Wireless SPeedlites - ST-E2

Scott (and others), after the mutiple posts/threads on wireless flash, I finally ordered an ST-E2 to go with my 2-580EXs...with plans to eventually add one more 580 (maybe 430, to save a few pennies).

It arrived today and I set out to read up on it. The good news is that it seems extremely easy to set up and is very light.

The surprise and bad news (both to me of course) is that I found out that the ST-E2 can only set up ratios between 2 groups (A:B). You need a 580/550 to do 3 groups....that is (A:B):C

In addition, it appears that if you want to use manual, instead of ETTL, mode, the ST-E2 requires each slave to be set manually, where the 550/580 can be set by the master. Also, FEB has an 'x' for the ST-E2 and an '0' for the 500...so I am assuming the ST-E2 cannot do FEB.

I am sure that this will fit many people's needs, but it was not the direction I was planning to head in. I will probably wait a few days, but at this point I think B&H will be getting it back.

Thought I would post this, in case others had the same confusion on the ST-E2's capability.

John

I'm pretty sure those shortcomings of the ST-E2 had been discussed here previously. Those are the exact reasons why I don't own an ST-E2.

Another drawback is that the ST-E2 doesn't use AA batteries. It really needs updating, IMHO - I certainly won't be buying one as things stand.

Though it's a bit more money, it's much more flexible to use a 580EX as a wireless ETTL master - not least as it may make a reasonable fill light, especially if on a flash bracket. You can then have your main light from a slave flash off to one side.


It was with all this in mind that the first flash I bought was a 580EX; whatever I buy in the future, I know I have a good wireless ETTL master.

David

Send the ST-E2 back and get another speedlite. Maybe I'm missing something but I can't see any value in owning an ST-E2. Someone please enlighten me.

It hardly matters that the ST-E2 doesn't use AA cells - the lithium cells it comes with last forever since it doesn't have to produce the big bursts of light that a full-blown flash does.

If, like me, you know that you're not going to use the on-camera flash as a light source and controller, it makes no sense to get a 550EX/580EX and be carrying around the extra bulk. An ST-E2 is less than half the size of the 580EX, as well as half the price. I can fit 3 flashes and the ST-E2 into my camera bg along with a full complement of bodies and lenses, whereas another 550EX/580EX would be the straw that broke the camel's back. I've tried the Off-Camera Shoe, and it tethers the off-camera light too closely to the camera for my taste.

I agree with Jon.

Not only does the ST-E2 not use AA cells, it couldn't without a redesign. The case is pretty small and light, and it runs just about forever on a lithium battery.

Some folks find themselves sticking a 550EX or 580EX unit on their camera and then switching the main light off so that they can use it as a wireless master control only. If you find yourself in that situation, then you would be a prime candidate for the ST-E2.

---Bob Gross---

That's assuming you don't need to control flash(es) in Group C.

I have only two Speedlites, so I get only A and B.

---Bob Gross---

But I'm sure there are others who have 3 or more and who find themselves in the exact situation you mentioned above and would like to use groups A, B and C. The ST-E2 is not going to work for them.