Speedlite groups

[Maverick007]

I have just received a 580ex speedlite to work with my 430ex that I have had for about a year. I want to use the two together 580ex as master commanding the 430ex as a slave.

I have now read the Canon instruction book and J. Dennis Thomas's Speedlite System digital field guide on how to work it but I am still confused, (or thick!!).

When you use the two together, is the master group A and the slave group B? Or, is the master just a master?

If I had 3 speedlites would that be master plus groups A & B or is it A+B+C? Told you I was confused.

The reason I ask is that I want to use the master, 580ex on camera as a mild fill light and the slave, 430ex set to one side as the main light to cast the shadows I desire on my subject.

If anyone knows how to change the settings for power to the units, help would overcome my frustration.

Terry

[xavier]

HI Terry
I do not know much a bout useing the speedlite myself, but I would sujest paly about with the set as I'm no good with those sort of instructions myself. So the plan is test shots realy. don't worry if you make a pigs ear of the photos your realy only getting a feal for thr off camera flash shoot

[xavier]

just another thought is there a camera club near by you may get some good tips on lighting from more experenced members and play about with the speedlite set

[matt wilson]

try this link to canon

http://web.canon.jp/imaging/flashwork/index.html

[matt wilson]

http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/

found this too everything you need to know about speedlights

[twojackstudio]

Hi,

I also have the 580 EXII and the 430 EXII and you can actually set which group you want the flash to be in, on the flash itself. I think your dilemma is setting the flash ration between the two with the 580 EXII on camera.

I use a STE2, which controls both the 580 EXII and the 430 EXII and allows me to set the ratio from the STE2 transmitter, but in your case I think you would set your slave (430) full power and then vary the power output of your on-camera 580 EXII to act as a fill light, maybe setting it at -1.5 to -2 exposure compensation.

I hope this helps.

Two Jack Studio