Moving flash off-camera

[JohnT]

I want to start moving my 580EX flash off-camera in a very basic and economical way for on-location portrait and senior sessions. I'm looking at getting the Canon ST-E2 and just hand-holding the flash. I've looked at Pocket-Wizards, but they aren't as economical as I currently need. Should the ST-E2 work fine for what I'm wanting to accomplish?

[Jake]

Originally Posted by JohnT

I want to start moving my 580EX flash off-camera in a very basic and economical way for on-location portrait and senior sessions. I'm looking at getting the Canon ST-E2 and just hand-holding the flash. I've looked at Pocket-Wizards, but they aren't as economical as I currently need. Should the ST-E2 work fine for what I'm wanting to accomplish?

If you are just going to hand hold it the off camera cord would be a lot cheaper.
But the ST-E2 would let you move the flash to a light stand or to an assistant to hold.

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by thejakestir

If you are just going to hand hold it the off camera cord would be a lot cheaper.
But the ST-E2 would let you move the flash to a light stand or to an assistant to hold.

Thanks for your input, Jake. Yeah, I looked at the cord first, but the only two reviews I saw on it complained about the cheap plastic HS connector that breaks off easily. Plus, the remote would allow more flexibility as you stated so it seems to be the way to go for now.

[LoungeLizard]

ST-E2 tends to work well within reasonable distances and angles. It's still an optical/IR system so as long as you know the limitations, you'll be OK.

One of the things I have learned is that for portrait orientation, I sometimes have to hold the camera with the shutter down if the light source is camera right!

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by LoungeLizard

One of the things I have learned is that for portrait orientation, I sometimes have to hold the camera with the shutter down if the light source is camera right!

Hmmm... Now that's something think about. Thanks.

[AndrewCCM]

Originally Posted by JohnT

Thanks for your input, Jake. Yeah, I looked at the cord first, but the only two reviews I saw on it complained about the cheap plastic HS connector that breaks off easily. Plus, the remote would allow more flexibility as you stated so it seems to be the way to go for now.

Excuse my French... But the cord is a POS.

They last about as long as my 256MB CF card in a 5D. JUNK IMO. Other than that, they are great.

John,

You might think about using a second flash to do the triggering...It'll give you more options and you can use it in conjunction with off camera flash... Just a thought.

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by AndrewCCM

You might think about using a second flash to do the triggering...It'll give you more options and you can use it in conjunction with off camera flash... Just a thought.

Like a 430EX?

[rbalcom]

Originally Posted by LoungeLizard

ST-E2 tends to work well within reasonable distances and angles. It's still an optical/IR system so as long as you know the limitations, you'll be OK.

One of the things I have learned is that for portrait orientation, I sometimes have to hold the camera with the shutter down if the light source is camera right!

Lost me with that one. What do you mean by "hold the camera with the shutter down"?

[Abel]

depending on how much you want to spend there are a bunch of options like mentioned above.

while we were on the cruise ship i used the off camera shoe cord a lot since it was a quick easy solution since i was only holding the flash at arms length.



ive had my cord for quite some time and only have really been using as of late. One problem Ive heard about is that in some situations the IR signal from the st-e2 or flash commander is not as reliable when being used in direct harsh sunlight like the photo above. ive never tried it so i cant comment if it is true or not.

I do have a second flash as well that Ill use to trigger an off camera slave flash when i do carry around more equipment etc. but having the cord is nice when we're just walking about without a gear bag etc because i can throw the cord in my pocket in case i need to use it.

im still considering an ST-E2 as well to go with my two 580 flashes so that i can have two off camera light sources. we'll see...

good luck in making your choice.

[andyz]

With the STE-2 you retain TTL processes. You can then use multiple flashes with a key light being on an old tripod, giving you maneuverability if desired and no cord to worry about. I've been considering the STE-2 as well. Another option is another 580 as master and your current as a slave. (A 430 can slave as well.) You spend more for the second 580 than an STE-2, but in the long run you have another flash if it is your intent to get Pocket Wizards in the future.

[mivy00]

I use a 580 to trigger my 430 currently. It works well when it works.....as others have stated I occasionally have problems getting it to trigger in harsh light. I imagine that the ste-2 would have the same type of problems......canon needs to use radio transmitters instead of IR .....

[jmoore01]

I would definitely slave a 430EX. Costs about $20-30 more, but well worth it. Allows for more lighting control in more scenarios. I've recently purchased a 430EX for uses similar to yours. No regrets. Added benefit of having a flash for the second body as well. ST-E2 was never an option for the reasons above.

[Cope]

Originally Posted by rbalcom

Lost me with that one. What do you mean by "hold the camera with the shutter down"?

Normal portrait hold is with the shutter release at 12 o'clock. He means hold so the shutter release is at 6 o'clock.

[mmcaleer]

Here is a good read for Canon flash recommendations and uses.

http://super.nova.org/DPR/Canon/

I am also decided what to do to add a second flash to my kit. I am currently using a 550ex with a Stroboframe bracket and a Canon off camera shoe cord 2.

[fivegrand]

Originally Posted by Cope

Normal portrait hold is with the shutter release at 12 o'clock

...For some people. Two of my three shooting partners shoot "button down" for portrait hold.