600 EX, ST-E3 and 580EXII Question

Home · Register · Search · Software · Hosting · Software · Join Upload & Sell

FM Forums \| Lighting & Studio Techniques \| Join Upload & Sell
end

Jo Dilbeck
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #1 · 600 EX, ST-E3 and 580EXII Question

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.

Thanks,
Jo

Jun 26, 2012 at 06:28 PM

cgardner
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #2 · 600 EX, ST-E3 and 580EXII Question

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.

Jun 26, 2012 at 08:32 PM

jerrykur
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #3 · 600 EX, ST-E3 and 580EXII Question

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.

Thanks,
Jo

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.

Jun 29, 2012 at 05:58 PM

Jo Dilbeck
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #4 · 600 EX, ST-E3 and 580EXII Question

I'd LOVE an ST-E3 II with IR support! I have absolutely no need to replace my 3 flash set-up at this time, much better uses for my money.

Jo

Jun 29, 2012 at 07:13 PM

echelonphoto
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #5 · 600 EX, ST-E3 and 580EXII Question

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.

Jul 01, 2012 at 01:10 AM

James Taylor
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #6 · 600 EX, ST-E3 and 580EXII Question

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

Jul 01, 2012 at 02:04 PM

skasol
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #7 · 600 EX, ST-E3 and 580EXII Question

Jul 09, 2012 at 02:16 PM

fosofos
Offline
•
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #8 · 600 EX, ST-E3 and 580EXII Question

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.

Jan 18, 2013 at 05:10 PM

cgardner
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #9 · 600 EX, ST-E3 and 580EXII Question

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.

Jan 18, 2013 at 07:21 PM

fosofos
Offline
•
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #10 · 600 EX, ST-E3 and 580EXII Question

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.

Jan 19, 2013 at 05:02 AM

Michael White
Online
• • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #11 · 600 EX, ST-E3 and 580EXII Question

Another reason to skip the sts and get a real flash.

Jan 23, 2013 at 03:26 AM

end
FM Forums \| Lighting & Studio Techniques \| Join Upload & Sell end