What makes the 580EX II worth $500???

[Colin Southern]

Hi Kathy,

Except that the ST-E2 also lets you autofocus in the dark (focus assist) without blinding someone (IR vs. visible), and can master with wireless high-speed sync.

The ST-E2 isn't infra-red; the communication is done via a miniature white flash tube with a red filter over it, and the AF assist is just done with red LEDs. The pocketwizards can master with both high-speed sync and hypersync.

[speedneeder]

The ST-E2 -v- PW is like comparing a bicycle to a sports car.

Hehe

[inkista]

The ST-E2 isn't infra-red; the communication is done via a miniature white flash tube with a red filter over it, and the AF assist is just done with red LEDs. The pocketwizards can master with both high-speed sync and hypersync.

Yeah, I was careless in my text. I know it's really "near-infrared", but then I didn't want to get into that whole discussion infrared vs. near-infrared, and Brian was already tagging the Canon system as "infrared", so I took the shortcut. This is why I want a Canon analog to "CLS" as a short, simple term we can use for the Canon proprietary near-infrared visible-light wireless eTTL communication system. Damnit.

And agreed, the ST-E2 seriously shows its age. But you still can't use PWs to autofocus in the dark, or a sports car to take a canyon bike trail.

BTW, the autofocus assist on the ST-E2 is the one thing the Yongnuo clone couldn't replicate.

[speedneeder]

BTW, the autofocus assist on the ST-E2 is the one thing the Yongnuo clone couldn't replicate.

That's good to know! I hadn't gathered that from my limited research so far.

[inkista]

I'm going by a POTN thread on the YN ST-E2 clone. I was feeling a bit grumpy, having bought a Canon ST-E2 a few years ago, but after reading that, I was happy again.

[speedneeder]

I'm going by a POTN thread on the YN ST-E2 clone. I was feeling a bit grumpy, having bought a Canon ST-E2 a few years ago, but after reading that, I was happy again.

More good info, thank you

[Colin Southern]

But you still can't use PWs to autofocus in the dark

That's OK -- you can't use an ST-E2 to trigger slaves in the light

[inkista]

That's OK -- you can't use an ST-E2 to trigger slaves in the light

Snicker. That and my RC-1. #epicfail in bright sunlight.

I'm still wondering why Canon's apparently discontinued the RC-1, though--perfect remote for controlling the 5Dii's video.

[arith]

What you should be asking is why is it only $500 in the USA.

[speedneeder]

Only $500????
I just bought a 430 for $250 at my local Best Buy.
The ETTL-2 is VERY nice for bounce flash, though it isn't playing nice with my yongnuo flashes