Messages

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Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: What does an ST-E3-RT transmitter in a hotshoe do, that a master 600EX-RT can't

« on: October 01, 2012, 12:53:36 PM »

I've had 3 600's and 1 ST-E3-RT and they've been flawless (started out using a 600 as a trigger).
I was on several shoots a few weeks ago with several versions of Pocket Wizard's and they often didn't fire and, and at one point, stopped working altogether that required shut off of everything and do a reset, and were very undependable overall. The last thing I want in a shoot is to miss the shot due to equipment failure as there are enough variables to fail including shooter/talent.

When a piece of equipment just works and has proven to be perfectly dependable, I'll use it over and over. Yes, I wish it was a little less expensive, but getting the shot pays for itself and for more jobs.

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Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: ST-E3-RT stock ... this is crazy!

« on: August 15, 2012, 01:58:10 AM »

I have 3 600's and a controller (now in hand). It's pretty slick and love the the control and ease of use - can control all flashes via the controller, as a group or each independently. Unless you're using multiples (which can be good for recycling time on fast shooting situations), I'll stick to 3 of these and invest in strobes and packs for bigger shoots or situations that require more/larger lights.

why would you buy that?
buy a phottix odin instead.

ps: with the ST-E3 RT the sync time is down to 1/100s on everything except  a 5D MK3 or 1D X when using radio.
otherwise you will have some shadowing on your pictures.

I am in the same boat as the OP. I'm really curious as to why inventory is so limited. I might end up buying a 5th 600EX if the STE3 isn't available soon.

I was considering the Phottix Odins for my 580ex IIs but in the end I'm glad I didn't because the 600EX' are so easy to use.  The Canon system has a very significant advantage in that they are a closed system and don't require as much set up as an IR system or a third party RF solution.

I still think they 600ex' are a tad expensive but I'm a believer. I sold 3 580ex II and bought 3 600ex. Very shortly after I bought a 4th and am considering a 5th (since I cant find an STE3).

I absolutely love the 600 and have three. Also considered getting a fourth for on the camera control, but I really want the controller for light weight and low profile. I held off upgrading my flashes hoping that Canon would release a RF solution, glad I did. I have a single 580 which I keep in my outdoor bag as I don't want to take out a 600 while at the beach or camping.

What do you use your fourth flash for? Three plus the controller seems maximal to me, other than for ganging.

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Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: ST-E3-RT stock ... this is crazy!

« on: August 03, 2012, 06:29:26 PM »

Just got word yesterday that my ST-E3-RT shipped from B&H  . I noticed it still says out of stock as they're probably still filling back-orders.

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Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: New Canon Flash This Fall? [CR2]

« on: August 01, 2012, 02:32:21 PM »

And the ST-E3-RT is in stock everywhere ...still waiting for my original order on this since April. I have 3 600's, and really don't want to buy a 4th just for a trigger.

Why does it only mention working with the ST-E3? Is the 600EX-RT assumed or is there something I'm missing?

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Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: Sto-Fen OmniBounce for 600EX-RT

« on: May 25, 2012, 07:20:45 PM »

The 550EX version works well on the 600's (have 3 in use), but w/o the notch. I'll eventually p/u the newer version for the "perfect" fit and use w/gels.

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Shutter sounds cheap or maybe broken - 5DIII

« on: May 18, 2012, 09:35:50 PM »

It seems to be fine...when I shoot with it away from my head it sounds a little better, but overall, less solid sounding. I was using silent mode as well and it sounds like a softer version of the same sound, and can also see how that would be great for weddings or other quiet ceremonies to keep the distraction level down. Overall, it rocks, especially the focusing. Overall, build quality, feel/grip and features are superb. I'm still getting used to the on/off switch and the push-button in the top-left dial for Av, Tv, etc. to change settings. I could go on about all the little details (like "quick view" that come in handy), but recommend reading the entire manual and start shooting in whatever mode you usually work in and take it from there.

It's quite a piece of imaging technology and most shooters should find it attractive. Now if that grip would just ship...

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Shutter sounds cheap or maybe broken - 5DIII

« on: May 18, 2012, 05:52:40 PM »

I received my new "3" a few days ago and have been testing everything out and wondered about the shutter sound - it sounds like a toy. I was listening to a few samples online from others and mine sounds more like a metal on metal sound "ker plunk" (cheap typewriter compared to the "2"). It shoots fine in all FPS modes and photos look great, but worried that something may be broken in there or about to be. I'll see if I can post some audio later. Thoughts?

Thanks.

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Lenses / Re: Which wide anlge zoom for new 5D3?

« on: May 10, 2012, 06:10:55 PM »

If you're going to spend the $$$, it may be helpful to take a couple of them for a test spin from lensrentals.com or similar (no affiliation).

I have the 16-35mm in my wishlist currently , but can't bring myself to pull the trigger yet. It would be permanently married to my 5DII.

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EOS Bodies / Re: Curious about B&H & mkiii shipments

« on: May 10, 2012, 05:31:20 PM »

Ordered 4-24 - confirmed shipping today from B&H.

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Lighting / Re: 600EX RT + transmitter + 5d MK2 Sync speed

« on: May 10, 2012, 04:10:03 PM »

You could also just buy two Speedlights (or more) and use one as a trigger. That's what I'm doing until my "3", trigger and grip ships.

I was  testing with them the other day and very excited about using the entire setup on assignments.

Good luck!