Review on Canon ST E2 Speedlite Transmitter Speedlites by Matthew Fleming

Well I was very wary of buying this item as it was overpriced, typical Canon sales. I was very surprised with the unit (make sure you buy a 2CR5 battery) The unit is very easy to use, you set the flash to slave mode, attach the ST-E2 to the camera's hot shoe and lock it in place in this position, turn on the device and now you can use the device. I wish I had bought it at the same time as my 580ex flash, I've used a Canon OC-E2 cable off camera for a while and recently hacked it so I could extend the flash 50ft. Freeing you from the hassle of cords, the ST-E2 wireless transmitter is great for indoors with off-camera flash using strobist methods, outdoors there can be distance issues and depending on how bright the day is when you use it, via radio clapper or pocket magician will probably get you going, but with the Canon ST-E2 you save yourself full E-TTL. If you need additional distances and already have this product, radio poppers will complement it, however they are more expensive than pocket assistants but retain the full Canon E-TTL system. I would like Canon to release an updated model before this one so that it is a radio trigger and not an optical one. With pocket crafters and the right cables, you can at least activate your camera or flash remotely when you need it. If your budget is tight, then go straight for Pocket Masters, because the system is expandable. They are more expensive than this unit but you are not limited to one flash brand either, many photographers use the Vivitar 285HV brand flash with pocket makers and get great results. .Hope this review helps. Update, I now have a Pocket Wizard Flex TT5 and a Canon 7D. ST-E2 is no longer needed.