Review: Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT

[Sanaraken]

I bought one not too long ago to complement the two 600 flash units that I have. It works as advertised but, to be honest at nearly $300, I should have went ahead and bought a third 600. They were on sale with a rebate for $450 at the time. All of the functionality of the E3 plus the additional flash.

I must be the only person who actually prefers the form factor and weight of the tiny ST-E3 vs 600EX. It's not like my camera and lens combo isn't heavy enough, without putting a heavy 600 on top making the rig feel off balance.

I was thinking of getting another 600ex, but end up just getting the ST-E3. Didnt want to deal with the weight of the 600ex just to be able to use the AF assist beam.

 

[BL]

I'll be honest, I was really annoyed not getting the AF assist beam that the ST-E2 had, but truth be told, I have yet to have an issue focussing in low light.

Granted, I can always "see" my subjects, so for event or weddings photographers who can shoot in candle light sort of conditions, I can understand why that's a sore point.

 

[zlatko]

Granted, I can always "see" my subjects, so for event or weddings photographers who can shoot in candle light sort of conditions, I can understand why that's a sore point.

I shoot weddings and it hasn't been an issue for me. The newer cameras (5d3 & 6d) focus so well in low light that I don't miss the AF assist beam. I'm typically using the ST-E3 for portraits and there is enough light to focus.

 

[infared]

Is the transmission distance any better between the Yongnuo and the Canon?

No, they are identical. In the side by side testing I did they both became unreliable at the same distance, but the Canon was a bit better at reconnecting.

THANKS for the input PBD!

 

[AvTvM]

I know, this is mainly about the ST-E3-RT, which is "OK" [it should have included AF assist light] but overall I find the Canon RT system to be rather limited. Only one big, expensive speedlite and one expensive controller. The system has been around for quite some time now and still there is no

* small and cheap RT transceiver to integrate optical-only Canon speedlites [580/430) into a RT setup, and ideally also 3rd party flashes [at least in M mode] as well as studio strobes
* 430EX-RT
* overhaul of the ancient Canon wireless ETTL protocol to finally enable remote 2nd curtain sync and remote control over zoom-reflector setting

 

[Loswr]

...overall I find the Canon RT system to be rather limited. Only one big, expensive speedlite and one expensive controller.

Limited in terms of the hardware available, yes. But, aside from the minor limitations on functionality you mention (2nd curtain sync and remote head zoom), the system is very flexible, very convenient, and very reliable.

What Canon does very well is extract money from customers. I'm sure the 4x0EX-RT will be along in due course, after enough 600EX-RT units have been sold. While I'd like an -RT receiver to integrate a monolight, it's not really in Canon's best interest (from their perspective) to come out with a unit that allows integration of cheap 3rd party flashes into their system, especially if such a unit is 'cheap'. I can seem them coming out with one priced fairly close to the 4x0EX-RT (say, $50-80 less), making the combination of receiver plus 3rd party flash cost more than the 4x0EX-RT.

 

[Random Orbits]

I know, this is mainly about the ST-E3-RT, which is "OK" [it should have included AF assist light] but overall I find the Canon RT system to be rather limited. Only one big, expensive speedlite and one expensive controller. The system has been around for quite some time now and still there is no

* small and cheap RT transceiver to integrate optical-only Canon speedlites [580/430) into a RT setup, and ideally also 3rd party flashes [at least in M mode] as well as studio strobes
* 430EX-RT
* overhaul of the ancient Canon wireless ETTL protocol to finally enable remote 2nd curtain sync and remote control over zoom-reflector setting

I find it easier to have just one size for the speedlite. It makes changing manual settings much easier when you don't have to remember which "group" is the smaller flash and compensate for it accordingly. So much so, that I my 430 sits unused nearly all the time.

I do wish the the ST-E3-RT had an AF assist light. It's hard to focus in a dim, low-contrast setting when the ambient lights are down.

