So many of you have problems with firing your Canon EX series flashes with optical slaves.
Here are two quick videos to show you that the Sonia optical slaves can trigger EX flashes set to manual with no problems. I also show how the Canon ST-E2 can trigger the Sonia optical slave via IR.
I had a 580, a 550, an ST-E2, the Sonia trigger and hotshoe plus a generic $9 hotshoe with sync cord that I screwed the removable Sonia to as I wanted to show that it's not the shoe that makes it possible.
Part one shows the eBay sourced Sonia optical slave triggering the 550 with a 580 and an ST-E2. All flashes are set to manual.
http://www.jasonhollister.com/tech/part1.mpg![]()
Part two show the ST-E2 and the 580 firing the 550 with no problems. the Sonia optical slave is attached to a generic shoe adapter with a sync cord. Again, all flashes are set to manual.
http://www.jasonhollister.com/tech/part2.mpg![]()
When I hear of people not having luck with firing the EX range more than once with an optical slave I mention that mine work fine with the Sonia. I just wanted to back up that claim and get people excited about using IR or visible light to trigger other flashes.
This also works when you have the ST-E2 on the body and the 580 or 550 (or any slave capable EX). You can have the wireless ST-E2 firing 1 or more EX flashes and fire another flash with the optical trigger.
Remember, all this is in M. ETTL is not being used here.


