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Questions & Answers

ROD M : Has anyone used the ST-E2 just as an AF-assist Beam in low light conditions? Will be using it with the 1DX and 5dmk3, I have read that there does not seem to be an issue with the 61vs45 AF points but has anyone found this to be an issue?DAN M : STE-2 SUCKS. Would not fire my flash from more than 10 feet most times and has to have a direct line of sight. Actually most of the time I aimed the thing directly at the flash to even make it fire. I sent them back after once (attempted) use and bought the Odin system. ...Which ROCKS!ROSE E : Sorry I can't help. I've only used it to trigger off camera flash for my 5D Mark II, but I really like it for that.
DONALD L : I have the Canon EOS Rebel XTi, and several Vivitar 283 Flash Units. Will this work with them.?TIM L : No, the ST-E2 is for Canon flashes.DALE D : It will work only as a trigger. No control from the camera. Use the colored F stop dial on the 283, diffuser lenses, and positioning to get control in your setup. The ST-E2 might be a bit overkill in features if you are going to stick with utilizing your 283s. There might be cheaper triggers and slaves to dedicate to your Vivitars, and wait to get the ST-E2 when you get the Canon 580, etc and a camera that work together. My 50D limits what I can do with the ST-E2 / 580 combo. The Vivitar 283 is still an awesome flash unit!MATTHEW M : Would bet money against it. Check with Canon. Best option would be to call CyberSync (Paul C Buff) and found out what pieces to buy. Either way, you lose ETTL option and have to shoot with flashes on manual. ANDREW R : Unfortunately no, this unit is not compatible with the Vivitar 283.
Shopper : I have a Canon 50D. Do I need this to wireless fire the 430 EXII speedlite?BRIAN N : I have the Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 to fire both the 430s and the 580s. I do not believe the 50D can remote fire from the internal flash. You need either this device or radio slaves.DAVID H : yes you'll need this or have a EX 580 II to use as a master... to have a 430 "off camera"MICHAEL L : This is exactly what I have to fire the 430 EXII speedlite. It works great! You can position your speedlite on a tripod anywhere in a medium size room and it will fire. Outdoors, in the bright sun, it doesn't work too well because the sun will overpower the infra red and the 430 EXII speedlite will not see it. I used it the other day in my first attempt at macro photography. I bought a piece of black felt material. I got some kids clay. I put my wife's wedding ring in the clay to hold it at an angle. I put the flash on the little stand that comes with it and put it on the table with the flash facing up. The white balance on the camera should be set to flash. I used a Quantaray 70-300mm lens in macro mode with the AF off on my Canon T1i. Focused manually and used a wireless remote to fire the camera so I wouldn't move the camera. The timer control on the camera has to set to remote fire. I pressed the button on the remote and in 2 seconds, the picture was taken. I took several shots that day and after, I attached a HTML cable from the camera to a large flat screen TV. The pictures came out fine. Taking shots at a luncheon using a bracket without a wire from the camera to the flash is a blessing. It's one less thing to worry about. May I suggest you buy 2 batteries and keep a spare in your bag. I haven't had to replace the battery yet but I'm ready.GAYLE S : You need either this or another speedlite flash.DALE D : Yes, for wireless. The 50D works fine with it, however is not able to utilize all the capability of this transmitter as the higher end bodies do.STEPHEN H : Yes, you will need the ST-E2 Transmitter to wirelessly fire the Speedlite 270 ex ii, 430 ex ii or the 580 ex ii as the Canon 50D does not have the wireless function built in.HSUEH CHUNG L : Oh and of course if you would be considering upgrading to 60D (probably not because you lose focus adjusting), 7D, or even 5D3, then you won't need ST-E2. Another thing is, this ST-E2 uses a type of battery that I've never used before, and I just hate to have to bring an extra type of backup batteries around. To sum up, there are more than one way to achieve your goal, so the way best for you depends on whether you happen be considering upgrading your camera body, whether you will think about another external flash, and whether you mind products from the 3rd party.HSUEH CHUNG L : Currently only the internal flashes of 60D, 7D, and 5D III (maybe the 1D series too) can serve as wireless master to trigger your 430EX, so your 50D needs something to do this. If you will be considering multiple flashes in the future (one on-camera and one off-), you can get a 580EX II or 600EX-RT, both of which can be wireless controller. Alternatively, you can get this ST-E2 (or ST-E3 if you will be thinking about getting a 600EX-RT one day). These dedicated wireless transmitters can be used to assist focusing, but you lose the opportunity to have an on-camera flash in addition to your slave unit. You can also consider a Pocket Wizard (first thing that comes out if you google it), which many photographers use and will recommend for wireless control, although I'm not sure how they compare to ST-E2 in terms of prices and functionality.

