Chapter 4: Using Your Flash Off Your Camera

Most, if not all, professional images are produced with off-camera flash. When people ask me how to improve their flash photography, the one piece of advice I give is to get the flash off their camera as soon as possible. This means using the flash with a little knowledge so that you can produce stunning images.

The Canon Speedlite System allows you the flexibility to set up your flashes in groups, individually control flash exposure on your subject and background, and add a hair light or backlight. This chapter examines how the Canon Speedlite System uses the camera in conjunction with a Speedlite designated as a master unit to communicate with remote Speedlites designated as slaves. Understanding these concepts and putting them into practice opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities for your flash photography.

How the Speedlite System Works Wirelessly with Your Camera

The ingenious thing about the Canon Speedlite System is that Speedlites don’t have to be physically connected to the camera to be triggered or to utilize the myriad benefits of E-TTL II communication between the camera and flash. You can make all your adjustments using the External Speedlite control menu on some of Canon’s newer cameras, the 600EX/600EX-RT and 580EX II’s LCD monitor, or the back panel of the ST-E2 or ST-E3-RT Speedlite transmitter. When the flash is set to E-TTL, the Speedlite relays information to the camera, and the camera body relays information back to the Speedlite. You begin the conversation by pressing the shutter button and making the exposure. In a fraction of a second, the Speedlite fires a preflash and, along with the ambient light metering, determines what it thinks the correct flash output should be based on the metered zones. Zones that differ greatly in brightness are given less weight in the equation, as they are most likely to be reflections from small, highly reflective objects.

Modern lenses that return distance information to the camera also figure into the equation. It becomes even more complex (but easier for you) when you add slave flashes to the mix. The Speedlite, set to master, sends out a signal to the remotes to fire a series of preflashes to determine the exposure level. These preflashes are read by the camera’s TTL metering sensors, which combine readings from all the separate groups of Speedlites along with a reading of the ambient light.

The camera then tells the master unit what the proper exposure needs to be. The master unit then relays specific information to each group about how much exposure to give the subject. The camera then tells the master unit when the shutter is opened, and the master unit instructs the remote flashes to fire at the specified output.

All this is done in a millisecond, and for the most part, the results are superb. All these calculations go on behind the scenes so quickly that you don’t even notice they are happening. Swing your camera around to frame a different scene, and the whole process begins again — rapidly, wirelessly, and with amazing results.

When set as a master, wireless controllers like Speedlites or the ST-E3-RT and ST-E2 Speedlite transmitters communicate to slave flashes through an arrangement of channels, groups, and ratios. They use these controls to organize and set the light output for multiple Speedlites.

Overview of Wireless Flash Setup with the Canon Speedlite System

It is more than likely that you’ll begin your foray into the world of wireless flash photography with only one or two Speedlites, an ST-E3-RT or ST-E2 Speedlite transmitter, and possibly a pop-up flash if your camera has one. The pop-up flash can be used as a master on the latest EOS cameras that include them. Working this way, you can use one of the larger and more powerful Speedlites, such as the 600EX/600EX-RT or 580EX II, as an independent light source for background, hair light, or rim lighting from the side. The more lights you add, the more you think of creative ways to use them.

In the past, when photographers worked with studio strobe units, four heads were considered a standard kit and could handle most commercial assignments. Heavy and time consuming to set up and tear down, they were the price photographers had to pay for all that awesome location power. Granted they were capturing images on large pieces of low-ISO film at f/32 and f/64, and needed all that raw power. Nowadays, with digital technology and the ability to get great results with higher ISOs, that power is no longer as much of an issue.

Step 1: Choose a flash mode

Begin by deciding which flash mode you want to use. The main flash modes available when using the Speedlite System are E-TTL Automatic flash and Manual (M) mode, or Group mode (Gr) when using the 600EX-RT Speedlite. I usually just go with the E-TTL unless I need more precise control of individual Speedlites. A Speedlite set to Manual at 1/1 power delivers all the output that the Speedlite has to offer. E-TTL can sometimes be fooled by what the camera is seeing and vary the flash output. Keep in mind that the system is making all sorts of adjustments and computations based on the information it is receiving in real time, and every once in a while, all that incoming data just doesn’t add up. It’s up to you, the thinking human, to make the creative and technical judgment calls necessary to achieve the desired results. This is where Exposure Compensation and Flash Exposure Compensation can play an important role.

CROSS REF For more information on using the flash modes, see Chapter 2.

Step 2: Choose a wireless mode

Determine which wireless mode to select: Optical Transmission Wireless Shooting or Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting. This depends on the Speedlites and transmitter you’re working with as well as the shooting conditions. If you’re using a 600EX, 580EX II, or ST-E2, then the choice is simple because only optical wireless is available with those models. The 600EX-RT has a built-in radio transmitter as well as optical wireless capabilities, while the Speedlite transmitter ST-E3-RT has only built-in radio functionalty. Optically based systems require an unobstructed line of sight between the master and slave Speedlites and/or transmitter sensors to perform correctly. They have a limited range of approximately 30 feet outdoors and can fail in shooting conditions containing bright or direct sunlight.

Radio-based systems such as the 600EX-RT and ST-E3-RT have no such limitations. The 600EX-RT has a 98-foot range and the radio signal can easily pass through walls, through people, around corners, and so on. In Optical mode, the 600EX-RT is backward compatible with the 580EX II, 430EX II, and ST-E2. Note that when mixing 600EX-RTs, 600EXs, 580EX IIs and 430EX IIs together, you must choose either all Optical Transmission Wireless Shooting or all Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting, and you cannot use a mixture of both. Only Optical Transmission Wireless Shooting is comptible with the 600EX, 580EX II, and 430EX II.

Step 3: Choose a channel

After you select a flash shooting mode, the next step is to decide which channel to use. I usually just pick channel 1. In the rare times you are working near other photographers using Canon Speedlites wirelessly, find out which channel they’re using and just switch to a different one. In commercial settings, from time to time you may encounter interference problems with the channel you’re using, but switching to another channel usually solves this issue.

When using Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting mode (), the 600EX-RT and Speedlite transmitter ST-E3-RT default to Auto Channel Select mode. This mode chooses the best channel to use. There is also a Channel Scan feature to assist in finding the channel with the strongest signal. Based on the scan results, the channel can then be set manually. These units also allow input of a personal pin number for the channel, further minimizing the chance of radio interference.

NOTE Be sure all your Speedlites are set to the same channel, or they won’t function properly.

Step 4: Set up groups or slave IDs

For more complex lighting scenarios, the next step is setting up groups, also known as slave IDs. Generally, I set my main lights to group A; the fill lights to group B; and any peripheral lights, such as hair and background lights, to group C. This way you can adjust the output of the specific lights. The fill lights could be a little under what the E-TTL reading is, so by setting them to group B, you can adjust the ratios without altering the exposure of your main light. The background lights may or may not need to be adjusted, depending on the darkness or lightness of the background, whether you’re shooting high key or low key, and so on. I set these lights to group C so that I can make the necessary adjustments without affecting the other two exposures.

In addition to increasing the number of available groups from 3 to 5 and being able to work with up to 15 Speedlites wirelessly, the 600EX-RT Speedlite allows wireless mixing and control of E-TTL and manual flash all from the camera, master, or Speedlite transmitter ST-E3-RT. This opens up many new creative possibilities!

Step 5: Adjust the flash ratio levels

Last, I adjust the flash ratio levels. After the Speedlites are set up and the channels and groups are set, it’s time to take some test shots. If I have everything set to E-TTL flash mode right from the start, I’m pretty close to the proper exposure. I might just need to make some minor adjustments to the flash ratios, make any zoom head adjustments to tailor the light coverage and color of the light, and then I can start shooting. Adjustments can be made right on the flash on the camera, or on the ST-E3-RT or ST-E2 Speedlite transmitter, so there’s no need to visit each flash to make minor changes, a huge time-saver when working by yourself.

In the following sections, I go step by step through setting up your flashes for master and remote (slave) use, choosing a flash mode, setting channels and groups, and adjusting the output ratios for your specific needs.

Setting Up Master and Slave Flashes

This next part is a little technical, but don’t be alarmed. The really technical stuff goes on behind the scenes with algorithms and mathematics you don’t need to worry about; all you need to do is follow the action through your viewfinder and capture images. I cover how to set up the Speedlite as a master flash or a wireless remote (slave) flash, how to adjust the exposure, and how to set up groups of lights. I also give you some advice from the field. By now you are beginning to see just how multitalented and powerful the Canon Speedlite System can be.

You can control up to 15 Speedlites (600EX-RT), all from your camera. You don’t even need to have a light meter (although it is a useful tool); the camera meters for you. If you don’t like the way the lighting looks, you can change the flash output between the groups and/or individual Speedlites (in the case of the 600EX-RT and Speedlite transmitter ST-E3-RT) right from the camera or Speedlite transmitter. This is very convenient when you need to work quickly, such as when it’s getting dark out and you’re rapidly losing your ambient light or when you’re working without an assistant.

