Should I get the ST-E2 or a 430EXII

I currently own a 580EXII which I would like to make more versatile by being able to fire it off camera. I was on the verge of getting the ST-E2 remote flash trigger, but then I realized that for a few more bucks I can get a 430EXII which I can mount on camera and use to trigger the 580EXII remotely.
What do you guys think. Will there be any disadvantage in having a 430EXII mounted on my camera hotshoe as a remote trigger rather than the ST-E2?

Thanks for your replies.

Etienne

The only disadvantage I see with a 430EXII rather than an ST-E2 is that now you are going to have more fun with two light sources rather than one. This will increase you available options.

ecassar wrote in post #9664134
I currently own a 580EXII which I would like to make more versatile by being able to fire it off camera. I was on the verge of getting the ST-E2 remote flash trigger, but then I realized that for a few more bucks I can get a 430EXII which I can mount on camera and use to trigger the 580EXII remotely.
What do you guys think. Will there be any disadvantage in having a 430EXII mounted on my camera hotshoe as a remote trigger rather than the ST-E2?

Thanks for your replies.

Etienne

Read this to clear up some misconceptions:

http://www.usa.canon.c​om …ArticleAct&arti​cleID=2966

ecassar wrote in post #9664134
I currently own a 580EXII which I would like to make more versatile by being able to fire it off camera. I was on the verge of getting the ST-E2 remote flash trigger, but then I realized that for a few more bucks I can get a 430EXII which I can mount on camera and use to trigger the 580EXII remotely.
What do you guys think. Will there be any disadvantage in having a 430EXII mounted on my camera hotshoe as a remote trigger rather than the ST-E2?

Thanks for your replies.

Etienne

You can't use the 430EX II mounted in the hotshoe to remotely trigger the 580EX II. However, you can use the 580EX II as the master mounted in the hotshoe to trigger a remote 430EX II.

ecassar wrote in post #9664134
I currently own a 580EXII which I would like to make more versatile by being able to fire it off camera. I was on the verge of getting the ST-E2 remote flash trigger, but then I realized that for a few more bucks I can get a 430EXII which I can mount on camera and use to trigger the 580EXII remotely.
What do you guys think. Will there be any disadvantage in having a 430EXII mounted on my camera hotshoe as a remote trigger rather than the ST-E2?

Thanks for your replies.

Etienne

You have that backwards.
The 430 won't trigger a 580.
A 580 can trigger a 430.

The trigger needs to be a Master-capable, and the 430 series can't do it, it can only be a Slave. The 550/580 flashes can do either. The ST-E2 is a Master

Thanks for your input. I thought that the 430 could trigger the 580 but I was clearly wrong. Still don't know whether I should get the ST-E2 though. The fact that it is limited to triggering just 2 flashes makes me wonder that it is somewhat limited.

The ST-E2 only has A and B groups while the 580/550 has A, B, and C groups. I would rather have the ST-E2 and a cheap 420EX. Using the ST-E2 for AF-assist on the 5D2 would be awesome for available light photography if you're into that.

ecassar wrote in post #9671597
Thanks for your input. I thought that the 430 could trigger the 580 but I was clearly wrong. Still don't know whether I should get the ST-E2 though. The fact that it is limited to triggering just 2 flashes makes me wonder that it is somewhat limited.

The ST-E2 can control 2 flash groups, not just two flashes. There's a big difference there. You can have as many flashes as you want in a flash group so you're not just limited to two flashes with the ST-E2.

But, personally, if it were a choice between the 430EX and the ST-E2, I'd go with the 430EX if you already have the 580EX. The only advantage the ST-E2 gives you is its smaller size and weight compared to the 58EX. If that's very important to you, then go with the ST-E2. If not, go with the 430EX.

ecassar wrote in post #9664134
I was on the verge of getting the ST-E2 remote flash trigger, but then I realized that for a few more bucks I can get a 430EXII

Pick up a used ST E2, and "for a few more bucks" pick up a used 420EX or 430EX and enjoy a two light off camera rig... The ST E2 is neat. Maybe overpriced new, and not as capable as a 580EX, but it is small and light. Has focus assist with out the bulk of a shoe mounted flash, and gets the light source off axis completely. IMHO it sucks to have two lights that you can’t use fully if you don’t want any of the light source coming from the shoe mount.

I've not used an ST-E2, but I've used the 580EXII as a master and the on-board 7D flash as commander. The 580EXII works by far the best in outdoor situations because of the higher output (it communicates better). I'm currious as to what others that have compared the 580EXII to the ST-E2 as master controllers have found with regards to range and reliability in outdoor shots with a lot of ambient light. Myself, I would go with the EX430II.