Flash Advice needed

evoryware

I'm leaning towards buying a 430ex.
I'm torn and have a limited budget.
I was considering Alienbees and Flashpoint 620's because I want strobes with modeling lights, but I already have 2 strobes that I'm learning how to use now. So I'm torn. I can either:
1. Buy an ST-E2 to fire my current 430EX and 580EX.
2. Buy another 430EX and have two 430EX flashes with the 580 triggering them from a 2ft cord. Would have main, fill, hair and/or background.
3. Buy a flashpoint 620.
4. Save for an Alienbees B800.
4. Save for a Canon 50mm 1.4. (my 1.8 broke)
5. Save to put on a 40D.

While I ike the idea of the 620, it's nice to toss my 430 and 530ex in my camera bag and just go.


Thanks.

ziggy53

Lots of different directions you could go here.

What is it you "need"?

What is it that would move, and motivate, you?

Since your 50mm broke, one of "my" first priorities would be to replace that, either with another f1.8 or the f1.4. If you go with the f1.8 that could make some money available for another flash, or two.

You already have 2 very nice flashes, which allow full E-TTL II operation. I might suggest some simpler flashes to use as support for those two. The Sunpak 383 auto flashes can also be used in manual mode. With the addition of a slave unit they could be used for background or rim lighting, while the Canon flashes are used as key and fill, for instance. The Vivitar 285HV is another good choice for a simple flash, with the advantage that a Wein Peanut slave just plugs right in.

evoryware

Thanks for the response.
I don't really miss the 50mm TBH. I do miss the 24-70 and 10-22 I tried out though.
I will look at those two flashes. I wish I had remembered that option before I posted.
Just trying to remember from another thread, If I have to use the peanut, then I'll lose ETTL because of the preflash from the 580, right (not that I use ETTL anymore anyway)?
Maybe I could do one of those flashes and a Sekonic 308.

pathfinder

LiquidAir and I would suggest the ST-E2...

The ability to trigger and control a 430ex or a 580ex off camera is just dynamite. I never travek without an ST-E2.

The Vivitar 285HV is a fine, powerful battery powered speedlite for use in manual mode. but ETTL is very convenient for candid shooting.

evoryware

Oh yeah what I "need" from my lighting is more variety. Yes I can do a lot with 1 or 2 lights as is, but I really want two lights not attached to the camera.

One question about the ST-E2. I see the 580EX has an A:B and C group, but what I'm reading about the ST-E2 says that the ST-E2 only has an A:B group?

Thanks.

ziggy53

evoryware wrote:

...
Just trying to remember from another thread, If I have to use the peanut, then I'll lose ETTL because of the preflash from the 580, right (not that I use ETTL anymore anyway)?
Maybe I could do one of those flashes and a Sekonic 308.

The digital version of the Wein Peanut might work with the E-TTL II, but I honestly don't know.

If you use multiple flashes, a "master" on the camera can be used for fill rather than key. That would save having to purchase the ST-E2. The ST-E2 would be more versatile overall, but it's pretty expensive.

cmason

I have a 430EX. I decided to get an ST-E2, and bought a used 420EX for cheap as a second flash. The 430EX is my main flash, that I use for 'everyday' use. When I want off camera, I use the ST-E2 and for multi-flash, out comes the 420EX as an additional slave.

The ST-E2 and used 420EX together were cheaper than a 580EX or most any other such solution.

evoryware

One other question; The 580EX may be able to trigger the Sunpak or Vivitar, but can it change the manual power output?

ziggy53

evoryware wrote:

One other question; The 580EX may be able to trigger the Sunpak or Vivitar, but can it change the manual power output?

Are you asking if the Canon 580EX has a manual mode or are you asking if the Canon 580EX can control the output of manual flashes?

The answer to the first is that yes, the Canon 580EX has a manual mode of operation, 1/128th to full power.

The second question's answer is that no, each of those flashes need to be manually changed at the flash, the same as many/most studio flashes for that matter. Think of it as ultimate control.

cmason

So why would you not get another 430EX or a used 420EX and use the infrared controller on your 580EX to wirelessly fire them?

I don't know of any other brand that can talk to the canon IR, aside from maybe the Sigma. The ST-E2 does only A and B, with the 580EX can do A, B, C. This is only important for the use of the ratio feature. You can achieve similar results by putting the flashes on manual mode and changing the output, though of course you do have to adjust at the flash, not via the ST-E2.

I use manual for background fill or hairlights, since I put them on 1/16 or so output most times.

ziggy53

cmason wrote:

So why would you not get another 430EX or a used 420EX and use the infrared controller on your 580EX to wirelessly fire them?...

I have maybe a dozen electronic flashes that I use in manual mode to support the master flash. I don't use them all at the same time, but they are handy for different things.

I am travelling just now and I have 1 Sigma 500 DG Super, 1 Osram hotshoe auto flash, 1 Osram handle mount with a builtin optical slave and 3 Vivitar 285s with Wein Peanut slaves.

jdryan3

pathfinder wrote:

LiquidAir and I would suggest the ST-E2...

OK, so which one of you is on the left?

Edgar_Bergen-Charlie_McCarthy.jpg

evoryware

Ok, I have a new question. Just to confirm what I think is happening... Using a 580 in manual mode at 1/128 and 430 as slave at 1/1, when I push the pilot button the flash will fire the test flash at the power I selected? So if I have the 580 and the 430 and I'm using a meter, it will read each accordingly?

Thanks!

yoshi

I would take the hit and get 580EX II. You won't have any regrets later one