Help w using Canon Speedlite off camera. Please!!!
Apr 27, 2012 13:13:42 #
I own a 580Exii and an older 220ex Speedlite. I want to experiment withback lighting flowers, leaves, etc. I really have next to no experience with flashes .... Other than mounted on camera & on auto.
I think I need to buy a transmitter (wireless please) so I can put that on the camera & place the 580 pointing from behind the flower. I'm reading about all types of transmitters on the Internet, but I want others opinions too. I really like how everyone here helps one another.
I have a 5d iii and a 7d. Brand new to flash though. Pixel King has a transmitter w 2 receivers for $199 but I believe the hotshoe on the trans is not a pass thru ttl. I want to purchase the best I can for a reasonable price. Don't expect to be needing to control more than 2-3 flashes
Any words of wisdom or pointing at posts/articles/etc would be greatly appreciated Thanks in advance!
I think I need to buy a transmitter (wireless please) so I can put that on the camera & place the 580 pointing from behind the flower. I'm reading about all types of transmitters on the Internet, but I want others opinions too. I really like how everyone here helps one another.
I have a 5d iii and a 7d. Brand new to flash though. Pixel King has a transmitter w 2 receivers for $199 but I believe the hotshoe on the trans is not a pass thru ttl. I want to purchase the best I can for a reasonable price. Don't expect to be needing to control more than 2-3 flashes
Any words of wisdom or pointing at posts/articles/etc would be greatly appreciated Thanks in advance!
Apr 27, 2012 14:27:32 #
You don't need a transmitter to use the 580 off camera, with the 7D. I have done it but it's been awhile. I think you hold the Mode button down until things start blinking, then turn the dial to "slave". The on board flash will trigger the off camera flash. Canon insists that the little burst of light doesn't affect the photo <shrug> If I didn't give you the correct directions, the easiest thing to do is call Canon. They were very quick to help me when I was trying to figure it out and couldn't find it in the manual.
Apr 27, 2012 14:43:36 #
thanks. maybe I will call Canon. I want to be able to use the 480 off the camera and no actual flash on the camera. or turn off whatever flash is on the camera.
the problem I have is the other flash I own is old & simple....can't act as slave or master. that's why I'm thinking of a transmitter
the problem I have is the other flash I own is old & simple....can't act as slave or master. that's why I'm thinking of a transmitter
Apr 27, 2012 14:53:40 #
You can't disable the on camera flash. You need something to trigger the off camera flash so if your on camera flash isn't the trigger then you will have to get triggers, transmitters etc.
Apr 27, 2012 14:57:02 #
I believe you can have an on camera flash & tell it not to flash but trigger the slave anyway. Maybe I'm wrong
Apr 27, 2012 14:59:51 #
These don't do TTL but do pass-through TTL for a flash on-camera.
I have a set for Nikon and am very happy with them.
http://www.calumetphoto.com/eng/product/calumet_pro_series_2_4ghz_4_channel_wireless_trigger_kit_optimized_for_canon_flash_systems/cf0090
I have a set for Nikon and am very happy with them.
http://www.calumetphoto.com/eng/product/calumet_pro_series_2_4ghz_4_channel_wireless_trigger_kit_optimized_for_canon_flash_systems/cf0090
Apr 27, 2012 15:14:19 #
On the Canon 7D, you can use it as a master to trigger the 580EX. In the Built-in flash settings you select the second option- it looks like an external flash with lines showing a flash (this is only the external flash). The option before this is the external plus the internal flashes.
The 220EX will not work as a slave with the Canon system.
The 220EX will not work as a slave with the Canon system.
The screen after 'Flash Control'
The screen leading to 'Flash Control'
Apr 27, 2012 15:26:03 #
YAY!!!!! Thank you sooooooo much Haroldross!!! I actually did read the manual, but clearly missed this! Now I'm gonna give it a try. folks on this forum are the best!!
Apr 27, 2012 15:37:43 #
Dudley
Loc: Roseburg, Oregon
As I umderstand it, not all Canon cameras will work with all flashes. (Call Canon for a current URL.) I suggest you join a local Strobist group for more info.
Apr 27, 2012 15:52:22 #
yes, thanks. I only own 2 Canon flashes...and I just put one up for sale (since it can't be a 'slave') Hopefully someone else can use it.
Apr 28, 2012 06:45:29 #
Apr 28, 2012 07:19:09 #
cosmo54 wrote:
I own a 580Exii and an older 220ex Speedlite. I w... (show quote)
If you REALLY want to get into Off Camera Flash Photography, I would recommend wireless Flash Triggers and learning to shoot completely in manual. I was very reluctant to try this but now, it is the only way to go and is actually fun......especially with flowers, etc.
I am a Canon person, too, and have the 430EXII and 580EXII as well as an inexpensive third flash. I purchased the Cactus V5 triggers and have been very happy with them. For flowers, you can wirelessly place your flashes wherever you want, have your camera on a tripod (or freehand) and with a remote, shoot until your heart's content. Start with the flashes on 1/8 power and adjust until you are happy. It is NOT as hard as you might think. After all, you are not wasting any film :-)
I think you will have so much more enjoyment and creativity rather than just trying to do ETTL limited by the Canon Slave/Master stuff.
Just my opinion.....but based on actual experience.
;-)
http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/
Apr 28, 2012 07:33:39 #
I use a flash extension cord purchased from B&H for about $20. If you are experimenting or learning the technique, then this is a cheaper alternative to electronic triggers. Less versatile but fine for close-ups.
Apr 28, 2012 08:13:30 #
My Canon Flash extension cord is good but is limited to about 3 feet!
Apr 28, 2012 08:35:13 #
Poison Ivey wrote:
My Canon Flash extension cord is good but is limited to about 3 feet!
Vello made my extension and it was a fraction of the cost of Canon's shorter one. Seems to be very well made.
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