Help me with remote flash triggers?

I picked up a set of remote flash triggers and put the transceiver on my 5d2 last night and the receiver on the 580exII in another location. When I shoot images, they are all blown out like crazy and the camera won't let me set any of the flash options because the flash isn't mounted on the camera.

I'm very new to this, so the answer may be obvious, but I'd love some help. Is it purely trial and error with manual mode?

Thanks for the help with what may be a stupid question.

The cheapest triggers are that only, triggers. Your flash will likely fire at full power by default. With the budger triggers, you need to manually set the power on the flash itself, and manually adjust as required.

What triggers did you get? Chances are they are manual only so you gotta figure out your exposure. Set your flash to m, camera to M, and chimp until you nail the exposure. Start at 1/2 power and f8, adjust either the aperture, or power on the flash to get where you want to be. Keep in mind the shutter speed makes almost no difference other than the need to keep within sync speed.

I got the Strato II's. They were very highly rated and features were comparable to the PW. They do have full ETTL pass through.

SCMedic wrote in post #13508665
I got the Strato II's. They were very highly rated and features were comparable to the PW. They do have full ETTL pass through.

Pass through just means the hotshoe on the transmitter unit will allow a flash mounted on top of it to retain ETTL. The off camera flashes are only manual. Marketing BS for the most part.

gonzogolf wrote in post #13508684
Pass through just means the hotshoe on the transmitter unit will allow a flash mounted on top of it to retain ETTL. The off camera flashes are only manual. Marketing BS for the most part.

Got it. So manual everything. Trial and error here I come.

I'm pretty new to the 580 but didn't I read that it has a built in flash meter? That may help with your trial and error.

GeeMack wrote in post #13508702
I'm pretty new to the 580 but didn't I read that it has a built in flash meter? That may help with your trial and error.

No, the 580 doesnt have a built in light meter. I'm not sure what feature confused you, but no meter.

SCMedic wrote in post #13508687
Got it. So manual everything. Trial and error here I come.

It's not exactly "trial & error" all the way. Understanding what-does-what (aperture in relation to flash exposure, shutter speed in relation to ambient, etc) is really the first step to successfully using your new kit.

Sounds like you need a good dose of Strobist 101... time to get reading!
http://strobist.blogsp​ot.com/2006/03/lightin​g-101.html

MinnGreenGT wrote in post #13508744
It's not exactly "trial & error" all the way. Understanding what-does-what (aperture in relation to flash exposure, shutter speed in relation to ambient, etc) is really the first step to successfully using your new kit.

Sounds like you need a good dose of Strobist 101... time to get reading!
http://strobist.blogsp​ot.com/2006/03/lightin​g-101.html

I do get the theory behind what does what.

Yeah... Page 30 of the user's manual talks about External Flash Metering using C.Fn-05-2.
"The flash reflected off the subject is metered by an external metering sensor in real time. when the standard flash exposure is attained, the flash output is cutoff automatically. Auto external metering compatible with EOS-1D Mark III and manual external metering compatible with all EOS cameras are provided."

SCMedic wrote in post #13508434
I picked up a set of remote flash triggers and put the transceiver on my 5d2 last night and the receiver on the 580exII in another location. When I shoot images, they are all blown out like crazy and the camera won't let me set any of the flash options because the flash isn't mounted on the camera.

I'm very new to this, so the answer may be obvious, but I'd love some help. Is it purely trial and error with manual mode?

Thanks for the help with what may be a stupid question.

The triggers that you have are basic on/off switches for the flash. There is no information communicated to the REMOTE flash about exposure settings. The triggers are great tools for firing the flash, but you have to figure out the exposure. The weapon of choice would be a light meter, but if that is not in the budget, then it becomes a series of educated guesstimates.

Hope this helps,

110yd

GeeMack wrote in post #13508799
Yeah... Page 30 of the user's manual talks about External Flash Metering using C.Fn-05-2.
"The flash reflected off the subject is metered by an external metering sensor in real time. when the standard flash exposure is attained, the flash output is cutoff automatically. Auto external metering compatible with EOS-1D Mark III and manual external metering compatible with all EOS cameras are provided."

Just means with that camera, the flash will work with its internal metering. But there is no independent flash meter.