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Hi lighting newbie here & after reading Scott Kelbys 2nd book suggesting the use of the ST-E2 trigger or 580ex (I have a Canon D5 & 430ex flash) for off camera flash. I'm wondering which might be best for a cheap budget.
I'm guessing line of sight issues with 2 flashes but it would provide a backup flashgun.
The trigger would be better distance / object wise.
And an off camera cable would be good but limiting.
I'm hoping to use it for weddings, maybe an assistant holding it up & some home portraits.
Anyone got experience on this or thoughts on the best way to go?
Thanks
Vodka
I use a Canon 580EX off of camera and connected via two Off Camera Shoe cords joined together with a slaved wireless 430EX.
The set up works very well.
The joined Off Camera Cords work well and are a cheaper option than another flashgun or an ST-E2 although not as versatile and perhaps a bit more cumbersome.
If you go for an ST-E2 it'll cost aprox £130 ish but your still only have the single flash set-up, whereas on the other hand, another 580EX or a secondhand 550EX will be more expensive, but you'll have the back-up flash (as you say) and the ability for a dual flash set-up should you require this in the future.
Pondering this one myself....
I'd probably go for a second flash to be honest - 2 lots of light and a trigger, or one lot of light and a trigger?
Cost difference - well if you get a 2nd hand 550EX then they're not a lot more than the trigger.
I also have a 5D and 430ex flash - but for location work use 2 550EZ flashes - you can get these for £50-£60 off ebay. - I either use an off camera cord with the 430 and have the 550's with slave cells - you can get these for less than £10each. Or I use wireless remotes but obviously you lose ETTL - but I prefer to shoot all manual anyway.
Hope this is of help?
Neal
Neal - I've a retired EZ flash that's been in its box for years, assuming that it's un-triggerable from the 5D...
what's this device you mention?
Could be a lifesaver - could you let me have some keywords to type into Google or even a link?
Cheers
Ade
Hi Ade
If the ambient light is low I use one of these
Wireless Flash Remote Slave Trigger w/PC sync FSH AQ04 - found on ebay
triggered from my on camera or off camera with lead flash or I use a set of these -
4CH Wireless Radio Slave Strobe Flash Trigger PT04 AR02 - I think they call them Cactus as well??
I was considering some pocket wizards but these little things work great for very little cost - perhaps 1 in 30 misfires but they are great
hope this helps?
Neal
Cheers - just had a look in the interim and saw these.
But the one you've spotted looks a little more flexible with the synch cable socket
What kind of batteries do they take?
Cheers
ade
well that's my Ebay purchase fo the day completed!
can't beleve they had the cheek to charge £5 to post that little thing!
ta for the tip - my 540EZ will live once more... or is it a 550? can't remmber
mine's def. got manual, I used it on my 10D before the 550EX came along.
cool - I'll get some snooty materials - cornflakes box and sellotape should do it?
The Slave triger Ade pointed out are very handy and no battery needed, got mine from jessops years ago and still works well, i believe they still sell them.
Also dont forget those mini tripods, very handy.
I just recieved a wireless flash trigger today.
Immediately tried it on my 580EX II. When I attach the PT-04 (reciever) to the flash, it kept triggering it every few seconds.
A quick google search confirmed that this kind of wireless trigger is not compatible with 580EX and some 430EX.
I think I'm going to send it back to the seller.
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