Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter Overview

Do you want to use your Canon Speedlite/s off camera? There are various ways to do this and one way is to use the Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter. This video will give you and overview of the ST-E2 functionality and show you how to use it. However, my final conclusion is that theere are better options these days.
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[@sailingsvsalacia8398]

So I just got two 550EX flashes for $40 each and ST-E2 for $10 off of eBay. The 550EX may be old, but now they are cheap and are a workhorse of a flash. Just get em from a shop that will take them back if they have a bad battery box. That seems to be the only thing that ever goes wrong with them. I got mine from an eBay camera store graded in excellent condition. The ST-E2 is also graded in excellent condition and they all come with the Canon vinyl soft cases. Not a bad way to spend 90 bucks for TWO high quality off camera flashes that sync up with no trouble.

[@PhilUKNet]

You did well! The focus these days is on wireless flashes, but the old Canon optical pulsed light system still works very well. It doesn't have the range of wireless, but if range isn't an issue it is still very reliable and also flexible. My 550EX must be almost 20 years old, but it still works fine. I recently bought something from eBay and it arrived exactly as described. I think that sellers want to avoid negative feedback, so they are honest about what they are selling. I live in Thailand and it arrived from Japan. The only shock I had was having to pay 40% import duty to DHL before they would hand it over! Thanks for your comment.

[@jameswburke]

Very useful. I happen to have an unused 90EX which came with my EOSM mk1. As it is wireless, it will trigger my other Canon flashes as you mention at the end. Thanks for this honest appraisal. Subbed ;-)

[@PhilUKNet]

Thank you!

[@jasonslimmingworld6038]

That’s really helped me. Thank you

[@PhilUKNet]

@@jasonslimmingworld6038 Great to hear! Thanks for letting me know 🙏

[@JackYoung-vw9zb]

I happen to have an ST-E2. I specifically bought it because it has an IR auto focus light which helps in focusing in low light

[@PhilUKNet]

This was a big thing shortly after DSLRs appeared in the mid 2000's. Back then, long before dual pixel AF, AF systems weren't great, and people looked at other ways to improve focusing. Using an ST-E2 was a popular method with Canon users. AF is so good now that it isn't necessary.

[@peterevans8194]

These ST-E2s are cheap as chips now second hand, which to me makes them still worth considering, especially for indoor work. I've not tried the cheap Chinese wireless controllers but have watched their use on various KZbin videos and often they are not 100% compatible..For instance, in use, I saw one where the sync speed was reduced from 1/250th to 1/200th.

[@PhilUKNet]

You know there aren't going to be any problems with the genuine Canon unit and if you can pick up a used one cheap it would be preferable to a Chinese knock-off. When I last checked the price new they were still very expensive, almost the same price as an STE-3. Thanks for the info!

[@floridasaltlife]

Thank You for taking the time...

[@PhilUKNet]

Thank you!

[@edwardforgacs4172]

In relation to the comment about the AF assist illuminator function of the ST-E2 being unnecessary, this is probably the case with most modern lenses. I have found it does materially improve the hit rate with the EF 50mm f/1.4, not surprising as this is an older lens, even on a 5D IV. I wouldn't completely discount this usage of the ST-E2 as the newer radio transmitters don't have the AF assist function. It's also a lot lighter and less obtrusive to carry around an ST-E2 (compared to a full-size flash) for the purpose of AF assist in an indoor environment where flash photography is not permitted.

[@PhilUKNet]

The lenses I have A/F OK, but I have read that the ST-E2 can help in certain situations with certain lenses. A lens such as the 50/f1.4 will have a very narrow DOF @ f/1.4 and needs very accurate A/F. It's actually a good little device and very reliable. Radio flashes have taken over in recent years and the little 90EX has very similar 'Master' functionality, but there's still a place for the ST-E2. Thanks for your comment!