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2019-07-12T10:08:57

Rated 1 out of 5

Not compatible

Not compatible as promised with my 470 EX Ai speedlight.

Thomas S.

2018-08-11T20:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Makes off camera flash much less complex.

ETTL off camera is very easy with the ST-E2. flash exposure compensation works well and multiple speedlight control is much easier to implement. Was unaware that a battery was not included. Local camera store had one.

LROY

2016-12-25T13:58:53

Rated 5 out of 5

Must have

It is great tool for cameras that do not have wireless flash transmitter. Now, I can put flashlight anywhere (considering line of sight) and make nicer pictures. Easy to operate and setup.

Monika R.

2013-10-28T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Awesome

Love the product and got it super fast!

Bellepoq P.

2013-07-29T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

I highly recommend this product

i use this little guy to shoot portraits on location specially weddings....i don't have to carry truckload of strobes and heavy tripods,all i need is 2 little flashes and mini tripods. this helps a lot and very easy to use...I highly highly recommend this product.

ROMAN U.

2013-05-31T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

It simply works as advertised.

I use this transmitter with a speedlite 580EXII and a 420EX, and it works fine. I have used it in a number of flash configurations with a soft box and the only problems stems from me the photographer... wonderful product.

Barney T.

2012-08-15T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Gets the flash off the camera!

Just purchased a EOS 5D III and need to control my speedlite wirelessly. This does the trick. Great for interior real estate photography. The only negative is that it works on line of sight only, but it's much less expensive than going to Pocket Wizards.

Richard F.

2012-07-29T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

It's an excellent trigger for 550EX

I have 3 550EX and 1 580EX for photo table setup with Harbor Digital Diffuser on each unit. This trigger works quite well with 1DS Mark-2 and flash setup I have. I don't have any AF cover fall off issue. And the hot shoe mount works quite good with a locking pin. It doesn't have a knob that you can tighten the unit on the camera but the unit is very light, and there's enough friction between the hot shoe and the trigger mount, so you don't really need to tighten it. I haven't tried long distance setup in the field as I use this for mostly product shot on the table. But it handles most indoor family gathering shots with no problem. It uses a special battery but it is readily available in many places where common batteries are sold. I always have an extra battery in the bag for just in case. This is an indispensable tool for my need and it is very reliable.

Sam

2012-04-22T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Love it!! Use it on 50D

Had it about two years now. Works as advertised. Easy to learn. Just keep a spare battery in your bag. They last a very long time, but you have no way of knowing when it is about gone.

BURT R.

2012-04-22T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Its of great use

package Should include 2CR5 Batries

Zee

2012-03-04T19:00:00

Rated 1 out of 5

Nice Idea, Doesn't Measure Up

I bought this unit to control my Canon 580EX and 580EXII Flash units off camera while retaining eTTL exposure control. Never really got this to work very well. Especially erratic outdoors in bright light, but not great indoors, either. I ended up purchasing Pocket Wizard FlexTT5's and I love them.

WILLIAM R.

2012-01-11T19:00:00

Rated 1 out of 5

Looking for the next generation model

I've used this product for about a year now, and I have a complaint about how outdated this seems. I find myself using 580EX II's set to off for master flash work more than I use this. I am noticing that the only times I use this is when I need autofocus in low light conditions. It's not very cost effective for the price. The 580 EX II can do more than this can as a slave master and it's only a marginal cost more expensive. I hope that Canon updates this product, because it's useful, but appears to have become obsolete.

pphoto422

2011-09-20T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Works well when used within guidelines

The ST-E2 is a very good product if you understand the limitations. It needs line of sight, which can be a problem sometimes - that's about the only negative I can find for this device. Very easy to make adjustments for groups of flashes - I purchased this with 2 580EX II's and had an older 550EX flash.

