[Closed] Canon wireless flash usage....

Yes to the line-of-sight

A speedlite might *still* be worth considering as it will integrate with the eTTL when used on camera, and *may* provide better recycle times - I know Richpips got frustrated with his vivitar flahses and went for speedlites

It is line of sight, but it does work pretty well. I used to use the stand alone transmitter on the 5D/5D II with a couple of speedlights and got good reliable results.

Currently using the built in Nikon system which isn't as reliable, although easier to set up (that really is line of sight, whilst the Canon seemed to have a wee bit of leeway). Probably get a couple of proper transmitters/receivers one of these days.

I know Richpips got frustrated with his vivitar flahses and went for speedlites

With some decent rechargeable batteries mine can keep up with 3fps....! 🙂
That said, I rarely use it above half power and it doesn't fully discharge unless you use full power. On 1/16th power it can virtually strobe constantly. I've never had to wait for it, put it that way 🙂

It is line of sight, but it does work pretty well

Would it work with the flash, say 45 degrees over to my right, maybe a bit more, and say, at waist level if I'm standing?

I'm attracted to the fact I can use the on-camera flash at the same time, see, and that's not possible with a radio trigger on the hot-shoe, and also that sometimes when you bungee a flash to a tree, the receiver can pop off the bottom....

Don't know about the Canon system, but the Nikon wireless system works pretty well without line of sight. Have used mine when the entire flash has almost been completely hidden & it has still fired.

Could you get along to a Jessops & give one a try?

Don't bother with Canon's infra red system.

I've had a ST-E2 for over 5 years and whilst it works inside / short range line of sight, it's pants compared to the cheapy radio triggers I brought on ebay.

They've meant I can use my old Canon EZ speedlites, and IIRC 5 receivers and 2 transmitters were about £70!

PocketWizards are the top end solution if you have the pennies.

See, that's my thinking.
My current stuff is just a bit cumbersome to set up. Lots of bits to clip onto each other, lots of batteries, the flash is big'n'chunky etc.
But it works. I get light in the right place when wireless. It's a bit clumpy on the camera though!

Clumpy you say?

[img] [/img]

[b]That's [/b]clumpy, but was a good test for some 'upwards' flashing 😉

I've just been reading about this, my Olympus has a similar system. It's line of sight, but you can go to 45 degrees either side I think. But I'm thinking that at least in a studio setting that might not be good enough.

However the amount of control would be a big plus I think. Can you use FP-TTL for high shutter speeds? Could be good for biking.

I have a similar set up to the one you are proposing. I use a 600d with a 580ex 11. I have t say I was quite worried about the "line of sight" but so far it hasn't been too much of a problem. The "line of sight" seems quite flexible to be honest.

I did have one problem on a particularly bright day that was difficult to work around but generally I've been impressed with the set up.

If you have any other specific questions I will try to answer.

BB

I did have one problem on a particularly bright day that was difficult to work around but generally I've been impressed with the set up.

Ahh, fair enough, good to know.
I really only use a flash where natural light isn't quite enough (Under tree cover as example above) so I'd probably not get problems with sunlight.
I have been known to hold the camera in one hand and the flash in the other though. That works well. Can you use a cable for that? I'm assuming so...?

m1kea - That's not fitting in a Camelbak is it? 😉

SO, the good thing about a speedlite is that the base swivels. YOu can thus swivel the base to point at you, while the light points elsewhere - the issue then is the spread of the control beam from the camera. I've tried the Nikon built in remote flash, and that wasn't perfect when shooting MTBs

I use the Nikon system and it's great if the sun is not too bright (or, you;re very close to your flash, if sun is very bright)
Also got some cheap radio devices from Amazon, which are great but not, of course TTL.
I have a lot of friends who use the wireless, TTL, version of pocket wizards when they are working they love them but they do seem to have the odd issue / foible....
So, on that basis i'd suggest

But it works.

Can you use a cable for that? I'm assuming so...?

Yes, and you get full TTL and whatnot. You can even get brackets to hold the flash to one side and provide a chunky handle, like a parrazo.

PeterPoddy - Member

m1kea - That's not fitting in a Camelbak is it?

Camelbak? No, but I'll be humping this & more next weekend, which is why I've finally got round to completing my wannabe action man webbing collection 🙄 - http://products.lowepro.com/product/S-F-Shoulder-Harness,2028,32.htm

Back on topic,

Radio triggers & full manual on the camera and flash guns = more than enough scope with lighting in pretty much any situation. Plus you can use any old kit, which is how I resurrected my old EZ flashes.

Two years ago I shot a [url= http://www.mikeanton.com/Cycling/BtonMitrePMhillclimb091010/index.html ]hill climb time trial with OCF and a 300mm lens[/url]. Twas a very bright sunny day and I was a reasonable distance from the riders. I know from experience that the IR offering would not have worked [b]at all[/b], plus you only get one chance at getting the riders in a TT.

Anyone want to buy a Canon ST-E2? 😉

How much is the ST-E2?