What does an ST-E3-RT transmitter in a hotshoe do, that a master 600EX-RT can't

[Obaidey]

Instead of buying a 600EX-RT flash + an ST-E3-RT transmitter, for my 5D Mark III, suppose I buy two 600EX-RT
The master will sit on the hotshoe, and the other will be used as a slave

Question
Apart from the price difference , size and weight penalty, what functions wil be missing from the flash, that I would be getting from a dedicated ST-E3-RT transmitter?

Thanks, and apologies if this was already discussed elsewhere

[Daniel Flather]

The ST-E3-RT is just that, a 600RT minus the flash head.  The only advantage to using a 600RT as a master is to utilize its light output and its AF assist beam.

[instaimage]

The ST-E3-RT will save you $$ over the 600EX-RT too... but... (and this is coming from someone with six 600EX-RTs and two ST-E3-RT's...) my recommendation would be to get two 600's and one ST-E3 and you'll be able to have a tremendous amount of flexibility.  Gone are the transmission issues with optical (thus why a lot of people used a flash unit on camera... so your transmission to the slaves was better...)

I have so many so I can can have multiple setups and not have to worry about line of sight issues with the optical... I shoot outside a lot... been over the moon impressed with the ST-E3 and the 600EXs...

[vbi]

my recommendation would be to get two 600's and one ST-E3 and you'll be able to have a tremendous amount of flexibility.

+1.

Plus you need to remember that the ST-E3 will be better balanced on your camera than a 600.

[keithfullermusic]

Just get some yn622's.  They do ettl, hss, ratios, and pretty much everything else, all done in the camera menu.  They also control third party flashes.  Even better, $100 for two, and they are all transmitters and receivers.

[instaimage]

Just get some yn622's.  They do ettl, hss, ratios, and pretty much everything else, all done in the camera menu.  They also control third party flashes.  Even better, $100 for two, and they are all transmitters and receivers.

But do they do it via radio or optical?  the new RT system is a HUGE benefit...

[Rienzphotoz]

Just get some yn622's.  They do ettl, hss, ratios, and pretty much everything else, all done in the camera menu.  They also control third party flashes.  Even better, $100 for two, and they are all transmitters and receivers.

I have three Yongnuos and four yongnuo radio transmitters ... They are no match to Canon 600EX-RT. Yongnuos are good for hobbyists who don't want to spend a lot of money but when it comes serious photography one has to shell out good money for performance and quality equipment like Canon 600-EX RT
But going back to the original question about ST-E3-RT vs 600EX-RT ... I chose 3 600EX-RTs and skipped the ST-E3-RT ... I think for an extra $200 I got a better unit (600EX-RT) that also has AF assist and it gives me peace of mind that incase something happens to one my 600EX-RTs I still have a good backup.

[Obaidey]

The ST-E3-RT is just that, a 600RT minus the flash head.  The only advantage to using a 600RT as a master is to utilize its light output and its AF assist beam.

my recommendation would be to get two 600's and one ST-E3 and you'll be able to have a tremendous amount of flexibility.

+1.
Plus you need to remember that the ST-E3 will be better balanced on your camera than a 600.

Thanks
Will get two 600s and one ST-E3
So far, the best prices I could find: EX600-RT = £348 and ST-E3-RT = £226

[Rienzphotoz]

Thanks
Will get two 600s and one ST-E3
So far, the best prices I could find: EX600-RT = £348 and ST-E3-RT = £226

Wishing you happy shopping and may the gear serve you well.

[Click]

And the distance that you can use the ST-E3-RT is very good. I tested mine, I was able to trigger my flash up to 170 meters.
It's a lot better than Canon is saying in their specs.

[keithfullermusic]

I'd also like to point out that you can get 3 yn568s (released soon) and four yn622s for about $650.  This is full ettl wireless, manual, ratio, mixed mode, hss, built-in bounce cards.  In fact the only thing that the yn568s can't do is support a battery pack.  Admittedly, for some people this is huge, but for many it's a non-issue.

Now do the math for 3 600exs and the new trigger (which doesn't have an assist beam, and will not support 3rd party flashes, or most canon flashes).

For "pros" who do heavy strobe work, then sure, they might want to get the canons.  They will probably last a little longer, and be more reliable, and they can put battery packs in them.

For "pros" who do mild flash work, this is a dream setup.  Also, I've heard nothing but good reviews an the yn622s.  I know the old yn565s had terrible issues, but that was fixed, and I'd imagine that the 568s will be built to last also.

I have a 560, and unless I need ettl, I use it before my 430exii.  It has an optical trigger, is more powerful, has a built in bounce card, and is much quicker to operate because of the smile menu.  It hasn't misfired once in over a year of mild use.

