Using 550EX and 540EZ flashes with 30D

Ron Metz · #1 10-16-2007, 01:32 PM

I am going to do some family pictures at the beach (sunset shots - backs to the sun) and I want to do flash and fill flash - left, right and on camera. I have a Canon 30D and three flashes - main flash (550EX) will be on the camera and the two fills will be the 540EZ with umbrellas. My question is: can I use the 540EZ flashes with the 30D and 550EX? Thanks.

Ron

Dennis_Vied · #2 10-16-2007, 03:56 PM

It doesn't appear the 540EZs are compatible with the wireless mode. I don't know if they have slaves or wired inputs, though.

Ron Metz · #3 10-16-2007, 04:12 PM

Thanks Dennis. I also received some information from the Canon site that they do not. EOS non-digital only. I am going to upgrade to two 550 EX. You are always there to answer member questions and I really appreciate that.

Ron

Dennis_Vied · #4 10-16-2007, 04:33 PM

I have three 580's and the IR controller. I use them wirelessly with umbrellas for portraits. Makes a fairly compact kit, and effective, too. Should work well for you.

Ron Metz · #5 10-16-2007, 06:13 PM

Dennis,

I am looking at getting another 550EX (used of course) and a 580EX II (new). I would use the two 550EX as fill and the 580EX would be my main. I will not be doing that much family/portrait photography and feel that two 580EX would be overkill for me. Your thoughts?

Ron

P.S. I just put my two 540EZ flashes on eBay

Will_Mass · #6 10-16-2007, 07:48 PM

Ron, check out Strobist. They have lots of useful ideas about using optical triggers, and even ebay wireless xmitters. They're cheap, will work with what you already have, and they even have info on hot roddin' stuff.

Ron Metz · #7 10-16-2007, 08:55 PM

Great site!!! Thanks Will.

Ron