ST-E3-RT vs. extra 600EX-RT

I just ordered 3 600EX-RT and am considering the ST-E3-RT. I've tried to find information comparing the two with respect to their control features and it seems the two are identical (from a remote control perspective). So it seems for $300 more, I could get flash head (for fill) and a AF assist beam.

IMO, the lack of the AF assist on the ST-E3-RT is almost a deal-breaker for me. I'm torn between size and AF assist beam though.

I'm wondering if anyone has gone through the same thought process. The only advantages I can think of for the ST-E3-RT are the smaller size, lighter weight, and price. If none of those matter to me, then can anyone think of why I shouldn't just an extra 600EX-RT?

I'd go flash... Just for the focus-assist
If the ST-E3 had assist, I'd lean that way

I have an ST-E3-RT, as well as 3 600EX-RTs.
The focus assist light is only needed in very dim lighting situations. In that environment I am most likely to have a 600EX on the camera for some frontal lighting anyway.

Having a flash with its extra weight on the camera when I am most interested in off camera lighting is well worth the STE3, and it means I have another flash to put in a modifier.

I'll be able to make a more informed observation when my 5DIII gets here Monday and I an do some additional testing.

Why is Focus Assit so important when doing off camera flash?

julius071 wrote in post #14425509
Why is Focus Assit so important when doing off camera flash?

For me its not. As I mentioned, its only a factor when the light is especially poor, and then I am likely to have a flash on camera.

If you are attempting to do all the lighting with OCF, then there will be a focusing problem in dimly lit venues.

I guess it really depends on one's shooting and lighting style.

julius071 wrote in post #14425509
Why is Focus Assit so important when doing off camera flash?

I can think of one instance which is enough for me. I was taking photos of my kids at Halloween and asking my dad to hold the strobe from above. I'm not sure if you know how AF assist works but if light is limited then it can help make AF possible in an otherwise impossible situation. If you do a quick search on the Internet you will find quite a bit of silar sentiment on the AF assist feature.

I'm wondering if I'm missing something. Are you suggesting AF assist is not impotent for off camera flash?

I wonder if Canon will end up making a version with AF assist. Judging by the life cycle of the ST-E2 I'm not hopeful.

julius071 wrote in post #14425509
Why is Focus Assit so important when doing off camera flash?

not the most important, but it's a great benefit, and if the difference in options include AF assist, it's very much worth considering!

julius071 wrote in post #14425509
Why is Focus Assit so important when doing off camera flash?

Exactly. Quick answer? Becasue that's one point where people are bashing this system. Same limitation was there on the pocket wizard system i use to use with my 580s. No big deal for me so far on either system.

I have 3 600's and am waiting on the ST-E3. I want it simply because ist smaller and lighter than another flash.

dmward wrote in post #14422807
I have an ST-E3-RT, as well as 3 600EX-RTs.
The focus assist light is only needed in very dim lighting situations. In that environment I am most likely to have a 600EX on the camera for some frontal lighting anyway.

Having a flash with its extra weight on the camera when I am most interested in off camera lighting is well worth the STE3, and it means I have another flash to put in a modifier.

I'll be able to make a more informed observation when my 5DIII gets here Monday and I an do some additional testing.

So have you made any further observations after playing with the flashes and STE3? I just bought a 4th 600ex and am actually considering a 5th because I'm so impressed with the flashes. I'd likely get the STE3 but all the major resellers have been sold out from day 1.

SunTsu wrote in post #14690524
So have you made any further observations after playing with the flashes and STE3? I just bought a 4th 600ex and am actually considering a 5th because I'm so impressed with the flashes. I'd likely get the STE3 but all the major resellers have been sold out from day 1.

When I am shooting in dim light, I tend to have a flash on the camera. Wedding reception dancing etc.

The STE3 gets used when I am using the speedlites in modifiers for table top product photography or portraits. Generally, ambient lighting dimness is not the problem. More often its the opposite.

One of the nicest features of the STE3 is that the screen is facing up, which makes it easier to adjust the settings when the camera is lower for product photography, etc.

Then again, when the camera is on a tripod at eye level the screen on top is problematic.

Anyway, happy I have the STE3 its smaller and lighter which is handy if I don't want a light on camera.

Let's see.....Wireless Radio Transmission built into the Speedlite vs. no focus assist beam in ST-E3-RT? Let's see......Wireless Radio Transmission built into the Speedlite vs. Wireless RT system unable to trigger my Studio Strobes? HELLO! Wireless RT in the Speedlite not to mention the ability to control the flash output and mode of 5 groups of slaves from the Master......this is what we have all been waiting for and these two excuses are what is holding people back from buying them?

If you want auto focus assist beam then just use a 600EX-RT as the Master and skip the ST-E3-RT. If you want to trigger your studio strobes, while using wireless RT, then add a Phottix Strato II transmitter and receiver.

Canon really stepped up the bar and although the 600EX-RT and ST-E3-RT are not perfect, the new Wireless RT system is a dream come true for so many Canonistas. The new "Groups" <Gr> mode offers so many new and creative options to Canon users that even Joe McNally is jealous.

dmward wrote in post #14691943
When I am shooting in dim light, I tend to have a flash on the camera. Wedding reception dancing etc.

The STE3 gets used when I am using the speedlites in modifiers for table top product photography or portraits. Generally, ambient lighting dimness is not the problem. More often its the opposite.

One of the nicest features of the STE3 is that the screen is facing up, which makes it easier to adjust the settings when the camera is lower for product photography, etc.

Then again, when the camera is on a tripod at eye level the screen on top is problematic.

Anyway, happy I have the STE3 its smaller and lighter which is handy if I don't want a light on camera.

Great info. Thanks. I'm going to wait for the ST-E3 then rather than buy a fifth 600EX.

I would.
If I need more than three speedlites, I use the 3 YB560s I have. Manual only but work great for more complex table top setups or as hair light etc.

I've found that TTL is great for weddings where time is always a premium. Most other situations manual for OCF is just as easy and more consistent. It is nice being able to adjust power at the camera with 600EX-RTs.

Where have all of the st-e3-rt s gone? OOS at B&H and Adorama and Amazon never got them in.

wdwpsu wrote in post #14740745
Where have all of the st-e3-rt s gone? OOS at B&H and Adorama and Amazon never got them in.

I've been wondering the same thing. They mystery have made a tiny quantity of them. I haven't ever seen them in stock at Adorama, Amazon or B&H.

I got impatient so I just bought another 600EX from Adorama. They have the lowest price at $567.49 right now. All stores have their ups and downs bit lately, Adorama has been fantastic with price and service.
(Helen...thanks for your help with the batteries).