580 ex slow to recycle

[santana007]

While using my canon 580ex with a speedlite transmitter st-e2 last weekend . the EX did not recycle very fast at times .. Or simply did not fire at all ..
New batt's in both ...Used on 5d mk2 .... used within a few feet .. not yards away ..
When they work together i can get some fantastic results ..
I have another wedding in two weeks .. so before i go and buy another flash can anyone help .
if i do buy another flash , what does anyone recommend for use with this transmitter ..

cheers

Rog

 

[HoppyUK]

Try it with fresh batts in both first - remote gun won't fire unless it gets a good signal from the ST-E2. Then if it's fubberd, get it repaired - it will probably be worth it. Then get a 430EXII - you'll need a back-up anyway, and two guns opens up new remote possibilities.

 

[santana007]

Try it with fresh batts in both first - remote gun won't fire unless it gets a good signal from the ST-E2. Then if it's fubberd, get it repaired - it will probably be worth it. Then get a 430EXII - you'll need a back-up anyway, and two guns opens up new remote possibilities.

Hi Hoppy

cheers will do , just ordered some fresh batts for the ST-E2 .. I do need to invest in a second flash ..
I have some good low light glass .. But as you say it will open more options ..

Rog

 

[boggy2]

What sort of batteries are you using in your flash? Some older NiCads/NiMH are slow to charge Flash units because of their lower voltage. I prefer to use a decent make Lithium AA battery. Might be my age but I've always found it best to fire off a few test flashes first to get the circuitry refreshed, and then the flash will recharge quicker.

 

[mark1616]

Were you working indoors or outdoors, sometimes the remote isn't great outdoors. If indoors then likely the other suggestions are the way to go first.

 

[santana007]

What sort of batteries are you using in your flash? Some older NiCads/NiMH are slow to charge Flash units because of their lower voltage. I prefer to use a decent make Lithium AA battery. Might be my age but I've always found it best to fire off a few test flashes first to get the circuitry refreshed, and then the flash will recharge quicker.

Hi 580 Was Duracell AA
ST-E2 was panasonic lithium 2cr5
I'll try the old fire off a few first .. any ideas are welcome ..

Were you working indoors or outdoors, sometimes the remote isn't great outdoors. If indoors then likely the other suggestions are the way to go first.

Hmm .. trying to think back .. I know i got some cracking shots and great lighting inside early on ..
later was strong sunlight .. But i'm sure later it was a mix of both throughout the day ..

Still got what i needed with a mix of low light kit and intermitent flash ..

 

[LongLensPhotography]

If you use it outdoors, are the flashes "in the line of sight"? I.e. do the red windows point to the transmitter? Indoors it is not a problem, as the IR beam bounces round the walls and eventually gets there, but this is not the case in the open.

 

[santana007]

If you use it outdoors, are the flashes "in the line of sight"? I.e. do the red windows point to the transmitter? Indoors it is not a problem, as the IR beam bounces round the walls and eventually gets there, but this is not the case in the open.

Hi
Yes my wife was holding the flash and i had her point it at the 580 ... What else can i use that works better ..

cheers Rog

 

[18%grey]

I would ditch the duracell AA's and get some 2800 rechargebles from 7dayshop.com,
I use these in all my flashgun's. You will see a big difference in recycle times.

 

[HoppyUK]

Hi
Yes my wife was holding the flash and i had her point it at the 580 ... What else can i use that works better ..

cheers Rog

If you were working outside in sun, then it's likely to be a range/ambient light issue. You need a more powerful master, such as the 580EX or maybe Younguo ST-E2 clone which is said to be more powerful (only £80). Or use a cord.

Or go manual/radio with cheap triggers like the RF-602, or retain full E-TTL with Pocket Wizards (£400).

 

[santana007]

I would ditch the duracell AA's and get some 2800 rechargebles from 7dayshop.com,
I use these in all my flashgun's. You will see a big difference in recycle times.

Hi .... can you send a link on the 7dayshop site .. i have looked and come up with nothing .. want to make sure i get the right ones to try ... i was always told rechargelbes arn't as good .... How times change ..

If you were working outside in sun, then it's likely to be a range/ambient light issue. You need a more powerful master, such as the 580EX or maybe Younguo ST-E2 clone which is said to be more powerful (only £80). Or use a cord. Cheers .. i'll take a look at the St -e2 clone ... i have the 580ex .. I did have a cord somewhere , but not very long ... i will look at getting a new one , as you say maybe light issue out side ..

Rog

Or go manual/radio with cheap triggers like the RF-602, or retain full E-TTL with Pocket Wizards (£400).

 

[18%grey]

The latest ones are now 2900mAh, terrific value and the free case they come in is handy to keep spare ones in.

Here is the link
http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_3&products_id=108409

I charge mine in one of the Uniross Sprint 1-2 hour chargers, these can be used on either 240v or 12v in the car.

Hope Roger this helps

Just found this charger on the site, could be worth a look. I've just ordered one myself.
http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=101271

 

[Oggy]

What sort of batteries are you using in your flash? Some older NiCads/NiMH are slow to charge Flash units because of their lower voltage...

Sorry - not the whole story. I agree that Nimh and NiCad do have a potential of 1.2V as opposed to 1.5V in a single use cell. These voltages are measured under no load conditions an do not take into account the internal resistance of the cell, which is much lower in the rechargeables. As you start to draw a current from them, all the voltages will drop, but the rechargeable will drop much less.

Quote from a Metz manual -

• 4 NiCad batteries 1.2V, type IEC KR (size AA). They permit very fast recycling
times and are economical in use because they are rechargeable.


Treat yourself to a set of Eneloops or Vapextecs

 

[santana007]

The latest ones are now 2900mAh, terrific value and the free case they come in is handy to keep spare ones in.

Here is the link
http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_3&products_id=108409

I charge mine in one of the Uniross Sprint 1-2 hour chargers, these can be used on either 240v or 12v in the car.

Hope Roger this helps

Just found this charger on the site, could be worth a look. I've just ordered one myself.
http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=101271

Sorry - not the whole story. I agree that Nimh and NiCad do have a potential of 1.2V as opposed to 1.5V in a single use cell. These voltages are measured under no load conditions an do not take into account the internal resistance of the cell, which is much lower in the rechargeables. As you start to draw a current from them, all the voltages will drop, but the rechargeable will drop much less.

Quote from a Metz manual -

• 4 NiCad batteries 1.2V, type IEC KR (size AA). They permit very fast recycling
times and are economical in use because they are rechargeable.


Treat yourself to a set of Eneloops or Vapextecs

Many thanks for the help guys ... will take a look now and get something ordered ...