Help a noob with his lighting.....

musashi.t2i wrote in post #11037720
I will be using a t2i. So a 580 & 430 combo is better than st-e2 & 2x 430? How so, can u elaborate more? I had always assume that 2 ocf is better than 1 ocf & 1 mounted. Thanks in advance for educating me.

The ST-E2 transmits its information to the remote flash units thru the small flash behind the red lens. It is a very low powered flash. The 580EX uses the main flash head to transmit the flash information. It is brighter and can be directed at the remote flash giving a longer range for the commands to be recognized. And it is not necessary to have the on-camera flash contribute to the image.

Since your original question had to do with ETTL only I didn't mention manual flash options. They are certainly less expensive and can give as good or better results, especially if you prize consistency. Manual flash is a bit more difficult to initially dial in for a given situation but I think the system gonzogolf recommended would work very well and save you some money. You could use that saved money to buy a good flash meter.

I still prefer ETTL for moving dynamic situations such as a child who wanders quickly. Manual, off camera units do not move as easily as ETTL units. Keep in mind that ETTL control with large modifiers (read softbox, large umbrellas, etc) can present additional problems since the ETTL slave has to be able to SEE the command flash.

EL_PIC wrote in post #11034199
Here is a third idea ...
Get a monopod studio set like Bowens or ProFoto.
580 and 430 is not the way of good lighting and ample power.

I wouldn't dare setting a Profoto or a Bowens on a monopod and expect it to just stand on its own.

gonzogolf wrote in post #11038384
Thats the one time where bouncing a lot of light off of the ceiliing can help as essentially you turn the entire room into a bounce surface.

So in this situation my original idea is ideal? If so, which is better, 580 on camera and 430 off camera both bouncing to ceiling, or st e2 on camera with 2 430 off camera also both bouncing?

musashi.t2i wrote in post #11038731
So in this situation my original idea is ideal? If so, which is better, 580 on camera and 430 off camera both bouncing to ceiling, or st e2 on camera with 2 430 off camera also both bouncing?

There are a lot of variables unaccounted for, but yes. Except for the money you are spending on that much canon flash you could set yourself up with a very nice portrait studio setup. You are paying exorbitantly for what you are getting. I like the idea of one ettl capable flash, but beyond that it gets pricey. To add to your 430 you are looking at $400(580exII) or more (St-E2 +430exII, $500) to acheive what you could for $100 (2 YN flashes and radio triggers).

gonzogolf wrote in post #11038782
There are a lot of variables unaccounted for, but yes. Except for the money you are spending on that much canon flash you could set yourself up with a very nice portrait studio setup. You are paying exorbitantly for what you are getting. I like the idea of one ettl capable flash, but beyond that it gets pricey. To add to your 430 you are looking at $400(580exII) or more (St-E2 +430exII, $500) to acheive what you could for $100 (2 YN flashes and radio triggers).

Maybe when u put it that way it makes sense to try it out first. What brand and model of flashes and triggers are u refering to? And where do i get them?

musashi.t2i wrote in post #11038929
Maybe when u put it that way it makes sense to try it out first. What brand and model of flashes and triggers are u refering to? And where do i get them?

YN is a brand to look at. There are differing models and I've lost track of them. Their basic model is around $40 or so and is totally manual. They have other models that have ettl but not for wireless use. Look on ebay you should find plenty of choices there.

gonzogolf wrote in post #11038968
YN is a brand to look at. There are differing models and I've lost track of them. Their basic model is around $40 or so and is totally manual. They have other models that have ettl but not for wireless use. Look on ebay you should find plenty of choices there.

Thank you so much. I feel like inlearned more than i can handle today. I appreciate your patience with me.

musashi.t2i wrote in post #11039083
Thank you so much. I feel like inlearned more than i can handle today. I appreciate your patience with me.

Glad to be of assistance. I think you are going to have lots of fun. This all seems intimidating at first, but the joy of digital is that you can see your mistakes with the first shot and adjust from there. Makes flash so much simpler than with film.

Titus213 wrote in post #11038568
The ST-E2 transmits its information to the remote flash units thru the small flash behind the red lens. It is a very low powered flash. The 580EX uses the main flash head to transmit the flash information. It is brighter and can be directed at the remote flash giving a longer range for the commands to be recognized. And it is not necessary to have the on-camera flash contribute to the image.

Since your original question had to do with ETTL only I didn't mention manual flash options. They are certainly less expensive and can give as good or better results, especially if you prize consistency. Manual flash is a bit more difficult to initially dial in for a given situation but I think the system gonzogolf recommended would work very well and save you some money. You could use that saved money to buy a good flash meter.

I still prefer ETTL for moving dynamic situations such as a child who wanders quickly. Manual, off camera units do not move as easily as ETTL units. Keep in mind that ETTL control with large modifiers (read softbox, large umbrellas, etc) can present additional problems since the ETTL slave has to be able to SEE the command flash.

How did i miss this very informative post!!?? Thank you so much titus213! Thats what i was afraid of. That if go manual, by the time i dial in the correct flash power, my son has already moved on. I can dial in the flash once but that means i got to wait for my son to come back to the same spot or vicinity. I know its the expensive route, but seems like i dont have a choice. Unless there other wireless ettl that i havent looked at or known before.

if youre bouncing the 2 flashes to try and capture your kid, just make sure you have mental notes on where the exposure changes, so when your kid is in that general area you know you need to open up or close down your aperture/iso...you wouldnt want to touch your shutter speed here because im assuming you want sharp photos of your kid running around. so set your shutter to something action friendly and use ISO/aperture to control the amount of light for proper exposure.

^^^ good advice! Kinda new to me so maybe a little bit harder but definitely worth trying. Thanks!