Quote Originally Posted by HiFiGuy1
So, I have a question.

You seem to have more than one question. []


It sounds like the PWs (or any wireless trigger) negate one of the advantages of a 580EX II over a 430EX II, which is the ability to trigger other flashes as a master. Is that correct?

Sort of but not really. The Speedlite master/slave system uses optical signals. The problem with this is that if you have bright ambient light or the strobe light path is obstructed, then you may not get the desired triggering to take place. With any radio frequency (RF) solution such as the PW, you solve this problem. Obstructions are very common--e.g., shooting with an umbrella, or using a hair light. However, my understanding is that with the 580 attached to the PW, you now control the lighting ratios of any additional slave units in manual mode. If you only have 430s on PWs, then there is no way to adjust ratios except by adjusting each flash unit (not sure if there's a remote controller available from PW). So there are still advantages to the 580EX II.


If so, and there aren't really other legitimate reasons to get a 580EX II, I think my first flash will be a 430EX II instead. I've been wanting a flash, but was kind of waiting until I could afford the big one.

If you want to use PWs, definitely start with a 430EX II. That's my impression. The 580EX II has other advantages, though: (1) It has a larger guide number, so is significantly brighter; (2) it has a larger AF assist beam and therefore works for 1-series bodies across all AF points; (3) it has more flexible positioning of the flash head; (4) it has the ability to connect to a portable external battery.


Also, if the 430EX II being less RF noisy is less problematic when using the PW stuff, that is actually an advantage, and by being able to buy the cheaper flashes, it negates some of the extra cost of the PW system.


Can a PW also remotely fire the camera?
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Yes. You would need to put the FlexTT5 on the camera as a receiver, and hold a transmitter (a MiniTT1 or second FlexTT5) to trigger. If you need to trigger a strobe in this setup, then a third PW is needed. Again, that's my understanding.