Canon has announced the new Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT(Ver.2) – an update of the popular ST-E3-RT flash trigger. Enabling wireless flash synchronization and control of multiple Speedlites (positioned up to 30m away), this new transmitter gives professional Canon photographers greater creative freedom whether you're shooting in a studio or out on location.
It supports key features of the recently introduced Canon Speedlite EL-1 and also enables new capabilities when using previously launched RT Speedlites – including wireless (radio) second-curtain synchronization.
Other new features of the ST-E3-RT(Ver.2) include support for the Speedlite EL-1’s low-power 1/8192 micro flash, and for photographers who use manual flash the transmitter boasts a new FE Memory mode.
Canon Europe is also providing a chargeable service update for existing ST-E3-RT users. Those with the transmitter can send it to a Canon Service Centre to be upgraded to include the new additional features and capabilities of the ST-E3-RT(Ver.2). A good option, although we don't know exactly how much this charge would be – Canon has promised to reveal full details soon.
Through radio wireless transmission and second-curtain sync, the ST-E3-RT(Ver.2) releases the flash at the end of a long exposure, which helps you produce natural-looking images when capturing moving subjects in a range of shooting scenarios.
Canon ST-E3-RT(Ver.2) key features and specs
When shooting with a large aperture and/or high ISO speed, the flash level can often overpower the subject and scene. This forces you to change settings or set up, losing the look you going for. When partnered with the Speedlite EL-1, the transmitter’s 1/8192 micro flash adds beautifully subtle nuances of light without disrupting the atmosphere and ambient light reflected on set. This feature is perfect for fashion and portrait photographers looking to capture scenes with a natural atmosphere.
Building on the original transmitter’s flexible qualities, the ST-E3-RT(Ver.2) supports FE Memory – offering a quicker and more convenient manual flash set up. Alleviating the need for multiple test shots, professionals now have the option to perform an initial shot in E-TTL mode, capturing the E-TTL flash settings. You can then switch the Speedlites to manual flash to allow for manual adjustments where needed – all whilst retaining the original E-TTL settings.
We hope to get the Speedlite EL-1 in to test very soon, and will use it with the ST-E3-RT(Ver.2) as soon as one becomes available!
Canon ST-E3-RT(Ver.2) Speedlite Transmitter price and availability
Such is the world we currently live in, we are waiting for confirmation of availability, but we do at least have pricing – the Canon ST-E3-RT(Ver.2) will retail for $299 / £289.99 (approximately AU$390).
Pre-order the Canon ST-E3-RT(Ver.2) at B&H (US)
Read more:
Best Canon flashguns
Best flashguns
Best flash triggers
