Canon ST-E2 and Flash Bracket??

Greetings!
I've been watching this forum for a long time, but just registered the other day. First posting!
Here's my question:
I am upgrading my flash and lighting system. Starting from scratch. Eventually, I will end up with umbrellas, soft box, etc. But for now, I just want to get a nice bracket (for off camera flash like I used to have with my Metz 45-CT1--years ago!). And I'd like the capability to add on additional flashes eventually.
I have shopped and think the Custom Brackets look good and have good reviews. I am also planning to get the Canon ST-E2 to start out, rather than the Pocket Wizards. Will the ST-E2 trigger the flash when it's on the bracket--I know there are some angle restrictions and I'm not sure where the signal is relative to the flash if the trigger is mounted on the hot shoe of the camera (40d). Also, which model bracket do I get--the QRS-EV or QRS-E2. I believe one is recommended for use with modules on the camera--does that refer to the ST-E2?
Thanks in advance! Hope to join in many discussions here!

Hello and welcome to the forum.

I use the custom brackets pro-m bracket with my 5D and 580exII flash.

This morning I was wondering the same thing so I put the st-e2 in the camera hot shoe and the 580exII fired every time. I even went outside and aimed the rig towards the sun and it still worked. I then put the st-e2 on the cross bar next to the flash, using the off camera cord and the 580exII fired every time.

By the way, I also have the metz 58af-1 flash and it would not fire with the st-e2 mounted on the camera. I was able to get the metz flash to fire with the st-e2 mounted to the cross bar after attaching a small card to the top of the st-e2 and bending it over the upper ir panel as a deflector, leaving about 1/2" between panel and deflector.

Peace
Mark

Thanks for your quick response!
So, that answers the question--the ST-E2 will, in fact, fire the flash while it's in the bracket. That's good! Eventually, I will be adding some off camera lighting so I'd like to utilize the ST-E2 for that and using it with the bracket only increases its value to--at this point.
However, I immediately went to the B&H website and found this note by the Custom Bracket Pro-M:
"Note: Not recommended for shoe mounted infrared modules..."
Does that mean, as I think, that it's not recommended for use with the ST-E2? It implies that it will bump into it...at least that's what I surmise from the description of the QRS-E2 and EV. Obviously, you haven't had a problem with that!

sml wrote in post #4984896
... I immediately went to the B&H website and found this note by the Custom Bracket Pro-M:
"Note: Not recommended for shoe mounted infrared modules..."
Does that mean, as I think, that it's not recommended for use with the ST-E2? It implies that it will bump into it...at least that's what I surmise from the description of the QRS-E2 and EV. Obviously, you haven't had a problem with that!

Correct, depending on camera model, with or without a grip, etc., the st-e2 may not be compatible with the pro-m because the bracket upright is on the left side which is where the hot shoe points when the camera is rotated into portrait orientation. I use the 5D with a grip and the st-e2 does not hit the upright BUT if you hold the rig by the padded upright, your fingers interfere and the camera can NOT be rotated to portrait orientation. I do not have this problem since my left hand is positioned under the camera. The pro-m has a palm rest attached to the base of the bracket. The palm rest allows me to hold/support the camera from underneath in a similar way as if I was not using a bracket.

Any camera rotating flash bracket that has the upright on the left side may have clearance issues.

Peace
Mark

I got my off camera accessory bracket from a second hand (camera) shop in Edinburgh for £1.50 about 1 year ago. Not many of these shops left with the e-bay factor.

I'm not sure what you mean by your accessory bracket. Is that what one needs when using the ST-E2 on the hotshoe of a camera with a bracket?

Again, I am just trying to determine which of the Custom Brackets will physically accommodate the ST-E2....whether it will trigger a flash that's on the bracket, given the location of the flash relative to the sensor of the ST-E2.

After doing a bit more "research" last evening, I want to clarify my question--I am open to any bracket--NOT just a Custom Bracket. (Though I have gotten the impression from reading some postings that they are highly recommended0). My question should be more general....that is, will the ST-E2 fit on and work effectively on any particular flash bracket. Or should I just stick with the wired extension?
Thanks.

Steve,

As I previously stated, it worked for me on my custom brackets pro-m BUT the only way to know if it will work is to try it on each bracket.

I do own and use the canon off camera cord 3. The cord IS the safest and most reliable way. Even though I did not encounter any problems, I would not depend solely on the st-e2.

Peace
Mark

OldA1 wrote in post #4991554
I do own and use the canon off camera cord 3. The cord IS the safest and most reliable way. Even though I did not encounter any problems, I would not depend solely on the st-e2.

Thanks, Mark. That's EXACTLY the advice I needed! Simple and safe--get the cord, too! I'm sure it will come in handy at some point!
It's a little touchier with the matter of the bracket because I am trying to decide about it without seeing and holding it. So I am forced to decide based on the photos, etc. online.
I've been having trouble with this simple thing--the local camera store was not helpful and when I called B&H, the salesman I got didn't get what I was asking and just kept telling me to get the 580 flash!
Again, thanks.