The RF-603's work great, but are simple radio triggers. You may also want to consider Yongnuo YN-622C transceivers. They cost about $75 a pair and will allow you to maintain off-camera TTL control of your 580exII (and will trigger any other flash as well). I've had 4 of these for nearly a year and they've worked flawlessly. I'm still very much a beginner, with a very similar rig to yours (canon 60D, 580exII, 3-4 other manual strobes). Getting your 580 off your camera is essential (IMHO). My journey went from optical triggers, to a 3' coiled TTL cord, to a 30' TTL cord, to the Yongnuo RF-603's, and finally to the Yongnuo YN-622C's. Great lessons at every step, but lots of wasted money... wish I had started with the 622's. Also remember that once you start getting more comfortable with your set-up, you will likely shoot more in full manual... so TTL may not be as important... but a good light meter becomes invaluable.

Best of luck!!

I've been using Yongnuo YN-622C Wireless TTL Flash Triggers for nearly 6 months now with great results (I currently have 4 and may get 2 more as back-ups). They run about $75 a pair. Haven't had a single misfire and their range is amazing (I had 3 set nearly 200 feet away behind trees and they all fired with every shot). ETTL function works great, which is why I initially bought these. HOWEVER, keep in mind that once you start shooting with off-camera flash, especially multiple units, you will likely move away from ETTL and go straight manual, which is what I've done. I still like having the ETTL option, but it's definitely not as important as I initially thought. While Pocket Wizards and Radio Poppers are without a doubt the best on the market, at 1/3 of the price, I have absolutely no regrets with the Yongnuos. My advice: go with the cheaper YN-622C's and invest the money you save in a decent light meter (for me... absolutely indispensable). Happy Shooting!

As always, the UH forum comes through! Thanks everyone for your thoughts, analysis and opinions. I was already leaning toward the non IS 2.8 and now I definitely think it's the way to go (at least for me). I absolutely appreciate everyone focusing on the type of shooting I do... it helps newbies like me learn from your experience. I'm confident that this is a decision I will not regret (except for the unavoidable addiction to L glass that I'm sure will follow). I really value this community! Thanks again everyone!

Great point, but luckily most of my nature work is more environmental... trees, creeks, waterfalls, and such. Thanks SharpShooter!

Any advice between the Canon 70-200mm f2.8L non-IS vs 70-200mm f4L IS (or possibly the 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS)? This would be my first L series glass and budget is definitely a concern. I shoot mostly portraits (indoors & out) followed by miscellaneous sports and nature. I have a steady hand but my tripod is always within reach. I shoot with a Canon 60D, 18-200 3.5-5.6 IS lens, and radio controlled speedlites (mostly with soft boxes and umbrellas). My gut says to go with the fastest glass I can afford, but I'm concerned about giving up IS (unfortunately I can't afford a 2.8 IS). Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

I agree. I use an old Sekonic Analog meter (old school I know, but I've been using it for years) and shoot full manual when possible. In situations where the camera to subject distance varies too much, I'll use ettl on my main (which is why I was looking at these triggers). Not sure if I'm taking the best approach, but it seems to be working. I'll definitely consider whether or not I really need ettl. Besides, a new meter is something that I know I would keep using!!

Thanks, and you make good cents!

I hadn't seen these, but have generally had good experience with yongnuo equipment (definitely a good bang for the buck). Have you used these enough to have a feel for how well they hold a signal? The Pixel Kings seem to drop their connections at times and need to be reset (especially when switching between manual and ettl mode on-camera). Also, the yn-622 seem to support flash ratios... do you know if that's true? I'd love to hear any other experience you've had with them and what type of shooting/set-up you typically use.

Thanks!!

Great info. You mirror my concern which is reliability. I like to count on my equipment to actually do what it's suppose to, and when it doesn't, I typically end up not using it. In this case I think it might be worth a try (since I may never be at a point where I can justify Pocket Wizards). I definitely appreciate the feedback... I trust opinions here so much more than Amazon!

Has anyone had any experience with the PIXEL King Wireless Radio E-TTL Flash Triggers?

http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Trigger-Flashes-Transmitter-Receiver/dp/B005TQFRTY/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=225XYKPIVN4EK&coliid=I2J0C8RWYTLRLR

I recognize that they're not Pocket Wizards or RadioPoppers, but these are also 1/3 the price. Since I don't shoot commercially, I can't justify $600+ for the best, but can definitely swing $200 for a reasonable upgrade.

For reference, I use a Canon 60D and typically shoot with 1-4 strobes. The main is a 580EXII with a 10m TTL cord which gives me on-camera control of flash settings. Additional strobes are manually set and triggered with either Yongnuo RF-603 C3 2.4GHz Wireless Flash Triggers or simple optical triggers. My objective is to do away with the long TTL cord to give me greater freedom of movement.

From what I can tell, the disadvantages of the Pixel Kings are:
- Lower build quality (but apparently still decent)
- No ability to control flash ratios on-camera (would be nice, but is not critical to the way I shoot)
- Cannot mount an on-camera flash on top of the transmitter (I rarely if ever use an on-camera flash)
- Plastic cold shoe under the receivers (a bit worried about this)

I won't list the positives since they seem very consistent with Pocket Wizards and RadioPoppers. Overall, reviews seem quite good.

So again, I not asking if the name brands are better, I know they are, but rather if these would be a reasonable upgrade for what I do.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

Unless you specifically reformatted the drive for the mac, it should work on both PC & Mac platforms (we move files back and forth all the time with no issues). Here's how you can check it: On your Mac, under Applications is a folder titled "Utilities" which contains a little program called "Disk Utility." If you open this utility and select your external drive, it will tell you how your drive is formatted (in the lower part of the window). If it's MS-DOS, you should be good. If it's Mac-OS, then that's the issue. Typically Mac-OS disks don't even show up on a PC.

For what it's worth, I've been shooting with a 580ex for years with great results. Fast recycle time, batteries last forever (I've even retired my external battery packs), full rotation, plenty of power, adapts easily to umbrellas/softboxes/domes, and just plain works when you need it to. As others have said, using an adjustable bracket for location work is a solid strategy. I'm a lot like you, I need consistent results from a flexible system that accommodates both studio and field work. I don't think you would go wrong with a 580ex.

Good pint on firmware update. I'll look into both this week. Thanks!

The problem just started a few weeks ago... right after I had the diffuser repaired. I'm thinking my best option is to take it back into the shop. It just doesn't make sense to me why it would work on the xti, but not the 60d.

My trusty 580exII has just developed a problem with my 60d and I'm hoping someone can help. Although the flash displays ETTL mode, all shots are totally blown out (appears to be firing at full power regardless of camera mode or setting). The same flash works fine on my Canon xti, AND my old canon 380ex flash works fine on the 60d. It appears to be something specific between the 580 and the 60d. I've checked all functions on the 580 and they are all set at 0. I did just have the flash diffuser replaced on the 580, but I can't imagine that being the issue. Any thoughts??