[@MamaLifeBri]

I used to use one solely for the af assist beam

[@PhilUKNet]

I remember 20 years ago, or so, when AF wasn't what it is today that quite a few people used them for this purpose. Since the introduction of dual pixel AF all the complaints about poor focusing have disappeared!

[@obusventer4798]

Thanks for taking the time to review. I am getting into macro photography, with side by side dual flash. I need to know if the ST E2 can trigger two Canon 270ex2 flashes? If so, can it translate the flash compensation to the 270EX2? Currently the only wireless trigger I can use is the on board flash, with the dual flash set to slave, that makes it blinding.

[@PhilUKNet]

It can. The 270EX II can be used as a slave and I really like the fact that it has a switch for slave mode (same as the 550EX) so that you don't have to mess around with menus. One problem I have read about is that the wireless sensor on the 270EX is at the front. In a wireless system the master will often point at the side or back of the slave devices, so with the sensor at the front it may not trigger consistently. (From the user manual) The ST-E2 can execute the following operations through wireless control: E-TTL autoflash High-speed sync (FP flash) FE lock Flash exposure compensation (FEC) Manual flash (Flash output set with Speedlite) Multi-flash firing (Set with the Speedlites) So, yes. Any FEC that you set will be transmitted by the ST-E2 to the slave devices. If the light is blinding you may also want to try using some diffusers. You can make them yourself out of suitable white fabric or buy some ready made ones. I bought some very cheap diffusers on-line that attach to the front of the flash units using velcro. They're easily available through ALI Express or other on-line outlets. s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_A32wGD

[@brauliofontanez]

Amazing..I still have my ST-E2. Thanks for the video.

[@PhilUKNet]

Old technology now, but still fun to play with! Thanks for your comment.

[@brauliofontanez]

@@PhilUKNet Yes.. I'm about to take some pictures of it, to see who would be interested. It's in new condition.

[@PhilUKNet]

@@brauliofontanez They are quite expensive to buy new and now there are better, cheaper options but someone somewhere will be interested.

[@btrdangerdan2010]

Very informative thanks for the tutorial

[@PhilUKNet]

Thanks for your comment!

[@lofi.sai-lofibeats]

Can I use to 90EX to connect to two EX430s I ? from a 200D

[@PhilUKNet]

Sure you can! One of my flashes is the 430EX II. All of these items use optical pulsed light and will work perfectly together.

[@lofi.sai-lofibeats]

@@PhilUKNet I'd have the two flashes on a bracket for macro photography. Do you think it's worth simply getting a body with wireless (70d or 77d)

[@PhilUKNet]

@@lofi.sai-lofibeats I think it's always easier using a camera that has a built-in flash and an integrated Speedlite controller rather than an ST-E2. It's more convenient, you don't have to worry about another piece of equipment and, when I last looked, the ST-E2 was still quite expensive. You could also consider a cheap wireless trigger kit. On Amazon there's a kit made by Alturo for $34.99 that has a transmitter and two receivers. If you're just going to use the flashes on a bracket you could even consider a cord instead of a wireless trigger. The Dot Line RS-0435D looks like the sort of thing you need, but presumably there are others.

[@lofi.sai-lofibeats]

@@PhilUKNet thanks for the advice! Do you think that setup with two 430s would balance okay with the tiny 200d? I can also see a 70d at the same price but I know the image quality will be lower

[@PhilUKNet]

@@lofi.sai-lofibeats The 200D is the smallest DSLR available, I believe. It's going to feel quite top heavy with a bracket and two 430EX's either side. A bigger DSLR might feel better balanced and a bigger body will give you more to hold on to. 25mp vs 20mp - I don't think you will notice a huge difference in IQ, but I have no experience of these cameras so I don't know for sure.

[@swansong007]

If you want to use RT controller you'll have to buy all new flash units as wireless won't work with RT

[@PhilUKNet]

Exactly.

[@shyamranger]

Sir, why didn't you use inbuilt wireless trigger of camera for speedlite. is there is difference in exposure from transmitter to inbuilt trigger ??

