Advice on Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2

learningtofly

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I bought an ST-E2 on eBay recently, sold as being in "as-new" condition and very lightly used. Upon receiving it today, it was evident that the front transmitter fascia is very loose and rattly, and whilst I've read reports of the red AF assist cover falling off this particular problem doesn't seem to be a common issue (which the seller tells me it is!).

Before I decide whether to push for a full refund as opposed to a price reduction, has anyone else come across this and - if so - did it prove to be anything more than a minor niggle in use?
 
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They do come off very easily, I have lost them before, so I would suggest taping it on if you intend to keep it. I would have thought a new one would have been ok though.
 
They do come off very easily, I have lost them before, so I would suggest taping it on if you intend to keep it. I would have thought a new one would have been ok though.

Do you mean the top fascia panel, as opposed to the smaller/bottom red one covering the AF assist sensors?
 
The red part
 
Ah, send it back!
 
I would send it back & buy a pair of Yongnuo YN-622 wireless triggers as I found the ST-E2 hopelessly unreliable outdoors beyond about 10-15 feet.
 
I would send it back & buy a pair of Yongnuo YN-622 wireless triggers as I found the ST-E2 hopelessly unreliable outdoors beyond about 10-15 feet.

Actually, I discovered those triggers a little too late in the day, as I've now accepted a partial refund and will be keeping the ST-E2 for now.

I've tested it fully indoors, and it works perfectly despite the Speedlite being "hidden" behind an umbrella and in various positions in relation to the camera. I won't be using it outdoors for now, but if and when i do I'll probably go down the Yongnuo route.
 
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The ST-E2 works OK indoors as like the TV IR remote the signal can bounce off walls etc. Outside it's line of sight & the receiver can be 'blinded' in bright sunshine.

Now that I know that there are mugs prepared to buy an ST-E2 in preference to wireless triggers I shall have to put mine on eBay:lol:
 
The ST-E2 works OK indoors as like the TV IR remote the signal can bounce off walls etc. Outside it's line of sight & the receiver can be 'blinded' in bright sunshine.

Now that I know that there are mugs prepared to buy an ST-E2 in preference to wireless triggers I shall have to put mine on eBay:lol:

Ah, but I might have been the only one :cuckoo:
 
Actually, I discovered those triggers a little too late in the day, as I've now accepted a partial refund and will be keeping the ST-E2 for now.

I've tested it fully indoors, and it works perfectly despite the Speedlite being "hidden" behind an umbrella and in various positions in relation to the camera. I won't be using it outdoors for now, but if and when i do I'll probably go down the Yongnuo route.

The problem outdoors is of course the bright ambient light washing out the light-coded signals from the ST-E2, though that's often made worse by longer shooting distances being involved too.

One way around that is to put the ST-E2 on a cord so that it can taken off the camera and positioned closer to the slaves. Another little trick is to shield the slave's receiver window from direct sun with a tiny bit of card attached with BluTack.

On the other hand, with the YN 622 being so cheap... ;)
 
It's only the red bit that falls off from what I heard - I recently sold one on Ebay as 'like new' and that certainly didn't have bits falling off it.. I'd be sending it back..
 
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