You better decide soon before the number of variables becomes unmanagable:D
Oh, I think I got there quite a few posts ago.... :lol4
cmason, I've used my STE2 (and 7d commander) + 430ex outside and it mostly works quite well, especially since I'm usually using it fairly close. But I sometimes need to reverse the IR panel so the flash is sure to "see" me reliably, and sometimes in superbright light it can be fooled. It's certainly not a huge problem - and I do love the non-menu-driven, button-push simplicity of the STE2 - but it can sometimes "miss" in certain conditions.
That said, I know I DO still want to use ETTL - sorry purists, but it works for me and it does free me up from one extra set of things to think about. With a 2nd ettl+manual flash I always have the choice to shoot manual when I want to, so it's not as though it's going to limit me. I think at this point I'm leaning towards another 430ex since they're lighter, cheaper and I don't "need" the commander capability or extra power of the 580 (yes, I agree that it's easier to dial down than be underpowered, but I often have trouble turning it down far enough in my tight shooting quarters, so unless I suddenly start shooting outside a lot - no plans - I'm good for that for now).
This has been a super-useful thread, however, and certainly provided a lot of succinct info about Canon flash choices... and what triggers work with them! Good stuff, dgrinners
Diva, thought I'd toss this out as I didn't see it mentioned --- don't forget to check out the Canon refurb site. 580II is "out of stock" right now but they typically have it and it lists for $400, so it'll save you a couple of bucks. I am also hooked on the Mini/Flex system. It is pricey but really versatile. You don't need the AC3 but without it, you'll need the 580 on the camera to use as a master.
Many thanks to Divamum for creating this post & Tom for providing the link in a thread I created asking similar questions. I'm a noob to off-camera lighting & have been really impressed with the results of 2 speedlites (in my case, the Canon 580 EX II's). I picked up two Photoflex Litedome 16x22 softboxes, Pocketwizard Mini/Flex trigger system, Lastolite TriGrip reflector & one 580EX II. Because I have no plans of using umbrellas, is there a mounting bracket that I can use for direct flash when I'm not using the softboxes. In addition, I read somewhere that I'll also need a bracket for mounting the softboxes to my stands. Anyone know if the kit for the Litedome comes with this & if so, will this eliminate the need for brackets for mounting the speedlites? Thanks!
Travis M. Chance
twin Mark IV's & a bunch of "L" glass site ∙ facebook
give you cold shoe and you can mount this about anywhere.
The super clamps are kinda' big, but along with a the AC7 shield seem to be about the most flexible and sturdy way to do things. You can clamp onto a light stand, or a handy shelf or just about anything that sticks out.
Many thanks to Divamum for creating this post & Tom for providing the link in a thread I created asking similar questions. I'm a noob to off-camera lighting & have been really impressed with the results of 2 speedlites (in my case, the Canon 580 EX II's). I picked up two Photoflex Litedome 16x22 softboxes, Pocketwizard Mini/Flex trigger system, Lastolite TriGrip reflector & one 580EX II. Because I have no plans of using umbrellas, is there a mounting bracket that I can use for direct flash when I'm not using the softboxes. In addition, I read somewhere that I'll also need a bracket for mounting the softboxes to my stands. Anyone know if the kit for the Litedome comes with this & if so, will this eliminate the need for brackets for mounting the speedlites? Thanks!
Many thanks to Divamum for creating this post & Tom for providing the link in a thread I created asking similar questions. I'm a noob to off-camera lighting & have been really impressed with the results of 2 speedlites (in my case, the Canon 580 EX II's). I picked up two Photoflex Litedome 16x22 softboxes, Pocketwizard Mini/Flex trigger system, Lastolite TriGrip reflector & one 580EX II. Because I have no plans of using umbrellas, is there a mounting bracket that I can use for direct flash when I'm not using the softboxes. In addition, I read somewhere that I'll also need a bracket for mounting the softboxes to my stands. Anyone know if the kit for the Litedome comes with this & if so, will this eliminate the need for brackets for mounting the speedlites? Thanks!
You really only need a 580EX if you want 1) a camera mounted flash in addition to your two off camera flashes, or 2) ability to manage 3 groups. (ST-E2 will only manage 2 groups).
Yes, 580EX is a superior flash, so consider its features as a flash, but if you want 3 flashes, you don't necessarily have to buy the 580EX. If you want all 3 flashes to be set separately, then a 580EX is mandatory, though, one of those flashes is the 580EX and is camera mounted. Otherwise, consider a 270EX, which is cheaper than a 430EXII, but like the 420 EX, has no manual controls.
If you want manual, get another 430EX and use it as a third, setting it to manual and triggered via one of the existing groups.
Unfortunately, the 270EX will not function as a slave. Canon realized their error and replaced it with the 270EX ii which does have slave capabiity. However, that doesn't help the folks like me who purchased the original 270EX.
The 550EX as mentioned by Ziggy can work as a master or a slave for other 550EX or 580EX (series) flashes.
I use a combination of the 430EX (no manual but fine as a TTL slave), 550EX which is an "oldie, but Goodie" and a 430EX. The 430EX ii is probably a better flash than the 430EX but, the 430EX was a LOT less expensive used and I do like the fact that it has a dedicated button which sets it into slave mode.
But, man, a little 270EX ii would be nice in the pocket of my photo vest for the times I want a tiny slave.
One thing that I would like to see is Canon introducing a battery holder (like the old Vivitar 285) in which you could carry four batteries and be able to remove/replace all four batteries at once. This would certainly speed up replacing batteries.
