Archive 2016 · Using Canon speedlight 90EX as wireless controller

Don Clary
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Using Canon speedlight 90EX as wireless controller

I have a 5DIII, Canon 580EX II flash and Canon 90EX flash and all 3 instruction books. I can't seem to make the 90EX mounted on the camera, control an external 580EX II as a slave flash for macro photography. I can use a 6 foot cable from camera to 580 EXII for the same function, but darn it, the 90EX is supposed to do this wirelessly.

Here is a review on 90EX:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-90EX-Speedlite-Flash-Review.aspx

"When placed on a DSLR with a flash menu, the normal range of flash control options become available along with one feature that stands out: the ability to remotely control other off-camera Canon Speedlites with optical wireless slave capabilities. Matched with the 90EX's tiny size and tiny price tag, that last capability is the one that excites me."

I have the 580EX II set on slave mode, channel 1. I have the 90EX mounted on 5DIII using 5DIII menu: external speedlight control, flash firing: enable.

I don't see any way on 5DIII menu to set channels 1-4

The 580EX II will not trigger. Does anyone have experience with this 90EX as wireless controller?

Jul 18, 2016 at 02:49 PM

Gochugogi
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Using Canon speedlight 90EX as wireless controller

Don, I don't have a 5D3 but I have a 5D2 and 90EX and, once the 90EX is seated in the shoe and turned on, I can set it up to act as a master: External control menu>flash function settings and, finally, scroll down to Wireless set and select. Once in the wireless set menu, enable wireless function. One you do that, the grayed out options are available and you can set power, channel, etc.

Jul 18, 2016 at 07:36 PM

Gochugogi
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Using Canon speedlight 90EX as wireless controller

On my 6D and 80D it's similar but once you're in the External Speedlite Control menu, scroll down and choose flash function settings. Change OFF to the electrical bolt icon (wireless optical transmission) and return to the flash function. Channel and group icons are now visible. The 5D3 probably is almost the same...

Jul 18, 2016 at 07:48 PM

Don Clary
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Using Canon speedlight 90EX as wireless controller

Gochugogi:
Thanks, your tip got me on the right track. As you point out, the strobe must be on to select settings. The menu is different in 5DIII:

External speedlight control>flash firing:enable>e-TTL II meter:evaluative>flash sync. speed in AV mode: auto>flash function settings>ETTL

Here is here I went wrong: under flash function settings, after the upper left box reading ETTL, there is an upper middle box which says OFF. That's all it says. If you select that box, only then does it does it show the option wireless:off or shows a flash arrow. Once the flash arrow is selected, it does flash.

Thanks so much for your help!

Jul 18, 2016 at 08:09 PM

dhphoto
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Using Canon speedlight 90EX as wireless controller

This is one area where I thik Canon have gone backwards. It's just so easy to setup an ST-E2 to change ratios or even to do it on the back of the flashgun if it's a master but to have to delve several menus deep is retrograde IMHO

Jul 19, 2016 at 06:36 AM

wsheldon
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Using Canon speedlight 90EX as wireless controller

dhphoto wrote:
This is one area where I thik Canon have gone backwards. It's just so easy to setup an ST-E2 to change ratios or even to do it on the back of the flashgun if it's a master but to have to delve several menus deep is retrograde IMHO

I agree operating the camera flash menu can be fiddly due to all the modes and options, but keep in mind he's talking about a dinky 3 inch flash unit designed for a M-series body that only has an on button and no display. The latest transmitter (ST-E3-RT) and 600-series flashes have much easier to use menus than the ST-E2 and 580EX, so I don't agree they're moving backwards.

Jul 19, 2016 at 07:11 AM

dhphoto
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Using Canon speedlight 90EX as wireless controller

wsheldon wrote:
I agree operating the camera flash menu can be fiddly due to all the modes and options, but keep in mind he's talking about a dinky 3 inch flash unit designed for a M-series body that only has an on button and no display. The latest transmitter (ST-E3-RT) and 600-series flashes have much easier to use menus than the ST-E2 and 580EX, so I don't agree they're moving backwards.

Yes, but the camera menus are also necessary for many of the newer, bigger flash units too, that no longer have the controls on them, much easier to change quickly without going into the menus

Jul 19, 2016 at 09:47 AM

Gochugogi
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Using Canon speedlight 90EX as wireless controller

Yes, I greatly preferred the physical controls over menus for channel selection, ratio, etc., on my ST-E2. However, place the external flash control in your personal menu and it's only a few more seconds to set up than the switches.

Jul 19, 2016 at 01:43 PM


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