Masters

Start by setting up a Speedlite to serve as your control center or master flash. The master flash is what controls all the wireless slaves and sends them the instructions about what to do. A master flash can be a 600EX/600EX-RT, 580EX II, 580EX, 550EX, either of the Macro Speedlite flashes, or the ST-E3-RT or ST-E2. The 430EX II, older 430EX, 320EX, 270EX, and 270EX II cannot be used as masters, only as slaves during wireless remote operation.

NOTE The MR-14EX and the MT-24EX Macro flashes can also be used as masters to control off-camera remote slaves.

Setting up the 600EX/600EX-RT as a master

To use the 600EX/600EX-RT as a master flash, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the Speedlite and select E-TTL mode. Slide the OFF/LOCK/ON switch to the On position. Use the Mode button to toggle through modes and choose E-TTL mode.

2. Select Radio or Optical Transmission Wireless Shooting. Press the Linked Shooting button () to select Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting () or Optical Transmission Wireless Shooting (). Pressing the Linked Shooting button toggles though the master/slave Optical Transmission Wireless Shooting (600EX) and Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting (600EX/600EX-RT) modes on the LCD screen. Pressing the Linked Shooting button once selects Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting and sets the Speedlite as a master. Pressing the Wireless button three times selects Optical Transmission Wireless Shooting and sets the Speedlite as a master.

NOTE When your Speedlite is set for wireless master/slave functions, the flash remembers where you are in the sequence of choices. If you make a selection and then do nothing, after 10 seconds the settings are confirmed.

3. Set the zoom value. Press Function button 1 () once. By default, the 600EX/600EX-RT is already on the Menu 1 screen. The zoom value is highlighted. If the Speedlite is connected to the camera’s hot shoe, you can reset the auto zoom feature using the Select dial. If the flash is used off camera, depending on the look you wish to create with flash, use the Select dial to set the zoom designation to match the focal length of the lens you’re using. Or use different zoom settings to cover larger or smaller areas of the scene for creative effect. Press the Select/Set button to enter your zoom setting. The zoom head feature allows you to set how much of the scene you want to cover with the flash.

NOTE Function button 4 allows access to the Speedlite’s four menus. The sequence of the menus is as follows: Menu 1: Function button 1 controls zoom and accesses Custom Functions, Function button 2 sets FEC, and Function button 3 sets FEB. Menu 2: Function button 1 disables/enables Speedlite output and Function button 2 accesses ratio settings. Menu 3: Function button 1 sets channel selection, Function button 2 sets ID selections (600EX-RT), Function button 3 accesses channel scanning (600EX-RT). Menu 4: Function button 2 sets High-speed sync and Function button 3 saves or loads memory settings.

NOTE When you work with Speedlites off-camera, the auto zoom function is disabled.

4. Set a ratio if desired. Press Function button 4 once to enter Menu 2. Use Function button 2 in E-TTL mode to toggle between ALL (Ratio Off), A:B Ratio, or A:B and C Ratio for Speedlites or groups of Speedlites. Press Function button 3 () or the Select/Set button to toggle between A:B and the ratio scale. Function buttons are context sensitive and the name of Function button 3 on the LCD screen temporarily changes to A:B+/–. When the ratio value scale is highlighted, use the Select dial to choose the desired ratio. If you’ve selected the A:B and C ratio option, when you’re in the Ratio Setting mode (Function 3 button — ), you can switch from A:B to C by using the Select dial. This temporarily changes Function button 3’s title on the LCD screen to C +/–. Press the Select/Set button or Function button 3 to access the Ratio value scale for C. Set your desired ratio. In all cases, once the desired ratio is selected, press the Select/Set button to confirm, or do nothing and the Speedlite confirms your ratio selection after 5 seconds.

In Manual mode, press Function button 2 on Menu screen 1 to access Ratio settings for A, B, and C. Press Function button 3 to select A, B, or C and press it again or use the Select/Set button to access the ratio value scale for the desired group. Use the Select dial to set the desired ratio value on the scale, press the Select/Set button to confirm, or do nothing and the Speedlite confirms your ratio selection after 5 seconds.

In Multi mode, use Function button 4 on Menu screen 1 to advance to Menu screen 2. Use Function button 2 () to set the desired groups, ALL (Ratio Off), A, B, or C. Once the groups are set, press Function button 3 () to select the group and adjust its power. With group A, B, or C highlighted, use either Function button 3 or the Select/Set button to access to the ratio scale for the selected group. Function 3’s title on the LCD temporarily changes to indicate which group is selected and displays A +/–, B +/–, or C +/–. Use the Select dial to set the desired ratio value on the scale, press the Select/Set button to confirm, or do nothing and the Speedlite confirms your ratio selection after 5 seconds.

NOTE When you’re using only one group of Speedlites and you want them all to fire at the same power output, set the master ratio group setting to ALL. This disables any ratio settings. The master flash is always A group. When using two groups, choose ratio A:B. When using three groups of different Speedlites, the C group won’t fire unless you choose ratio A:B C.

5. Set up Group mode (Gr) if desired. Exclusive to the 600EX-RT and Speedlite transmitter ST-E3-RT is the new Group mode, accessed on both using the Mode button. This mode allows control with the master of up to five groups in Wireless Radio mode. To access Groups A, B, C, D, and E, use Function button 3 () on Menu screen 1 in the Group mode. Use the Select dial to toggle through the groups, each highlighted when selected. Press the Select/Set button or Function button 3 (which now indicates which group is selected) to access the power scale for that Speedlite or group. Use the Select dial to choose a power setting in 1/3-stop increments up to +/– 3 stops for the selected group, press the Select/Set button to confirm, or do nothing and the Speedlite confirms your ratio selection after 5 seconds.

Definitely worth mentioning are the ON/OFF and A/MODE options in Group mode. Once you are in Group mode, press Function button 3 (). Note that the names on the LCD screen for Function buttons 1 and 2 have changed to ON/OFF and A/MODE. These are really awesome additions and open up many new creative possibilities. After you press Function button 3 (), one of the Speedlite’s groups is highlighted. Using Function buttons 1 and 2, you are able to individually turn off or on a group (Speedlite or group of Speedlites) or change the mode of that group from E-TTL to Manual or Ext.A. This means two things: First of all, you can power on one Group at a time to see its effect. This is a tremendous aid when building light patterns. Second, you are now able to mix and match E-TTL and manual flash at the same time and control them all from the master or camera (2012 or later EOS camera model required). Once a group is selected, press Function button 1 (ON/OFF) to toggle the group on or off. Use Function button 2 (A/MODE) to toggle between available modes for that group (E-TTL, M, Ext.A). If a group is in Manual (M) mode, the group can be adjusted from 1/1–1/128 power by pressing Function button 3 () in Menu 1, using the Select dial to choose the group you’ve set to (M) mode, pressing Function button 3 or the Select/Set button to enter the power value scale, and rotating the Select dial to the desired power setting. Press the Select/Set button to confirm.

6. Use Auto Channel Selection or manually select a channel. When using the 600EX-RT in Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting mode (), press Function button 4 (Menu 1) twice to enter Menu 3. Press Function button 1 (), and the selected channel number or Auto (600EX-RT radio mode) appears in the upper-right corner of the LCD. Use the Select dial to choose the desired channel. The same channel must be selected for the master and all slaves to function properly. The 600EX-RT is in Auto channel select mode by default. Pressing function button 2 () enables you to enter a personal pin number ID to further reduce the chances of radio interference in the event someone nearby is using the same channel. When using channels 1–15 in radio mode, pressing Function button 3 () scans signal strength and displays a screen where you can select the strongest channel using the Select dial to move between channels. If you need to go back in the menu system, use Function button 4 (). Press the Select/Set button to confirm your choice.

When you’re using the 600EX/600EX-RT in Optical Transmission Wireless Shooting mode (), press Function button 4 (Menu 1) twice to enter Menu 2. Press Function button 1 to highlight the channel in the upper-right corner of the LCD and use the Select dial to choose channels 1–4. Press the Select/Set button to confirm your choice.

7. Set master flash output. Press Function button 4 (Menu 1) once until its LCD name changes to Menu 2. Press Function button 1 to toggle the flash output on () or off (). Typically, when you’re working with a master flash mounted on the camera’s hot shoe and with slave flashes in remote positions, you want to turn this to the Off () position. When you do this, the master flash does not fire or contribute to the exposure, but it does continue to communicate the necessary instructions to the slave flashes being used.

8. Choose High-speed sync if desired. Press Function button 4 (Menu 1) three times to display Menu 4. Press Function button 2 () to toggle High-speed sync () on and off.

