Review: Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT

[drjlo]

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!

x2. It's too bad Yongnuo could not build a more reliable unit, as it would have been a nice alternative to Canon. This experience is similar to my experience using Pixel King's on my Canon, which behaved odd at random moments, but ironically the Yongnuo 622C's replaced them and have worked flawlessly ???

 

[JVLphoto]

I haven't had the same unreliable connection with my YN-E3-RT as you guys have, but It definitely feels cheaper, and didn't do well when I had it outdoors for a -30C shoot (I can't comment on if the Canon could have fared better).

It works on my 5D2 in the way's I'd want the ST-E3-RT to, and the the AF focus assist is still a nice touch. A friend of mine couldn't get it to work on his Fuji X-Pro1 (remember, this is supposed to offer control with the firmware update on other camera bodies) but again, we haven't tested it beyond that.

I still see it as a workable alternative, but yeah, I wouldn't put everything I had against it, I still pack the Canon one just in case.

 

[Viggo]

Anyone tried manually searching the optimal frequency?

I tried my Canon st-e3 until it lost connection, I then went to the "Scan"-mode and it found a frequency for me and I more than doubled the range, I was VERY surprised, since Canon just states 30m and that's it.

 

[Lawliet]

I haven't had the same unreliable connection with my YN-E3-RT as you guys have, but It definitely feels cheaper, and didn't do well when I had it outdoors for a -30C shoot (I can't comment on if the Canon could have fared better).

As for reliability: I'd say the Canon is more reliable at being reliable - less "It works, most of the time at least". Either black or white, no greys in Canonland. Might just be a more demanding setting for the frequency evaluation program? Who knows?

At -30C most batteries go to sleep, and that small thing hasn't enough mass to provide thermal capacity or insulation to keep at least some warmth in and the chemistry going. In such circumstances Lithium cells work best, either the ~1.6V-1.7V AA-sized ones or if you want to go the distance replacing two AAs in series with a single CR123A primary might be an option. Those still work in conditions that would probably have killed your gear a while ago.

 

[Viggo]

I haven't had the same unreliable connection with my YN-E3-RT as you guys have, but It definitely feels cheaper, and didn't do well when I had it outdoors for a -30C shoot (I can't comment on if the Canon could have fared better).

As for reliability: I'd say the Canon is more reliable at being reliable - less "It works, most of the time at least". Either black or white, no greys in Canonland. Might just be a more demanding setting for the frequency evaluation program? Who knows?

At -30C most batteries go to sleep, and that small thing hasn't enough mass to provide thermal capacity or insulation to keep at least some warmth in and the chemistry going. In such circumstances Lithium cells work best, either the ~1.6V-1.7V AA-sized ones or if you want to go the distance replacing two AAs in series with a single CR123A primary might be an option. Those still work in conditions that would probably have killed your gear a while ago.

On that note, has anyone seen a lithium batterypack to replace the 4 AA's in a flash? For me, and others it would be less of a need to bring the external battery packs, and run longer in wet weather, where a battery back is not the best option.

 

[privatebydesign]

I haven't had the same unreliable connection with my YN-E3-RT as you guys have, but It definitely feels cheaper, and didn't do well when I had it outdoors for a -30C shoot (I can't comment on if the Canon could have fared better).

It works on my 5D2 in the way's I'd want the ST-E3-RT to, and the the AF focus assist is still a nice touch. A friend of mine couldn't get it to work on his Fuji X-Pro1 (remember, this is supposed to offer control with the firmware update on other camera bodies) but again, we haven't tested it beyond that.

I still see it as a workable alternative, but yeah, I wouldn't put everything I had against it, I still pack the Canon one just in case.

Justin, you need to get Firmware version 1.09 for it to work on third party cameras, in the custom functions there becomes an option to turn off the extra hot shoe pins that Canon cameras tell it what is gong on.

FW 1.09 has been in Beta for a while but there seems no widespread recognition of it. Youngnuo are being even quieter than previously.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/63687922/YN-E3-RT_FW_V1.09beta.zip

 

[Clement Chua]

The saddest thing is the Battery level indicator is not on LCD, and itshould!!
You have no idea when the battery is going to die! That is the basic necessity for every battery operated devices.
If using speedlite, we can tell by the recharging duration, but not the trigger. Actually I wishthere is a battery bar level for speedlite too.