I basically want a 3rd flash. I checked out one of the Yongnuo models and for all-manual it would have been perfect (they're surprisingly nice pieces of gear!), but it wouldn't work on optical slaves with my wireless setup, and I'm not quite ready to go all-manual yet. HOWEVER... do I really "need" to pony up for one of the 5xx's? It seems the advantages are its ability to act as a master (meaning it would give me a third IR way of triggering the other flashes), and its increased power. Or am I missing something, and another 430ex/II would be sufficient?
Thoughts?
Answering your original question. I would recommend the 430EX or EXII. The EXII is slightly more powerful and has a better shoe mounting, so that is the best option. The 580 series are a bit more powerful, but not so much, and twice the cost. Also, because they take the same batteries despite their extra power requirements, are more likely not to fire when getting hammered. The 430s are a bit lighter as well which is a bonus.
BTW, the Yongnuo ST-E2 is a nice addition for use outdoors as it is a lot more powerful than the Canon version, the Canon is better in some other ways however:
Comments
Oh, I think I got there quite a few posts ago....
cmason, I've used my STE2 (and 7d commander) + 430ex outside and it mostly works quite well, especially since I'm usually using it fairly close. But I sometimes need to reverse the IR panel so the flash is sure to "see" me reliably, and sometimes in superbright light it can be fooled. It's certainly not a huge problem - and I do love the non-menu-driven, button-push simplicity of the STE2 - but it can sometimes "miss" in certain conditions.
That said, I know I DO still want to use ETTL - sorry purists, but it works for me and it does free me up from one extra set of things to think about. With a 2nd ettl+manual flash I always have the choice to shoot manual when I want to, so it's not as though it's going to limit me. I think at this point I'm leaning towards another 430ex since they're lighter, cheaper and I don't "need" the commander capability or extra power of the 580 (yes, I agree that it's easier to dial down than be underpowered, but I often have trouble turning it down far enough in my tight shooting quarters, so unless I suddenly start shooting outside a lot - no plans - I'm good for that for now).
This has been a super-useful thread, however, and certainly provided a lot of succinct info about Canon flash choices... and what triggers work with them! Good stuff, dgrinners
I see where I got vague. I now have the yonguo flashes!
True, this has been a good thread. I am just beginning to use my canon with flash.
twin Mark IV's & a bunch of "L" glass
site ∙ facebook
http://www.pocketwizard.com/products/transmitter_receiver/ac7%20rf%20hard%20shield/
For direct flash you can mount the flash on an umbrella adapter like this one on a light stand or a boom on a light stand.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546375-REG/Manfrotto_026_026_Swivel_Umbrella_Adapter.html
Notice the little brass stud. You screw that in a flex. If you have the AC7 shield it gives you more attachment points.
Sometimes just screwing the flex into the end of a boom works too. Again an AC7 helps here.
You can, with that brass stud, also mount the flash on a super clamp and mount the flash on just about anything.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546356-REG/Manfrotto_035RL_035RL_Super_Clamp_with.html
The Justin clamp
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/349147-REG/Manfrotto_175F_1_175F_Justin_Spring_Clamp.html
give you cold shoe and you can mount this about anywhere.
The super clamps are kinda' big, but along with a the AC7 shield seem to be about the most flexible and sturdy way to do things. You can clamp onto a light stand, or a handy shelf or just about anything that sticks out.
http://www.danalphotos.com
http://www.pluralsight.com
http://twitter.com/d114
In this picture you can see a couple of super clamps for indirect lighting setup in a Apollo reflector.
Niether of these shots are all that good, but at least you can get the idea
BTW Syl Arena's Speedlighters Handbook cover all kinds of different ways to mount speedlights with specific equipment recommendations.
http://www.amazon.com/Speedliters-Handbook-Learning-Craft-Speedlites/dp/032171105X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319373975&sr=8-1
http://www.danalphotos.com
http://www.pluralsight.com
http://twitter.com/d114
Unfortunately, the 270EX will not function as a slave. Canon realized their error and replaced it with the 270EX ii which does have slave capabiity. However, that doesn't help the folks like me who purchased the original 270EX.
The 550EX as mentioned by Ziggy can work as a master or a slave for other 550EX or 580EX (series) flashes.
I use a combination of the 430EX (no manual but fine as a TTL slave), 550EX which is an "oldie, but Goodie" and a 430EX. The 430EX ii is probably a better flash than the 430EX but, the 430EX was a LOT less expensive used and I do like the fact that it has a dedicated button which sets it into slave mode.
But, man, a little 270EX ii would be nice in the pocket of my photo vest for the times I want a tiny slave.
One thing that I would like to see is Canon introducing a battery holder (like the old Vivitar 285) in which you could carry four batteries and be able to remove/replace all four batteries at once. This would certainly speed up replacing batteries.
Answering your original question. I would recommend the 430EX or EXII. The EXII is slightly more powerful and has a better shoe mounting, so that is the best option. The 580 series are a bit more powerful, but not so much, and twice the cost. Also, because they take the same batteries despite their extra power requirements, are more likely not to fire when getting hammered. The 430s are a bit lighter as well which is a bonus.
BTW, the Yongnuo ST-E2 is a nice addition for use outdoors as it is a lot more powerful than the Canon version, the Canon is better in some other ways however:
http://sarahmcdonnell.co.uk/photo-gear/yongnuo-st-e2-speedlite-transmitter-review/