9. Turn off wireless Master mode if desired. Press the Linked Shooting button to toggle through the various wireless modes and turn off the wireless system.

NOTE The first number in each ratio always refers to Speedlites in group A, and the second number of the ratio always refers to Speedlites in group B.

Setting up the 580EX II as a master

To use the 580EX II as a master flash, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the Speedlite and select E-TTL mode. Flip the On/Off switch to the On position. Use the Mode button to toggle through modes and choose E-TTL.

2. Press and hold the Zoom/Wireless button to enter the Wireless setup menu. Both Off and the wireless icon blink on the Speedlite’s LCD.

3. Turn the Select dial so that On, Master, and the wireless icon blink on the Speedlite’s LCD. The auto zoom icon switches to manual. If you do nothing, after 5 seconds the display stops blinking.

4. Press the Zoom button once. The zoom designation blinks. If the Speedlite is connected to the camera’s hot shoe, you can reset the auto zoom feature using the Select dial. If the flash is used off-camera, depending on the look you wish to create with flash, set the zoom designation to match the focal length of the lens you’re using or use different zoom settings to cover larger or smaller areas of the scene for creative effect. The zoom head feature allows you to set how much of the scene you want to cover with the flash.

NOTE When your Speedlite is set for wireless master/slave functions, the flash remembers where you are in the sequence of choices and cycles to the next one every time you push the Zoom button. If you make a selection and then do nothing, after 5 seconds the display stops blinking, and the settings are confirmed. The next time you push the Zoom button, the next item starts to blink, allowing you to change it. The sequence order is zoom head setting, ratio on/off setting, channel setting, flash firing on/off, and, if ratio was turned on, the settings for that.

NOTE When you work with Speedlites off-camera, the auto zoom function is disabled.

5. Press the Zoom button so that both Off and the Ratio icon blink. Set your desired ratio. Use the Select dial to change the setting. Choose from ratio off, ratio A:B, or ratio A:B C. Again, you can press the Select/Set button to confirm, or do nothing and the Speedlite will confirm your ratio selection after 5 seconds.

NOTE When you’re using only one group of Speedlites, or if you want all the Speedlites to fire at the same power output, just use one group and choose the ratio off setting. The master flash is always A. When using two groups, choose ratio A:B. When using three groups of different Speedlites, the C group won’t fire unless you choose ratio A:B C. The power output of C group flashes can only be controlled using a master flash and not the ST-E2 transmitter with is limited to A:B groups. The Speedlite transmitter ST-E3-RT is not compatible.

6. Press the Zoom button until the channel settings blink. Use the Select dial to change the setting from channels 1 through 4.

7. Press the Zoom button until the master flash output setting blinks. Use the Select dial to turn the flash output on or off. Typically when working with a master flash mounted on the camera’s hot shoe and slave flashes in remote positions you’ll want to turn this to the Off position. By doing this, the master flash will not fire or contribute to the exposure but it will continue to communicate the necessary instructions to the slave flashes being used.

8. Press the Zoom button to finish, or set the A:B ratio numbers if ratio was selected. Scroll the dial left or right to set the flash ratio. You can set the flash ratio from 8:1 to 1:1 to 1:8. To set the output level for group C when using three groups of Speedlites, set the ratio to A:B C. When everything else is set, press the Select/Set button in the center of the Select dial until ratio C is blinking, and then scroll the dial left or right to adjust the Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC). This can be adjusted in 1/3 stops to +/–3 stops of light. With no Exposure Compensation, group C fires at the same output as group B.

9. If desired, press and hold the Zoom/Wireless button again to turn off the wireless system by selecting Off with the Select dial.

NOTE The first number in each ratio always refers to Speedlites in group A, and the second number of the ratio always refers to Speedlites in group B.

Understanding Flash Ratios in the Canon Speedlite System

When setting the ratios for your wireless Speedlites, you are given quite a few options. The ratios are adjustable in increments of 1/2 stop, allowing you 13 different settings. This allows you a total of +/–3 stops of light, enough latitude for most situations.

In the center position is the ratio 1:1. This means that the Speedlites in group A and the Speedlites in group B both fire at the same output. Adjusting the ratio to 2:1 means that the Speedlites in group A fire at twice the output as group B. Conversely, adjusting the ratio to 1:2 means that group A fires at half the power of group B.

Group C fires at the same output as group B when used in ratio A:B C. Use Flash Exposure Compensation to adjust group C to fit your specific lighting requirements.

Setting up the ST-E3-RT

The Speedlite transmitter ST-E3-RT is a new radio-enabled wireless controller, and at this point, it is exclusively compatible with the 600EX-RT Speedlite. Fantastic in many ways, this lightweight, slimmer, and much lower profile transmitter than ST-E2 is an almost exact duplicate of the 600EX-RT in every way except it has no flash head or AF-assist beam. This makes learning how to use it a snap. Once you’ve learned how to operate the 600EX-RT, you’ve essentially learned how to use the ST-E3 and vice versa.

When attached to your camera’s hotshoe, the ST-E3 becomes the control center (master) for your radio-based wireless Speedlite use. Keep in mind that 2012 or later EOS camera models are required for full access to the camera’s onboard external Speedlite menus and full radio-based functionality. However, everything you need is easily accessible using the improved interface and navigation on the new LCD screen located on top of the Speedlite transmitter ST-E3-RT. Keep in mind also that in E-TTL mode the Speedlite transmitter ST-E3-RT can trigger three groups of flashes. A:B and C groups fire if ratios are set. In Group mode (Gr), up to five groups containing up to 15 Speedlites can be independently controlled using E-TTL, Manual (M), Ext.A, or a mixture of each. The ST-E2’s ratio, FEC, FEB, and High-speed sync capabilities have been carried over to this model with a much improved navigation system for accessing and controlling these features. See more information earlier in this chapter on setting the 600EX/600EX-RT as a master.

Here are some of the new features of the Speedlite transmitter ST-E3-RT:

▶ Built-in radio-enabled transmitter. Up to 98 feet of wireless radio communication range with 600EX-RT Speedlites and no line-of-sight limitations.

▶ Independent control of the mode setting and light output of up to 5 slave groups containing up to 15 slave Speedlites.

▶ Dot Matrix LCD screen, understandable language for Custom Functions (C.Fn) and Personal Functions (P.Fn), consistent menu item placement, and intuitive navigation.

▶ Four Function buttons that change their function depending on the mode being displayed via a context-sensitive LCD menu system.

▶ Two-way radio communication between the master and slaves. The master and each slave have a Link lamp above the LCD screen switches from from red to green when successful communication has been established. The Test flash button below the LCD displays a red light when all slaves are ready to fire.

▶ When you shoot with a slave using Group mode (Gr) or shoot using Speedlites in ratio groups, a lightning bolt symbol appears next to each slave represented on the LCD when it’s ready to fire.

For radio control of one or more off-camera Speedlites, the Speedlite transmitter ST-E3-RT is invaluable because it gives you cable-free operation unencumbered by optical system line-of-sight restrictions, with 98 feet of range. The unit is powered by 2 AA lithium batteries. I prefer to use rechargeable AAs for the ST-E3-RT. The lack of an AF-assist beam is an unfortunate omission and something Canon will hopefully address in the next version. Low-light shooters shouldn’t have to rely on an additional 600EX-RT solely for this purpose.

To set up the ST-E3-RT Speedlite transmitter, do the following (the ST-E3-RT is exclusively a master commander):

1. Attach the Speedlite transmitter ST-E3-RT. Mount the ST-E3-RT on your camera’s hot shoe. Slide the hot shoe locking switch on the bottom of the transmitter to the right to lock it into position.

2. Turn on the Speedlite transmitter ST-E3-RT. Slide the OFF/LOCK/ON switch to the On position.

3. Select a mode using the Mode button. Choose E-TTL, Manual (M), Stroboscopic (Multi), or Group (Gr).

4. Set up Group mode (Gr) if desired.

NOTE For details on how to complete Steps 4 through 7, see the instructions earlier in this chapter on setting up the 600EX/600EX-RT as a master.

5. Set a ratio if desired.

6. Use Auto Channel Selection or manually select a channel.

7. Select a personal pin number ID for your channel.

8. Choose High-speed sync if desired. Press Function button 4 (Menu 1) three times to display Menu 4. Press Function button 2 (Sync) to toggle High-speed sync () on and off.

NOTE To lock the settings on the Speedlite transmitter ST-E3-RT and prevent them from being changed, slide the Power switch to the Lock position.

Courtesy of Canon

4.8 Control panel of the Speedlite transmitter ST-E3-RT

Setting up the ST-E2

The ST-E2 Speedlite transmitter is a joy to work with. Lightweight, compact, and very balanced when it’s connected to the camera’s hot shoe, it becomes the control center for your wireless shooting. All the necessary changes can be made right from the back panel. Keep in mind that while the ST-E2 can trigger three groups of flashes, only the A:B groups will fire if ratios are set.

