Yongnuo YN-E3-RT not connecting with Canon 270EX II

Hi,

I have successfully used Yongnuo speedlight transmitter ST-E2 on Canon 7D using 2 Canon 270EXII flashes for macro photography. This setup worked like a charm.

My trouble started when I decided to upgrade to Canon 5D mark IV. 5D mark IV declined to detect Yongnuo speedlight transmitter ST-E2. After some research and help from senior members on DPReview, I came to conclusion that there are compatibility issues with combination of Canon 5D mark IV and Yongnuo speedlight transmitter ST-E2.

So I decided to test this setup with Yongnuo speedlight transmitter YN-E3-RT, one generation higher than previous one. Thankfully thsi worked as there were no compatibility issues between Canon 5D Mark IV and Yongnuo speedlight transmitter YN-E3-RT. But the trouble I am facing now is that Yongnuo speedlight transmitter YN-E3-RT wouldn't connect with my Canon 270EXII flash. I have been able to check following things.

1. Firmware version for Yongnuo speedlight transmitter YN-E3-RT is 1.24, which seems to be latest.

2. Transmitter mode is setup to ETTL.

3. Flash mode is setup to slave.

4. Transmitter channel is setup to "auto" to allow it to work with any available channels.

Am I missing any setup here? Can someone guide me to resolve this issue?

Thanks in advance.

- Shantanu

Canon/Yongnuo RT gear is radio frequency (RF) gear. The ST-E2 is optical (light-based), as is the 270EX II.

To trigger the 270EXII from an RT transmitter, you need an RT system radio receiver on its foot. A Yongnuo YN-E3-RX receiver is probably what you want.

Hi,
Thanks a lot for your answer. Does it mean than even if I used Canon ST-E3-RT Speedlite Transmitter instead of Yongnuo YN-E3-RT I will face same issue? Will I still need a receiver to use 270EX II?

- Shantanu

No you will not be able to trigger the 270EX with a radio transmitter. The 270EX does not have the radio receiver built into it. You are trying to mix parts that are incompatible.

Without fiddling with trying to get a radio transmitter to work with those flashes you have (basically) these options: Buy a compatible flash with radio receiver (ex. 430EX III-RT), buy a flash that is capable of being used as Master in optical mode to fire the 270's, as inkista stated - get the ST-E2 (cheap on auction sites) to use as optical trigger or ditch what you have and buy the relatively inexpensive Godox/Flashpoint radio transmitter with a compatible flash that works in that system.

Gart

Hi Gart,
Now it is clear to me that I was trying to match incompatible products. It is difficult to chuck out all the equipment I have already gathered. I think I will go with YN-E3-RX receivers to work with YN-E3-RT. I will mount 270EX II flashes on the receivers. Receiver should help me trigger the flash i wireless mode. I am mainly looking for this capability as I have created a Nikon R1C1 style wireless flash trigger system for my Canon gear.

Thanks a lot for your help.

- Shantanu