PC Sync Cord Question ?

Hi All,
I'm new here but have been reading and learning for a few weeks. I have never really done any flash photography,I mostly do wildlife,sports,and landscapes.I have a 40D and a 580exII . I want to move my flash off camera to be able to shoot through or into a umbrella. I want to use a PC sync cable for now(have to go the cheapest). I want to use a cable about 15 feet long. What type of ends(plugs) do I need? Would it be a male and male? Also if I decide to add a second or third flash what brand(inexpensive) of flash would be good to use that could be triggered by the 580exII? I would be using these indoors in a small area. I know I have alot to learn and have been reading alot and sometimes getting more confused . I am reading the Strobist page at this time.
Mike

You have two options on the cord, both inexpensive:

Least expensive option:

• 5 Meters or 15 foot straight cord
  
• 40D end - Male PC connector
  
• 580EX II end - Male PC connector
  

• 5 Meters or 15 foot straight cord
  
• 40D end - Screwlock PC connector
  
• 580EX II end - Screwlock PC connector
  

Lon,
Thanks for the help! I think I'll go for the screw in plugs on the sync cords, I don't want it to come loose or have a bad conection. I've been looking at the sunpack flashes and think I'll go that route.
Mike

On a related note... it irritates me to no end that they left the PC connector off the 430EX flash. So typically Canon. Some of these days I'll slap one on there myself but really, it should've been there to begin with. My 20 dollar Cactus radio transmitter/reciever got 'em so as long as I use those I'm OK.

Just a thought. If using the PC Sync cable you wouldn't be able to use e-TTL flash metering which may not be a problem for you. Especially if you've been reading Strobist where all manual is advocated. But just for the information you could get a custom e-TTL off camera cord made. Paramount Cordswill make them up to 40 feet long. I am probably going to get a 20-25 ft cord to use for off-camera flash at some point. At least then I would have the option to do e-TTL if I needed/wanted to. They're a little expensive. A 15 footer will cost you $175. I just wanted that option to be thrown out there.

ChucklesKY wrote in post #4383782
A 15 footer will cost you $175. I just wanted that option to be thrown out there.

That's pretty steep. If you save your money, save a little more and buy a light meter, it will be a much more worthwhile investment in the long run.

$175 will get you some Skysports

Thanks for all the tips and ideas. I plan to go the cheap route for now,PC sync cable ,Sunpack 383 flash,and put the extra money towards a light meter. I do plan to invest in some good light stands and umbrellas in hopes of some day upgrading to some better studio strobes. Any thoughts to a good quality light stand without breaking the bank?
Mike