What/how many receivers or transceivers will I need?

First, let me say that I know nothing about speedlights and off-camera flash photography.

I want to be able to use 3 off-camera speedlights (a 430EX, a 430EX II, and a 430EX III-RT) on a Canon 5DII, 5DIII (neither of which has an on-camera flash), or 7DII (has an on-camera flash).

What inexpensive (Yongnuo) equipment do i put in the hotshoe to make all 3 flashes fire in sync? Would I also need something on the 430EX and 430EX II, since they are not RT?

I'm at a loss of what I need to buy to make the 3 flashes fire off-camera. Something you suggest other than Yongnuo? I don't want to pay Canon prices for this.

Thanks,
Christne

If you go Yongnuo, you will need a device for every flash (622c) and a device on the camera.

Or you could buy a single used Canon STE-2 which will control all your existing flashes using the old Canon optical wireless system. Set the 430s to slave, and shoot away.

Or you could buy a master flash to use on camera. An Old 580ex/580ex2 will trigger all your 430 in the same manner as the STE-2


I have an old STE-2 I am no longer using if you are interested in one.

Lastly, if you want to go radio wireless like with Yongnuo, you might want to skip the Yongnuo and look at Godox/Adorama R2 system. Prices on the Godx X1 units literally just came down last night, nd are now actually more affordable than the Yongnuo! They used to cost more, and the system is the best, and constantly growing.

My recommendation would be to either go easy and affordable and buy a used Canon master flash or the STE-2, OR jump right into Godox. To get the Godox transmitter on camera, and the three receivers would cost about $180.00 total.

1 of these, https://smile.amazon.c​om …sr=8-4&keywords=x1t-c+x1r


3 of these; https://smile.amazon.c​om …sr=8-1&keywords=x1t-c+x1r

Just to add to what Jake said, IIRC the ST-E2 only controls 2 groups (A:B). A 580EX/580EX II can control 3 groups (A:B,C - the 7D does this by itself). Jake left out the even older 550EX, which does the same thing.

If you can find them used, a set of YN-622C transceivers may be your least expensive bet. Or a 550EX. The 622s and EX II units can be controlled on-camera. The 550 & 580 will have to be done from the flash itself.

The 430-III RT will fire the other two optically. I'm using a similar set-up and it works perfectly.

James P wrote in post #18194966
The 430-III RT will fire the other two optically. I'm using a similar set-up and it works perfectly.

Thanks. I didn't know that flash could act as 'master'. OP needs nothing new.

James P wrote in post #18194966
The 430-III RT will fire the other two optically. I'm using a similar set-up and it works perfectly.

Bassat wrote in post #18195053
Thanks. I didn't know that flash could act as 'master'. OP needs nothing new.

Yes, good to know. But they would all have to have a line of sight for that to work. The radio triggers would be needed if the flashes were arranged without line of sight. The Yongnuo 622 setup looks like it will do the trick.

Thanks everyone for your advice!

Christine

chrisr09 wrote in post #18195172
Yes, good to know. But they would all have to have a line of sight for that to work. The radio triggers would be needed if the flashes were arranged without line of sight. The Yongnuo 622 setup looks like it will do the trick.

Thanks everyone for your advice!

Christine

Almost true. I can be working on the dining room table, and have my background unit (Group C) sitting on the floor. Or set it behind a couch/chair. It still fires. Direct line of sight works better/further, but is not absolutely necessary. Light reflects around just about everything.

And I do admit, my radio controlled stuff (YN) works more reliably in those situations.

If you are buying 4 622C new, (approx $160.00) I would again strongly recommend paying the extra $20.00 for the Godox set up instead.

OP doesn't need to buy anything. The 430EX RT can act as a master. BTW, there is a set of 4 YN-622 and a 622-TX for sale on the POTN Sale page. Seller is asking $100 for everything.

Bassat wrote in post #18195251
OP doesn't need to buy anything. The 430EX RT can act as a master.

Except that Christine did mention a preference for radio wireless over optical.

That's a very nice price!

I've tried both, and it is also obvious, radio control worth paying a bit for. I just use Canon's optical system for quick-n-dirty stuff, like testing.

Bassat wrote in post #18195386
I've tried both, and it is also obvious, radio control worth paying a bit for. I just use Canon's optical system for quick-n-dirty stuff, like testing.

This

Bassat wrote in post #18195251
OP doesn't need to buy anything. The 430EX RT can act as a master. BTW, there is a set of 4 YN-622 and a 622-TX for sale on the POTN Sale page. Seller is asking $100 for everything.

Thanks!!! I was out last night and just saw this this morning. I PM'd the seller and hopefully the set will be on the way to me soon. Christmas gift for my son (and hopefully he will share with me!). He's getting the 430EX III-RT too. I have the other flashes.

Christine

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #18195348
Except that Christine did mention a preference for radio wireless over optical.

That's a very nice price!

I couldn't pass the 622s up for that price. I PM'd him this morning. Thanks for your suggestions.

Christine

chrisr09 wrote in post #18195867
Thanks!!! I was out last night and just saw this this morning. I PM'd the seller and hopefully the set will be on the way to me soon. Christmas gift for my son (and hopefully he will share with me!). He's getting the 430EX III-RT too. I have the other flashes.

Christine

Congrats. I hope you get them. I know you'll love them.

Here is a very useful YN-622 thread: https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1386562

The member who started the above thread has also written a manual for the 622 (a link is in his signature). To save you a few clicks, here is the link: https://drive.google.c​om …Ig0gMMzZFaDVlZ1​VNTE0/view

Enjoy!