[AdamJ]

I have three Yongnuos and four yongnuo radio transmitters ... They are no match to Canon 600EX-RT. Yongnuos are good for hobbyists who don't want to spend a lot of money but when it comes serious photography one has to shell out good money for performance and quality equipment like Canon 600-EX RT
But going back to the original question about ST-E3-RT vs 600EX-RT ... I chose 3 600EX-RTs and skipped the ST-E3-RT ... I think for an extra $200 I got a better unit (600EX-RT) that also has AF assist and it gives me peace of mind that incase something happens to one my 600EX-RTs I still have a good backup.

The Yongnuo triggers you have are probably the dumb ones (602, 603). Used with 580EXIIs or 430EXIIs, the new 622s offer equivalent functionality to Canon's RT system. I don't see how they can be dismissed as only for hobbyists when they match or better the radio systems that until six months ago were the systems of choice for pros (PW, Phottix, etc.).

[Rienzphotoz]

I have three Yongnuos and four yongnuo radio transmitters ... They are no match to Canon 600EX-RT. Yongnuos are good for hobbyists who don't want to spend a lot of money but when it comes serious photography one has to shell out good money for performance and quality equipment like Canon 600-EX RT
But going back to the original question about ST-E3-RT vs 600EX-RT ... I chose 3 600EX-RTs and skipped the ST-E3-RT ... I think for an extra $200 I got a better unit (600EX-RT) that also has AF assist and it gives me peace of mind that incase something happens to one my 600EX-RTs I still have a good backup.

The Yongnuo triggers you have are probably the dumb ones (602, 603). Used with 580EXIIs or 430EXIIs, the new 622s offer equivalent functionality to Canon's RT system. I don't see how they can be dismissed as only for hobbyists when they match or better the radio systems that until six months ago were the systems of choice for pros (PW, Phottix, etc.).

Nice try assuming ... But I do have 622 triggers and they are no match to Canon's 600EX-RT in power, performance & convenience.
But if your opinion of Yongnuo is that "they are probably dumb" I won't argue with you
I never used the word "only" in my good for hobbyists comment ... so do not twist and add words to my comments.

[AvTvM]

Since Canon has come out with their RT system, I will not go third party.
Simple reason: Canon is and will change software/firmware all the time with every new camery body to come ... and in between. Official reason is to further improve functionality and correct bug, but the main intended effect is to cause compatibility issues for thirdparty manufacturers. Canon does not license any of its technology, so all of the thirdparty vendors are operating on reverse engineering.

This will bring about ongoing compatibility issues over the entire lifespan of the speedlite-setup that I am simply not prepared to deal with. So I will absolutely stay clear of both cheap Yongnuos as well as expensive PW gear.

I am waiting for Canon to release RT-receivers to radio-enable 580EX IIs and 430EX IIs. And I hope for an improved ST-E3 Mk. II - everything as is, but WITH AF-assist (as on ST-E2). Then I will buy 1x ST-E3 II, 1x 600EX and continue to use my existing 580EX II and 2x 430EX II.

As long as Canon will not bring RT-receivers for 580/430 ... I will not buy but continue for the time being with optical triggering. As simple as that.

[Rienzphotoz]

Since Canon has come out with their RT system, I will not go third party.
Simple reason: Canon is and will change software/firmware all the time with every new camery body to come ... and in between. Official reason is to further improve functionality and correct bug, but the main intended effect is to cause compatibility issues for thirdparty manufacturers. Canon does not license any of its technology, so all of the thirdparty vendors are operating on reverse engineering.

This will bring about ongoing compatibility issues over the entire lifespan of the speedlite-setup that I am simply not prepared to deal with. So I will absolutely stay clear of both cheap Yongnuos as well as expensive PW gear.

I am waiting for Canon to release RT-receivers to radio-enable 580EX IIs and 430EX IIs. And I hope for an improved ST-E3 Mk. II - everything as is, but WITH AF-assist (as on ST-E2). Then I will buy 1x ST-E3 II, 1x 600EX and continue to use my existing 580EX II and 2x 430EX II.

As long as Canon will not bring RT-receivers for 580/430 ... I will not buy but continue for the time being with optical triggering. As simple as that.

I absolutely agree .. on an other thread I posted about a problem I faced with a Sigma 17-50 f2.8 after I upgraded to a new firmware ... On the old firmware the lens was perfect but with the new firmware I had AF issues ... that's when I slowly started selling all my third party lenses nd accessories ... all I have of third party are Sigma 150-500 OS & Yongnuos, they too will eventually go.