I found Syl Arena\'s book \"Speedliter\'s Handbook - Learning to Craft Light with Canon Speedlites\" VERY useful. It goes through virtually all the issues addressed in this thoughtful thread -- batteries, flashes, modifiers, stands, cords, etc. etc. My recommendation would be to get that book and let it guide you.
Arena does NOT recommend the ST-2, and neither do I. I own one along with the Pocket Wizards that work with Canon flashes. The Pocket Wizards are wonderful but for what you want to do, a short cord and a longer cord should be just fine.
For a short cord, I use this on which allows you to use two flashes. Even if you don\'t plan to buy or use two flashes right now, it will give you that option later.
Pearstone
Universal Duo TTL Off-Camera Flash Cord - 3\' (0.9 m)
Coiled DesignUse Your On-Shoe Flash Off-CameraAllows Full TTL FunctioningUse with Two Flashes in Manual ModeCreate Unusual Lighting Effects
B&H # PEOCDU3Mfr # OCD-U3
In Stock
Arena\'s book also got me using a longer cord without coils: Interfit NSTR137 Multi-Fit TTL Cord for Nikon/Canon/Fuji Cameras (32\'/10m). The longer cord will allow you to set you a flash on a tripod or stand and move around while you photograph.
As for flashes, Arena\'s book looks at all the Canon possibilities and one or two cheaper third-party options. A good used 580EX would be my recommendation but Arena\'s discussion will lay out the plusses and minuses. Dollar-for-Dollar, I think Arena\'s book would be your best initial investment.
--Gib
Jan 04, 2012 at 01:02 PM
Previous versions of Gib Robinson's message #10216431 « Flash for home use »
