rhembein wrote:
I have a question for this thread too...
I also use 580 EX II flashes... and want the option of having both off camera, or one on and one off.
I have seen some transmitters being attached below the camera (to the screw mount?) so that you can still use one of the flashes on the camera its self. I bet all brands dont do this.... but I bet PWs do... because they cost more and that would be Murphy's Law.
I was looking at the CyberSync... anyone know??
Skyports seemed more bothersome, mainly because they drain power from the camera & flashes, not have their own power source.
Radio Poppers aren't selling new ones for a couple months and I want an entry level (yes, cheaper) system to see if it's something I like doing... and I want to try them on some shoots I have soon. ...Show more →
ai3x wrote:
rhembein, skyports don't drain from the camera and do have their own batteries. In the transmitter this is a lithium CR2 and in the receivers it's a rechargeable lithium, and they come with the charger.
I often use mine combined with an mounted hot shoe flash as a fill. I attach the skyport trigger to the pc sync port on my camera, then the flash goes on the hotshoe. The skyport transmitter is small in size so I have a piece of velcro on my hotshoe flash and the transmitter just attaches to this.
As far as I know the PW's are a bit larger but people mount them in exactly the same way when they want to have a hotshoe flash. As far as I know they do not attach to any mount on the camera, you have to use velcro or the hotshoe.
ST-E2 is a good option, as long as you're aware of its limitations. (ie line of sight/bounce, don't use in the sun.) I've got one, but I do use my PWs a lot more.
Most of the time I use a modifier on my Speedlites so I tend to go for PWs in most situations with a optical slave on a sync lead perhaps.
When I'm 'just going for a walk', I'll take 2 flash, STE2 and an OC3 cord in the kit. I use the cord to aim the E2 at the flash(s).
I love the STE2 for live gig photography, I can focus in almost black.
Still, if I was to do it all over again. I'd go for another 580EX (II now) and use that a master, greater range hence it's batter as a master with modifiers and then look at Radio Poppers.
Then you have the best of both worlds, propper wireless and the ability to use the flashes in whatever mode and change settings on the fly. The 40D up have brilliant flash menu access via camera (maybe not the 5D??).
If you are only ever going to shot manual off camera and no HSS, then PWs with a generic flash, probably NIkon SB800 (got an optical slave I hear and cheaper).
I haven't seen the RPs in Australia yet but I reckon I'll give them a go as I'm keen to give HSS a go without being hobbled by range/line of sight ...
FYI (walk in off the street, no deals in AUD):
580EXII are about $800 - $900
STE2 $500+
PWII $770-ish
(got all mine cheaper through Ebay, on line and haggling). The STE2 don't make sense down here.
I did use ETTL at one stage but my reckoning is that if I'm having to use FEC to adjust my exposure everytime I shoot because the flash reckons it knows better, why not meter, set what I want in the first place.
Any one using ST2 e2 on manual?
Depending on which model Camera ....
Set slave IDs in ETTL mode on the flash(s). Once you're happy with IDs and group settings, change the flash(s) to Manual mode.
Press the ETTL button on the STE2 so that it isn't lit and you should be in business. I say should as my ETTL button has a mind of it's own ....
I usually set both flashes on the same power depending on the set-up and use the ratio\ button on the STE2 to change my ratios. Nice and easy without having to move, not that I'm that far away using the STE2 as master. I get about 12meters outside on a good day, usually 3m reliably.
Keeping things off-topic for another post, Dragon Image have an excellent reputation and stock handy things at pretty good prices. camerasdirect.com.au are a 'grey importer' but often seem to hit the best price around and certainly are pleasant to deal with.
I like the idea of a trusted photography joint - but when the price difference is that huge, they're just not going to get the business when the place next door will come in $150 cheaper and still provide warranty coverage.
And now you've got me browsing at lenses at urgalaxyau - do I need an 85L? Perhaps, perhaps ...
Anybody hear anything about this: http://www.alienbees.com/cybersyncplus.html ?
The Cyber Commander almost seems like it couldn't be real for less than $200, but if it is sign me up.
I own a ST-E2 while fun it was not a good purchase really, sure its nice to have ettl but not a huge deal. Get the cybersyncs or radio poppers don'w worry about PW.