 

[Loswr]

I find it easier to have just one size for the speedlite. It makes changing manual settings much easier when you don't have to remember which "group" is the smaller flash and compensate for it accordingly. So much so, that I my 430 sits unused nearly all the time.

Good point, and why after getting one 600EX-RT, I sold my pair of 430EX II's (which I had been triggering with PWs) and replaced them with two more 600's.

But, if the extra power isn't required, that 'one size' could be a set of 4x0EX-RT flashes instead of a set of 600's, and with multiple flashes that would be significant cost savings.

 

[Lawliet]

Is the transmission distance any better between the Yongnuo and the Canon?

One thing to keep in mind: the RT system is based on a two way communication. No matter how much power you put out, if the response from the flash doesn't reach you you're out of luck. I.e. getting more range then between two 600EX-RT is unlikely, and I'm not aware of noticable range differences between a 600EX-RT and the ST-E3 as transmitters.

 

[Random Orbits]

But, if the extra power isn't required, that 'one size' could be a set of 4x0EX-RT flashes instead of a set of 600's, and with multiple flashes that would be significant cost savings.

True, although I'd probably still opt for the 600s anyway, especially if the 4x0EX-RT does not zoom to 200mm. The 600 doesn't have that much power at 200mm for a large group (wide area) at a distance, but for smaller targets, it is handy.

 

[infared]

But, if the extra power isn't required, that 'one size' could be a set of 4x0EX-RT flashes instead of a set of 600's, and with multiple flashes that would be significant cost savings.

True, although I'd probably still opt for the 600s anyway, especially if the 4x0EX-RT does not zoom to 200mm. The 600 doesn't have that much power at 200mm for a large group (wide area) at a distance, but for smaller targets, it is handy.

Good point....I am no that familiar with these units and I did not consider the two-way aspect limits the distance no matter who makes the transmitter....

I am just feeling this all out between the Canon Strobes and transmitters and the Yongnuo equipment...(which is appears that their transmitters are waaaaay more reliable than their flashes)....I am old school, view camera, 4 speedotron flash packs, 6 heads...got out of the biz when digital came along...for about ten years..then picked up a 5DII and started shooting "just for me"....have a 5DIII now and nice lens quiver...and am thinking about putting a 3-4 flash kit together with soft box, beauty light ...etc..but really small and portable....
These units seem light the ticket for studio flash "lite" with a lot of functionality. I am going to plan this out over the next month or two.... I really don't see anything else that will have the portability, functionality, versatility and compatibility with my camera in this cost range.... I will definitely ponder this for a little while as it is a significant financial commitment.

 

[AvTvM]

What Canon does very well is extract money from customers. I'm sure the 4x0EX-RT will be along in due course, after enough 600EX-RT units have been sold. While I'd like an -RT receiver to integrate a monolight, it's not really in Canon's best interest (from their perspective) to come out with a unit that allows integration of cheap 3rd party flashes into their system, especially if such a unit is 'cheap'. I can seem them coming out with one priced fairly close to the 4x0EX-RT (say, $50-80 less), making the combination of receiver plus 3rd party flash cost more than the 4x0EX-RT.

Extracting money from customers will become more difficult for canon as soon as there will be yongnuo, phottix and other 3rd party RT-transceivers available. At a fair and cheap price. Definitely less than the yn-st-e3, since there is not much to such a transceiver. I'd reckon usd 49 a piece, maybe 79,-

I will wait until then, its bound to happen soon. Then i will skip 600ex and just use my existing 580 II and 430 IIs ... They have not yet seen enough use for the money canon got for them.

 

[BL]

Competition is good! As a consumer, I welcome more options.

The pressure from third party manufacturers can only push Canon to re-evaluate if they are getting spanked at their own game.

 

[alexanderferdinand]

@ BL: exactly my thoughts.

My YN E3 RT just arrived.
Boy, am I curious!

