Flash and remote shutter questions

Scrumbles · Sep 25, 2014

I am doing a bit of shopping for accessories. I would like to get a canon 600ex-rt speedlite (I need to get a good flash, already!), and also a wireless shutter. I currently have a Rebel xsi, but I will soon be getting a 5d mark III (knock on wood), and it would be nice, but not strictly necessary for the wireless shutter to be compatible with both of these (I'd rather get one for the 5d if I have to choose). I would prefer the shutter to be radio rather than infrared (I do not want to be limited to be standing in front of the camera when using the remote.) I'll be shooting "selfies" for practice, and portraits as well.

So first question: Are remote shutters generally compatible with off camera speedlites? I assume so, but I don't know if this is something I need to look out for.

Second question: I have my eye on this wireless shutter with liveview screen. Seems nice for composing shots while not standing behind the camera. Though I wonder if the screen would be good enough for focusing...at any rate, the idea makes my heart go pitter-pat. http://www.amazon.com/Hahnel-Inspire-Wireless-Liveview-Canon/dp/B0046EDM2O/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

I'm not a professional, but I won't shy away from paying good money for good accessories. I always seem to regret it when I go too cheap. So $300 is my range for a freaking awesome wireless shutter. $100 for a pretty-good one.

Also: If what I want is to compose shots away from the camera, would using my laptop be a better option? Does the 5d connect wirelessly to a laptop?

Thanks for any and all of your help!

lambertpix · Sep 25, 2014

I can share the experiences I've got with a couple third-party flashes, but I don't have a Canon flash.

It sounds like you're probably looking for an E-TTL trigger, as opposed to a plain ol' manual trigger. I've got both, though. My Yongnuo 603c triggers are the manual ones -- super-small RF triggers that can double as remote shutter release. No E-TTL, though -- just a flash trigger, but a pair is only about $30. I've also got a pair of Yongnuo YN-622C triggers that support E-TTL and HSS. Also RF, so no line-of-sight requirement, and less than $100.

I've used the YN-622C triggers with both a Yongnuo YN-568EX II flash and a Pixel Mago flash. Both support E-TTL and HSS via the YN-622C's, though I can't get the Pixel Mago to work with remote-manual control (through the camera's flash menu) using the YN-622C. I'm not sure if this is a shortcoming of the flash or the trigger, but I'm watching for a firmware update to the flash to see if that helps. In addition to working via the trigger, the Mago also is compatible with the infrared triggering used with Canon flashes prior to the 600.

There are also a number of third-party flashes showing up now that have built-in triggers for a number of systems, including YN-622-compatible and Canon 600ex-RT-compatible. This is a good place to keep abreast of new offerings, FWIW:

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DustinB · Sep 25, 2014

+1 on the yongnuo 622 series. I got tired of trying to trigger my speedlites optically outside as well as having a small amount of on camera flash showing so I decided to pick up a set of these with the TX. When I got it I found out you can plug an included cord into the camera to trigger the shutter. You just need an extra 622, you can hold the test button to focus and release to shoot. This way I don't look weird being in group shots trying to get my IR remote to trigger. I can put my hand in my pocket or behind me since its radio control.

I don't use canon so I can't comment on the full features and compatiability, but I would imagine they have the same functionality of the Nikon version.

Have a look at the YN-622C-TX and a couple YN-622C's. Full TTL radio control for a great price, but I don't use the TTL much, the TX lets you adjust group power. No walking to your flashes, as long as they support TTL I believe, they need the extra pins on the shoe to adjust settings remotely. You can even adjust the flash zoom from the TX, they support HSS as well.