Speedlite 470EX-AI doesn't connect to the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT

[OlgaPopova]

Hello everyone, 

I need help, How can I connect this flash Speedlite 470EX-AI to this the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT? After 2 days of trying and watching all the videos on YouTube I still couldn't pair them. Any suggestions?, Please and Thank y'll  

[deebatman316 · Accepted solution]

The 470EX-AI uses Canon's older optical wireless system. The ST-E3-RT uses the newer radio or "RT" system. These 2 systems are INCOMPATIBLE with each other. You will need to use the older Canon ST-E2 optical transmitter. Or another speedlite that can serve as an Optical Master/ Sender. The older optical system relies on a modulated Pre-flash from the Master/ Sender speedlite. To fire the off camera speedlite(s). In this system the Master/ Sender speedlite has to fire to tell the off camera speedlite(s) to fire. Even if the Master/ Sender is set not to. This is due to the Master/ Sender being required to send out a modulated Pre-flash so the off camera speedlite(s) can fire.

[OlgaPopova]

Wow, I didn't know. Thank you so much. Ill ST-E2 then, it's even cheaper 👌

[deebatman316]

The ST-E2 is an older transmitter that is no longer made new anymore. You can find used copies on KEH Camera. It's also INCOMPATIBLE with the in camera flash menu. Only newer speedlites and transmitters are compatible with it. Canon never released an optical transmitter that was compatible with the in camera flash menu. Only RT system transmitters were. Canon released speedlites that can serve as an Optical Master/ Sender speedlite that are compatible with it. Older Speedlites such as the 550EX & 580EX classic aren't compatible with the in camera flash menu. All settings must be set on the speedlite itself. But there wireless capabilities still work. Newer Speedlites such as the 270EX II, EL-100, 580EX II, 600EX, 600EX-RT, 600EX II-RT & EL-1 can serve as Optical Master/ Sender speedlites compatible with the in camera flash menu.