TIM L.

2011-06-25T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Love it!!!

I have had this product for one day, so I have not used it a lot yet, but so far it I found it to do what it was said it would do. Its easy, and will meet my portrait needs!!

Tina B.

2011-04-24T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Works great for me

I really like how easy it is to use and how unobtrusive it is in my bag on the camera. Some people say it doesn't trigger in bright sun but I haven't had that problem at all and used it quite a few times in blazing sun without ever missing a flash. The only trouble I have had is it needs a direct line of signal and at weddings people will get in the way and I might miss that shot. Other than that small issue I love this thing and will do me well until I upgrade to pocket wizards eventually.

KEVIN H.

2011-02-12T19:00:00

Rated 2 out of 5

Poor Build

I had been happy with performance but now very disappointed in build quality. The AF filter came off while walking through a park. Unbelievable.

disappointed x.

2011-01-11T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Perfect accessory

Multiple off camera flash

dscheff

2010-10-30T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

This product will meet my needs

I purchased this product specifically for baby and portrait photography, but will also use it for family photographs as well as photos for volunteer organizations. I needed reliable off camera flash without spending a ton of money. This works very well with my Canon system and is easy to pack and store.

rose

2010-08-19T20:00:00

Rated 2 out of 5

Skip it.

I've tried using this thing for a variety of different shoots, from portraits to action sports and it simply does not work well. The line of sight needed for it to work is frustrating. I love you Canon, but can we get a radio transmitter instead? For the price of this transmitter, save up a little extra and purchase two radio transmitters instead.

Joko

2010-07-21T20:00:00

Rated 3 out of 5

Not a good purchase.

When I get a shot off with this transmitter it is usually awesome. Problem is that it seems to work less than a third of the time. I can shoot once then try to shoot a similar pic with in a few moments and it won't work. I have changed batteries rebooted the system, reconnected the transmitter, checked slave settings, with no luck in the field. Then I can get it home and using the same settings as out in the field and it will work. Then back out to the field and it will work for a while then stop working and back around to the start of the circle of frustration with this thing. I shoot with a 40D and 430 EX Speedlite in Tv at 125 to 200 sec in ETTL, Distance ranges from 6 inched to get it to work and I have been up to 30 feet when it did work. The lights seem to all work fine and the IR seems to beam.

Photogamy

2010-07-07T20:00:00

Rated 3 out of 5

Great device for activating my 2 Speedlites 430EX IIs. Works good. Nice and light weight. One Major Problem: I have noticed this device tends to run down the batteries, even when the power is shut off, and that there are no rechargeable batteries in market for this model. Bad move on the designer’s part. Fortunately for me I have rigged up my own rechargeable batteries and modified the switch to prevent it from drawing current. I'm not going to spend anymore money buying new batteries for this. I would give it 5 Stars if it did not have this battery problem.

QBall

2010-06-19T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Pricey but worth it.

Using the unit with a a 580EX II, Easy to set up works just fine. Wanted to get the speedlite a way from the camers.

RICAHRD K.

2010-05-26T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great tool to kickstart creativity

So much fun to work with. Great for use indoors, during the evening or in the shade. IR controls will not work in direct sunlight. I cant wait to get another flash.

Andrew G.

2010-03-20T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

recommand....

easy to use...

Hai 3.

2010-02-28T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great little device

I use this with a 580 exii flash. Works very well for focusing in low light. Good to get the flash off the top of the camera.(Much smaller & lighther than flash.)ETTL and high speed sync works very well.

DARIN M.

2010-02-21T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Nice to have but not required

The unit is very light weight and as a result feels a little fragile. The red covers on the front have been reported to come/break off. I can see where this may happen if you snag it just right on something. The unit is easy to use and I have no trouble getting it to fire all the flashes in my application. It's no radio so no big range out doors, but works fine indoors so far. I like the idea that I can get the flash off the camera without a chord. Gives me a little more versatility with flash placement.

RICHARD R.