Here are some of the features of the ST-E2:

▶ Control of three groups of Speedlites with the ability to control the slave’s light output.

▶ An AF-assist beam that is compatible with 28mm and longer lens focal lengths. The AF-assist beam has an effective range of approximately 2.0 to 32 feet along the periphery (in total darkness). The ST-E2 can come in handy as an AF-assist tool, even if you aren’t using flash, in low light situations where locking focus can be a challenge.

▶ Flash ratio control and adjustment and channel control. The flash ratio control for the A:B ratio is 1:8 to 8:1, in 1/2-step increments or 13 steps.

▶ FE Lock, Flash Exposure Bracketing, Flash Exposure Compensation, Stroboscopic flash, and High-speed sync (FP flash) in High-speed sync mode for flash synchronization at all shutter speeds. Flash Exposure Confirmation during FE Lock is indicated when the flash exposure level icon is lit in the viewfinder. If the flash exposure is insufficient, the icon blinks. After the flash fires, the ST-E2’s flash confirmation lamp lights in green for 3 seconds.

▶ Infrared pulse transmission system with a range of approximately 12 to 15 meters (39.4 to 49.2 feet) indoors, and approximately 8 to 10 meters (26.2 to 32.8 feet) outdoors. The flash transmission coverage is +/–40 degrees horizontal and +/–30 degrees vertical.

For multiple off-camera Speedlite shooting, the ST-E2 is invaluable because it gives you cable-free operation and precise flash ratio control. The unit is powered by CR5 lithium batteries. I prefer to use rechargeable CR5s for the ST-E2, which provide approximately 1,000 to 1,500 transmissions per charge.

To set up the ST-E2 Speedlite transmitter, follow these steps:

1. Attach the ST-E2 to your camera’s hot shoe and lock with the switch on the lower-left side of the transmitter.

2. Turn the ST-E2 on using the power switch.

3. Select the proper channel using the Channel button. The channel number is illuminated when selected. Keep pressing the Channel button to select different channels.

4. To turn on the ratio feature, press the Ratio button. The Ratio On lamp lights up when activated.

5. Adjust the flash ratio settings using the left and right arrow buttons. The lamps under the ratio designations are illuminated when selected.

6. Press the High-speed sync button to turn this feature on or off.

4.9 Control panel of the ST-E2

NOTE To lock the settings on the ST-E2 and prevent them from being changed, slide the Power button to the Hold position.

Slaves

There is perhaps no more fun in flash photography than when you use multiple wireless Speedlites to create colorful, stunning photographs. I use the 600EX/600EX-RT and the Speedlite transmitter ST-E3-RT or the 580EX II and the ST-E2 transmitter with Speedlites, and I add light modifiers depending on the subject and the mood I’m trying to create. As stated previously, the two systems differ in the way they commnicate wirelessly and their resulting range and capabilities. When you use optically based wireless systems like the 580EX II and ST-E2 outdoors, you have to ensure that the signal between the Speedlites and or transmitter is direct, or in a line of sight. In an interior setting, you have a bit more flexibility in setting up the flashes. Systems that are enabled for radio communication like the 600EX-RT and Speedlite transmitter ST-E3-RT have a much greater range and no line-of-sight restrictions.

Courtesy of Dennis Urbiztondo

4.10 Here the slave flash, fired wirelessly, was placed camera left and bounced into a Hanson Fong bounce card that was attached. Exposure: ISO 400, f/4.5, 1/250 second with an EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM lens.

Setting up the 600EX/600EX-RT as a remote slave

To set up the 600EX/600EX-RT for use as a wireless remote slave flash, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the Speedlite and select Radio or Optical Transmission Wireless Shooting. Slide the OFF/LOCK/ON switch to the On position. Press the Linked Shooting button () repeatedly until either Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting () Slave mode or Optical Transmission Wireless Shooting () Slave mode is selected. In Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting mode, the master can either be a 600EX-RT or Speedlite transmitter ST-E3-RT. If the master and slave are communicating, the green Link lamp on both will be lit. In Optical Transmission Wireless Shooting mode, the master can be a 600EX/600EX-RT, 580EX II, 580EX, 550EX, either of the Macro Speedlite flashes, the ST-E2 Speedlite transmitter, or the pop-up flash on the newest EOS cameras.

2. Set up Group mode (Gr). In Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting () Slave mode, press Function button 3 to select the slave group A, B, C, D, or E. By default the 600EX-RT is set to the A slave group. Press Function button 2 () to activate the FEC value scale and use the Select dial to choose the desired +/– 3 stops of power in 1/3-stop increments. In Optical Transmission Wireless Shooting mode (), the 600EX/600EX-RT also defaults to the A slave group. Press Function button 3 to select slave group A, B, or C. Press Function button 2 (+/–) to activate the FEC value scale and use the Select dial to choose the desired +/– 3 stops of power in 1/3-stop increments. Press the Select/Set button to confirm your choice.

3. Set the zoom value. Press Function button 4 again to return to Menu 1. Press Function button 1 () to highlight the manual zoom value in the upper-right corner of the LCD screen. Use the Select dial to scroll left or right to set the flash head zoom to match the focal length of the lens you’re using or to use a different zoom amount (20mm–200mm) for creative effect. Press the Select/Set button to confirm your choices. The zoom head feature allows you to set how much of the scene you want to cover with the flash.

4. Use Auto Channel Selection or manually select a channel. In Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting () Slave mode (600EX-RT), press Function button 4 until you access Menu 3. Press Function button 1 () to highlight the channel indicator in the upper-right of the LCD screen. The default is Auto Channel Selection mode. Use the Select dial to choose channels 1–15, and press the Select/Set button to confirm your choice. Note that the channel scanning feature is only available on radio-enabled masters. Press Function button 4 until Menu 3 is selected and press Function button 2 () to enter a personal pin number ID. This is intended to help reduce the chance of radio interference from people nearby using the same channel.

When you’re using the 600EX/600EX-RT in Optical Transmission Wireless Shooting Slave mode (), press Function 4 button (Menu 1) twice to enter Menu 2. Press Function button 1 to highlight the channel in the upper-right corner of the LCD and use the Select dial to choose channels 1–4. Press the Select/Set button to confirm your choice.

NOTE In both Radio () and Optical () Wireless modes, both the master and the slave must share the same channel setting for wireless flash to function.

Setting up the 580EX II as a remote slave

To set up the 580EX II for use as a wireless remote slave flash:

1. Turn on and set the master unit to E-TTL. The master can be a 580EX II, 580EX, 550EX, either of the Macro Speedlite flashes, the ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter or the pop-up flash on the newest EOS cameras.

2. Press and hold the Zoom/Wireless button to enter the Wireless setup menu. Both Off and the wireless icon blink on the Speedlite’s LCD. These settings include the flash head zoom range (24mm–105mm), the communication channel (1–4), and the slave group (A, B, or C). When the specific setting is ready to be changed, it blinks.

3. Set the flash status to Slave. Press and hold the Zoom/Wireless button until the display blinks, then turn the Select dial until Slave blinks, and then press the Select/Set button to confirm.

4. Set the zoom. Press the Zoom/Wireless button again and scroll the dial left or right to set the flash head zoom to match the focal length of the lens you’re using or use different zoom settings for creative effect. The zoom head feature allows you to set how much of the scene you want to cover with the flash.

5. Set the channel. Scroll the dial left or right to set the channel on which the flashes communicate with each other.

NOTE Both the master and the slave must be set to the same channel number for wireless flash to work.

6. Set the slave group. You can have up to three different groups of Speedlites: A, B, or C.

NOTE The slave ID only needs to be set when you’re using two or more groups of flashes.

Setting up the 430EX II as a remote slave

To set up the 430EX II for use as a wireless remote slave flash, follow these steps:

1. Turn on and set the master unit to E-TTL; this will be either another Speedlite or an ST-E2 transmitter.

2. Press and hold the Zoom button for two seconds or more to set the flash for wireless slave operation and additional settings. These settings include the flash head zoom range (24mm–105mm), the communication channel (1–4), and the slave ID (A, B, or C). When the specific setting is ready to be changed, it starts blinking.

3. Set the zoom. Press the + or – button to set the flash head zoom to match the focal length of the lens you’re using or use different zoom settings for creative effect. The zoom head feature allows you to set how much of the scene you want to cover with the flash.

4. Set the channel. Press the + or – button to set the channel on which the flashes communicate with each other.

NOTE Both the master and the slave must be set to the same channel for wireless flash to work.