 

[privatebydesign]

So after using my YN-E3-RT in a pro environment for a few weeks I have to say, it sucks. Mine has been unreliable, with regular loss of communication, remote misfires, and very touchy menu interface that only happens when the thing is mounted on a camera.

I now have to take it off camera to make any adjustments to remote or menu settings, once the thing drops a flash you have to go very close to reconnect.

The thing is a frustration, when it works it is fantastic, especially on pre 2012 bodies, when it doesn't, I just want to throw it away. It is not in the same league of reliability as the Canon ST-E3-RT that I also own.

 

[Viggo]

So after using my YN-E3-RT in a pro environment for a few weeks I have to say, it sucks. Mine has been unreliable, with regular loss of communication, remote misfires, and very touchy menu interface that only happens when the thing is mounted on a camera.

I now have to take it off camera to make any adjustments to remote or menu settings, once the thing drops a flash you have to go very close to reconnect.

The thing is a frustration, when it works it is fantastic, especially on pre 2012 bodies, when it doesn't, I just want to throw it away. It is not in the same league of reliability as the Canon ST-E3-RT that I also own.

Thanks for posting. After my two years of complete misery with the PW TT1 and TT5 system, I would never take that chance again, and therefore jumped on the Canon system and I use it every single day, and it NEVER does anything other what I tell it to.

 

[AvTvM]

So after using my YN-E3-RT in a pro environment for a few weeks I have to say, it sucks. Mine has been unreliable, with regular loss of communication, remote misfires, and very touchy menu interface that only happens when the thing is mounted on a camera.
I now have to take it off camera to make any adjustments to remote or menu settings, once the thing drops a flash you have to go very close to reconnect.
The thing is a frustration, when it works it is fantastic, especially on pre 2012 bodies, when it doesn't, I just want to throw it away. It is not in the same league of reliability as the Canon ST-E3-RT that I also own.

ouch ... too bad ... !
Thanks for sharing your first-hand experience!

 

[Loswr]

So after using my YN-E3-RT in a pro environment for a few weeks I have to say, it sucks. Mine has been unreliable, with regular loss of communication, remote misfires, and very touchy menu interface that only happens when the thing is mounted on a camera.

I now have to take it off camera to make any adjustments to remote or menu settings, once the thing drops a flash you have to go very close to reconnect.

The thing is a frustration, when it works it is fantastic, especially on pre 2012 bodies, when it doesn't, I just want to throw it away. It is not in the same league of reliability as the Canon ST-E3-RT that I also own.

That's unfortunate. Good thing you have the Canon transmitter.

 

[privatebydesign]

So after using my YN-E3-RT in a pro environment for a few weeks I have to say, it sucks. Mine has been unreliable, with regular loss of communication, remote misfires, and very touchy menu interface that only happens when the thing is mounted on a camera.
I now have to take it off camera to make any adjustments to remote or menu settings, once the thing drops a flash you have to go very close to reconnect.
The thing is a frustration, when it works it is fantastic, especially on pre 2012 bodies, when it doesn't, I just want to throw it away. It is not in the same league of reliability as the Canon ST-E3-RT that I also own.

ouch ... too bad ... !
Thanks for sharing your first-hand experience!

Just puts comments like this in perspective.

Extracting money from customers will become more difficult for canon as soon as there will be yongnuo, phottix and other 3rd party RT-transceivers available. At a fair and cheap price. Definitely less than the yn-st-e3, since there is not much to such a transceiver. I'd reckon usd 49 a piece, maybe 79,-

I will wait until then, its bound to happen soon. Then i will skip 600ex and just use my existing 580 II and 430 IIs ... They have not yet seen enough use for the money canon got for them.

You wouldn't get me anywhere near a $79 "smart" transceiver.

 

[Viggo]

And the cheaper stuff usually have a bigger profit margin, so what they cost to make makes for an even bigger price difference. Which will also reflect durability, and simply how good it really is. Goes for everything.