Why no 2nd curtain Sync on 600-RT speedlites? (Off-camera)

[RLPhoto]

Nikon offers this, Why not on the newest canon speelites?

[p4pictures]

I'm pretty sure it is possible to update the firmware in the transmitter, and also the flashes. Can it be done from the camera by an end-user, that I'm not so sure. However consider that the camera has a pretty good communication flow with the flash/transmitter then I think it's probable that it could be possible to update firmware from the camera.

Let's not forget that firmware updates for lenses and wifi transmitters have also been distributed for updating via the camera in the past.

In priority for me SCS and then also a pre-flash boost function. Some of the random-ness of the Canon flash system in E-TTL II can ususally be fixed by grouping two flashes together. This suggests that in bright light the pre-flash is not enough to be seen / measured.

Brian / p4pictures

[digital]

Yes someone at Dpreview said Nikon updates flash FW regularly via the camera. