Splitting hot shot to several speedlights?

Has anyone a method suitable for the 5D, 1D(s)II and III series cameras for splitting the hot shoe output and keeping control?


There's this Dot Line Dual Off-Camera TTL Shoe Cord for All Canon EOS sold by B&H


here


Asher

Not one of these?

Asher,

This will let you use 3 Canon Speedlights - I have one. Actually, good idea - I think I will take it tomorrow since I have a portrait session and my new lights are missing important parts - like synch cords!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=details_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=164264&is=REG&addedTroughType=accessory_detail&addedTroughValue=416823_USA

Yes Kathy!

I have one of these! I just wanted to put several on a frame raised from my camera without using the ST-2! Thanks, anyway and good luck on the portait session!

Asher

Very Simple

All you have to do is hook them up in parallel. You can use extension cords, whatever. Just make sure none have a sync voltage above that which the camera (and other strobes) can handle.

The ultimate resource for this small light stuff that I've found is the Strobist blog. The Lighting 101 link at the top is a good place to start. He's a pro PJ so he has lots more tools at his disposal, but I think most of his field work is done with Nikon SBs triggered by Pocket Wizards rather than sync cables, but the idea is no different.

Aaron

Another solution would be to attach an off-shoe cord 2 to one of them, set that one on master and the other on slave, turn the IR lights towards each other.

Jan,

That's what I was thinking! Even of making a little light pipe to connect them! BTW, how's your work going? Any news?

Asher

I use 3 580EX's all, the time, it is a great light weight, portable, wireless traveling studio. Forget the ST-E2, it is garbage. Use one 580 mounted on your camera to fire them all, or you may also try these.

http://www.microsyncdigital.com/products.cfm

Forget the cords unless you like to trip over wires while you are working.

Buy an ST-E2 and shot with the flashes set on manual. It is cheaper then buying a flash just to use it as a trigger but it still gives you the option to use E-TTL.

I use mine with three flashes. I have one 580EX set as a main light and another 580EX as a fill light. Both are flashed thru an umbrella while the third light, a 550EX, is used as a hair light.

Thanks,

I already have an STE-2. I just wanted to set up multiple flashes around my camera with a RRS circular flash bracket. I wasn't sure that the signal would be picked up when the flash units were so close and the red windows not facing. However, in a quick test, it works. I was just looking for hard wired solution since I may block the red light with modifiers.

Asher

I run pocket wizards when i want my third flash used off of the camera . For portraits i have been having a nice effect bouncing the flash off of my camera bracket on an umbrella behind, and above the camera. I also use 3 background supports, left and right are always white, it acts like a shooting dome. When i am after different effects, i sometimes i cover the whole enclosure.