Canon ST-E2 question

I have been using a Canon ST-E2 for the last month and found my on location

wedding/ portrait work. I have been extremely pleased with the effect getting

my 580EX and 580/420 combo raised and off camera. The only thing I am

frustrated with is the consistency of my flash fires. Sometimes I only get 1

when I want 2 and sometimes no flash at all. I have the 580 on stand, Channel

A/1, 420 on alternate stand Channel A/1, both in view of each other and the ST-

E2 set the same, sometimes on High Speed. My question is, have others had the

same problem, is there something I am doing wrong, or does anyone have any

suggestions. Thanks in advance:-)

Sean<div></div>

I have the ST-E2, 430ex and 420ex. I have had problems when the IR transmitters can't see each other or when the batteries of one flash are near end of life and aren't recycling as fast.

Outside the usable distance is less than inside as there are no reflective surfaces. Otherwise this combination has worked very well for me.

I love the Strobist website for tips and ideas.

Are you sure you have the receivers (red plastic on front) on the flashes are pointing at the ST-E2?

The ST-E2 from what I hear doesn't have the range of the transmitting power of the 580EX.

Also keep in mind the outside transmit distance is shorter than when inside when you can bounce off walls...

-Mario

I find mine to perform abysmally poor in bright sunlight and don't even really think of it as

an option in those cases. If I need off camera remote flash for sunny days, I'll hook

pocketwizards up to SB28s or lightweight AlienBees 800s with a Vagabond pack.

watch those shadows, too.