peter_li Posted September 10, 2003 Share Posted September 10, 2003 I am considering getting st-e2 and 420ex for wireless flash photography. I currently have elan 7,28-135usm is and 550ex. What is the best and versatile setups for wireless photography without spending too much money. I can get another 550ex for the same price of st-e2 and 420ex but is not totally flexible. I really don't want to buy st-e2 and 550ex if I can get away with st-e2 and 420ex and still have the flexibility of ok wireless set up. Any suggestions and comments would be appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stu_rosenbaum1 Posted September 10, 2003 Share Posted September 10, 2003 If you only need one flash, why not just get the ST-E2, since you already have one 550-EX? You can use the ST-E2 as a signal to the off camera 550-EX. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shogun_sho Posted September 10, 2003 Share Posted September 10, 2003 If I'm not mistaken the 550EX will also act as a wireless transmitter for either another 550EX or 420EX setup as slaves. If you can get another 550ex for the same price as the ST-E2 that is probably your best bet both for versatility and value for the dollar, and you would have a flash on the camera's hotshoe and another off camera. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill_goldman Posted September 10, 2003 Share Posted September 10, 2003 Having one Speedlite in the camera's hot shoe is very restrictive in the context of a wireless system. You want to be free to place your Speedlites in positions to achieve the lighting effects you desire. Furthermore, you want to be somewhat mobile with the camera. With the flash mounted on the camera, you will compromise what you want to achieve. The ST-E2 makes the most sense for controlling two Speedlites. The 420EX will suffice; the 550EX will be better because of its versatility and flexibility. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_li Posted September 10, 2003 Author Share Posted September 10, 2003 Bill I totally agree with your suggestion about having st-e2 and 550ex or 420ex. But will 420ex allows to me to control the flash output I want like 550ex. I believe 420ex does not have manual control features. I would not want to compromise flexiblity and versitilty over cost. I want to be able to get the most out of the speedlite without regretting later like I did when I first bought 380ex. I know ETTL can take cares of the exposure but I also would like to be able to experiment with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill_goldman Posted September 10, 2003 Share Posted September 10, 2003 It's true that the 420EX has no manual mode capability. The ST-E2 allows you to turn on and set ratio control for your slaves and set high speed sync. That's about it. A 550EX master can set all slaves for the above plus FEB, FEC, etc. However, if both of your slaves are 550EXs, you can set all those things on the individual slaves, except for ratio control of course. If you get the ST-E2 and can swing the extra bucks for a second 550EX you will not be sorry, believe me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yakim_peled1 Posted September 11, 2003 Share Posted September 11, 2003 <P> Please note that the range and cover angle of the ST-E2 are <a href="http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/index3.html#wireless">smaller</a> than those of the 550EX. This may affect your versatility.</P> <P> Happy shooting , <br> Yakim. </P> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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