Equipment for Off-Camera Lighting

[natek313]

I'm sorry if this has been repeated before, but I felt like I should ask. I searched the forum, and found some information that was relevant to my question, but not entirely.

I have a Canon Speedlite 430EX II, and I've decided to start seriously considering more off-camera lighting. I'm tired of bouncing, and I am in the process of making my own lightbox, so I would like to take my flash off-camera (wireless) as opposed to using continuous lighting for the lightbox, especially when I'm using it indoors.

Now, I talked to someone at a local camera store. The sales person suggested the Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2. However, she didn't seem to be the most knowledgeable about off-camera lighting and controllers. And, the thing I noticed is the flash coverage (+/- 40 deg. horizontally and +/- 30 deg. vertically). That seems like a pretty small coverage area.

However, during my research online, I've heard about PocketWizards, but I haven't been able to find out what I would exactly need. Would those work as a wireless trigger? Would I need any additional equipment? Also, is there any equipment that offers a larger coverage area?

Can anyone help? Thanks!

[krob77]

I am in the same boat as you are. I decided I really wanted to get the flash off the camera and dip seriously into multiple off camera lights.

Check out the Strobist blog. More info about off camera lighting you can stand to read.

Everyone has their own personal opinion about equipment to use. I decided to use cybersync (alienbees) triggers instead of trying the cheap eBay triggers or going all out with pocket wizards or radio poppers.

[Michel.Paez]

Been using eBay triggers for the better part of a year now. Have used them on quite a number of shoots, even outdoor.

I've had issues with them misfiring once in a while, luckily I wasn't doing a paid shoot when they DID misfire.

PocketWizards are excellent. They are, however, rather pricey especially if you're just starting to get into off-camera lighting.

I'm not giving up on off-camera flashes, though. In fact, I've ordered another set of RF triggers that are highly rated and work with 100% NO Misfires.

I'll post my findings when they arrive.

[natek313]

Originally Posted by krob77

Everyone has their own personal opinion about equipment to use. I decided to use cybersync (alienbees) triggers instead of trying the cheap eBay triggers or going all out with pocket wizards or radio poppers.

If it is not too much of a hassle, could you tell me items you had to purchase exactly? I looked around the AlienBees site, and from what I can tell, I would need (for example) the CyberSync CST (transmitter) along with the CSRB+ (receiver). Is that all I would need? There is a link on the page that shows the Speed Light Foot Adapter (SLFA). Now, since the 430EX II doesn't have a PC port, would I need to purchase the SLFA in order to attach the receiver to it?

Does that make sense?

Thanks for your help!

[krob77]

Yes you will need the SLFA with the 430 or for any flash that doesn't have a PC port. I have a Vivitar 285HV that I has to be fitted with the SLFA. I am using the CST and the CSRB+ units.

[natek313]

Thanks for your help, krob. It has helped very much. I will look further into AlienBees and what experiences people have had with them.

Thanks to you as well, Michel.

[natek313]

One more question for you, krob. With the CyberSync system, do you have the ability to shoot both in E-TTL and Manual for your flash?

Thanks.

[inkista]

No, manual only.

To have wireless eTTL capability, you have only three choices:

1. Using an on-camera Canon speedlight unit to master (e.g., 580EX II, 580EX, 550EX, or ST-E2), and use the proprietary light-based signalling system.
   
   
2. Use one, but extend the range and eliminate the line-of-sight requirement by bridging the light signals over radio with Radiopopper PX units ($250 per Tx/Rx unit).
   
   
3. Use eTTL-capable PocketWizard units ($200 per Tx/Rx unit). No on-camera master is required for simple flash triggering, but is required for ratios.

For most people, this is too expensive to try for casual hobbyist use.

[natek313]

Thanks, inkista. Personally, I've never been too much of a fan of E-TTL. For some strange reason, I find shooting manual on both camera and flash to be much easier.

[inkista]

Most people do, especially in posed situations where you have the ability to adjust and retake. I find Manual/eTTL on flashes to be pretty analogous to the M/Av modes on the camera. M gives you total control via settings, Av gives you exposure compensation, but no idea of the metering algorithm being used.

eTTL is better for run'n'gun situations where you only have one chance to nail it (event photography), and has the added bonuses of giving you remote power control (i.e., you don't have to run about from flash to flash to adjust the power settings), high-speed sync (so you can shoot above your X-sync speed), and stroboscopic mode. But you do have to ride the FEC a lot, just as you use exposure compensation in Av mode.

It's nice to have both, but most folks find they can ditch eTTL pretty easily when they're playing with off-camera flash.