Can't wrap my head around setting up an off-camera flash wirelessly.

So I've read through a lot of posts...

I want to fire an off-camera flash that will be firing into an umbrella.

This would be for the 5DII or the 40D, and I have a 580 EX II.


Can the 580 EX II wirelessly trigger other flashes while being mounted on the camera? Which brands or models can be controlled like this?

Would I be best to get a "transmitter" for the camera and use the 580 EX II off camera?

Don't know why I'm not getting this, but wan't to buy the right thing.

Yes, the 580exII can trigger just about all of the EX flashes. The 430exII is commonly paired up with the 580exII. The Canon wireless system uses light to transmit signals, so that's a good and a bad thing. It's good because you don't need to buy any other devices to get the system working. It's bad because it's hit or miss outside in the sun, or if you don't have line of sight outdoors. TBH, with only one flash, you're better off buying a set of radio triggers. Do a search here, and you'll find lots of options.

If you are limited to just the 580, as klr.b posted, an inexpensive radio transmitter and receiver would suffice. But with this, you are limited to setting the power on the 580 manually, no auto flash exposure.

You can also use a long E-TTL cord that connects the remote 580 to the camera's hot shoe. This way, you will have full control of the flash.

If you purchase another slave capable flash, the 580 can serve as the controller in the hot shoe and either contribute to the exposure or go dark at the time the picture is taken, firing only the remote slave. With this setup, you will have control (auto or manual) of both flashes.

oldvultureface wrote in post #14094345
If you are limited to just the 580, as klr.b posted, an inexpensive radio transmitter and receiver would suffice. But with this, you are limited to setting the power on the 580 manually, no auto flash exposure.

You can also use a long E-TTL cord that connects the remote 580 to the camera's hot shoe. This way, you will have full control of the flash.

If you purchase another slave capable flash, the 580 can serve as the controller in the hot shoe and either contribute to the exposure or go dark at the time the picture is taken, firing only the remote slave. With this setup, you will have control (auto or manual) of both flashes.

So would that be any brand flash for the slave flash? What would be some common slave flashes that someone with a 580exii would use?

Thanks!

Logicus wrote in post #14094398
So would that be any brand flash for the slave flash? What would be some common slave flashes that someone with a 580exii would use?

Thanks!

Did you read my post?

If you go Canon, any EX flash will work as a slave except for the 220EX, 270EX, and 380EX. Some Yong Nuo as well as Nissan and Metz flashes work with the Canon wireless system. Those are all reverse engineered, though.

klr.b wrote in post #14094490
Did you read my post?

If you go Canon, any EX flash will work as a slave except for the 220EX, 270EX, and 380EX. Some Yong Nuo as well as Nissan and Metz flashes work with the Canon wireless system. Those are all reverse engineered, though.

Yes, I just wanted to make sure... the camera stores close to me have only just recently gotten back on the Canon-carrying bandwagon, so what I find may be limited, and I need to get it tomorrow.
Thanks for the info!

If you go with Canon, the 430ex, 430exII, 550ex, 580ex, and 580exII are the best options for slaves. I give a huge edge to the 500 series flashes since they can take an external battery pack. If you check your local Craigslist, you can usually find some good deals on used flashes.

How much do you want to spend, how much are you going to shoot outdoors and do you really want to have a flash in the hotshoe and another off camera?

windpig wrote in post #14094716
How much do you want to spend, how much are you going to shoot outdoors and do you really want to have a flash in the hotshoe and another off camera?

Not looking to spend a ton just yet, and was originally looking to fire the 580exii off-camera. I figured I would either be getting a transmitter or getting another flash that the 580exii could control, while adding some fill light.

I'm just a tad confused on the different triggering types, ir, radio, etc... was looking at the Wein Peanuts, and other methods. Or, should I just get a slave flash and have it fire from the 580exii..

Logicus wrote in post #14094522
Yes, I just wanted to make sure... the camera stores close to me have only just recently gotten back on the Canon-carrying bandwagon, so what I find may be limited, and I need to get it tomorrow.
Thanks for the info!

Dont be afraid to get your gear from remote vendors like B&H or Adorama. I'm not anti-local camera store, but they tend to have two unfortunate habits. The first is charging more because they cant handle the same volume of bigger vendors. The second is more egregious, they try to steer you to what they carry rather than what you need.

Personally, I would get a cheap radio trigger set and a light meter.

I've got the speedlights to use Canons wireless system, including the ST-E2, but it is a limited system. I use the radio popper Studio JRs, as I can control the power from the transmitter. I'm not suggesting those because of the expense. You should be able to get a set of radio controls for under $60.

gonzogolf wrote in post #14094759
Dont be afraid to get your gear from remote vendors like B&H or Adorama. I'm not anti-local camera store, but they tend to have two unfortunate habits. The first is charging more because they cant handle the same volume of bigger vendors. The second is more egregious, they try to steer you to what they carry rather than what you need.

Exactly what he says. Figure out what you want and go to B&H or Adorama. I will patronize my local store, but they are limited. I always do my own research.

windpig wrote in post #14094716
How much do you want to spend, how much are you going to shoot outdoors and do you really want to have a flash in the hotshoe and another off camera?

Thought this also.

Kechar wrote in post #14096815
Thought this also.

My main goal is to just get the flash off the camera. Cheapest way possible for the time being to be later upgraded.

Logicus wrote in post #14097207
My main goal is to just get the flash off the camera. Cheapest way possible for the time being to be later upgraded.

Look at this:
http://ocfgear.com …ttl/ettl-cord-extra-long/