Best way to wirelessly trigger 3 flashes?

What would be the best way to wirelessly trigger 3 Canon 430ex Flashes?

Option;

1. Canon ST-E2
2. PW Plus II
3. Cactus Trigger

Price isnt really a factor unless its a $600 solution lol. I currently have 3 Canon 430ex flashes, would it be better to sell 1 of them and buy a Canon 580ex to assist/trigger the other 2 Canon 430ex's to flash?

I primarily do Automotive photography and may need to shot the car from close, while the flashes may need to be slightly behind me (so not directly in front of me), where this may be an issue for the Canon ST-E2. Im also going to be using a flash in a Softbox (http://www.adorama.com​/WEARF.html) so I will need the trigger to be able to trigger the flash thats in the SB.

Thanks for all your help.

If you're going to be shooting indoors, the ST-E2 shouldn't be a problem even if the slaves are placed behind you or in a softbox because the command signal will reflect off the cars and be seen by the slaves. The signal should even make it through the softbox, too.

Of course, outdoors under bright daylight, the ST-E2 may give you a problems so the other two options may be the better alternatives if you're not going to be tied to only using ETTL (i.e. you'll need to set the flash in manual mode for these).

PacAce wrote in post #5819829
If you're going to be shooting indoors, the ST-E2 shouldn't be a problem even if the slaves are placed behind you or in a softbox because the command signal will reflect off the cars and be seen by the slaves. The signal should even make it through the softbox, too.

Of course, outdoors under bright daylight, the ST-E2 may give you a problems so the other two options may be the better alternatives if you're not going to be tied to only using ETTL (i.e. you'll need to set the flash in manual mode for these).

Ill almost never be doing indoor photography. Cars will always be outside, whether during the day or night. People shots will be outside as well and VERY rarely indoors.

So really, Im looking for the best universal way to trigger 3 flashes.

Orlandoech wrote in post #5819911
Ill almost never be doing indoor photography. Cars will always be outside, whether during the day or night. People shots will be outside as well and VERY rarely indoors.

So really, Im looking for the best universal way to trigger 3 flashes.

Out of the three, the PocketWizards would be my choice if I were making it.

And the Elinchrom SkyPorts as a second choice even though you didn't list them.

PacAce wrote in post #5820006
Out of the three, the PocketWizards would be my choice if I were making it.

thanks. could you possibly explain why for me? Im a newb and i apologize lol.

Would you use the PW-II to trigger 3x 430ex's, or would you sell 1 430ex and get a 580ex?

Go for the skyports!

Orlandoech wrote in post #5820012
thanks. could you possibly explain why for me? Im a newb and i apologize lol.

Would you use the PW-II to trigger 3x 430ex's, or would you sell 1 430ex and get a 580ex?

Except for about a stop increase in light output from the 580EX, it really doesn't offer anything more over the 430EX in the setup you are talking about. If the 430EX is coming up just a tad short as the main light, then, yes, I would exchange one of the 430EX for the 580EX.

BTW, yes, I would get a PW unit for each flash even with a 580EX in the mix.

The reason I'd go with the PW (or the Skyports) over the Cactus is because I know the PW units are very robust and reliable. Although I've never worked with the Cactus units, I've read of other Cactus owners having issues with their units.

The only advantage of selling a 430 for a 580 if you're using PW's is a very slight increase in power. Not worth it imo. Since you're shooting in Manual mode and lose ETTL, you lose all the advantages of the features of the expensive flashes. At that point, a fully manual $80 Sunpak 383 becomes the exact same thing as a Canon 580EX II.

The PW (or other reliable radio triggers) are going to be your best bet because they communicate with a radio frequency that can fire (supposedly) up to 1600' with some units. Using something like the ST-E2 controls the other flashes optically. That means if there's another bright source of light (like the sun) then it might interfere with the operation of the unit and misfires can occur.

Short of sticking the car in a dome of concrete and trying to get the lights to work from the outside, a reliable radio trigger shouldn't fail you.

Village_Idiot wrote in post #5820052
The only advantage of selling a 430 for a 580 if you're using PW's is a very slight increase in power. Not worth it imo. Since you're shooting in Manual mode and lose ETTL, you lose all the advantages of the features of the expensive flashes. At that point, a fully manual $80 Sunpak 383 becomes the exact same thing as a Canon 580EX II.

The PW (or other reliable radio triggers) are going to be your best bet because they communicate with a radio frequency that can fire (supposedly) up to 1600' with some units. Using something like the ST-E2 controls the other flashes optically. That means if there's another bright source of light (like the sun) then it might interfere with the operation of the unit and misfires can occur.

Short of sticking the car in a dome of concrete and trying to get the lights to work from the outside, a reliable radio trigger shouldn't fail you.

Thanks!

Would all would I need for a PW-II setup? 1 kit plus 2 additional receivers, any brackets, or extra cables?

Orlandoech wrote in post #5820101
Thanks!

Would all would I need for a PW-II setup? 1 kit plus 2 additional receivers, any brackets, or extra cables?

You would need 4 PW PII's to trigger all three of your flashes at once and three 3.5mm miniphone to hotshoe cables.

But getting 4 PW II definitely puts you way out of the $600 budge you had previously mentioned. Each units is a little shy of $200.

Assuming you don't need the 1600' range, the skyports should serve you well. I plan on getting these instead of the PW II's.

Village_Idiot wrote in post #5820125
You would need 4 PW PII's to trigger all three of your flashes at once and three 3.5mm miniphone to hotshoe cables.

Wow, expensive lol. Would I need any brackets to mount the PW to or do they come with them?

Sgt. wrote in post #5820029
Go for the skyports!

Can you provide a link for me?

Orlandoech wrote in post #5820159
Wow, expensive lol. Would I need any brackets to mount the PW to or do they come with them?

No brackets. Some one makes a case that attaches to the PW's that you can attach to the light stand. I just use 10' ball bungees to attach the PW to the flash.

Just wonering why it HAS to be wireless? Your description does not sound like you will have the lights very far apart. I think I would look at wired options as well. They are 100% reliable and not really restrictive.