Canon 580EX-II

Dionysus

I just got mine in today (been using a 430 exII). I have a question about it.

Is it possible to use it as a master flash while being off the camera? I ask because I only have the two flashes, which I would like to use both off camera for some strobist stuff, and I can't afford another flash.

If plugged in via pc to my camera, would it relay information, or would it be purely to trigger the flash?

Is there a way to do this? Do I need a wireless trigger like a pocket wizard or similar product?

Thanks for the help

Dan7312

You could get a flash extension cable and use the 580 as a master off camera. Canon makes a short one but if you look around some really long ones are available. Zebraflash.com has some that are 24 feet long.

Dionysus wrote: »

Is it possible to use it as a master flash while being off the camera? I ask because I only have the two flashes, which I would like to use both off camera for some strobist stuff, and I can't afford another flash.

Dionysus

so that flash extension cable still allows for information transfer, not just purely as a flash trigger right?

Dionysus

do wireless triggers relay information from the camera as well?

kdog

Dionysus wrote: »

so that flash extension cable still allows for information transfer, not just purely as a flash trigger right?

Yes, if you get an ETTL cable like the one from Zebraflash. This is a really good option as long as you don't mind being tethered to a flash unit.

Dionysus wrote: »

do wireless triggers relay information from the camera as well?

The cheap ones don't handle ETTL communications. But Pocket Wizard makes a unit that does, as does another manufacturer which alludes me at the moment. But these are expensive solutions. You could also get the Canon ST-2 optical remote flash control which is relatively inexpensive, but has limited range and can be finicky about line-of-sight to the flash if you're using it outdoors. It is a nice unit though. My advice would be to start with the cable.

Dan7312

Some do and some don't. For example PocketWizard Flex and Mini do transmit all the information. The inexpesive triggers, i.e. less than $50 for a set, don't.

Dionysus wrote: »

do wireless triggers relay information from the camera as well?

Dan7312

I think you are thinking of RadioPopper

kdog wrote: »

as does another manufacturer which alludes me at the moment.

kdog

Dan7312 wrote: »

I think you are thinking of RadioPopper

That's the one, thanks!

colourbox

Just to clarify a couple of things.

Traditional PC sync cord: won't solve your problem, only sends a dumb pulse
Canon ETTL cord: Will solve your problem, sends/receives enough data to act as if flash was actually on the camera

Btw it's flashzebra.com, not zebraflash.com. Here's the direct link to the Canon cords.

Dionysus

awesome thanks so much for the info guys!

Dionysus

Okay, so in a wired setup...all i need is the ettl cord to hook the 580ex II to my camera...and then the 430 exii will be triggered wirelessly as a slave by the 580 right? no cords needed to go from the 430 to 580?

Sorry this whole flash usage thing is like a whole new subject, I've been shooting natural mostly for everything.

kdog

Dionysus wrote: »

Okay, so in a wired setup...all i need is the ettl cord to hook the 580ex II to my camera...and then the 430 exii will be triggered wirelessly as a slave by the 580 right? no cords needed to go from the 430 to 580?

Correct.