Using Wireless Trigger (with 430EX II)

[GaryK26]

I have just aquired a cheap set of wireless trigger/recievers and would like some advice on using them with my 430EX II.

Am I right in thinking that I need to set my camera (40D) and the 430EX to manual mode when using wireless?

What about the sync speed - does this come into the equation (consiering that there is no ETTL when wireless).
If sync speed does come into it, then what if I am shooting a portrait into the sun and want to give a little bit of fill on the subject.
In such bright conditions, the shutter speed is going to be 1000ms or faster, so how can I overcome this? Is it possible without using something like an ND filter or welding glass?

I suppose that dialling in a high apertaure may help, but what if I want a limited DOF - say F4?

 

[mcc49]

The flash will trigger in all modes but you will most likely to need to be in manual mode as the auto mode will meter based on the fact theres no flashes.

Sync speed is set to 1/200s max I think on a 40D so you will be limited in bright sunlight. The only way to overcome that is either get an expensive trigger with HSS suport or like you said, use ND filter to block light off so you dont overexpose the scene at 1/200's. The downside of using ND is that you're blocking the flash output also so your flashes will have to be on a higher power setting than usual.

 

[HoppyUK]

With a cheap radio trigger, you will probably be limited to 1/160sec or even longer. Some will run close to 1/250sec with fresh batteries (max on a 40D) but not the cheapies.
High speed sync is not possible except on the very expensive ones.

However, if you are shooting outside with flash, unless the light level is low you are restricted to fill-in technique only - the flash isn't powerful enough to beat bright sun. In which case, you usually want the flash to be effectively invisible and the best way to do that is on-axis with the gun just above lens height, ie just where your 430EX is on-camera. You'll probably get the best result that way, and all options open, including E-TTL and HSS. Without the trigger!