Moving A Speedlite Off-Camera

Moving your Speedlite off the top of your camera is a fast way to take a huge step forward as a photographer. Why? We see shape and depth in a photo based upon the shadows. When your main light is right atop your camera, the light is very flat. Moving the Speedlite even a short distance away can help add depth by adding shadows. There are many ways to move your Speedlite.

E-TTL Cords

The quickest thing you can do to get your Speedlite off-camera is to use a dedicated cord with a hotshoe at one end. If you use an E-TTL-compatible cord, then your camera will be able to continue to communicate exposure control to the flash. With an E-TTL cord, your camera does not know that the Speedlite has been moved out of the hotshoe.
Canon OC-E3 Off-Camera E-TTL Cord – The Canon OC-E3 Off-Camera Flash Cord will enable you to handhold your Speedlite or to mount it into a flash bracket, virtually anywhere within two feet of the hotshoe. If you need to go farther (I always seem to), you can add a second cord to the first cord. I have to admit though that this is a rather expensive solution. I prefer the Flash Zebra Extra-Long E-TTL Cord discussed below.

Adorama E-TTL Coiled Cord – Private label products can be a good way to save you cash. The Adorama E-TTL Coiled Cord provides all the same features and functions as the original for about half the price. Heavy duty construction.

Flash Zebra 3′ E-TTL Cord – Here’s another alternative to the Canon cord, also for about half the price. About 12″ coiled; stretches to nearly 3′. Full E-TTL communication. 1/4″-20 socket under the hotshoe so that you can mount it on a bracket or stand. Build quality is almost identical to the Canon OC-E3.

Flash Zebra Long & Extra-Long E-TTL Cords – The most useful piece of off-camera gear in my bag is my Extra-Long E-TTL cord from Flash Zebra. This cord allows me to move my Master flash to unique locations, like the inside of an Apollo softbox or pointing out a window to slaved Speedlites outdoors. The cord maintains full E-TTL communications so I can control the flash exposure from my camera. Flash Zebra offers two versions: 16′ long and 24′ long. I like the extra-long because I can run the cord from my camera down to the floor, across to the stand, and up to the Speedlite instead of having it swing through the air.

PC Sync Cords

A PC sync cord is an old-school, but still useful, technology. Years ago, many years ago, Prontor and Compur were the most popular shutters on view- and medium-format cameras. The standard that enabled the shutter to mechanically synchronize with the flash was called “PC sync”. The legacy of a PC sync socket on cameras has been carried forward for decades. Canon continues to include them on many models.

From the perspective of a modern Speedlite, a PC cord has a simple vocabulary—it can say “Fire!” and that’s it. Unlike an E-TTL cord, which can carry camera instructions about power levels to the Speedlite, a PC cord can trigger a Speedlite in manual mode only. If you need less flash, you’ll have to walk over to your Speedlite and turn the dial from full-power to half-power rather than do it on the camera. The good news is that because PC sync cords are simple, they are inexpensive. If you have a PC terminal on your camera and a PC terminal on your flash (580EX II is the only current model that does), you can connect the two directly with a PC sync cord. Moving a Speedlite off-camera does not get cheaper than this. However, some cameras and most Speedlites lack a PC terminal. For these, you’ll have to use a PC adapter of some sort.

Screwlock PC

Do you have PC or Screwlock PC? Current Canon gear, like the 5D Mark II and the Speedlite 580EX II, have Screwlock PC sockets. Unlike the original PC fitting which presses on (and often twists loose), the Screwlock provides a more secure connection. In a pinch you can use an old-style PC fitting in the Screwlock socket.

Flash Zebra Screwlock PC to Screwlock PC – If both your camera and Speedlite have Screwlock fittings, this is the best style of sync cord for you. For instance, you can go straight from the side of a 5D Mark II directly into the site of a 580EX II. You’ll have to fire it in manual mode, but it’s an economical way to get your Speedlite off-camera. Available coiled and straight, in lengths that range from 13″ to 32′.

Flash Zebra Screwlock PC to Hotshoe - If your camera has a Screwlock PC socket, you can use the hotshoe on this 16′ cord under virtually any Speedlite. The advantage of a hardwired hotshoe is that you have one less PC fitting to come loose during your shoot.

Camera Hotshoe Adapters

Use one of these adapters in the hotshoe of your camera to send the sync signal out to your off-camera Speedlite(s).

Flash Zebra Multipurpose Hotshoe Adapter – If your camera lacks a PC port, you can use this adapter on top of your camera. It will give you two female PC fittings and one male PC fitting from which you can run sync cords. Will also work under a Speedlite at the other end. While it’s on top of your camera, it will fire a Speedlite too. So, if you turn the power down, your on-camera flash can provide a nice fill while your off-camera flash provides the key light. Durable aluminum foot with locking ring. No thread on the foot, so you’ll have to slip it into a cold shoe bracket.

Flash Zebra Camera Hotshoe to Flash Hotshoe Cord – This cord has a hotshoe for your camera and another for your off-camera flash. If you want, park a second Speedlite on top of your camera. This cord will fire it and the off-camera flash simultaneously. If your turn the power down, your on-camera flash can provide a nice fill while your off-camera flash provides the key light.

Sync Cord to Flash Hotshoe Adapters

Use one of these adapters under your off-camera Speedlite to receive the sync signal. The type of hotshoe adapter you need depends upon how you connect to it. These hotshoe adapters also enable you to trigger your Speedlite with an optical slave instead of a PC sync cord.

Flash Zebra Deluxe PC to Hotshoe – If you have a PC cord, male or female, this hotshoe adapter will connect to it. Features two female and one male PC fittings. Also has a test button to confirm that the flash will fire. Metal foot with 1/4″-20 thread is strong and versatile.

Flash Zebra Screwlock & Miniphone to Hotshoe – If you have a sync cord with Screwlock PC or miniphone fittings and your Speedlite has neither, then you can connect the sync cord to this hotshoe and park your Speedlite on top. Plastic foot and locking ring, plus metal 1/4″-20 thread.