Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2

There are several advantages when you get the flash off your camera and away from the axis of the lens. Red-eye reduction or elimination is one of the foremost, although programs like Photoshop and on-camera software have largely eliminated the problem, with results that vary from natural looking to downright artificial. Other solutions, which include multiple flashes from the strobe, succeed in varying degrees.

One of the biggest advantages, though, is the ability to control shadows, create highlights and add light to otherwise dark or distant subjects. For years that meant long and cumbersome cords-which you had to hide before taking the photograph-that ran from the flash and connected to the camera through a PC jack or the hot shoe.

Wireless transmitters have changed things, and Canon's Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 is that company's solution for EOS camera users. The small system works seamlessly with Type A EOS cameras and even Type Bs with manual flash.

It was originally designed to work with Canon 550EXflashes, but it also runs perfectly with my 580EXand 580EX II. The later can work as a master to trip other flashes, but since I've been using the ST-E2 for the past 18 months I haven't found a reason to do so.

The unit has survived multiple assignments, and though it's taken a beating at a variety of outdoor locations, it's still working without hiccup. One of the only complaints I have centers on the power supply. The ST-E2 is powered by a single 2CR5 lithium battery, and they're not cheap. They're also not easy to find when you're hours away from civilization, so I always carry at least one fresh spare. Canon estimates you should get 1,500 transmissions per fresh battery, but I seem to be getting about 10 percent more. Radio Shack and Best Buy are the most reliable sources I've found locally.

The only other complaint I have is the red panel up front, which protects the automatic-assist lights, isn't affixed well enough for rough-and-tumble assignments. At work we've had one come loose for no reason, and once while taking photos on a beach mine fell off and I had to backtrack about a mile to retrieve it.

Keep an eye on the red panel, carry a spare battery and you're going to love the results, though. My mistake was taking a long hike with the unit still attached-it's so unnoticeable that it's easy to forget.

The unit simply attaches to the hot shoe. It's smaller and, weighing only 3.5 ounces without the battery, much lighter than any flash you'd care to attach. I don't go anywhere without mine. A locking toggle on the unit ensures it doesn't go anywhere once it's mounted.

The ST-E2 controls multiple flashes, wirelessly. However, the receiving units must be able to be seen by the transmitter, which precludes hiding them behind corners, etc. Maximum range outdoors is about 33 feet and indoors that figure improves to about 50. Each of the strobe's red panels (which receive the transmission) should be pointed directly at the camera location.

Canon's E-TTL metering works perfectly with the system, with the transmitter doing to thinking. It determines each of the flash's light output and the images created are spectacular right out of the box.

But there's more. The ST-E2 can fire the strobes remotely as a modeling light. You can also vary output on each flash remotely without having to touch the strobes, its high-speed-synchronization capable and once you get the settings right, there's a button to lock everything in for multiple exposures. Canon lists the MSRP as $350, although I've found it through several sources for a little more than $250.

Adding the ST-E2 to your camera gear allows unlimited creativity, stunning portraits and lighting that forces the viewer to concentrate on the main subject, regardless of distance. With a little practice you can also turn daytime into night or enhance sunsets and ambient light using the strobist technique. It's well worth the investment, and if you're like me, it'll soon become one of your most important photographic weapons.