[@PhilUKNet]

You're right to point out that there are several ways this can be done. In fact, some Speedlites are better because they can control three flash groups, whereas the ST-E2 can only control two. I bought the ST-E2 a long time ago when there weren't as many options. I like its small size and light weight. I also like it because I can set it up using buttons on the unit rather than going through the camera menu. There shouldn't be any difference in exposure. The ETTL should handle the exposure whichever way you are doing it. I bought the ST-E2 around 20 years ago. If I was buying gear for a wireless set up now, I would probably do it a different way. Also, a long time ago, when AF wasn't very good (before dual pixel), the ST-E2 could be used for focus assist. However, that's unnecessary these days.

[@shyamranger]

@@PhilUKNet thank you sir for your information.

[@PhilUKNet]

@@shyamranger That’s OK, you made a good point! Nowadays, I would probably go for a radio system rather than optical pulsed light. Once again, this wasn't an option when I started putting my system together. What I have is old, but it still works.

[@racerxlilbro]

Hugely helpful. Thanks!

[@PhilUKNet]

It's a good device, but it's long in the tooth, still quite expensive, and other products will do the job for less money. The radio version is roughly the same price. Thanks for your comment.

[@rgarcia5353]

Very informative. What are your thoughts regarding the Speedlite 270EX II. I'm looking for a cost effective master to my two 400's. Newbie, of course. Thanks!

[@PhilUKNet]

I don't have one and therefore have no experience, but as far as I know this flash can't be used as a master to control other flashes.

[@CircuitBurger]

Great video Phil. I'm currently a Nikon user, with a plethora of equipment. However, I've recently bought a EOS RP, for video and as a carry everywhere, small, Full Frame camera, and now looking to get a flash. I've ordered a used Canon 580ex ii and one of these transmitters, as I love to do off camera flash. I think I may cancel the transmitter part now, having watched this, as that 90ex you have looks much more attractive, being alot smaller and wireless. I also use YongNuo stuff, but since buying the camera, I've learned, I cannot access the flash menu in the RP, unless I use a dedicated Canon flash (Something Nikon allows) As I like to shoot with second curtain/slow sync options for creative purposes, I need to get the Canon flash (and trigger) as the YongNuo will only work manually and thus, without the option of second curtain from the camera settings. One question, will the 90 ex trigger the 580ex ii ? Thanks again for the informative video. Kind regards Gav.J

[@PhilUKNet]

Thank you Gavin! The 90EX is a very handy little flash with its convenient size and 'Master' capabilities, but I think Canon discontinued it. Even if it has been discontinued, you should be able to pick one up new or used somewhere. I've looked at YongNuo equipment several times and it seems very good, as well as being a lot cheaper than Canon. I guess Canon got fed up with the loss in sales and changed the firmware on their cameras to only accept dedicated flashes. I've had lots of problems with cheap third-party batteries not working properly for the same reason. I can't blame Canon really. Canon uses two types of wireless control - radio and optical pulsed light. The ST-E2, 90EX and 580EX II all use optical pulsed light, so the answer to your question is yes!

[@ginaweathersby5463]

Thank you for the video - is it possible to use manual mode with this transmitter?

[@PhilUKNet]

This isn't something I have really played with, but I think you need to set it on the flash unit as there is nothing on the ST-E2. I just looked at my 550EX and if you hold down the Mode button it goes into M mode. Press SEL/SET until it starts flashing and then you can set the power output using the +/- buttons - 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/128. When the ST-E2 triggers the flash it should use the manual setting that you selected on the flash. No doubt, setting the 'M' power output will use a slightly different procedure on each individual flash unit so you will need to look at the instruction manual for your flash. Another way to have more control would be to use the FEC control on the camera and you can also vary the A-B ratio on the ST-E2.

[@kamnisenmaki]

Hello and thanks for the very useful video. I have a question... Can you propose a radio trigger working on the EOS M cameras firing the 550 EX ?

