Using 580II on tripod(rebel xsi)

Hello all,Heres my dilmena.I have the rebel XSi with a 580 Xii flash.Ive got a decent 6ft tripod.The hot shot fits great.Im looking for a wireless remote to allow my camera and flash to work togehter.

Ive read that ETTL remotes are expensive.Ive searched these forums looking an answer.Alot say the ettl cost more an isnt worth the money.Im using the Gary fong power shoot with my tripod.(dont bust my chops i got it cheap and it does work).

I havent got into using manual on the flash yet.

I guess my question is this: Whats a Good Wireless remote that would allow my rebel to sync up with my flash for decent results?

Please dont bust my chops on this question,because ive not found a solid answer atleast that my simple brain understands.

P.S. Any thoughts on a good tripod (atleast 7ft) for the 580 to sit on that is useful?

Thanks (sorry about the dead beaten horse on this topic)

Light stands can be had for under $30, you'll then need an umbrella bracket to hold and adjust the aim of your light, they are under $20.

Wireless ETTL is not cheap. I use either a 508EXII or an ST-E2. I love the ST-E2 in doors and for work outside that is fairly tight.

A real cheap way to get your feet wet with OCF is a long Canon compatible ETTL cable from flashzebra.com, they are about $50.

Did I say I love my ST-E2?

Another option would be to get a set of inexpensive radio triggers like the RF602. They dont give you ETTL but honestly manual flash is so simple to learn you may find you like it better than ETTL for off camera work.

Thanks for the replys.My current tripod is more of a sturdy type tripod.That supports the rebel with ease.Im lloking for a 6-7ft stand that would be used for just the flash.I dont have any studio type setups just something to try out for some basic portrait type shoots.Im not using umberas or the like.Just one flash and my rebel.

Say $50 -70 on a stand and about the same for a good trigger.That canon trigger is like $240 i cant swing that yet.

Thanks once again.

P.s. My rebel 450 xsi doeasnt appear to have built in wireless flash that talks to the 580xii.Im guessing the better newer models have that.

ReDDoG wrote in post #11797361
P.s. My rebel 450 xsi doeasnt appear to have built in wireless flash that talks to the 580xii.Im guessing the better newer models have that.

I think only the 7D has the built in wireless flash trigger. Perhaps the 60D has it as well but not certain on this.

Look at the RF602 as a less expensive wireless trigger mechanism. They don't offer ETTL but they work just fine for manual flash mode. You'll probably want to use manual anyways when doing off camera flash as others have stated already.

You dont want a tripod, but rather a light stand. Should be plenty of them available within your price range. Look at amazon or google it.

The RadioPopper JRX transmitter and receiver kit is a fairly reasonable price for that setup. I've got the studio version and they work fine. About 139 bucks for the standard kit.

ok i think ive settled on the radio popper.Your right i really only need a good stand any thoughts one what you guys/gals think is a worth while stand 7-8ft or so that can screw on my flash hotshoe connector plate.

thanks for the replys.you guys are the best.Dont mind spending money on a stand but need it to last and be semi versital.
Peace

ReDDoG wrote in post #11805426
ok i think ive settled on the radio popper.Your right i really only need a good stand any thoughts one what you guys/gals think is a worth while stand 7-8ft or so that can screw on my flash hotshoe connector plate.

thanks for the replys.you guys are the best.Dont mind spending money on a stand but need it to last and be semi versital.
Peace

Pretty much any brand of stand will do for holding a hotshoe flash, you will also want an umbrella bracket, sometimes called a swivel bracket to allow the flash to be tilted and aimed. As the name implies it also has a hole to accept the umbrella shaft.