Garyminor Loc: Raleigh, NC

I am presently using the built-in flash of my Canon EOS 70D to optically trigger my 430EX-II off camera flash using E-TTL.
This works to a limited degree but I want to move up to a radio triggered off camera flash using E-TTL.

For a off camera slave, I know that I can use either Canon's 600EX-RT, 600EX II-RT, or 430EX-II RT flash.
For a camera attached master, I can use any of these or a Canon ST-E3-RT trigger.

If these were all that I had available, I think that I would go with one 600EX II-RT and one 430EX-II RT flash. Either could be master or slave. This would give me a lot of flexibility and power, with control of lighting ratios.
However that is is fairly expensive.

However, I am having trouble finding or understanding what else is available. For instance, I know that that the Yongnuo 600EX-RT doesn't support the slave E-TTL optical function. This is not clear from their product description.
So far, I have determined that two Yongnuo 600EX-RT flashes, one master and one slave, would do the job.
Also, the Yongnuo YN-E3-RT and YN-E3-RX would work with my existing camera and flash. This would be the least expensive choice.
Can anyone confirm or refute this?

Can anyone give me some suggestions or links to any other products that might be suitable.
Also, any comments or other suggestions are welcome.

djtravels Loc: Georgia boy now

I also have a 70D and used the on camera flash ONCE. I sprung for a YN568EX II flash and a pair of YN622C Ettl wireless Flash Trigger Transceivers. They are universal and work with a lot of different speedlites. They also have the ability to control various groups of lights. So, with the money I saved from not buying Canon stuff, I can now buy 3 more flash units if I want and can slave away. lol The owners manual that comes with the YN products is virtually useless. However, YouTube has enough tutorials available to bring you up to speed quickly. The gear is very reliable and you'll be very happy with the results and the additional control available to you. djt

bearwitme Loc: VA, USA

___________________________________________________________________________________

Check here. This gut=y is the US REP for Yongnuo and can answer your questions regarding the Yongnuo device. His name is Tim Payne.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/speedlightfundamentals/

ronz Loc: Florida

Although Yong is less expensive I suggest you look at the Phottix models. They now have one that can be used as transmitter or receiver. I have used them for several years and they are the best I have found. The radio receiver is the best way to go. Shoots through walls, trees etc.

djtravels Loc: Georgia boy now

So do my YN622C's.

CResQ Loc: Cobble Hill, BC

Thought I would mention that wirelessly the 430EX-II RT will function as a slave only, not a master. However it appears that the new 430EX-III RT can act as a master. http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-Speedlite-430EX-III-RT-Flash.aspx
I have not used either the Yongnuo or the Photix Mitros+ but having read some reviews on the Mitros it comes across as a good alternative to the Canon 600 EX II RT and about $180.00 cheaper (depending on where you buy). The Yongnuo 600 is extremely cheap, not sure on the quality but it does get a lot of good reviews. Incidentally the 430EX-III RT is currently $299 at BHPhoto. In the studio I have studio strobes but for portability I have 3 x Canon 600 EX II RT's which I love but if I had not bought them when they were on sale here in Canada I may well have opted for the Photix Mitros+. Cheers, Mark

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

You're correct. The YN-E3-RX will enable your 430EX II to be radio controlled wirelessly off-camera, the same as either the Canon or Yongnuo "RT" flashes.

As a master controller on your camera, you have choice of Canon 600EX-RT ($500), 600EX-RT II ($580), Yongnuo YN600EX-RT flash ($120), Canon ST-E3-RT ($300) or Yongnuo YN-E3-RT ($80).

However, you are incorrect... 430EX II w/YN-E3-RX or a 430EX-III-RT both can only serve as slave units. They cannot act as a master. (The small Canon 90EX is the only flash other than the 500/600 series that can act as a master. But it's optical-only... not RT).

Canon was brilliant finally offering radio controlled flashes! They are a big improvement over the old optical communication type. But Canon was dumb not coming out with their own version of the YN-E3-RX, so that those of us who have older flashes could continue to use them alongside the new RT system! And, Canon's prices are pretty steep for their RT flashes and controller! I haven't used them yet, but the Yongnuo alternatives are said to be pretty good. I've been considering and looking into making similar conversion myself. As I understand it, the YN-E3-RX will only work correctly with the later "ETTL II" flashes (such as your 430EX II and my 580EX II). They will not work with older "ETTL" units (such as several 550EX I have).

I think Yongnuo also offers some simpler radio triggers that can be used with studio strobes, that might make it possible to combine them with RT system flashes. Of course, these would be triggers only, would not give ETTL control over the strobes. I still need to confirm this.

One more thing I'd really like would be a radio module for my Sekonic flash meter, that would trigger the Yongnuo and Canon RT devices (I already have Pocket Wizard and RadioPopper modules for the meter... but AFAIK those are only compatible with their own, respective strobe triggers).

Garyminor Loc: Raleigh, NC

Thanks to all responders. I knew that this topic was confusing. I understand why even the knowledgeable members sometimes get things "almost" right.

I wasn't able to find any indication that a 430EX II-RT exist. I would guess that you are referring to the 430EX II (no RT), which is optical only. In that case you are correct.


The 430EX II is optical only, I believe that you mean the 430EX III-RT.



Here is a link to the 430EX III-RT brochure (Look under the Overview heading and click on Brochures).
https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/flashes/speedlite-430ex-iii-rt

It shows the 430EX III-RT, in radio mode, as either master or slave. In optical mode, it is slave only.

As an aside, the Yongnuo YN660EX RT, in optical mode, is slave only. This is different from the Canon 600EX II-RT, which can be master or slave in either radio or optical mode.

I decided to go first class and purchase one 430EX III-RT and one 600EX II-RT. This is not inexpensive, but I expect them to be high performance, flexible, and trouble free.

Thanks again for all of your help.

CResQ Loc: Cobble Hill, BC

My apologies, most certainly a typo on my behalf ... I think you have made a wise choice and think you will be happy with the results.
Best regards
Mark