ST-E2 or off shoe cord

Hi,
I m going to do a wedding next weekend, I would like to get some ideas from you guys. Will the ST-E2 work with the flash bracket? Or the E-TTL II off shoe cord? since the cord will course over $100 CDN anyways. Please advice.

The ST-E2 costs four times more than the cord, so unless money's not a factor get the cord. I'd still think the cord will do a better job, but the ST-E2 will let you place the flash anywhere you like. You could always use your other 580EX on the shoe, pointing up at the other 580EX, but that'd look very strange.

If you're putting the flash on a camera-attached bracket, then you want the Off-Camera Shoe Cord 2 for sure. The flash unit would not even be in a position to see the ST-E2 when on the bracket.

This is not necessarily true. The flash unit will see the ST-E2 signal bounced off the subject, if it is within range.

I've used mine this way when my cord is unavailable.

---Bob Gross---

Bob, this is true what you said,, I use the ste2 most of the time so I don't have the cord in my way. I use the corded hot shoe for a back up or second camera....

so that means even the senser of 580EX is not facing the ST-E2 it will still works fine? Because I always think that you have to make them face each other....
thanks for everyone. So any good recommandation for the 1D? Thx again.

If the sensors can pick up each other's bounced signals, they'll work. But if you're shooting outdoors, it probably won't.

sam0329, I guess you will have to try out your situation outside yourself, I use it and have not problem outside with seniors, groups and events.

The off shoe cord is a cheaper, more reliable solution for this situation, IMHO.

Ideally, you want to have your Slave flash (the red eye part) facing the general direction of the Master. However, if the Slave flash can see the light bouncing off the subject area that is coming from the Master, then that works also. The off-camera shoe cord 2 works also, but it is a little lower in technology, and a little more foolproof.

---Bob Gross---

I agree with Tim. Not speaking from experience, but understanding the basics of Infrared technology... Wired is the way to go for this application IMHO. If you don't want the wire in your way, get some velcro wire management strips and attatch it to the brack arm.