2010-01-09T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Works great

The ST-E2 works great for controlling flashes. It's easy to use and set up for firing the 3 580EX's I have. It says the workable angle is 90 degrees, but I've exceeded that numerous times without problems. Two cautions--this unit requires a 2CR5 6v Lithium Battery, which is not included in the package. This was listed in the fine print on Adorama, but I missed it -- so a last minute run to [@]that I could have avoided. While the ratio control is great and easy to use, it only controls two groups (A & B). If you are using the 580EX as the master, you can control three groups of flash (for three different light levels).

TIMOTHY P.

2009-12-18T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

A Great Investment for Flash Photography

A great addition to my Canon 430 EX and 580 EX II.Great for flashfill and with 2 flashes it cuts out shadows.A great investment for flash photography.

Alan H.

2009-10-11T20:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Bad AF Cover Design

Just got the ST-E2 and I lost the AF cover first day out... I noticed earlier in the day that it comes off really easy. I have lost the cover...Bad design. It should have snap in tabs to keep it in place. Overall it works OK. I would rate it a c+

SpartonX

2009-08-20T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

A must for using flash

Great stuff to take around with mi 580 EXII external flash, gives me the possibility to light my fotos from different angles without the anoying cables, the only con is that it does not come with a lithium rechargeable battery

andresc

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1 Accessories for Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 - With USA Warranty

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About Canon ST-E2

FEATURED REVIEWS

I love my ST-E2!

By Music M.

As an event photographer I occasionally need to place some speedlights in odd places to light the event. The ST-E2 works great for this and for portrait work. It's easy to set up and I still get my ETTL. My only drawback is range. Occasionally I will need to get a shot in a room to large for the ST-E2 to work properly. But that is the only problem I have had with it.

Very satisfied with mine.

By Jarhead5811

I use mine to trigger three 430EXs. I've no complaints, performance wise, that are not inherent to optical triggering. (Although a native Canon RF based wireless solution would be AWESOME! I also use it as a focus assist when taking lower light natural light pics. It'll make a lens that likes to hunt snap to as if it were plenty bright. (Makes my Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II seem like a much better lens.) The only real complaint I've got is that it has no battery life indicator, it just dies, and...

View full Review

With the Speedlite 550EX and the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2, it is now possible to use multiple Speedlites under full E-TTL control and without the need for any interconnecting wires. Developed in conjunction with the Speedlite 550EX and the EOS-3 camera, this master control device for a wireless Speedlite flash system meets professional and advanced amateur standards. Its dedicated transmitter controls up to 3 Canon 550EX Speedlites as slave units 33 feet away outdoors and 49.5 feet away indoors. It is mounted as a clip-on with a shoe lock lever and locking pin.
Compatibility:
• PowerShot G15 Refurbished
• Speedlite 580EX II Refurbished
• Speedlite 320EX
• PowerShot G5 X
• Speedlite 430EX II
• PowerShot G3 X
• Speedlite 600EX-RT Refurbished
• PowerShot G3 X Refurbished
• PowerShot G15
• Speedlite 600EX-RT

Canon ST-E2 Features

  • Advanced Features: E-TTL Compatible Since it is compatible with E-TTL auto flash functions, groups of 550EX Speedlites are able to take advantage of High-Speed Sync, FE Lock, Flash Exposure Bracketing, and Pre-flash evaluative metering.
  • Built-in AF-Assist Beam: The AF-Assist Beam automatically fires in low-light and low-contrast situations to assist the camera's auto focusing system.
  • Sets and Controls Flash Ratios: Transmitter ST-E2 sets and controls all functions of its Speedlite 550EX slave units. Flash ratios,for example,are controllable between 2 Speedlite 550EX groups.
  • High Speed FP Flash: High Speed FP (Focal Plane) flash for synchronization at all shutter speeds is available, even the EOS-3s top speed of 1/8000. Larger apertures can be used to obtain better background blur. And fill flash can be used for moving subjects in daylight. Weight:3.5 oz./100 g (Including battery).

Key Features

  • Advanced Features
  • Built-in AF-Assist Beam
  • Sets & Controls Flash Ratios
  • High Speed FP Flash

What's in the box:

  • Canon 1 Year Warranty
  • Requires One (1) 2CR5 Lithium Battery (Sold Separatly)