Anyone here use multiple flash guns?

[bramley]

Got a 430EX and am likely to get a 580EX to go with it. I've recently had a few goes with a mates 580 triggering my 430 and it's been great fun, a huge leap in the quality of shots was noticeable (albeit for a very specific subject = mountain bikes)

I've often thought about going for some cheap studio lights but lack of space puts me off, and although light from flashguns isn't perhaps as easy to 'shape' as it might be with studio lights, I think there's enough there to play with. I'm thinking I can arrange them in a similar way to Canon's macro flash heads for close up stuff, and tinker around with them for interesting portraits etc because I will have freedom to move the light around.

What I'm after is some examples of shots taken with multiple flashes, and any tips or tricks that you use, how you trigger them etc.

Was gonna get an ST-E2 wireless trigger but it turns out the range is 3.5-5 metres only. By contrast the 580 will act as a trigger over 8-10 metres, so I'm not gonna rush into the ST-E2.

Waiting for Kerso to quote me on the 580 II...

[aspender]

www.strobist.com all the information you need and more.

For examples take a look at their flickr group:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/strobist/

[Gemm]

bramley said:

Was gonna get an ST-E2 wireless trigger but it turns out the range is 3.5-5 metres only. By contrast the 580 will act as a trigger over 8-10 metres, so I'm not gonna rush into the ST-E2.

Mine works longer range than 3.5-5m. I'd say 10-15m or something at least.

[tog]

Gemm said:

bramley said:

Was gonna get an ST-E2 wireless trigger but it turns out the range is 3.5-5 metres only. By contrast the 580 will act as a trigger over 8-10 metres, so I'm not gonna rush into the ST-E2.

Mine works longer range than 3.5-5m. I'd say 10-15m or something at least.

I find it depends on ambient lighting - outside in bright sun it needs careful aiming, but inside in the dark it's brilliant, works round corners and everything!

[bramley]

Good resource aspender, cheers.

Gemm and tog, that's interesting, maybe I will get one then!

[tog]

Forgot to say, the ST-E2 is also much simpler and less fiddly to use than the main flash to control remotes. It will only do two groups though, but I've never needed three groups. TBH I usually only use one flash anyway.

[bramley]

My thinking is that if I only want one flash, I can have the 430 wherever I want as a slave, and trigger it with the 580 (on camera) and apparently you can tell the 580 not to fire, so it can be used just as a trigger.

Should give me a few options anyway. I'm gonna have to read up on flashes though, I often find myself getting in a muddle with the 430 so god knows how I'll manage two!

[Scoobydougie]

aspender said:

www.strobist.com all the information you need and more.

For examples take a look at their flickr group:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/strobist/

Some really interesting stuff there, been toying with the idea of getting a 580 flash to try something a bit different, plenty inspiration there!

(Looks like the plastic will be taking another hit!)