SPEEDLITE ST-E3-RT (Ver. 3) does it fix sync problem

[garmanmd]

I see Canon is releasing a new ver 3 of the RT trigger.  All the announcements are silent however, on whether this trigger fixes the problem with losing sync that runs all through these forum in multiple posts.  Does anyone know if Canon has figured out what causes sync to drop and has been able to fix it or not with this product?

[p4pictures]

I don't think anyone has one of the new ST-E3-RT v3 devices as yet who also has experienced the drops of previous products. Even trying to identify what has been changed in the v3 from the v2 has been a challenge. 

So far... 

On the ST-E3-RT (original and v2) there is a port on the side to connect a remote release cable. This was to connect to the remote connections of older cameras that weren't compatible with the new shutter release features from a remote Speedlite. This port has been removed from the ST-E3-RT v3. 

[rs-eos]

The new version 3 won't be released until March 28th.  My advice is to go ahead an rent one whenever you can and test first hand.  Places such as Lens Rentals should carry it as they currently carry both version 1 and version 2.

[archiea]

canon operates in 2.4 gigahertz channels that is operated by dynamic router and 5G smartphones moreso in the past 5 years.

I initially got the 600 series speed light in 2012 after the 580 flashes interfered with my pocket wizards.  The new canon system were robust and flawless.  I shot at the same venue for 11 years.  

About 5 years ago I noticed a decline.  the radio would drop, requiring me to power cycle the individual flashes.  Because they were tucked away behind the band performers, it was impossible... making the canon flash system now useless. 

I used the same wireless router in my house for 20 years, until I had to work remotely for covid. I updated everything including the wireless router. Guess what? Testing my flash systems at home were flawless until I updated to a modern router. 

Canon would either have to allow the receivers in the flash to DYNAMICALLY reset the receiver without you having to power cycle them (this would have to be a change on the actual flash unites, not just the transmitter), or offer an option to operate the radios in the less used 330-400mhz bandwidth that is far less used today in modern wifi... this is what pocket wizards use.

[rudyespinosa]

The link issue is not fixed with Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT (v3).
I just received it and tested it with the Canon Speedlite EL-5 on a Canon EOS R5 Mark II

I will return the transmitter and sell the flash since this is unreliable and too expensive to deal with this issue.

FWIW, i disabled any power off features and set the LCD to always on for both the flash and transmitter.

[rs-eos]

Bummer, but unfortunately not surprising.

A little over a year ago, I also sold all my Canon 600EX-RT units along with the v2 ST-E3-RT.   While it can end up being more expensive depending on the brand you choose to go with, I believe you'll have far less issues.  I've gone with Profoto and haven't had any connectivity issues (just as I did for many years with the Canon speedlights from say 2014 through 2021 or so).

[Steppy]

I have no experience with the Ver. 3 but it's important to note that the lockup problem is found on both the transmitters AND flash units. If Canon improved their transmitters, you would still likely have issues with the flash units locking up.
The RT protocol works perfectly well with RT compatible 3rd party devices like Yongnuo flashes and the older Phottix Laso transmitters and flash adapters. I've tested multiple combinations extensively, and only (and all) the Canon devices locked up. It would appear to be an issue with either the device electronics or firmware, not the protocol itself.
Despite repeated comments to the contrary, this has nothing to do with 5G.
It would appear to be triggered by new wifi functionality added in recent years – what exactly I don’t know. If I run my Apple HomePods at home, ALL my Canon devices lock up within 8 minutes. Turn them off and I have no apparent issues, and I have a LOT of 2.4GHz equipment.
I switched to Godox a few years ago and haven’t had any issues since. I still use my Canon flashes mounted on Godox X1Rc adapters, inconvenient and obviously not everyone will want to go that way. I also use 3 Godox AD400 Pro studio flashes, which Canon has nothing to compete with.

[garmanmd]

I also have switched to Godox V100 flashes.  So far they seem to work very well.  It was painful to flush the thousands invested in Canon flashes, and it is beyond frustrating that Canon will not address the issue.  They have to know what causes it.  And they still sell these flashes and triggers with the same issues.  I am beyond mystified.