Radio Slaves for Canon Speedlite

briantium

I have somewhat of a basic question regarding radio slaves to operate a Canon Speedlite (in this case a 430EX). I've been able to figure out bits and pieces here and there but I'd like something more comprehensive. I've rented the Speedlite Transmitter, which is fantastic as long as you're indoors and even then there are line of sight issues I had recently with it while shooting a band.

Now I'm considering radio slaves. The two brands I'm looking at are the two biggies, Quantum and Pocket Wizard. It's not so much price I'm worried about as it is just how I will connect the receiver to the flash unit. With the transmitter of each brand being able to attach to the camera's hotshoe (I have a Rebel XT but have the 30D on order) that aspect is not the issue. But knowing Canon's speedlites don't have a PC connector I need to know which hotshoe to PC adapter I should get, depending on which brand. I think I've found the appropriate connection for the Pocket Wizard here (http://flashzebra.com/wizardcables/hotshoe.shtml), but I'm not as sure about Quantum (http://www.adorama.com/QTRS4I.html). Is there a specific hotshoe to PC connector I'll need? Male or female connector? Also, do either come with some kind of strap/velcro to fasten it to the stand the flash unit will be on? If I'm missing any other aspect of this set up I'd appreciate any pointers. Thanks.

Brian

henryp

One item you want may be the Quantum Pole mount. For the PocketWizard, the Paramount Miniphone to Female Hot Shoe Sync Cord - 1' Straight will connect your flash to the receiver.

BTW, you may find MicroSync interesting too.

dogwood

First off-- go to strobist.com and you'll find more info on this subject than you can read in one sitting-- guaranteed.

Second off-- you can buy a generic $10 pc to hotshoe adapter (yeah, even BH sells these) and splice on your own mini phone plug (saves you $25 compared to the paramount set-up).

Third off-- go to strobist.com Really-- there are some great ideas/info there on adding a mini-phone sync plug to a Canon strobe so you wouldn't even need the pc to hotshoe set-up.

Terrence

1) What dogwood said. Strobist is THE place to study up. The group on Flickr is really helpful too.

2) I just went through all this, but with the Cactus triggers, to save a few bucks. Here's the bare minimum you need:
- 2 PocketWizards (you'll find a lot more people using PWs, therefore you'll have a lot more help available. Plus they are awesome.)
- 1 Wein HSH Hotshoe to Household adapter - This goes on the 430EX
- 1 household-male to mini-male household sync cord - This connects the PW to the 430EX. Buy it or make it depending on mood and skills.

3) Look over the Strobist kits at Midwest Photo Exchange (http://www.mpex.com/Strobist). These are put together especially for Strobists. MPEX is my favorite place to shop for ligthing. Even if you don't buy the kit from them you see a good parts list to assemble your own.

pathfinder

I have the Cactus trigger and receiver from mpex. Anyone think it is more reliable than the Canon ST-E2 IR trigger? My experience is that they seem very similar in reliablility -indoors and out. I can trigger with an ST-E2 up to 30 feet away, and the Cactus V2 seems just about the same limitation, only it is not ETTL capable.

My PWs will work at vastly longer distances though.

Terrence

I don't have the ST-E2, so I can't comment from direct experience. I believe the ST-E2 is likely more reliable but more limited (flash placement relative to ST-E2 of +/- 40° horiz, +/- 30° vert). For example, I often like to put a flash behind me to hit the ceiling and bounce forward or to fire from the side and behind. The ST-E2 wouldn't work in that situation according to the specs. Every try that in real life?

I decided on the Cactus triggers over the ST-E2 since they are insanely cheap and allow me to use additional cheap flashes. I picked up a Vivitar 285HV for $60 and it's a darn fine flash. Reliability is a slight problem with Cactus from my experience. I have a few misfires now and then but nothing awful and I'm not shooting for money. If I were shooting for money I would go for a set of PWs or a an additional 580EXII with a flash bracket and use that to trigger my other Canon flashes.

In the end, it's a question of money versus functionality. If you want or need to maintain ETTL, you have to buy an ST-E2, 580EX or 580EXII. If you don't need ETTL and can live with a little aggravation, go Cactus. Otherwise the PWs are known to be the best.