5. Set the slave group. You can have up to three different groups of Speedlites: A, B, or C.

Setting Up a Wireless Manual Flash

Changing from E-TTL mode to Manual mode is not as scary as it sounds. Sure, photographers in the old days had to figure out some guide numbers charts that used to be on flashes and set their flashes accordingly. They also had to wait a few days to get their results back from the lab. In that amount of time, camera settings and flash-to-subject distances could be forgotten, replaced by other details in life unless they were written down. However, today, with digital cameras and the ability to review your results on the camera’s LCD monitor immediately (chimping), more time is spent shooting than figuring out manual flash output settings.

Getting a handle on manual flash output is as easy as turning on a water faucet when you consider the similarities. If you need a lot of water in a hurry, you turn it on full blast. If you only need a tiny bit of moisture to seal an envelope, you release only a drop or two.

Manual flash output works in a similar fashion. I rarely use the two extremes — 1/1 to full power or 1/128 for the 600EX/600EX-RT and 580EX II or 1/64 for the 430EX II — and I find myself nearly always in the middle of the range, 1/16, 1/8 power settings, and so on. In fact, that’s where I start, somewhere in the middle of the range, and much like a chef, I add a little bit of power here and take away some there. It’s all about molding and shaping the light to perform the way you want it to.

Another consideration in my lighting setup is that the full power setting uses up batteries faster, which produces slower recycle times. Conversely, using low power or adding more Speedlites so that you can adjust them to lower power settings individually speeds up recycle times and extends battery life. You can also adjust the effect of the Speedlite’s contribution to the scene by physically moving the flash closer or farther away from the subject to control the amount of light hitting the scene.

600EX/600EX-RT in Manual mode

To set up for manual wireless flash on the 600EX/600EX-RT in Master mode, follow these steps:

NOTE In the previous section’s steps you were in Slave mode. The Speedlite can’t be in Slave mode for this step. If the unit is in Slave mode, use the Linked Shooting button to switch to Manual (M) Master mode in either Radio or Optical modes.

1. Turn on the Speedlite. Slide the OFF/LOCK/ON switch to the On position.

2. Select Radio or Optical Transmission Wireless Shooting. Press the Linking Shooting button () repeatedly and choose either Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting () Master mode or Optical Transmission Wireless Shooting () Master mode.

3. Set the 600EX/600EX-RT to Manual. Press the Mode button to change the flash from E-TTL to Manual (M).

4. Set master flash output. Press Function button 4 (Menu 1) once until its LCD name changes to Menu 2. Press Function button 1 to toggle the flash output on () or off (). Typically, when you’re working with a master flash mounted on the camera’s hot shoe and with slave flashes in remote positions, you want to turn this to the Off () position. When you do this, the master flash does not fire or contribute to the exposure but it does continue to communicate the necessary instructions to the slave flashes being used.

5. Set Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC). By default, the Speedlite is in the ALL group, meaning the power settings you assign for the master (if firing) and the slaves apply uniformly to all linked Speedlites. Press Function button 2 () to highlight the FEC value scale and use the Select dial to choose +/– 3 stops of power in 1/3-stop increments. Press the Select/Set button to confirm your settings.

6. Set a ratio if desired. Press Function button 2 (), once to change ALL to A and B groups. Press Function button 2 again to add the C group. Press Function button 3 () to highlight the group’s power you want to adjust. Function button 3 temporarily changes to indicate the selected group and display either A +/–, B +/–, or C +/–. Press Function button 3 again (or the Select/Set button) to highlight the output power scale, and use the Select dial to choose the desired setting from 1/1 (full power) to 1/128 power. Press Function button 4 to go backward in the menus if necessary. Press the Select/Set button to confirm your settings.

7. Set up Group mode (Gr) if desired. Press the Mode button to toggle modes and choose the Group mode (Gr). This mode allows control with the master of up to five groups in Wireless Radio mode (). To access Groups A, B, C, D, and E, use Function button 3 () on Menu screen 1 in the Group mode. Use the Select dial to toggle through the groups, each highlighted when selected. Press the Select/Set button or Function button 3 (which now indicates which group is selected) to access the power scale for that Speedlite or group. Use the Select dial to choose a power setting in 1/3-stop increments up to +/– 3 stops for the selected group, press the Select/Set button to confirm, or do nothing and the Speedlite confirms your ratio selection after 5 seconds.

Once you are in Group mode, press Function button 3 (). Note that the names on the LCD screen for Function buttons 1 and 2 have changed to ON/OFF and A/MODE. After you press Function button 3 (), one of the Speedlite’s groups is highlighted. Using Function buttons 1 and 2, you are able to individually turn off or on a group (Speedlite or group of Speedlites) or change the mode of that group from E-TTL to Manual or Ext.A. You are now able to mix and match E-TTL and manual flash at the same time and control them all from the master or camera (2012 or later EOS camera model required). Once a group is selected, press Function button 1 (ON/OFF) to toggle the group on or off. Use Function button 2 (A/MODE) to toggle between available modes for that group (E-TTL, M, Ext.A). If a group is in Manual (M) mode, the group can be adjusted from 1/1–1/128 power by pressing Function button 3 () in Menu 1, using the Select dial to choose the group you’ve set to (M) mode, pressing Function button 3 or the Select/Set button to enter the power value scale, and rotating the Select dial to the desired power setting. Press the Select/Set button to confirm.

8. Set Zoom value. In Menu 1, press Function button 1 () to highlight the manual zoom value in the upper-right corner of the LCD screen. Use the Select dial to scroll left or right to set the flash head zoom to match the focal length of the lens you’re using or to use a different zoom amount (20mm–200mm) for creative effect. Press the Select/Set button to confirm your choices.

9. Use Auto Channel Selection or manually select a channel and ID. In Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting Slave mode (600EX-RT), press Function button 4 until you access menu 3. Press Function button 1 () to highlight the channel indicator in the upper-right of the LCD screen. The default is Auto Channel Selection mode. Use the Select dial to choose channels 1–15, and press the Select/Set button to confirm your choice. Channel scanning is only available on the master. Press Function button 4 until Menu 3 is selected and press Function button 2 () to enter a personal pin number ID. This is intended to help reduce the chance of radio interference from people nearby using the same channel.

When using the 600EX/600EX-RT in Optical Transmission Wireless Shooting () Slave mode, press Function button 4 (Menu 1) twice to enter Menu 2. Press Function button 1 to highlight the channel in the upper-right corner of the LCD and use the Select dial to choose channels 1–4. Press the Select/Set button to confirm your choice.

10. Choose High-speed sync if desired. Press Function button 4 (Menu 1) three times to display Menu 4. Press Function button 2 () to toggle High-speed sync () on and off.

11. Confirm communication. If you’ve also powered on and set up your slaves, the green Link lamp on the master and slave(s) should be lit, indicating successful communication.

12. Turn off wireless Master mode if desired. Press the Linked Shooting button () to toggle through the various wireless modes and turn off the wireless system.

580EX II in Manual mode

To set up for manual wireless flash on the 580EX II in Master mode, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the Speedlite. Slide the On/Off switch to the On position. Press the Mode button to change the flash from E-TTL to Manual (M). Confirm that the flash is set to Master mode.

NOTE In the previous steps you were in Slave mode. The Speedlite can’t be in Slave mode for this first step. If the unit is in Slave mode, you can’t switch out of E-TTL unless you press and hold the Mode button.

2. Set the 580EX II to Master. Press and hold the Zoom/Wireless button until the display blinks and then turn the Select dial until Master blinks. Press the Select/Set button to confirm your selection.

3. Press the Select/Set button. The manual flash output setting will blink. Use the Select dial to set the flash’s desired output. You have 21 different power levels available in 1/3-stop increments.

4. Press the Zoom button. This selects the flash head zoom range so that it can be changed. When the 580EX II is ready to change, it blinks. Set the flash head zoom to match the focal length of the lens you are using.

5. Press the Zoom button again. This sets the zoom and highlights the ratio setting so that it can be changed. Use the Select dial to choose from ratio off, ratio A:B, or ratio A:B C.

When using only one group of Speedlites, set the ratio to ratio off. When using two groups, set the ratio to ratio A:B. When using three groups, set the ratio to ratio A:B C.

6. Press the Zoom button to highlight the channel settings. Use the Select dial to choose from channels 1 through 4.

7. Press the Select/Set button in the center of the dial to choose the group. When the group letter is blinking, use the dial to set the desired output level. Press the Select/Set button to cycle through the groups.

8. Turn the Select dial to set the desired light output. Then press the Select/Set button to confirm or do nothing, and after a few seconds the display will stop blinking.

Setting slaves for manual flash

You can also set your slave units to function entirely manually. Changes need to be made on the slave unit itself; any changes made on the master unit do not affect the power output of the slaves. This takes a little more effort, but remember, you’re making pictures, not just taking them.

When setting up my Speedlites for manual remote use, I start by setting all the masters and slaves to the same power output settings, placing them where I want them, and working from there. After my lights are situated, I add any light modifiers I’m planning on using such as such as diffusers, snoots, gobos, grids, and colored gels. Light modifiers reduce the light output of the Speedlites they’re attached to in varying degrees, so if I start with all the Speedlites set the same in manual, I know how far from that baseline they are and can begin adjusting as needed.

