Canon ST-E2 vs Triggers

MJ Stebbings

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Bit of advice needed again guys

Now, i'm wanting to use my flash guns off camera. Currently have a 580ex and a 430ex. I was very much swinging towards a ST-E2, and still am.
First question, will the ST-E2 fire the 430ex or will I need to set the 580ex to master and the 430ex to slave to fire them both? (I believe the ST-E2 will do it itself)

I have a set of cactus triggers (but the battery has run out in the reciever which is annoying!). Would this be a better idea to replace the battery in this instead of a ST-E2? This would mean that I would need to set the 580ex to master and fire the 430ex as a slave (Wouldnt need a new tigger then would I?).
However, I also know that the Cactus triggers dont fire every shot, which would kinda annoy me! So, is it worth selling these on and buying the ST-E2?


I've been looking for places selling second hand ST-E2s, however they are going for £150 second hand..... and £162 new from Amazon. I didnt want to pay that kind of money for it, and MPB had one for £110 but I was waiting for money to come through and missed it.
The next question is..... is it worth it?
I've found 2 on second hand websites, should I contact them and see if I can get them cheaper because of the fact for £12 (And free delivery) I can get a brand new on?


Sorry for the babble, I hope people help and dont look at this and not bother reading it all :lol:
 
The ST-E2 will fire a 580, 430 and 420 flashgun if set to slave. I have all three and fire them off without issue. I don't know what the cactus trigger does for you but the ST-E2 allows full e-ttl use.

Second hand ones go on here for around the £100 and if you're lucky with extra batteries thrown in.

You only get 5-10m range though, so I have rf602's as well for long range stuff and put the flashguns in manual.
 
try your local asda photo section, they had some CR2 batteries in last week in my local for £1 for a pair. much cheaper than an ST-E2
 
Confusing post! Most people tend to replace a battery rather than chuck the item :thinking: But I would...

Get a Yongnuo ST-E2 clone, which is better than the Canon and £80 off ebay (google reviews).

Then get a handful of RF-602 triggers from Amazon and you're covered every which way.

A long 5m or 10m E-TTL cord is also a good/cheap/reliable option.
 
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Confusing post!

Sorry :lol:
Basically, what should I do, stick with the Cactus triggers (I just replaced the battery) or plump for the ST-E2.
The ST-E2 has a lot more pluses than the triggers, but is it worth the money?

Get a Yongnuo ST-E2 clone, which is better than the Canon and £80 off ebay (google reviews).

Will google the reviews, but are these any good then, as I would like an opinion off a trusted source
 
I belive that the Yongnuo are very good and out performed the Canon one in tests .
 
I belive that the Yongnuo are very good and out performed the Canon one in tests .

I agree, but I haven't tried one. I've thought about getting one, just for the heck of it, but since I have four 580EX masters and a pile of RF-602s, the only upside for me is that it would be much smaller than a 580.

I've read quite a few reviews, and it appears to work as advertised, and better than the Canon version (which is getting long in the tooth now) in several key areas - range, rotating head, AA batteries. Under £70 inc shipping - can't go very far wrong really. Only negative I've heard is the AF assist beam is poor.

Let me know if you get one, and I'll pop over Norman Cross for a borrow ;) :D
 
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