Canon ST-E2

[Jimmy B]

I am considering purchasing one does anyone have any input? I won't be back at a PC until Sunday and will look & respond then.
Jimmy B

[Photo-John]

We have 6 user reviews for the ST-E2: http://www.photographyreview.com/cat...6_4275crx.aspx

The price has come down a lot. But I would rather invest my money in radio slaves. They are a lot more versatile, forgiving, and powerful - if you can live without TTL flash exposure. With radio slaves you have to set the flash exposure manually. And they cost more.

I don't actually own an ST-E2. But I have two 550EX flashes and sometimes use one as a master, which is basically the same as using the ST-E2. The infrared system is very sensitive to direction and it can be frustrating to set them up. Plus, their reach is nothing compared to a radio slave and you need direct line of site. For mountain bike photos, radio slaves are absolutely the way to go. For studio work or portraits, the ST-E2 will be ok. But I'd still rather invest in radio slaves.

[gryphonslair99]

We have 6 user reviews for the ST-E2: http://www.photographyreview.com/cat...6_4275crx.aspx

The price has come down a lot. But I would rather invest my money in radio slaves. They are a lot more versatile, forgiving, and powerful - if you can live without TTL flash exposure. With radio slaves you have to set the flash exposure manually. And they cost more.

I don't actually own an ST-E2. But I have two 550EX flashes and sometimes use one as a master, which is basically the same as using the ST-E2. The infrared system is very sensitive to direction and it can be frustrating to set them up. Plus, their reach is nothing compared to a radio slave and you need direct line of site. For mountain bike photos, radio slaves are absolutely the way to go. For studio work or portraits, the ST-E2 will be ok. But I'd still rather invest in radio slaves.

I have to second what Photo-John said about the ST-E2. Direct line of site, indoors it is fine. Outside in bright light it is hard to work with. Good radio slaves are choice. They just always work.

[Loupey]

Hi, Jimmy. Don't know what you're planning to shoot with the ST-E2 but I think you shoot mostly sports, right? If so, I would heed Photo-John and gryphonslair99's recommendations (although I've never used radio slaves).

But I do have the ST-E2 transmiter and use it almost exclusively whenever I use strobes (430EX's and 580EXII). Yes, the line-of-sight issue can be a real issue as can the limited range - about 30'. But my strobes are typically set indoors and fairly close so this is not generally a problem for me. Although I have used it with success in very large rooms where the strobes were around corners. It just depends on how "reflective" the room is (clean walls, tile floors, low ceilings, etc). But what makes it so versatile for me is the ability to set the output ratios of the strobes right from the ST-E2.

I never use my off-camera hot shoe cord anymore either. Even for macros, I use the ST-E2 so that I can hold the strobe in my hand untethered.

I love it.

[Jimmy B]

Thanks for the input, at this point I am going to hold off on getting one.I can use my 580 to fire the 430.
John I did read the reviews!
Jimmy B