Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3846 in Consumer Electronics
• Model: 2478A004AA
• Released on: 2008-04-17
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: .22 pounds

Manufacturer's Description
Canon is an industry leader in professional and consumer imaging equipment and information systems. Canon's extensive product line enables businesses and consumers worldwide to capture, store and distribute visual information. Cannon provides a wide range of accessories that are fully tested and 100% compliant with the corresponding equipment. All accessories are noted for their high reliability and superior quality.PRODUCT FEATURES: Type: 550EX-dedicated, clip-on Speedlite transmitter with direct contacts; Compatible Cameras: Type A EOS cameras (E-TTL, autoflash); Type B EOS cameras (Manual flash); Channels: 4; 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; Flash exposure confirmation; Wireless slave SE mode cancellation; Wireless Transmission: Infrared pulse; Transmission Coverage: �40 degrees horizontal and �30 degrees vertical; AF-assist Beam: Compatible with EOS-3's 45-point Area AF and 28mm and longer lens focal lengths; AF-assist Beam Effective Range: Approx. 0, 6 to 10 m/2.0 to 16.5 ft along the periphery (in total darkness); SE Feature: While the power switch is set to I or HOLD, the transmission turns off automatically after about 90 sec. of non-use.

Customer Reviews

Over-priced
As is the case with most Canon kit, the ST-E2 is overpriced. The unit does perform very well, and does exactly what it should.

However, I think it is in need of an update. The part which slots on to the hot-shoe is made of plastic, not metal, and is a little wobbly - although not insecure. The same fitting on my 580EX II flash is far superior. I dare say they could also make it less bulky.

I prefer the use of a 2CR5 battery, because the power should outlast a couple of rechargeable AA batteries. Be sure to order a battery, because it is not supplied with one!

Very useful - lost a star for the ridiculous price
The ST-E2 transmitter is a great way of getting your speedlite flash off-camera and opening up other photographic possibilities.

It has a rake of options on the back including being able to set the ratio of slave flash groups you're controlling with the device. There are 4 channels available and it can sync with high shutter speeds too at the press of a button.

Now onto the bad stuff which is mainly the price. £135 for this is robbery!!! It's very useful yes but when mine arrived I thought I had ordered the wrong thing because it was so small! However, aside from remote triggering of compatible speedlites it can throw out an infra-red focus assist beam which is useful on cameras like the 5D with no built in flash or assist beam so can maybe find a little use outside of the obvious. If it was £85 fair enough but as it is it's overpriced. It also uses a 2CR5 battery which is annoying because I can't use my rechargeable AA's.

If you want remote release for flashes there's probably not much choice and it does work perfectly so it is still recommended.