ST-E2 or 580ex II to trigger other flashes?

I did a bunch of research and I thought I was doing really good purchasing a ST-E2 to trigger my other flashes of camera. I'm starting to wonder if I really did the right thing though and maybe it's because I just bought it last night!

Here's a post I just found tonight that has got me thinking...

"I would pick up a 580EX personally. The ST-E2 is a rip off considering it only lets you control two flash groups (A and B - the 580EX lets you control A, B and C), doesn't let you set remote flash power manually (the 580EX does this, also in groups), and doesn't flash " - linarms, Jan 18, 2008

I purchased the ST-E2 to help with wedding photography. I've also been reading up on the RadioPoppers and read how those would help with reach using RF.

Can anyone shed some light on the topic? Is a ST-E2 good? Is a 580ex II better? Any input would be great. Thanks!

Although the ST-E2 can't do as much as what the 580EX can do, you have to realize that it also only costs half as much as the 580EX. If all you need is something to control other EX flashes in an ETTL wireless configuration, then the ST-E2 will do that for you.

Although the ST-E2 cannot directly control Group C flashes, it can, however, fire manually set Group C flashes without a problem. It will even fire manually set Group A and Group B flashes, too. You just can't set those flashes from the ST-E2 like you can on the 580EX.

So, in a nut shell, the ST-E2 does exactly what it was designed to do and is priced accordingly. I wouldn't call it a rip-off, though. If you need more and are willing to pay double the cost of the ST-E2, then you should get the 580EX. That's what I did.

My take on this is that the 580 has more controls because it can manually adjust the slaves, and the fact that it's swiveling head helps a lot to trigger a slave off to the side when outdoors.

But the purpose of the ST-E2 is the light weight. When I need to use my 430 off camera for some quick one light shots, I grab my ST-E2 over the 580 almost everytime. Also when I use the 580 as on camera master, I have to deal with the side shadows when the camera is in portrait mode. I could use the flash bracket, but that just adds more expense and weight to the setup.

I'd for a used, beat-up 580ex Mk.I (Because of the quick master to slave switch.) The way I shoot is to use my umbrella'd slaves for a few portraits and walk away to go shoot other stuff during weddings.

Lotto wrote in post #5476233
My take on this is that the 580 has more controls because it can manually adjust the slaves...

Can't the ST-E2 manually adjust the slaves as well?

Overall, it's sounding like I kinda need both? Just depending on the situation? Because maybe I want to have an on-camera flash in the picture with others to the side?

Cougar548 wrote in post #5476892
Can't the ST-E2 manually adjust the slaves as well?

Overall, it's sounding like I kinda need both? Just depending on the situation? Because maybe I want to have an on-camera flash in the picture with others to the side?

Just get the 580ex, you won't ever regret having an extra flash laying around.

Cougar548 wrote in post #5476892
Can't the ST-E2 manually adjust the slaves as well?

Overall, it's sounding like I kinda need both? Just depending on the situation? Because maybe I want to have an on-camera flash in the picture with others to the side?

If you have the 580EX (or any other EX flash that can serve as the master), then IMHO there really wouldn't be a need for also having the ST-E2 unless the weight of the flash is a factor and you really need something very light.

quientus wrote in post #5476971
Just get the 580ex, you won't ever regret having an extra flash laying around.

Since most of the time, to avoid harsh shadows or cross shadowing, you will want fill on the camera axis, the 580EX is a much better investment than an ST-E2....plus the 580's ability to to control slaves at a greater distance, more groups, manual adjustments from the master, etc., etc.

Great thread. Been researching for a while until I found my answer here. It seems like ST-E2 is useless. I'll save my $$$ and get the 580ex.


Question. Are you guys recommending the 580ex I or II?

Thanks

For portraits I've been using my ST-E2 to fire 3 ratioed ETTL'd 430s in my A:B group and a 580 on C that i manually set to light my backround. I have had good experiance with this setup for my needs.

My opinion at the time of purchasing the ST-E2 was that while I may want a transmitter on camera, I would not nesasarraly want the flash there. I therefore purchased the ST-E2 and put the savings to an additional 430

Also, in low light situations where you may not even want to use a flash, the ST-E2 can still be used to provide a focus assist beam which I have found to be EXTREAMLY useful at times. (granted, any EX flash can do this as well, but that adds $$ and weight where not needed).


I'd also like to agree with another post regarding the 580mk 1 vs 2....

I enjoy my mark 1 very much, and having the switch to quickly go from master/slave makes it very convienent to use espesially when timing is crittical. The mk 2 requires remembering to hold a button for a few seconds, and switching modes within the flashes on screen menu (which can take long enough for you to loose a potential shot).


In my opinion the ST-E2 is an excellent tool that goes unapreciated by the masses that dont realize its full benifits or potential. But obviously your needs are your own

i notice the 580 doesnt trigger other flashes as well as the STE2 does

My main reason for the ST-E2 over another 580 is that it can provide low-light focus assist when shooting ambient without the bulk of a full flash unit. The bonus is that it works as a decent controller and provides an easy upgrade path with the Radiopoppers.

SnlpeR wrote in post #5658269
i notice the 580 doesnt trigger other flashes as well as the STE2 does

Care to expound on your statement? What I've heard from others is the complete opposite, i.e. the 580EX does a better job than the STE-2 in triggering slaves and at farther distances.

I too, appreciate the light weight of the ST-E2 and, most importantly, as the previous poster said, I'll need one for the radio poppers that I plan to get.
The ST-E2 worked nicely for all the formal shots we took at our last wedding, so I'm pretty pleased with it for that use. I did find, however that the PW's worked better for the candid reception shots since line of sight was an issue then.
Chris

Cano needs to release an updated ST-E2 that can do everything the 580EX can do without the flash head.

Unfortunately, I feel this would raise the price from ~$200 to ~$300 street price.

Seeing when properly rebated and coupon from BH I've bought 580EX ii's for ~$330 and ~$350.

However, I would enjoy the much lighter weight of an ST-E2 type device!

-Mario