Canon 430 EX II + Rebel xsi question

[KimberlyH]

I own a Canon Rebel xsi. I want to purchase a flash unit after Christmas. I'm looking at the Canon speedlite 430 EX II. I know I can use this flash on-camera but I have a question about using it off-camera. Will I be able to use that particular flash off-camera using a cord to trigger the flash? I know I would have to have the 580 ex if I wanted to have a master flash for slave units, but if I only have the one flash can I use it by itself off-camera with a cord or wireless trigger. Thanks!

[inkista]

There are two basic kinds of sync cords: eTTL capable ones, and PC cords.

eTTL cords are kind of like extension cords for the hotshoe connection: all the contacts on the hotshoe are transmitted through the cord, and the connectors on the end go to the hotshoes of the camera and flash. You can very definitely use one of these.

PC cords use PC connectors on both ends. If you want to use one of these, you'd need hotshoe-to-PC adapters for both your flash and your camera, since neither one has a PC port. And if you use this type of cord, you will not have eTTL function (eTTL, high-speed sync, remote commanding). There are also adapters from the hotshoe to "household" or 1/8" minijacks, so you could use an extension cord, or mono audio cable as your sync cable.

Most folks go straight for the cheap radio triggers that connect to hotshoes (RF-602s, Cactus V4s), since the cost is roughly the same as both scenarios above, you don't need adapters, and you'll be untethered.

But yes, you can use a 430EX II with both sync cords and radio slaves with your camera.

[KimberlyH]

Thanks...you are awesome. I found an ETTL extra long cord from Flash Zebra. I may try that to start with. Do you know if they are a pretty good brand?

[KimberlyH]

I also found the Cacuts v4s on Mpex.com. I think I may go that route instead. Thanks for all the help!!!

[inkista]

I haven't bought the eTTL cord, but all the doodads I've picked up from Flash Zebra have been good.

Cactus V4s are great. I went with the Yongnuo RF-602s despite the only-purchasable on eBay thing, because they double as a shutter remote, and when I upgraded from a dRebel to a 50D, I couldn't use my old infrared remote any more, so it was handy to have a dual-purpose trigger. The V4s, otoh, can withstand a larger sync voltage--I think the 602s are limited to 10V or less (not a worry for me, since I'm using a 580EX and 430EX), or else you fry 'em, and of course, you can buy the V4s from mpex.

BTW, Yongnuo also makes TTL cords. The Strobist likes his.

[KimberlyH]

If I get the RF-602, there is a set listed on the EBAy website.

http://http://cgi.ebay.com/RF602-RF-602-Canon-1000D-450D-400D-2-Receiver-/180599038735?pt=UK_Photography_StudioEquipment_RL&hash=item2a0c8aa30f

I hope the link works...I've never added one to this site before. Would this be the set that I need? I want to make sure that I order the right thing so I don't have to try to return an item to Hong Kong!

[inkista]

You only need two receivers if you have two flashes you're taking off-camera. I'd say look for a 1 receiver kit--the price should be in the $40 range.

[KimberlyH]

Awesome....thank you! You really do rock!