Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter for Canon 580EX II, 430EX, 430EX II Speedlites
by Canon Cameras US
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List Price: Our Price: $223.99 You Save: $126.01 (36%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $140.00 (click here) Category: Digital Camera See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter for Canon 580EX II, 430EX, 430EX II Speedlites
Customer Review: Think before you leap
Summary: 3 Stars
The unit works well. I have a two speed lights, a 580 and a 430 EX and after using controller I think it would have been money better spend to buy third speedlight and use the 580 EX as the controller. The Canon Speedlight STE2 controls two groups of flashes, A & B. The 580 EX will control groups A, B & C.Customer Review: Works Well Indoors
Summary: 2 Stars
A while ago I wrote a simple review of this stating how well it works. I've since changed that statement... I am absolutely disappointed in the performance of this unit!
This unit will work fine if you are indoors - I have had a 95% failure rate outdoors in a variety of lighting conditions, and as close as 1' from the unit. Everything I've read during my extensive pre-purchase research led me to believe (blindly) that it could at least get moderate success at a relatively close range (5-10'). All the DIY hacks in the world in regards to foil or other reflective attachments aren't enough to increase the communications between the flash and this unit.
You are probably better off in the long run to save a fairly respectable chunk of your hard-earned money and put buy a set of Cactus V2 triggers (A.K.AL "Ebay" triggers/"Poverty Wizards"). They will set you back about $30-40 for a decent set. True, they are NOT a Pocket Wizard in any sense of the word, and will not perform even near the same. However, they certainly beat the annoyances that are sure to come when using this product (line-of-sight is not always possible with OTC flash).
In fact, the best option for those not willing to shell out $200-300, may want to check out PC sync cables. Yes, I know, it's an older technology (some say more cumbersome), but with the right quality brands on equipment - as many things in life - you get a very stable and consistent set up. No more explaining to your client why you didn't get that last shot.
Okay...back on topic...
PROS
- Compatible with all Canon Speedlites
- Offers wireless triggering capabilities for off-the-camera flash
- Has decent battery life
- Can trigger multiple flashes simultaneously
- Fairly simple to use
- Convenient buttons for high-speed sync and flash power settings
- Works well in small to medium-sized rooms
CONS
- Only works with Canon Speedlite series of flashes
- Non-standard battery
- No battery-life indicator
- No 2nd curtain (slow-sync) flash capabilities
- Unreliable in outdoor settings (and some indoor)
- A little pricey, based on features
Customer Review: Out of date
Summary: 2 Stars
I have tried the gadget before i bought it, so I knew its performance.
It is about time that Canon replace or renovate the look and functionality of this equipment.
The best for the users would be to just integrate it into the camera body, but this probably doesn't fit with the way Canon is making their mony, so...
Customer Review: Battery-less in ATL
Summary: 1 Stars
this is probably a great item and there are plenty of reviews to provide that info. I just wanted to make it clear for others that the battery is NOT included. I have had a 380EX and now I have a 580EX. They did not come with batteries, but they take AA. All my cameras and other gear with oddball batteries come with one. Nowhere on the front page of Amazon does it say the battery is not included. You have to click for additional technical details. While running errands today, I went to two stores and each had some camera batteries, but not this one. I guess I need to go to a camera store (not too convenient) and pay their full retail ++ price because of this.
Just hoping to save someone else from that -
Not to mention the letdown from my pent-up excitement to try this out. With 3 kids aged 5 and under, I can't just go gallivanting all around town for a stupid battery. So here it sits next to my 5D and other gear... UGH!
Customer Review: Warning - No Batteries Included
Summary: 1 Stars
I just opened the box to discover that the S2-E2 does NOT come with Batteries included. This is so disappointing, after waiting so long for the package to arrive, I wanted to test the new toy but now I have to start searching for the battery. This was never made clear on the Amazon website or by the seller that the batteries are not included other wise I would have bought the batteries at the time I bought the ST-E2.
I am sure this item is going to work great but this is a huge deal for me and I wanted to make this clear for others who are buying this item. I Hope people would like to see why someone gave it a single star.
I will write a review about the functionality later, once I get a hold on the battery and able to use it.