50d & 430ex off-camera

[Idahophoto]

I heard Canon has patented something to do just that it sounds like a real nice set up. I can't wait to try it out.
http://www.photographybay.com/2010/...n-built-in-radio-triggers-for-wireless-flash/

 

[cfusionpm]

This is how Nikon's system works as well. That's why they have pop up flashes on their full frame professional cameras and Canon hasn't yet.

Ah. Well to be honest, I absolutely hate the pop up flash and would rather not have one at all. Other than triggering flashes, I have no use for it whatsoever. Maybe I'm just trying to justify Canon's choices, but if I had a 1Ds and a big lighting setup, I don't think the reletively minor cost of a radio trigger would even be an issue. I would never actually WANT to trigger with the pop up anyway; if I had the option not to.

I only say this because I ran into problems and annoyances trying to trigger two flashes at a recent shoot. I couldn't shoot in portrait because my lens/body was blocking my pop up from triggering the flash on the right. Changing where I stood and moving the stands helped, but I had to change around my framing and lighting. I'm not a fan of this method of triggering.

I heard Canon has patented something to do just that it sounds like a real nice set up. I can't wait to try it out.
http://www.photographybay.com/2010/08/16/canon-working-on-built-in-radio-triggers-for-wireless-flash/

Yeah I saw that briefly on CR too. Looks cool, but probably won't be in any camera I'll have any time soon. The 7D fits my needs really well, and when my new triggers get here, I'll be set. But I love the progress! I hope an RF trigger of sorts is built in soon!

 

[Travis F]

I went a totally different route when I took my flash off-camera. It's not a wireless set-up but it still allows the use of ETTL functions if you use that.

I cut my off camera shoe cord in half and added some network cable connectors to either end (female part). By doing this I can add any length of cable to 50' or so. I use a short 6" piece of cable when I want to put the flash back on the bracket.

It might look kind of cheesey but it works great! Honestly I don't think anyone would care how the darn thing looks as long as it works.

If you are interested let me know and I can post some pictures of it.

Travis

 

[score04w]

I went a totally different route when I took my flash off-camera. It's not a wireless set-up but it still allows the use of ETTL functions if you use that.

I cut my off camera shoe cord in half and added some network cable connectors to either end (female part). By doing this I can add any length of cable to 50' or so. I use a short 6" piece of cable when I want to put the flash back on the bracket.

It might look kind of cheesey but it works great! Honestly I don't think anyone would care how the darn thing looks as long as it works.

If you are interested let me know and I can post some pictures of it.

Travis

Definitely interested in your set-up. Always looking for a cheaper alternative.

 

[Travis F]

Here you go....

Let me know if you have any more questions

2

3

4

Hope it helps,
Travis

 

[score04w]

I like that set-up. +1 for creativity. Who cares what it looks like as long as it works. Technically you could make the connecting cord as long as you like. What about splicing and being able to run two flashes? Just an idea.

 

[Travis F]

I like that set-up. +1 for creativity. Who cares what it looks like as long as it works. Technically you could make the connecting cord as long as you like. What about splicing and being able to run two flashes? Just an idea.

I have no idea what the triggering voltage needs to be. If you go too long or splice it would that cause too much voltage drop? Same would apply for the signal carrying wires too I guess.....

Maybe I'll give it a shot (no pun intended) if I acquire another shoe cord.

Travis

 

[eszostak]

thats not true. Dont crush the product because you didn' t spend enough time with the manual.:lmao: There is a menu choice to stop the popup from firing. It still has to be in the up position though.

I know. There's a way to trigger it without the flash interrupting the shot (it fires early, before the shutter), but there's not a way to trigger it without using the pop up flash. Meaning visual line of sight has to be there.[/QUOTE




Hi guys, just wondering if you could explain how to actually set my 50D to do the above, i.e. to trigger a 430 ex II off-camera by getting the 50D's pop-up flash to fire before the shutter. I have been going through the manuals for both my 50D and 430ex II and can't figure it out.

I've also been super frustrated as I keep trying to use my Cactus v4 triggers with the 50d & 430 ex II but can never seem to get the flash to actually fire off-camera. I'm super grateful for any help! Cheers.

 

[Village Idiot]

This is how Nikon's system works as well. That's why they have pop up flashes on their full frame professional cameras and Canon hasn't yet.

Ah. Well to be honest, I absolutely hate the pop up flash and would rather not have one at all. Other than triggering flashes, I have no use for it whatsoever. Maybe I'm just trying to justify Canon's choices, but if I had a 1Ds and a big lighting setup, I don't think the reletively minor cost of a radio trigger would even be an issue. I would never actually WANT to trigger with the pop up anyway; if I had the option not to.

I only say this because I ran into problems and annoyances trying to trigger two flashes at a recent shoot. I couldn't shoot in portrait because my lens/body was blocking my pop up from triggering the flash on the right. Changing where I stood and moving the stands helped, but I had to change around my framing and lighting. I'm not a fan of this method of triggering.

I heard Canon has patented something to do just that it sounds like a real nice set up. I can't wait to try it out.
http://www.photographybay.com/2010/08/16/canon-working-on-built-in-radio-triggers-for-wireless-flash/

Yeah I saw that briefly on CR too. Looks cool, but probably won't be in any camera I'll have any time soon. The 7D fits my needs really well, and when my new triggers get here, I'll be set. But I love the progress! I hope an RF trigger of sorts is built in soon!

I shoot with a 5D MKII.