Einstein E640 with 600EX-RTs

Hello guys, I have a few questions. I own 3 600EX-RTs plus an ST-E3-RT, but I'm thinking about getting the Einstein E640 to use as a key light. I'm mainly gonna be shooting on location. Can I combine the Einstein with the speedlites and triggering them using the ST-E3 stacked on a Pocketwizard MiniTT1? Has anyone tried this combination? I understand the Einstein has an optical but I'd rather use radio. I haven't used my speedlites much but do you think I can get by just using 3 600EX-RTs or should I go with the Einstein plus speedlites as fill/background (manual)? Your thoughts are much appreciated.

Never tried it. Let us know if it works. I've used 3 PCB strobes and 2 speedlite, but that's with pocketwizard.

no

the ST-E3 can be used as the master controls, but it will send commands through TT1
anything receiving will need a TT5 or other PW receiver in case of the Einstein

I'm not completely familiar with the PW's, but I think what you are asking can be achieved. I do something similar (AB800's and 600EX RT's). I mount the ST-E3-RT on the hotshoe and connect the PCB transmitter with the cable to the port on the side of the camera. What I'm not sure about is the pass through ability of your miniTT1 hotshoe to allow the ST-E3-RT to function on top of it. Is it possible to connect the miniTT1 using a cable to the other port? That should work for certain. In essence you have 2 different radio systems triggered from 2 separate but synced ports on the camera - the port and the hotshoe. You will need a PW receiver on the Einstein as pointed out above.

One thing I forgot to mention, I will be using the PW MC2 as a receiver for Einstein. In fact, I just ordered the Einstein/Vagabond Mini/PWTT1/PWMC2 and a Mola Demi with Kacey adapter

With regard to your second question (get by with 3 600's or need the Einstein), that's a difficult question to answer without further information. What are your shooting conditions? What are you trying to light? What isn't working now such that you believe you need the Einstein?

In a very generic sense, I use strobes for studio/indoor shoots for more power, more precise control, etc. I use my speedlights mainly for portability - outdoors, location shoots without power (need to get that darn Vagabond Mini). I have mixed them when I needed more light than my 2 AB800's could manage (or just additional light from different angles), so there's that too.

Without knowing exactly what you are experiencing difficulty with, it's impossible to say whether you NEED the Einstein.

I thought about that set up, however my 6D doesn't have a PC port on the side (I also have a 7D that has the port but would rather use the FF). I went and ordered the stuff anyways and I'm just hoping that everything should work in theory. I'll be using the PW MC2 as a receiver for the Einstein btw.

I read elsewhere that someone was using the ST-E3-RT successfully on top of a Phottix trigger hotshoe mounted, so it will likely work with the PW.

I can't believe Canon didn't put a port on the 6D. . .wow.

mike1812 wrote in post #16017597
With regard to your second question (get by with 3 600's or need the Einstein), that's a difficult question to answer without further information. What are your shooting conditions? What are you trying to light? What isn't working now such that you believe you need the Einstein?

In a very generic sense, I use strobes for studio/indoor shoots for more power, more precise control, etc. I use my speedlights mainly for portability - outdoors, location shoots without power (need to get that darn Vagabond Mini). I have mixed them when I needed more light than my 2 AB800's could manage (or just additional light from different angles), so there's that too.

Without knowing exactly what you are experiencing difficulty with, it's impossible to say whether you NEED the Einstein.

Hey Mike thanks for your time. I came from a background of being a landscape/street photographer. I recently showed interest in portraiture. I haven't really played with the speedlites much yet but I know that they aren't as powerful as regular monolight strobes. I plan on shooting on location portraits, and maybe even fashion with full body. I know speedlites are good for their own purposes but I know that I'm gonna need a stronger light sooner or later. That is why I went and ordered (this morning ) the Einstein.
So my set up would be the E640 as the keylight and a few speedlites for fill and background as needed. I already have modifiers for the speedlights (small octabox, 24x24 softbox and 33" umbrella) and I just ordered the Mola Demi beauty dish to use with the Einstein. What are your thoughts on this set up?

There's very little chance you can stack an ST-E3 on top of a TT1 and have them both work, you just can't have 2 TTL type transmitters at once.

I think your best bet for a nice integrated solution would be to simply get more TT5 receivers for the 600EX's. Then grab a PocketWizard AC3 controller and you can control them all together from the camera.
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mike1812 wrote in post #16018225
I read elsewhere that someone was using the ST-E3-RT successfully on top of a Phottix trigger hotshoe mounted, so it will likely work with the PW.

Yes. The ST-E3-RT on top of the Phottix Stratos. I have also heard about this. I can not confirm if it works though.

What about the firing Einstein optically with one of optical trigger peanut thingys.

elv wrote in post #16019266
There's very little chance you can stack an ST-E3 on top of a TT1 and have them both work, you just can't have 2 TTL type transmitters at once.

I think your best bet for a nice integrated solution would be to simply get more TT5 receivers for the 600EX's. Then grab a PocketWizard AC3 controller and you can control them all together from the camera.
.

I guess there's only one way to find out! I know using pocketwizards on all my 600exs would be a solution but it would also make people scratch their heads.

mike1812 wrote in post #16018225
I read elsewhere that someone was using the ST-E3-RT successfully on top of a Phottix trigger hotshoe mounted, so it will likely work with the PW.

I can't believe Canon didn't put a port on the 6D. . .wow.

I know right? I still love the IQ the 6D gives me though. Kinda wish I would've gotten the 5DmkIII sometimes.

Here it is! The ST-E3-ET working perfectly together with Phottix.

https://photography-on-the.net …p?p=14486371&po​stcount=92

I will probably use this combo myself in a near future, since I am thinking about mixing my 600EX with a Cheetah CL-360.