Introduction:
In my previous post, I mentioned how to remotely fire your off camera flashes. The Canon 600EX-RT has the radio transmitter built in. It also incorporates the older optical IR flash controls.
- Canon 600EX-RT Radio Control Flash
Having the flash emit a radio control signal verse a IR signal removes the problem with the direct line of sight. It is also can work with your existing Canon 580 EX II flashes but only in the IR control. The range of the radio signal is about 100 ft which should cover most uses. I love the Canon flashes as you can pivot the head of the flash 180 deg either right or left and up vertical or just raise it a little. This makes bouncing the flash off walls and objects much easier to do. I will post several articles on using this feature for controlling your directional light source. The flash of course comes with ETTL, Manual and multi modes with I am going to discuss in a future post. You must always be able to know how to use your equipment in manual mode. Many professionals still only shoot their flashes in manual mode as it gives them better control at times.
With a new flash system comes a new controller for the flashes: The Canon ST-E3.
- Canon ST-E3 Controller
Summary
It is very nice to see Canon finally produce a flash system using radio control. I am sure that they delayed this move so that all of the photographers would have already purchased the 580 EX II and ST-E2 system and now will have to upgrade. In-expensive Radio controller have been available for over 5 years, so why did it take Canon so long to incorporate this feature? We will NOT be upgrading immediately. Consider the cost. Each Flash costs $600 and you will need two. The ST-E3 controller costs $450 from Canon. Wait a bit and the other manufacturer will produce theirs at around $115. Yes, we like this new flash and its small amount of power increase from 58 m to 60 m. Of course any upgrades or additional flashes that we purchase will be the 600EX-RT's. For professional use, I do not recommend the 430 model as it lacks power and master control functions. It is just not a good backup to have around verse having two say, 600EX-ST's. I am sorry that our budget did not include a picture of a beautiful model to show off the flash, so I will give you one that I found on the web. These flashes produce a nice light but the Quantum 5D is still more powerful (3x more) and gives a nicer light. I don't have links for you to buy the flash so I don't have to push the product. The color filter holder is a must feature for any flash head (alternatively just use the flip down plastic screen). The ability to control your off camera flashes in a fast, easy manor is a wonderful feature of both the 580 and 600 series flash guns. I just love this feature and will be discussing it's use in a future post, so stay tuned. This new flash also have the ability, albeit lacking the power to zoom from 20 mm to 200 mm. This feature maybe useful to help us control the light spread of the light to where we want it verse lighting objects and people that we do not want to. The unit also has a brighter LCD screen which is most welcome.
Masters-Tip: Upgrade only when you need to buy another flash, either as a backup or main flash. Always have at least two 580 EX II or 600EX-RT Masters controllers verse lower power 430 units. You MUST always have a backup flash. -It gets our -Recommended rating
- Sample photo taken with flash but not by us.
Kirk is a Professional Wedding Photographer in Windsor Ontario Canada. In appreciation if you would be so kind as to give a G+ and a Facebook Like KW Masters Photography on his Facebook page. You only have to do this once and add your likes and G+ per post.
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