So, if I get an ST-E3 and 600 EX, I know I can trigger the 600 via radio frequency from the St-E3, but can the 600 still trigger a 580EXII via optical? Or, does the ST-E3 become the master and 600 the slave, thus incapable of triggering the 580? In other words, do I have to replace BOTH of my 580's with 600's in order to have a two flashes off camera set-up?
Sorry if a dumb question, but I'm a flash novice trying to make the best of what I can get. Currently using 580 Ex II and 580 EX with Radio Popper JrX system which works, but manual only.
With the ST-E3 as master you can't fire the 580ex because the ST-E3 has no optical output.
But if you were to use the 600EX connected to the hot shoe as Master it can be set to trigger a 580EX slave optically, but then you lose the main advantage of owning the 600EX — radio control.
So yes, to get the most out of the 600EX radio control you'd need go all in with the ST-E3 and two 600EX if you want both flashes off camera. You could eliminate the expense of the ST-E3 by using a 600EX as master in the hot shoe or connect to it via a TTL extension cord.
Jo Dilbeck wrote:
So, if I get an ST-E3 and 600 EX, I know I can trigger the 600 via radio frequency from the St-E3, but can the 600 still trigger a 580EXII via optical? Or, does the ST-E3 become the master and 600 the slave, thus incapable of triggering the 580? In other words, do I have to replace BOTH of my 580's with 600's in order to have a two flashes off camera set-up?
Sorry if a dumb question, but I'm a flash novice trying to make the best of what I can get. Currently using 580 Ex II and 580 EX with Radio Popper JrX system which works, but manual only.
Unfortunately you are looking at a two flash replacement at some point if you want to go to ETTL, HSS, or ratio via canon Radio control. I am at the same cross roads with my 3 flash setup and having a lot of trouble justifying a $2000+ expense for this hobby. So for now I am hanging tight with my 580 EX II, 2-430 EX II, and PW TT1, TT5s, and Ac3.
Canon needs to come out with a 450 EX/RT at around $375 each or have a ST-E3 II with IR support.
I just got two 600's and they are well worth the price....no hassle wireless trigger and
total flash control from your master (on camera flash). Works great on my Mark 2 and
even allows high speed sync at ridiculous shutter speeds (1/2000sec.
echelonphoto wrote:
I just got two 600's and they are well worth the price....no hassle wireless trigger and
total flash control from your master (on camera flash). Works great on my Mark 2 and
even allows high speed sync at ridiculous shutter speeds (1/2000sec.
echelonphoto wrote:
I just got two 600's and they are well worth the price....no hassle wireless trigger and
total flash control from your master (on camera flash). Works great on my Mark 2 and
even allows high speed sync at ridiculous shutter speeds (1/2000sec.
+1
Now just saving up to get the ST-3 but as my first set of off camera flash. I love it.
fosofos wrote:
Looks like the ST-ET3 does not do focus assist like the ST-E2, so I'll be keeping that alongside the 600E EX & ST-E3.
The ST-E2 was introduced way back with the 420EX which is also ETTL control only: it can fire but not set power remotely on manual flash.
I suspect the ST-E2 stayed in the Canon line-up as long as it did without any upgrade because many photographers bought them primarily as a near-IR AF assist aid when shooting ambient in low light.
Yes, you're right. Shooting with dim ambient light with the ST-E2 makes AF possible. I plan to get two 600EX's ad use them along with a 500EX to optically fire everything which should be fine for indoor work at close quarters or even some macro work. The high-speed sync may help with birds-in-flight when shooting with the 400mm f/5.6L on a Pro body. This new system holds much promise.
