set up each flash or to do test shots so maintaining ettl is a bonus. I'm not sure I can justify the cost of pocket wizards, if i'm getting paid usually i'll have time to set up properly, it's usually the people who want something for nothing who aren't willing to sit around and let me tweak lights

mrjames wrote in post #12673970
as far as I can tell yes. it also does 3 groups, the canon st-e2 only controls 2. The 580 ex2 can also control 3 but its not fun walking round with a flash on camera as it


Is the IR of the st-e2 more reliable than the visible light of the 7d/60d?

I also own radio triggers, but as bdillon says, sometimes you don't have the time to set up each flash or to do test shots so maintaining ettl is a bonus. I'm not sure I can justify the cost of pocket wizards, if i'm getting paid usually i'll have time to set up properly, it's usually the people who want something for nothing who aren't willing to sit around and let me tweak lights

Yeah I have Cybersyncs but the thought of an inexpensive unit for ETTL from time to time appeals to me.