600EX/600EX-RT

To set the 600EX/600EX-RT as a manual slave, follow these steps on the master:

1. Turn on the Speedlite and set it as master or use the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT. Slide the OFF/LOCK/ON switch to the On position. This is your master. If you’re using the Speedlite transmitter ST-E3-RT, it is a master by default. If you’re using the 600EX/600EX-RT, press the Linked Shooting button () to toggle through the wireless modes and select either Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting () Master mode or Optical Transmission Wireless Shooting () Master mode.

2. Switch the master to Manual. Using the Mode button, select Manual (M) mode on the device you’re using as your master.

3. Select the Wireless Transmission mode on the slave Speedlite(s). Press the Linked Shooting button () to toggle through the wireless modes and select either Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting () Slave mode or Optical Transmission Wireless Shooting () Slave mode.

4. Set the number of groups. On the master, in Menu 1, press Function button 2 () to switch from ALL (RATIO OFF) to A and B groups. Press Function button 2 again to add the C group.

5. Set the power level output of each group. On the master, press Function button 3 () to highlight the group with the flash output you want to adjust. Function button 3 temporarily changes to indicate the selected group and displays either A +/–, B +/–, or C +/–. Press Function button 3 again (or the Select/Set button) to highlight the output power scale. Use the Select dial to choose the desired setting from 1/1 (full power) to 1/128 power. Press Function button 4 () to go backward in the menus if necessary. Press the Select/Set button to confirm your settings.

6. Set Zoom value. On the slave, in Menu 1, press Function button 1 () to highlight the manual zoom value in the upper-right corner of the LCD screen. Use the Select dial to scroll left or right to set the flash head zoom to match the focal length of the lens you’re using or use different zoom amount (20mm–200mm) for creative effect. Press the Select/Set button to confirm your choices.

7. Set the channel and ID. In Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting () Slave mode (600EX-RT), press Function button 4 until you access Menu 3. Press Function button 1 () to highlight the channel indictor in the upper-right of the LCD screen. The default is Auto Channel Selection mode. Use the Select dial to choose channels 1–15, and press the Select/Set button to confirm your choice. Channel scanning is only available on the master. Press Function button 4 until Menu 3 is selected and press Function button 2 () to enter a personal pin number ID. This is intended to help reduce the chance of radio interference from people nearby using the same channel.

When using the 600EX/600EX-RT in Optical Transmission Wireless Shooting () Slave mode, press Function 4 button (Menu 1) twice to enter Menu 2. Press Function button 1 to highlight the channel in the upper-right corner of the LCD and use the Select dial to choose channels 1–4. Press the Select/Set button to confirm your choice.

8. Confirm communication. The green Link lamp on the master and slave(s) is lit if they are successfully communicating.

580EX II

To set the 580EX II as a manual slave, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the Speedlite.

2. Set the 580EX II to Slave. Press the Zoom/Wireless button for two seconds or longer until the display blinks. Turn the Select dial until Slave blinks and press the Select/Set button to confirm.

3. Press the Mode button for two seconds. This sets the flash to Manual mode. You see a blinking M on the LCD and the power level indicated.

4. Press and hold the Select/Set button. The M and the power level blink.

5. Set the power level output using the Select dial. The power level can be set to 1/1 or full power, all the way down to 1/128 power.

6. Press the Select/Set button to save the power setting.

430EX II

To set the 430EX II as a manual slave, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the Speedlite.

2. Set the 430EX II to slave by holding down the Zoom/Wireless button for two seconds or longer.

3. Press and hold the Mode button for 2 seconds. This sets the flash to Manual Slave mode. You see a blinking M on the LCD.

4. Press and hold the Select/Set button for 1 second. The M and the power level blink.

5. Set the power level output using the + or – button. The power level can be set to 1/1 or full power, all the way down to 1/64 power.

6. Press the Select/Set button to save the power setting.

Using Wireless Multi-Stroboscopic Flash

You can use your 600EX/600EX-RT and 580EX II to fire a slave using the Multi-stroboscopic flash mode. Although the 430EX II does not have the ability to do multi-stroboscopic flash on its own, when you use it as a slave with the 600EX/600EX-RT (optical transmission wireless shooting) or 580EX II as a master, this function does become available to you.

Setting Up Channels and Groups or Slave IDs

In this section, you look at how to set channels and slave IDs to be used with wireless flash.

Channels

When using a Speedlite in the wireless mode, you can decide which channel your master unit uses to communicate with the slave. In Optical Transmission Wireless Shooting mode (), you have four channels numbered 1 through 4 to choose from, and it doesn’t really matter which one you use. This feature is included because professional photographers sometimes shoot alongside each other using similar equipment, such as at a sporting event or stage performance. To prevent another photographer’s Speedlites from setting off your own (and vice versa), you can set your master flash or transmitter to a different channel.

When you use the 600EX-RT in Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting mode () and the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT (which is always in Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting mode), you have additional channel options available, including 15 channels (1–15), Auto channel select mode, Channel Scan mode, Manual channel selection, and personal pin number IDs for channels.

As previously described, channels are different than groups. All the Speedlites you wish to use can be set to different groups but must all be set to the same channel.

Groups

When you use more than one Speedlite, set up your Speedlite’s slave in separate groups in order to adjust the lighting for each group to produce different quantities of light, unless you are shooting in Manual power mode. Setting each group to different output levels enables you to creatively control the light that falls on your subject. For many shooting situations, I like to vary the light output to show texture, some color, and contouring.

Your subject in relation to the background determines the lighting setup. In an ideal world, there would be excellent backgrounds everywhere, but in much of the location portrait work I do, there aren’t. You still have to come back with results, and so I often use different groups to light stubborn areas of my shot that are going too dark. The size of the light source, distance to subject, diffusers, grids, light modifiers, and gels are the tools I use to fine-tune the light and get the shot.

NOTE The channel and slave group setting must be set on each individual Speedlite for them to function properly.

600EX/600EX-RT

To set channels, personal pin number IDs for channels, groups, and ratios using the 600EX/600EX-RT, follow these steps:

1. Select a channel and personal pin number ID. Use Auto channel selection (600EX-RT) or manually select a channel. When using the 600EX-RT in Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting mode (), press Function button 4 (Menu 1) twice to enter Menu 3. Press Function button 1 (), and the selected Channel number or Auto (600EX-RT radio mode) appears in the upper-right corner of the LCD. Use the Select dial to choose the desired channel. The same channel must be selected for the master and all slaves to function properly. The 600EX-RT is in Auto channel select mode by default. Pressing function button 2 () enables you to enter a personal pin number ID to further reduce the chances of radio interference in the event someone nearby is using the same channel. When using channels 1–15 in Radio mode, pressing Function button 3 () scans signal strength and displays a screen where you can select the strongest channel using the Select dial to move between channels. If you need to go back in the menu system, use Function button 4 (). Press the Select/Set button to confirm your choice.

When you use the 600EX/600EX-RT in Optical Transmission Wireless Shooting mode (), press Function 4 button (Menu 1) twice to enter Menu 2. Press Function button 1 () to highlight the channel in the upper-right corner of the LCD and use the Select dial to choose channels 1–4. Press the Select/Set button to confirm your choice.

2. Set up Group modes (Gr). Press the Mode button to toggle modes and choose the Group mode (). This mode allows control with the master of up to five groups in Wireless Radio mode. To access Groups A, B, C, D, and E, use Function button 3 () on Menu screen 1 in the Group mode. Use the Select dial to toggle through the groups; each is highlighted when selected. Press the Select/Set button or Function button 3 (which now indicates which group is selected) to access the power scale for that Speedlite or group. Use the Select dial to choose a power setting in 1/3-stop increments up to +/– 3 stops for the selected group, press the Select/Set button to confirm, or do nothing and the Speedlite confirms your ratio selection after 5 seconds.

Once you are in Group mode, press Function button 3 (). Note that the names on the LCD screen for Function buttons 1 and 2 have changed to ON/OFF and A/MODE. After you press Function button 3 (), one of the Speedlite’s groups is highlighted. Using Function buttons 1 and 2, you are able to individually turn off or on a group (Speedlite or group of Speedlites) or change the mode of that group from E-TTL to Manual or Ext.A. You are now able to mix and match, E-TTL and manual flash at the same time and control them all from the master or camera (2012 or later EOS camera model required). Once a group is selected, press Function button 1 (ON/OFF) to toggle the group on or off, use Function button 2 (A/MODE) to toggle between available modes for that group (E-TTL, M, or Ext.A). If a group is in Manual (M) mode, the group can be adjusted from 1/1–1/128 power by pressing Function button 3 () in Menu 1, using the Select dial to choose the group you’ve set to (M) mode, pressing Function button 3 or the Select/Set button to enter the power value scale, and rotating the Select dial to the desired power setting. Press the Select/Set button to confirm.

