Most cost effective way to take a Canon flash off camera

m_stan

I have a Canon 400d. I have a Canon Speedlite 580EX II. I love them, but I want them to be slightly more creative together by spending some time apart.

Whats the most cost effective way of taking my flash off-camera - ie: what additional hardware do I need - is it just some sort of cable and hot-shoe adapter ?

Whatever it is, I'll get it. Cos I'm a gear freak, and I know I'll be able to take some great stuff this way.

Thx

bradnailer

Check out Strobist, lots of info http://strobist.blogspot.com/

ThOnda

Cactus V2s or Pocket Wizard, Bowens Pulsar or Elinchrom Skysport radio triggers

stcstc

there are lots of options, and really depends what you want from them


1.canon do a cable - expensive for what it is, short, but can be extended if you pull it to bits. it does keep the eTTL metering etc. the same as having the flash on the camera.

2. they do a wireless transmitter, bit more expensive, wireless, eTTL metering etc

3. 3rd party wireless triggers - generally dont do eTTL etc, but cheap and wireless

4. flash cell trigger, can use you flash on your camera to fire the slave. really cheap, no clever metering etc

ThOnda

I forgot the most cheap one - Flash Slave. I have one. Waiting for Cactus after getting new camera.
Thanks for reminding stcstc.

pete4130

I use pocket wizards, expensive but thoroughly versatile, reliable and widely used.

Roen

I use the Cactus V2's that Th0nda mentioned. I also have the Off Camera Cord II.
You pretty much get what you pay for, the Cactus works about 80% of the time, max sync of about 1/160 though so not great there.
The cord is great but limiting in the fact that it can't go beyond 2 feet or so.

stcstc

actually, if you pull the cord to bits, you can just change the bit of cable and say make it 10 feet long

ThOnda

If is somebody going to buy a Cactus, please, let me know. I'd like to share delivery fee, but I am not willing to pay it whole on my own.

m_stan

ThOnda wrote: »

If is somebody going to buy a Cactus, please, let me know. I'd like to share delivery fee, but I am not willing to pay it whole on my own.

This could well be me. Have you researched the best place to get one (two!) or is there only one supplier ?

Roen

I used Gadget Infinity, can't remember how long it took to arrive though.

ThOnda

I got link to some ebay store, but feel free to find it. :-)

Paddy@CIRL

I'll probably be ordering a few Cacti soon, what price was postage for you Thonda ?