Wireless flash triggers

[isabel95]

I have a couple of Canon 580ex flashes and want to use them along with a Sunpak 383, triggered with a wireless system similar to the Pocket Wizard.

This past weekend I got a group of people together with Janet Gray of BlueSky Photography for a dog portrait lighting and posing workshop.

I don't want to have a camera in my hotshoe and want to work wirelessly.

Janet used a transmitter and receiver which she bought on eBay for much less than the Pocket Wizard. (I am not a pro and don't have heaps of money coming in.)

This is part of what she used, which unfortunately is not listed on eBay any more.
http://www.pbase.com/digipets/image/85748161

Can anyone advise me about similar products?

TIA.

Isabel

[rpk717]

Isabel,

I can't help you with the wireless trigger, I don't use them. I did fix your link for you, it didn't work. I hope someone jumps in soon with some help.

[isabel95]

I wound up buying a Canon ST-E2 and am very happy with it. I especially appreciate the fact that is has a focus assist light that helps when I have ambient light turned off in my studio area and have difficulty focusing.

I'm using the ST-E2 indoors only and it works fine with the flash sensors not facing it because the flashes are bouncing off umbrellas.

Isabel


Isabel,

I can't help you with the wireless trigger, I don't use them. I did fix your link for you, it didn't work. I hope someone jumps in soon with some help.

[rpk717]

Great to hear you are happy with your purchase. Sounds like the basis for an article in the quarterly newsletter.:)

[isabel95]

I'd be happy to write an article once I REALLY know what I'm doing, but since this is a nature photography group I just wonder how apropos it would be!

People who are curious about my amateurish experimentation might want to check out the gallery I set up for a lighting workshop held at my home a few weeks ago.
http://www.pbase.com/digipets/janet_gray_workshop


I have no plans of buying studio strobes but am gradually putting together a system trying to use what I have. My light stands were purchased almost 40 years ago when I was using multiple lightweight flashes for macro photography of plants.

Isabel


Great to hear you are appy with your purchase. Sounds like the basis for an article in the quarterly newsletter.:)

[Photobiologist]

I'm glad you got something that worked. I'd like hearing about your system.

[isabel95]

Do you have any specific questions?
Isabel

I'm glad you got something that worked. I'd like hearing about your system.

[drash]

I am happy to hear that the ST-E2 is doing what you want. I use two of these regularly (one on a Canon EOS 30D and one on a Canon EOS 40D) to fire a variety of Canon flash units. I use them with 550EX, 580 EX and 430 EX flash units and they have performed flawlessly for me, both inside and outside.

The only drawback is the fairly expensive batteries that deplete fairly rapidly with lots of use. Luckily, I did find some rechargable Ni Metal Hydride batteries to use with them.

I am sure that you will enjoy the possibilities that this wireless unit will provide for you.

[isabel95]

Gulp! $16 for a battery at Radio Shack. I was really shocked at the price. Nice to know that you found an NiMH substitute - but then you need a special charger, right?
Source?

Maybe you can answer this question for me: My two 580ex are either on E-TTL or Slave and I try to use the ratio on the ST-E2 and even if I have the ratio (and yes the channels and A B are set properly) set at 8 to 1 I don't see any difference in the light output left to right. Wondering if that might have something to do with the fact that I haven't turned the sensors around.

Even if I can't set the ratio from the ST-E2 I can always do FEC on the individual units - it's not such a big deal.

I appreciate your positive feedback!

Isabel


I am happy to hear that the ST-E2 is doing what you want. I use two of these regularly (one on a Canon EOS 30D and one on a Canon EOS 40D) to fire a variety of Canon flash units. I use them with 550EX, 580 EX and 430 EX flash units and they have performed flawlessly for me, both inside and outside.

The only drawback is the fairly expensive batteries that deplete fairly rapidly with lots of use. Luckily, I did find some rechargable Ni Metal Hydride batteries to use with them.

I am sure that you will enjoy the possibilities that this wireless unit will provide for you.

[drash]

Yes, the rechargable batteries do require a special charger. You can buy a battery and charger kit from several places, including Amazon. I use the Lenmar batteries, available here: http://www.nimhbattery.com/lenmar-2cr5-rechargeable-system.htm

You can also find non-rechargable substitutes for as little as $2.95 here:
http://www.amondotech.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=295

I have used these and they work well.

I have had no problems setting ratios, but I always rotate the flash head such that the infra-red sensor in pointing at the camera. The units are set as slaves and E-TTL. I also frequently set the flash units to manual and use them that way.

[isabel95]

I did find the Lenmar batteries at Thomas Distributing. Good price including a charger. Thank you for telling me about them.

I don't always go for the cheapest - better safe than sorry.

I have seen mentions on some sites that some NiMHs don't work with the ST-E2, but obviously the Lenmar has worked for you!

About the ratio setting - what confuses me is there isn't a heck of a lot of difference when I set the ratio 8:1. You would think there would be a huge difference between three full stops of light, but there isn't.

The manual is very confusing as to the setting. Check out this page, please:
http://www.pbase.com/isabel95/image/86954878/large
Does this mean that after I set the ratio I have to slide the on/off switch to Hold?

Isabel

Yes, the rechargable batteries do require a special charger. You can buy a battery and charger kit from several places, including Amazon. I use the Lenmar batteries, available here: http://www.nimhbattery.com/lenmar-2cr5-rechargeable-system.htm

You can also find non-rechargable substitutes for as little as $2.95 here:
http://www.amondotech.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=295

I have used these and they work well.

I have had no problems setting ratios, but I always rotate the flash head such that the infra-red sensor in pointing at the camera. The units are set as slaves and E-TTL. I also frequently set the flash units to manual and use them that way.

[drash]

Yes, the manual is a little confusing. From what I know, you have to set the ST-E2 to "1" to activate the ratio control and set to the desired ratio. Then I have always slid the switch to "hold", since I leave it powered up on the camera for long periods of time. While I have not tested both ways, I will bet that "hold" is required for proper ratio control. As I stated earlier, I have not had any problems, and I always go to "hold".

Hope this works for you. I did go to your pbase gallery and really like what you have accomplished so far.

[isabel95]

Will have to experiment later as I have to go out now!
Thanks for the info and for visiting my gallery!

As you may be able to tell I am having a great deal of fun trying out this new multi-flash lighting adventure.

Getting into the whole thing has been largely mystifying. When a new skill is understood and put into practice there's a great "Eureka" feeling.

Isabel

Yes, the manual is a little confusing. From what I know, you have to set the ST-E2 to "1" to activate the ratio control and set to the desired ratio. Then I have always slid the switch to "hold", since I leave it powered up on the camera for long periods of time. While I have not tested both ways, I will bet that "hold" is required for proper ratio control. As I stated earlier, I have not had any problems, and I always go to "hold".

Hope this works for you. I did go to your pbase gallery and really like what you have accomplished so far.