3. Set up a Ratio. Press Function button 4 once to enter Menu 2. Use Function button 2 to in E-TTL mode to toggle between ALL (Ratio Off), A:B Ratio, or A:B and C Ratio for Speedlites or groups of Speedlites. Press Function button 3 () or Select/Set button to toggle between A:B and the ratio scale. Function buttons are context sensitive and the name of Function button 3 on the LCD screen will temporarily change to A:B+/–. When the ratio value scale is highlighted, use the Select dial to choose the desired ratio. If you’ve selected the A:B and C ratio option, when you’re in the Ratio Setting mode (Function 3 button — ()), you can switch from A:B to C by using the Select dial. This temporarily changes Function button 3’s title on the LCD screen to C +/–. Press the Select/Set button or Function button 3 to access the Ratio value scale for C. Set your desired ratio. In all cases, once the desired ratio is selected, press the Select/Set button to confirm, or do nothing and the Speedlite confirms your ratio selection after 5 seconds.

In Manual mode, press Function button 2 on Menu screen 1 to access Ratio settings for A, B, and C. Press Function button 3 to select A, B, or C and press it again or use the Select/Set button to access the ratio value scale for the desired group. Use the Select dial to set the desired ratio value on the scale, press the Select/Set button to confirm or do nothing and the Speedlite confirms your ratio selection after 5 seconds.

In Multi mode, use Function button 4 on Menu screen 1 to advance to Menu screen 2. Use the Function button 2 () to set the desired groups, ALL (Ratio Off), A, B, or C. Once the groups are set, press Function button 3 () to select the group and adjust its power. With group A, B or C highlighted, use either Function button 3 or the Select/Set button to access to the ratio scale for the selected group. Function 3’s title on the LCD temporarily changes to indicate which group is selected and displays A +/–, B +/–, or C +/–. Use the Select dial to set the desired ratio value on the scale, press the Select/Set button to confirm, or do nothing and the Speedlite confirms your ratio selection after 5 seconds.

NOTE When you’re using only one group of Speedlites and you want them all to fire at the same power output, set the master ratio group setting to ALL. This disables any ratio settings. The master flash is always A group. When using two groups, choose ratio A:B. When using three groups of different Speedlites, the C group won’t fire unless you choose ratio A:B C.

580EX II

To set channels and slave IDs using the 580EX II, follow these steps:

1. Set the 580EX II to Slave. Press the Zoom/Wireless button for two seconds or longer until the display blinks. Turn the Select dial to select Slave, and then press the Select/Set button to choose.

2. Press the Zoom button. This selects the flash head zoom range so it can be changed. When it is ready to change, it blinks. Set the flash head zoom to match the focal length of the lens you are using.

3. Press the Zoom button again. This sets the zoom and highlights the channel setting so it can be changed. Use the Select dial to choose from channel 1, 2, 3, or 4, matching your selected channel on the master.

4. Press the Zoom button again. This highlights the slave ID setting so it can be changed. Use the Select dial to choose from slave ID A, B, or C.

5. Press the Select/Set button to save the settings.

430EX II

To set up channels and slave IDs using the 430EX II, follow these steps:

1. Set the 430EX II to Slave. Press and hold down the Zoom/Wireless button for two seconds or longer.

2. Press the Zoom button. This selects the flash head zoom range so it can be changed.

3. Press the Zoom button again. This sets the zoom and highlights the channel setting so it can be changed. Press the +/– buttons to choose from channels 1, 2, 3, or 4.

4. Press the Zoom button again. This highlights the slave ID setting so it can be changed. Press the +/– buttons to choose from slave ID A, B, or C.

5. Press the Select/Set button between the +/– buttons to save the settings.

Setting Flash Exposure Compensation

Occasionally, you may find yourself in interesting lighting situations where you read the scene and just know that it’s going to trick the camera. For example, you may be shooting strongly backlit scenes, or you may have reduced the ambient exposure on the camera by adjusting Exposure Compensation and now want to boost the flash a little.

Photographers use the terms plus or minus EV (exposure value) to describe any time they purposely override the camera’s E-TTL shutter speed/aperture combinations that would yield the same exposures. Taking away EV reduces the exposure while adding EV increases it.

You use Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC) to fine-tune the settings to achieve the desired brightness of the overall image, much like adjusting the manual settings, although you have less range to choose from. The FEC can be adjusted in 1/3-stop increments, up to +3 and down to –3 stops of light.

NOTE When the FEC is set on the master flash, the Exposure Compensation affects all slave Speedlites in all groups.

Setting FEC with the 600EX/600EX-RT set to Master

To set Flash Exposure Compensation, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the Speedlite. Slide the OFF/LOCK/ON switch to the On position.

2. Select Radio or Optical Transmission Wireless Shooting. Use the Linked Shooting button () to choose the desired wireless Master mode.

3. Set the desired FEC. Use Function button 4 to navigate to Menu 1 if you aren’t already there, and press Function button 2 () to highlight the FEC value scale. Use the Select dial to choose from +/– 3 stops of power in 1/3-stop increments. Note the FEC +/– and value icons appearing in the upper-left of LCD screen.

NOTE When the FEC is set to 0, the FEC icon does not appear on the LCD.

4. Press the Select/Set button to confirm settings.

Setting FEC with the 580EX II set to Master

To set Flash Exposure Compensation, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the Speedlite.

2. Be sure the 580EX II is set to Master.

3. Press the Select/Set button in the middle of the Select dial. This brings up the FEC compensation factor. It blinks when it is ready to change.

NOTE When the FEC is set to 0, the FEC icon does not appear on the LCD unless it is selected for change.

4. Scroll the Select dial left or right to adjust the amount of FEC.

5. Press the Select/Set button in the middle of the Select dial to confirm the settings.

Setting FEC slave flashes

When you’re using a 580EX II Speedlite as the master, this technique works well. But when you’re triggering wirelessly with the ST-E2 wireless transmitter, the FEC must be set on the slave flash.

600EX/600EX-RT

To change FEC on the 600EX/600EX-RT in Slave mode, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the Speedlite. Slide the OFF/LOCK/ON switch to the On position.

2. Select Radio () or Optical Transmission Wireless () Shooting. Use the Linked Shooting button to choose the desired wireless Master mode.

3. Set desired FEC. Use Function button 4 to navigate to Menu 1 if you aren’t already there, and press Function button 2 () to highlight the FEC value scale. Use the Select dial to choose from +/– 3 stops of power in 1/3-stop increments. Note the FEC +/– and value icons appearing in the upper-left of LCD screen.

4. Press the Select/Set button to confirm settings.

580EX II

To change FEC on the 580EX II in Slave mode, follow these steps:

1. Press the Select/Set button. The FEC icon flashes when changes are ready to be made.

2. Scroll the Select dial left or right to make the adjustments.

3. After your adjustments are made, press the Select/Set button again to set them.

430EX II

To change FEC on the 430EX II in Slave mode, follow these steps:

1. Press the Select/Set button. The FEC icon begins to blink.

2. Press the + or – button to adjust the settings accordingly.

3. Press the Select/Set button again to save the setting.

Testing and Modeling Flash from a Slave Unit

In Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting () with the 600EX-RT set as a slave unit, you can perform a test flash and modeling flash.

NOTE Model flash from a 600EX-RT slave unit in Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting mode is possible on 2012 or later EOS camera models.

To perform a test flash or modeling flash using a 600EX-RT Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting Slave mode, do the following:

1. Press Function button 4 to navigate to Menu 2.

2. To fire a test flash, press Function button 3 ().

3. To fire a modeling flash, press Function button 2 (Model).

NOTE When you’re using more than one master, model flash is performed by the master whose Link lamp is green.

Remote Release from a Slave Unit

In Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting with the 600EX-RT set as a slave unit, it is possible to perform remote control shooting. EOS digital camera models released prior to 2012 require an SR-N3 release cable to connect the camera and mater unit.

Follow these steps to perform remote release from a 600EX-RT slave unit in Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting mode ():

1. Connect the master unit to the camera that will be used remotely. On pre-2012 camera bodies, use the SR-N3 release cable to connect the master to the camera’s N3 remote control terminal.

TIP Connect the SR-N3 cable while power is off on both the remote camera and master unit.

2. On a 600EX-RT set as a Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting () slave unit, press Function button 4 to navigate to Menu 2.

TIP Turn off autofocus. Focus the lens on the remote camera manually. The camera’s shutter won’t release if autofocus fails.

3. Press Function button 1 () on the slave to send a release signal to the master unit. The shutter releases.

TIP If you’re using more than one master, release is performed by the master whose Link lamp is green.