[@PhilUKNet]

Thanks for your comment! I'm afraid I don't own any radio triggers and so it's difficult for me to propose or personally recommend anything. I'm just using infrared devices for off-camera flash. However, what I will say is that I have been impressed with what I have seen of Yongnuo products. They look well made, reliable and they are very competitively priced. In addition, these are easily available where I live in Thailand whereas certain other brands (as well as being a lot more expensive) are difficult to find here. If I was in the market for some radio triggers I would have a very strong preference for buying Yongnuo.

[@genoleso82]

Hello. I own two old 430ex speedlights and a canon ST -E2 transmitter. Recently I bought a Yognuo yn-600ex rtII with a yn-e3-rtII. Canon transmiter can not drive the YN speedlights and YN transmitter can not drives the canon speedlights. Sorry for my stupid question but is there any way to use all my three speedlights simultaneously by some setting or because the two different (radio/IR) technology i do not have any chance? Sorry for my bed english. Regards

[@bernie588]

1.Can I utilize a Manual...non TTL flash with a TTL flash while shooting in Auto Mode,or will the Camera get a false light reading>What about just using a reflector?

[@PhilUKNet]

I like reflectors and natural light. If you have adequate ambient light try to use it. If you're using non-TTL flashes in auto mode the system can't control the amount of light and the exposure will be wrong. With digital there is instant feedback and you can make manual adjustments or you can use a light meter.

[@thaflicksta]

great info, helped me out!!!!

[@PhilUKNet]

Glad it helped! Thank you. Sorry for the delay replying, but KZbin stopped sending me notifications. They have just turned up, but they are all late.

[@arijitdas7329]

I have got a pair of 470 EX AI flash units. I want to use those as off Camera flashes. Can this trigger ST-E2 be used mounting on canon 5D MK4 to trigger those flashes remotely?

[@PhilUKNet]

I'm not familiar with this flash, but I believe the slave function works with optical pulsed light (as opposed to radio frequency) and therefore it should work with your flash units and 5D Mk4 body. It won't work with radio frequency flashes, but I don't think this applies to the 470EX.

[@Robert-ug5hx]

Would this work on none Canon speedlites in manual mode setup on flashes?

[@PhilUKNet]

It communicates with flash units using optical pulsed light. If the non Canon Speedlites could be set up as optical pulsed light slaves I guess it would work. Yongnuo, for example, make exact Canon clones so there shouldn't be a problem. I only have experience using genuine Canon Speedlites.

[@genoleso82]

Hello. I own two old 430ex speedlights and a canon ST -E2 transmitter. Recently I bought a Yognuo yn-600ex rtII with a yn-e3-rtII. Canon transmiter can not drive the YN speedlights and YN transmitter can not drives the canon speedlights. Sorry for my stupid question but is there any way to use all my three speedlights simultaneously by some setting or because the two different (radio/IR) technology i do not have any chance? Sorry for my bed english. Regards

[@PhilUKNet]

Don't worry about your English. Second languages are difficult, as I know with Thai! Your Speedlites and ST-E2 communicate using optical pulsed light. Your Yongnuo items communicate using 2.4GHz radio frequency. I guess you could buy a dual hotshoe bracket and then you could attach both your ST-E2 and YN-E3-RTII to the camera at the same time. These two devices would then trigger all of your flashes. www.lazada.co.th/products/andoer-dual-hot-shoe-flash-speedlite-light-bracket-splitter-for-canon-7dii-70d-5dr-5drs-5diii-6d-dslr-camera-camcorder-i1005316073-s2216838881.html?exlaz=d_1:mm_150050845_51350205_2010350205::12:1498579383!58089999096!!!pla-296030489971!c!296030489971!2216838881!138563338&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn-WTptPQ6gIVWQ4rCh2zGQKXEAQYASABEgIIOvD_BwE However, I'm thinking off the top of my head now and I don't know how this would work, or even if it would work at all. In your position I think I would sell the old Speedlites and ST-E2 and buy a couple of small Yongnuo radio frequency flashes to replace the 430EX's. I don't think it would be a good idea to mix and match systems. It would be better to have all the flashes working on the same system and because you have already bought some radio frequency flashes I think your goal should be to move to a complete RF flash system.

