How to use Canon E-TTL function on off camera mode with Speedlights?

Question

Could i use the Canon E-ttl function wirelessly with 5d Mark II and 580exII,
Or what other stuff do i need to buy:
E-ttl cord,radio flash trigger(RF-602)
If yes how could i set them for off camera use?
Canon 5d Mark II
Canon Speedlite 580EX II

Answer 1

The RF-602 is not a TTL unit, it's a basic, simple remote flash trigger to be used for Manual flash.



If you want a TTL radio trigger then you have to use Pocket Wizards or Radio Poppers either of which will cost more than your 580 flashgun.



There are cheaper Infra Red triggers that maintain TTL, note that when they talk about wireless triggers they mean IR, IR has much less range than radio triggers and doesn't work too well outdoors in bright Sunlight. Cameras with a pop up flash can use that to control remote flash with TTL.



Chris

Answer 2

From what I've read the RF-602 does not support eTTL. It does have the extra pins like eTTL but that's to wake a sleeping flash (going off a flickr search).



If you want off camera eTTL you'll need a cord like http://www.flashzebra.com/ttlcords/ettlcords/index.shtml

Or get something that can use Canon's Infra Red eTTL channels with the 580EXii. Either use the 580 on camera and get a 430EX off camera (or equivalent) or get something to act as master to the 580, the cheapest of which is a YongNuo ST-E2 which is just over $100 on eBay.



edit:

with all of the eTTL solutions you can simply switch the camera and flash to M and use Manual on camera, flash, or both. If you want to use eTTL you can use that too, you can even have the flash in M mode and still use HSS. If you get triggers that are manual only mode then you won't have any eTTL options.



But why spend all that money on a 580EXii and use it the same as a $100 manual flash?

Answer 3

Does your dealer stock both the Nissin and Nikon or does he only have the Nissin in stock? If so the Nissin is better since he can unload it today if you order the Nikon and he is not a Nikon Pro dealer he will not make very much money on the Nikon. Therefore the Nissin is better. (Former dealer and have seen the shady stuff some guys pull.) The Nissin will not work in Commander mode EVER but you might buy a Nikon with Commander mode someday (or and SB800, SB900 or SU-800 to use on camera) and then the SB600 will have a new mission. The ratings are identical and meaningless (f/14.5 vs. f/13.8--puh-leez!), and no flash is as good in real life as the factory ratings and I would bet Nissin "fudged" more than Nikon. To be fair the assumptions all flash makers use when rating flashes are a little unrealistic. I have an SB600 but also use a lot of Brand X: Metz, Vivitar, Sunpak, etc. Build quality of Nikon and Metz flashes set them apart from everything else I have used (except for an old Graflex "potato masher" I could have used to drive nails). I would rate Nikon, Metz and Sunpak about equal in exposure accuracy when set to "auto", Nikon wins hands down when set to i-TTL. Nikon and Metz especially are pro gear and built to take it. Nikon's are made by Nikon, Nissin is made by ??? service down the road, or just a replacement battery door or flash foot may be difficult.

Answer 4

You should learn how to use your flash in manuel mode using radio trigger, you will have a better control of the light. It's just like using a camera in manuel mode, you're in total control, free to play with the light the way you want.



However if you still want to use the automatism while using radio trigger, pocket wizard will do the magic for a massive amount of money.



If you want cheaper trigger (automatism won't work, you'll have to set the power manually), the one you're looking or the cactus v4 and the v5 for enthusiast amateur are ok, you also have cybersync.



If money is involve (you, shooting a wedding or anything else..) get the pocket wizard, they're the most reliable trigger out there.



You will have to do a bit of reading in order to know how to set them up.



You can check out the strobist 101 blog http://strobist.blogspot.ca/2006/03/lighting-101.html



Feel free to join http://www.flickr.com/groups/strobist/



You can aslo type "strobist setup" in the flickr search bar, you will get a bunch of setup and idea.



Have fun!