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10/09/2007 11:02:04 AM · #26 |
Originally posted by soup:
well i'm planning on using a canon hot shoe trigger - st-e2.
not sure the sigma would respond. |
From what I've read online, it does actually respond to the st-e2 and can also fire/be fired by the Canon flashes with the wireless functions. You could try going to a local camera store and trying it out too. Might be worth it to save about $200.
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10/09/2007 11:17:54 AM · #27 |
Originally posted by soup:
you find the difference in power to be an issue with the 580/430 combo? i was thinking it might be easier to balance the output if the two flashes were the same power. |
It's e-TTL. They control their own power! :-)
Basically, when you push the shutter, the on-camera flash sends out a flash that tells the other (slaves) to go off. The on-camera flash flashes again, as does the slaves. The camera, through the lens, measures the amount of light from each unit. And then the on-camera flash sends out another flash telling them to all go off at their appropriate power levels. (you can adjust "power ratios" via dials on the 550EX and 580EX) All of this, of course, happens in the blink of an eye.
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10/09/2007 11:18:07 AM · #28 |
Originally posted by soup:
i've got a 550ex now, and would just assume get a match to it. that or a 430ex.
thoughts on the second unit? i would jump at the 580ex II - but at this point i have no use for the extra features ( over the 550ex ), and not sure when i'll upgrade bodies.
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The 430EX is a great unit and the only thing missing compared to the 580 is the ability to be the master and send signals to other canon flashes. I like the ST-E2 better for that purpose anyway.
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10/09/2007 11:21:06 AM · #29 |
Originally posted by soup:
you find the difference in power to be an issue with the 580/430 combo? i was thinking it might be easier to balance the output if the two flashes were the same power.
ie: 1/2 power on each would produce the same amount of light -vs 1/2 power on the 580 would be more powerful than 1/2 power on the 430...
Originally posted by Nusbaum:
I use the ST-E2 to trigger both a 580EX and 430EX off camera. I haven't been using Canon's flash metering system, so only having two groups with the ST-E2 isn't a problem. I just put each flash on manual so each can be adjusted independently, just like in the studio. I also almost always use a shoot through umbrella, but buy a couple because they will get broken. |
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I often wonder why I didn't just purchase two 430EX units and the ST-E2. But, when balancing with existing light the ratios between the two flashes aren't as clean as in the studio. I just adjust up or down a stop and grab a shot to see how it looks.
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10/09/2007 11:23:52 AM · #30 |
Originally posted by dwterry:
Originally posted by soup:
you find the difference in power to be an issue with the 580/430 combo? i was thinking it might be easier to balance the output if the two flashes were the same power. |
It's e-TTL. They control their own power! :-)
Basically, when you push the shutter, the on-camera flash sends out a flash that tells the other (slaves) to go off. The on-camera flash flashes again, as does the slaves. The camera, through the lens, measures the amount of light from each unit. And then the on-camera flash sends out another flash telling them to all go off at their appropriate power levels. (you can adjust "power ratios" via dials on the 550EX and 580EX) All of this, of course, happens in the blink of an eye. |
I like the ratio adjustment on the ST-E2 much better than on the 580EX, it's much more intuitive.
Most of the time my flashes are in manual, but maybe that just me and doesn't apply to this thread.
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10/09/2007 11:33:02 AM · #31 |
I like the ratio adjustment on the ST-E2 much better than on the 580EX, it's much more intuitive.
Yea - setting the ratios requires you to drill down a bit - and is a bit of bother. Also, the buttons and dial are a bit overused - I would prefer a few more dedicated.
And while I am venting about the 580... I hope that the new version has a better battery door. |
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10/09/2007 11:36:35 AM · #32 |
Originally posted by Bernard_Marx:
And while I am venting about the 580... I hope that the new version has a better battery door. |
MUCH better! Opens with no problems. It has a locking lever, and swings up towards the head now. I always thought I was going to break the door on the old one. |
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10/09/2007 12:51:25 PM · #33 |
MUCH better! Opens with no problems. It has a locking lever, and swings up towards the head now. I always thought I was going to break the door on the old one.
Good for them! I'm more in the market for a second 430EX or 420EX than a new master - but am glad none the less. |
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10/09/2007 12:54:27 PM · #34 |
speaking of cheap build quality. the st-e2 red filter over the IR emittor is attached about as good as a couple legos.
1/2 the time i pull it off the hot shoe i pop the red thing off. could be a result from one of our dogs gnawing on the unit though. and if that's the case i withdraw my comment ;}
the 550ex battery door is a POS...
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10/09/2007 12:55:57 PM · #35 |
thanks for the feedback.
i'll go ahead and get the umbrella kit and a 430ex.
the sigma is enticing, but i'd like to keep the controls as simple and glitch free as possible.
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10/22/2007 01:14:37 PM · #36 |
bought and received them. quite happy for the price. (FWIW I also purchased a second 430ex) |
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10/22/2007 06:47:26 PM · #37 |
jinx you owe me a coke ;}
haven't had a ton of time to experiment, but am happy so far.
i read elsewhere, and followed the advice - of switching the hot shoe mount of the clamps to the opposite end compared to how it comes 'out of the box'.
seems logical to have the umbrella mount and the hot shoe mount on the same side of the verticle pivot point...
Message edited by author 2007-10-22 18:49:49.
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10/23/2007 10:57:21 AM · #38 |
Originally posted by soup:
seems logical to have the umbrella mount and the hot shoe mount on the same side of the verticle pivot point... |
I was indeed surprised to see that when I unpacked. Clearly assembled wrong. But straightforward change fortunately. |
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10/28/2007 09:56:19 AM · #39 |
one other thing i noticed is the hot-shoe mount it comes with is shitty.
for one thing it's metal and that makes me nervous. i put electrical tape on it, but it's still only a matter of time before the pins poke through the tape.
second the hot shoe adaptor gets in the way of the wheel to tighten the flash to the mount ( canon anyway ).
third - i can never seem to get the flash tight enough that a slight bump won't loosen the adaptor from the lug - causing the flash to rotate.
so - i realized i can use the foot that comes with the flash itself instead of the hot shoe adaptor. thread the lug into the foot of the flash - eliminates the metal, tightens nice and tight, and the wheel isn't hindered.
one of those 'DUH' moments...
Message edited by author 2007-10-28 09:57:12.
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