Starving Student Flash Kit with 580ex II

I am thinking of getting the Starving Student Wireless Flash Kit because I wanted to learn more about off-camera flash.

Planning on assembling the kit by myself than getting it off from MPEX (cheaper that way right?)

Just wondering if I should get the Sunpak 383 or the Vivitar 285? I don't really know the differences. Also, will this kit compatible with my 580ex II?
I was thinking getting an extra receiver so that I can do 2 off-camera flash.

One last question, since I already own a 580ex II is it better to get the ST-E2 and another canon flash? (it will be so much $$ though)

You'll learn more with manual flashes, but it's easier with the Canon wireless system. If you just want to learn go manual. I chose the 383's over the 285s and i'm happy with the choice, especially since I hooked them up to big sealed lead acid batteries. If I had to choose just one system for what I do, which is weddings, i'd go Canon, but for education manual is good.

I know a very good, very successful photographer here in Wellington, he uses a Sunpak 383 on his Nikon D200 even though he can afford pretty much any equipment he wants.

Nathen. Not sure what you want to accomplish, but $-for-$ a 430EX as wireless slave off camera will do you better value than an ST-E2, if you have to choose between those two. Especially if you set the 580EX on a flash bracket over your camera as "Fill", the 430EX Slave as "Key" and adopt some of Chuck Gardener's (at his http://super.nova.org/​DPR/Canon/) use guidelines.

I used Vivitar 283s and 285s for many years. Still have them. Just have my Dad's to sell now since he past away last Fall: https://photography-on-the.net …php?p=5598599&p​ostcount=1

What I can't figure out is how Tim accumulates so many posts on POTN. I was amazed a couple years ago when he hit 10,000, now it's way beyond! Go Tim.

Jack

J Rabin wrote in post #5598645
What I can't figure out is how Tim accumulates so many posts on POTN. I was amazed a couple years ago when he hit 10,000, now it's way beyond! Go Tim.

I just jump on when I need a break from work, and I spend a little time most evenings. I've been here a few years so it's not too surprising, only 23 posts per day or so!