Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter
The Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter is a dedicated E-TTL (II) wireless autoflash transmitter that can control an unlimited number of flashes with Canon Speedlites 420EX, 430EX, 430EXII, 550EX, 580EX and 580EX II, in two separate groups; A and B.
The ST-E2 sets and controls all functions of its slave units. The flash output ratio between groups A and B can also be adjusted from 8:1 to 1:1 or from 1:1 to 1:8.
Under low-light or low-contrast conditions it emits an AF-assist beam linked to the camera's focusing points.
Note: 420EX/430EX cannot be used as the master slave to trigger other flashes.
- Compatible Canon Speedlites 420EX, 430EX, 430EXII, 550EX, 580EX and 580EX II
- Compatible Cameras: Type A EOS cameras (E- TTL, autoflash); type B EOS cameras (Manual flash). Compatible models include: EOS 1D Mark II N, EOS 20D, EOS-1Ds MARK II, PowerShot G3, PowerShot G5, PowerShot G6, PowerShot G7 and PowerShot G9
- Flash Ratio Control: For A:B ratio: 1:8 to 8:1, in half- step increments or 13 steps
- High- Speed Sync (FP flash): Enabled with high-speed sync mode
- Slave Operation Confirmation: With test transmission button. *Slave A fires followed by slave B at 1/64 output
- AF-assist Beam: Compatible with EOS-3's 45-point Area AF and 28mm and longer lens focal lengths
- SE Feature: While the power switch is set to I or HOLD, the transmission turns off automatically after about 90 sec. of non-use
| Transmission System | Infrared pulse |
| Transmission Range |
Indoors: Approx. 39.4 - 49.2' (12-15 m) Outdoors: Approx. 26.2-32.8' (8-10 m) |
| Transmission Coverage | ±40° horizontal and ±30°vertical |
| Power Source | 2CR5 lithium (6V) battery |
| Dimensions | 2.4 x 2.0 x 3.1" (62 x 51 x 80mm) WxHxD |
| Weight | 3.5 oz (100 g) [excluding battery] |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 186 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
95%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Lightweight (145)
- Easy to use (113)
- Consistent output (66)
- Fast recycling (52)
- Versatile (41)
Cons
- Weak output (6)
- Poor quality (5)
- Heavy / bulky (3)
- Not interchangeable (3)
Best Uses
- Fill flash (86)
- Portraits (84)
- General purpose (65)
- Night photography (47)
- Lighting (38)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro photographer (53), Professional (34), Enthusiast (32), Pro photographer (28), Photo enthusiast (21)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (64), Yes (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Perfect for off camera flash control!
I shoot many weddings and family portraits both inside and outside; I wanted a portable lighting system and needed transmitter that would allow me to control my 580EX and 580EX II Canon flashes off camera...Read complete review
I shoot many weddings and family portraits both inside and outside; I wanted a portable lighting system and needed transmitter that would allow me to control my 580EX and 580EX II Canon flashes off camera. The ST-E2 transmitter is the perfect addition to my setup. I am able to use both Canon flashes, set each flash to the light output ratio desired, and fire them with the ST-E2 Canon Transmitter. I shoot with a partner and we are able to separate our Canon flashes in group setups, shoot on the same grounds, and not interfere with each other's ability to capture the images. Can't get much better than that!! If you are looking for dependable transmitter to control an off camera flash system, then the dedicated E-TTL ST-E2 Canon Transmitter should be in your camera bag!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
In a couple of words: it works.
I would give it a five except for two features
1. The power off resets the high shutter speed to 1/200th of a second, wwhich if you forget this (eas to...Read complete review
I would give it a five except for two features
1. The power off resets the high shutter speed to 1/200th of a second, wwhich if you forget this (eas to do), blows out the shot and it is often lost forever. You have to remember to hit the H>>> button so you can use a shutter speed higher than 200th/sec. I use ten to twenty times that.
2. The battery is not good for very many shots, no matter which one you buy. Sad.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 186 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter:
works great for off camera flash photography. easy to operate!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter:
I have used other photographers transmitter, this is my 1st and I love it! I bought it as other photographers highly recomended this product to me. I have used this product a few times and am very happy with it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
Comments about Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter:
I can control both my speelites with the same transmitter. I dont have the issue of the extension cable flipping my flash.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
Comments about Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter:
Works as advertised; makes lighting an overall scene very easy with the placement of a flash in one location when working a smaller area. Can't wait to get an additional slave for more creative lighting with my photographs.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter:
I bought this product to trigger remote flashes using the Canon IR system. It works great with my 430EX II and 580 EX II. I can't complain. I was worried that using it outdoors would be an issue. I was able to trigger a flash at least 20 feet away in daylight. I also bought this unit to use with my Radiopopper system. It works great there too. I like how I can control the flash output of groups A and B with this unit and also enable high speed sync. The build quality is very good. I guess the two things I don't like about it are the 2CR5 batteries you need to get. They are not easy to find, but you can get them online for about $6. Also, it locks to the camera hot shoe, but there is some play. I'm sure it's secure, but wish it was a tighter fit.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
Cons
- No manual capabilities
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter:
I like to use the transmitter with my flash set up to an umbrella. The ST-E2 works great and so far I've had no issues with the transmission not firing the flash, though I've yet to use it outside. The one problem is that it's ETTL ONLY, no manual control. You can go into the flash bracketing and adjust it up or down up to two stops. Usually this will suffice, however, this might be a problem shooting fill flash in broad daylight.