[@genoleso82]

@@PhilUKNet thankyou for your kind answer. Fonally I found that YN speedlight is able to works in twice mode. As slave with radio trigger from yn transmiter and with st e2 optical too. Maybe not 100% painless but it works.

[@PhilUKNet]

@@genoleso82 This is interesting, thanks for letting me know. I've never owned a Yongnuo product, but their equipment seems to work exactly the same as Canon and the prices are a fraction of the Canon originals. I've also not had any experience with radio triggers. Maybe I will later if exchange rates pick up!

[@Ginkan]

i try to off-camera my 470ex-ai flash which only have the optical transmission (come on canon)... look like this old transmitter is the only option i have...

[@PhilUKNet]

You have a few options. Some bodies with a pop up flash have an integrated Speedlite transmitter for off camera flash. Also, there are third party transmitters that do the same thing as the ST-E2. The ST-E2 is still quite expensive new, but someone left a comment saying they are very cheap second hand. I guess that a lot of people are moving to radio and there will be more optical flashes and transmitters on the market.

[@Jim_Sanders.]

Excellent!!

[@PhilUKNet]

Thanks!

[@buck2rite1]

Will this still work on my canon 5D mark IV with a canon 430x-II ?

[@PhilUKNet]

Yes!

[@kibbsnowden6893]

Nothing works as good as Canon equipment !!! There is always some drawback to off brands ...Been there done that...

[@PhilUKNet]

Agree totally. Since getting a Canon A1 in 1981 I have always bought Canon camera equipment. It just works. My A1 still functions perfectly and has never gone wrong. When digital cameras first appeared I got a Sony DSC P1 for my birthday - it was expensive back then. It had A/F and battery charging problems. It then broke completely and needed an expensive repair. Earlier this year I bought a GoPro 9. You'd think that after 9 generations GoPro would be making reliable products. It has some nice features, but it freezes all the time. I've talked to their support and followed all their recommendations, but it still freezes and needs to be turned off and on to clear the error. Looking on-line I see that the new GoPro 10 has overheating problems. As you say, Canon products have a tendency to just work. Some new products do have issues, but Canon will then strive to fix those issues. GoPro, it seems, just blames their hardware problems on users using wrong memory cards or not doing other things. Stick with Canon!

[@efreutel]

Buy used and save a bundle. No need to spend big bucks on radio controlled flash systems unless you are a professional photographer. Old technology does not mean bad technology, no?

[@PhilUKNet]

Very true. Optical pulsed light has limitations, but it's certainly not bad technology. And, as you say, because so many people want the latest technology, there is lots of good used equipment available at bargain prices. I wouldn't worry about age, either. I'm still using Canon equipment that's 40+ years old, and it still works reliably.

[@Bembeleke]

With all due respect the 90 ex does not compare whatsoever to the ste2 it may be old technology but its good technology. Try doing a wedding or shooting all day with the 90ex. I dont think so.

[@PhilUKNet]

I didn't state that a 90EX was the ONLY alternative to an ST-E2. I just said it was ONE alternative and that it might suit some people, obviously not professional wedding photographers who shoot all day and need 100% reliable equipment. You're comparing apples with oranges. These days an ST-E3 (used with the appropriate radio flash units) would be a much better alternative to an ST-E2 and there are also third-party alternatives, such as Yongnuo, that are very good and a lot cheaper than Canon. The ST-E2 retail price is still high ($249.95 at Adorama at the time of writing) and bearing in mind the alternatives that are available I don't believe it is good value. The price of the ST-E3 is only a little more ($285), so why pay almost as much for old technology?