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Photography Question 

Linda Buchanan
 

Wireless Speelite


I have the Canon 580EX flash and would like to use it off camera. I have the off camera cord, but it is very short. Is there a way to do this wirelessly? Thanks.


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August 23, 2008

 

Jon Close
  With full auto flash exposure control, you'd need wireless E-TTL controller and slave. Your 580EX can be used as a controller for a slaved 420EX (discontinued), 430EX, 430EX II, 550EX (discontinued), 580EX, or 580EX II. Your 580EX can be the slaved remote and controlled wirelessly by the 5--EX models, the ST-E2 (controller only), or one of the two macro speedlights MR-14EX or MT-24EX.

I've read that the Sigma EF 500 DG Super and EF 530 DG Super also work with the Canon E-TTL wireless system. Possibly some models from Metz as well.


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August 23, 2008

 

Linda Buchanan
  So, you are saying that this can't be done without purchasing a second flash?


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August 23, 2008

 

Jon Close
  Yes, if you want auto flash exposure. If you want to manually control the flash exposure, there are digital optical slave triggers (that ignore the E-TTL preflash) and radio triggers that will work.


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August 23, 2008

 

Connie J. Bagot
  You can buy a device that attaches to the hot shoe of your camera and will trigger the 580ex remotely. Here are two examples that I found that work off infrared. They are pretty cheap but require line of sight with the flash. I think they may also have triggering devices that work off radio frequency in which case you would not need the line of sight. bhphotovideo.com/c/product/549922-REG/Wein_W918300_Sync_Link_Universal_IR_Flash.html
bhphotovideo.com/c/product/443560-REG/Smith_Victor_690043_PGIRT_20_Infrared_Flash_Trigger.html


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August 23, 2008

 
- Carlton Ward

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  I use the STE2 wireless transmitter with either the 580EX or the 430EX or both.
Carlton


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August 23, 2008

 

A C
  I have a cheapo wireless set: http://www.gadgetinfinity.com/product.php?productid=16766&cat=0&page=

but with cheap prices come cheap results. Mine misfire from time to time, so I can't use them when photographing people outside friends and family. A lot of people claim to get great results (and some of those people have added antennas and other crazy things). But when I wanted to try wireless flash before making a huge investment, it was a great option.

Now I want a set of Pocket Wizards. They are dependable, RF, etc.

These options only work in Manual mode, not E-TTL. But since I'm not moving around as much as I do when my flash is on-camera, my flash settings don't need to change as much. So I'm fine with setting them in manual and leaving 'em. I can change the output anytime I move the stands.

Here is a great resource for using your flash wirelessly:

http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/02/welcome-to-strobist.html

And if you have questions about the different wireless options, browse the strobist flickr discussions:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/strobist/


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August 23, 2008

 

Linda Buchanan
  Thank you all so much. You gave me a lot to look at.


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August 24, 2008

 
- Carlton Ward

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  Hi Linda,
I like my setup of using the STE2 with the 580 & 430 flashes and I have small stands with umbrella's when needed to give me a small portable light setup. I also have Alien Bee strobes with wireless remote and having the freedom to move around with the camera free of wires is convenient and necessary when you need to place the lights any distance away from you.
my .02 - Carlton


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August 24, 2008

 

Linda Buchanan
  Thanks Carlton. I am definitely going to consider the STE2 and a second flash. (I love your answers, you are so helpful and kind).


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August 24, 2008

 
- Carlton Ward

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  Thank you Linda, just remember to set your flash to "slave" when using the STE2. It clips on the hotshoe easily and is simple to use.
Have fun - Carlton


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August 24, 2008

 
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