If manually setting your flash isn't a big concern, I definitely recommend this product! If you'd like to shoot manually with high speed sync capabilities you need pocket wizards or another flash unit.
All told, it gets the job done and is great for the price. I would also suggest getting this over the off camera flash cord.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
Cons
- Fixed direction
- Special Battery
- Weak Output
Best Uses
- General Use
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter:
That's a nice to have for the wireless TTL. It's very light. Works amazingly inside in small spaces but in larger area or outside, the infrared system got beyond it's limit.
Also, the battery is very expensive so buying a rechargeable battery is a must.
Another restriction, the ST-E2 can't control the manual power of wireless flash. You can only work in E-TTL with ratio. This is a very big disadvantages for any studio.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter:
I use the ST-E2 Speedlight with my Canon 5d mounted on the camera hot shoe. Most of the time I use it with my Radio-Popper PX system to fire my off camera 580EXII Strobe.
I love the high sync capabilities.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Night Photography
Comments about Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter:
My goal was to trigger three 580EX II off camera strobes with RadioPoppers. The ST-E2 worked very well in concert with the RF devices. What I didn't expect was the "Power Save Mode" after 90 seconds. It is a good idea to save your battery power but the "Wake Up" time was too long and not adjustable. This presented a problem for my application but it was solved by using a fourth strobe (550EX) and turning off the strobe light function. It works just like the ST-E2 and I wish I had known that before buying another product.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- ETTL Capability
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter:
After much research, invested into the Radio Popper PX system. Did not want to use a flash on my camera body hot shoe, so decided to go with the ST-E2. Tried it out without the Radio Poppers and as expected, it did not work once this transmitter was out of site of the flash unit. No surprise there but I did appreciate the low light focus assist with NO flash. If you desire ETTL capability with or without Radio Poppers, this is the way to go.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter:
Works great for remotely triggering my 580EXII's.Have not tried it out doors yet. Do wish it used AA rechargeable batteries. For the limited time I have used it works great. Do recommend.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter:
I use this product for portraiture and for creative lighting. It is quite versatile and allows you to be very creative with multiple flashes positioned with umbrellas, softboxes or to light the subject and different parts of your background. I highly recommend this product for someone looking for an option to remote triggers.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter:
This speedlite transmitter is a key component with great photography. Enabling 'off the camera' flash allows me to play with lighting and try new ideas. Running it with the 580 and 430. I can't be any happier. I can't wait to add more flashes to it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Expensive
Best Uses
Comments about Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter:
I use this unit for shooting wedding receptions and any other low light jobs. Since Canon's auto focus is terrible in anything less than direct sunlight, the AF assist beam is the sole reason I bought the St-e2. Now I can focus in completely dark areas. What seems to be missing from this product is the ability to turn off TTL. The preflash foils attempts to optically sync flashes.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Portable lighting system
- Weddings
Comments about Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter:
I think this product is great. The remote has a lot of controlling features on it. You can adjust the amount of flash you want from the remote. It controls all of my flashes so far without issue. You have to be line of sight to the flashes because the control and remotes are infrared not radio.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Battery not included
Best Uses
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter:
I have only used this for focus assist and it does seem to make a difference with a EOS 7D and 50mm f/1.2L.
I like the idea of using it with an off body cable to control other flashes too but I have not done this yet.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Portraits
Comments about Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter:
Has many more capabilities than I will ever use, and perhaps I needn't have spent the money (it IS a bit pricey) but I really enjoy being able to use one off-camera flash and not be literally tied to the sucker by a synch cord. Will control and balance multiple units independently right from your camera top (saves a while lot of mileage). For me it is self-indulgent, for a wedding guy or anybody else who routinely uses multiple off-camera flash units I would think it is so helpful as to be a necessity. When used with 2 or 3 off camera flash units it can provide you with a good approximation of studio lighting flexibility in a small corner of your gear bag. If you need to go on location for portrait work and can't bring a car-full of lights and stands you might give this a serious think.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Light
Best Uses
- Portraits
Comments about Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter:
Great item it works with the canon 550ex flash the only bad thing is no battery comes with it, they should have a battery kit with a charger to go along with the item.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
- Not Interchangeable
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter:
Works great! This transmitter is perfect and it is just as described. The only complaint is that the battery is VERY expensive to keep replacing and you cannot get rechargeables :(
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Expensive battery
Best Uses
Comments about Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter:
Works great! This transmitter is perfect and it is just as described. The only complaint is that the battery is VERY expensive to keep replacing and you cannot get rechargeables :(
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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Batteries & Power
- Price: $5.95
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What's in the Box
- 1-Year Warranty
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