Linked Shooting with Radio Transmission

Linked shooting allows automatic shutter release of remote cameras that have a 600EX-RT or Speedlite transmitter ST-E3-RT attached (in Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting () Slave mode) via a 600EX-RT (in Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting Master mode ()) or a Speedlite transmitter ST-E3-RT.

This feature supports up to 16 units including the master and slave, and it is intended for shooting a subject from multiple angels at the same time.

To perform linked shooting with radio transmission, follow these steps:

1. Attach a 600EX-RT or Speedlite transmitter ST-E3-RT to the master camera.

2. Set the master to Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting ().

NOTE EOS digital camera models released prior to 2012 (with an N3 remote control terminal) require an SR-N3 release cable to connect the slave flash and slave camera unit.

3. Attach a 600EX-RT or Speedlite transmitter ST-E3-RT to each camera being used for linked shooting.

NOTE In Linked shooting the Speedlite transmitter ST-E3-RT can be used either as master or slave unit.

4. Press the Linked Shooting button () to set the flash or transmitter to the normal (nonwireless) E-TTL mode. Make sure wireless operation is off.

5. Press the Linked Shooting button () repeatedly until LINKED SHOT appears in the upper-left corner of the LCD screen. The slave unit is now set.

6. Press the Linked Shooting button () again to set the master unit for the Linked Shooting mode.

7. Choose the channel and ID. Press Function button 2 () and using the Select dial to choose a channel. Press Function button 3 () to enter a personal pin number ID for the channel.

8. Set up the camera’s shooting functions.

9. Set up all the Speedlites. Repeat Steps 4–8 and set all Speedlites to Linked Shooting mode master or slave unit. If you’re using the Speedlite transmitter ST-E3-RT, set it the same way.

10. Set up the cameras being used as slave units. Check the slave Speedlite or Speedlite transmitter’s Link lamp to make sure it’s green, indicating successful communication.

11. Release the shutter on the master unit camera (with the master Speedlite or Speedlite transmitter attached) and the slave unit camera shutter is released.

Here are some tips on linked shooting:

▶ Turn off autofocus on slave unit cameras and focus their lenses manually; they won’t release their shutters if autofocus fails.

▶ After a linked shooting exposure is made, the Link lamp on slave units briefly becomes orange.

▶ A slight lag between the master camera unit and slave unit cameras is normal. In order for linked shooting to function, Flash Firing in Flash function settings must be enabled.

▶ The range for linked shooting is 98 feet depending on conditions such as position, environment, and weather.

▶ When using Live View with the master camera unit, Silent Live View shoot must be disabled in Personal Functions. Set P.Fn-07 to 0 to disable.

▶ Linked shooting may be performed without the master Speedlite or Speedlite transmitter being attached to the camera. Press Function button 1 () on the master Speedlite or Speedlite transmitter to trigger all slave unit cameras.

▶ Speedlites are able to fire in Linked Shooting mode.

Using Your Speedlites with Radio Triggers

When I’m using Speedlites other than the 600EX-RT or ST-E3-RT transmitter, I rely on radio triggers. The way I set up my Speedlites for use with remote triggers depends entirely on the kind of triggers I’ll be using, the controls I want, the number of lights in play, and the things I want to accomplish. If I’m using manual triggers, such as the RadioPopper JrX, PocketWizard Plus, or MultiMAX, I start by attaching the transmitter/transceiver to the camera’s hot shoe and the receivers/transceivers to each Speedlite. Next, I place my remote Speedlites where I want them, select groups and channel settings, and determine the power settings for each Speedlite in the scene.

If I’m working with E-TTL triggers such as RadioPopper PX or PocketWizard’s MiniTT1 transmitter and FlexTT5 Transceiver, it’s simply a matter of connecting the radio transmitter to my Speedlite and mounting it on my camera’s hot shoe. Typically I disable the light output of the master flash and use it only for communicating exposure information to all the remote slave flash units. Next, I set my remote Speedlites as slaves and attach the receiver triggers to each one. Once these steps are taken, I’m free to place the lights where I want them and add any light modifiers I’m planning on using, such as diffusers, snoots, gobos, grids, and colored gels.

Using your Speedlites with PocketWizards

PocketWizards have earned a reputation for reliability and outstanding range. The PocketWizard remote triggering system was developed in a secret electronics lab in Burlington, Vermont, in the late ’80s and has attracted a growing legion of loyal professional photographers ever since. For the Speedlite System, PocketWizard radio systems enable greater working distances and more reliability outdoors than Speedlites do but complement them perfectly. Unlike Speedlites, PocketWizards use radio frequencies to communicate with flashes instead of infrared (IR), as the Speedlites and ST-E2 transmitter do.

The Canon Speedlite System uses infrared light (IR) to trigger the flashes to fire. This works well indoors because there are lots of surfaces for the IR signal to bounce off to be picked up by the Speedlite’s sensor. Outdoors there usually are not readily available surfaces for this to happen, and the IR has to compete with higher ambient light levels to operate properly. PocketWizards solve this wireless problem. Early PocketWizards had no E-TTL capability, but new models such as the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 provide wireless E-TTL.

PocketWizards have a very generous 1600-foot range of use, fast sync speeds, locking shoe mount, and a fast FPS (frames per second) rating (up to 12 FPS on capable cameras), and they run on two AA batteries. They also include status-ready and connect LEDs that let you know they are communicating successfully.

In the late 1990s, the PocketWizard line of precision wireless-control devices introduced the Plus and the MultiMAX products. These two products have evolved significantly since then, and I can say from experience that they are extremely reliable and easy to use. The trade-off with this generation of PocketWizards was the lack of TTL or E-TTL capabilities, something photographers came to rely on when using the Speedlite System indoors. PocketWizard addressed this issue with the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5, which include full E-TTL II capability.

4.12 PocketWizards afford the photographer unlimited possibilities of flash units to use manually, as is the case of this older EZ series Speedlite being triggered remotely.

Setting channels

Because of their popularity, PocketWizards also come with different channel settings to prevent triggering the flashes of other photographers who might be using the same system. These channel settings have no relation to the same numbered Canon channels.

Plus II transceivers and MultiMAXes

PocketWizard Plus II transceivers are the easiest to use and the less expensive than MultiMAX. They are called transceivers because they both transmit and receive radio signals so that you can use them attached to the camera and at the remote flash. Plus IIs also include a Mode switch that allows you to fire locally (flash connected to the PocketWizard), remotely (PocketWizard connected to a remote flash), or both.

MultiMAX transceivers are far more sophisticated. They offer a range of 32 different frequency channels and much more timing and firing control. They also offer a Quad-triggering mode that allows you to fire four different flashes separately, together, or in any combination of the four.

PocketWizard now has a new era of PocketWizard E-TTL triggering devices featuring the MiniTT1 transmitter and the FlexTT5 transceiver for Canon. With the ControlTL software platform, these new E-TTL II–capable radio slaves make using off-camera flash as effortless as sliding the unit in, turning it on, and shooting.

Using your Speedlites with RadioPoppers

RadioPoppers are the new kids on block and have quickly established themselves as favorites among serious photographers. Known for their reliability, ease of use, and 1,500-foot range, they consist of two systems: the E-TTL PX system and the less expensive manual JrX system. Each is ready to use straight out of the box, requires no complicated programming, and has 16 channels (all with different frequencies), assuring a good, clean channel no matter what the environment.

The X family of products also plays well with each other. So, whether you are just starting to experiment with your lighting or have six off-camera Speedlites, the RadioPopper X family will accommodate.

The RadioPopper PX System

The PX system has two units: the transmitter and receiver. The PX transmitter converts the electronic pulses from the master flash or ST-E2 on your camera and sends the radio command to the PX receiver on the remote flash. The PX receiver then converts the radio into infrared and feeds that to the flash. The result is that your flash fires, no matter where you position it. The PX system gives you the flexibility to shoot in either E-TTL or Manual, to use groups or ratios, and to sync at shutter speeds up to an incredible 1/8000 second.

To use this system, I set up one Speedlite (550EX, 580EX, or 580EX II) as my master flash and disable the light output of that flash so that it serves only as a device that communicates exposure information to the slave flash units. I then attach the RadioPopper transmitter to the top of the Speedlite and mount it on the camera’s hot shoe. Then I set flashes as slaves (430EX, 430EX II, 550EX, 580EX, or 580EX II), which I position in the RadioPopper bracket/receiver units, attach to light stands, and place where desired. I’m now ready to shoot wirelessly with full E-TTL communication between the camera, master, and slave flashes. It’s that simple!

The RadioPopper JrX System

The JrX system is a less expensive manual trigger that is effortless, plug-n-play technology offering unmatched reliability. Using the RPCube (a hot-shoe accessory), the JrX Studio system also allows power adjustment of up to three groups of Speedlites right from the transmitter mounted on your camera’s hot shoe. No more running across the room — turn your lights up and down with a turn of the JrX transmitter dial.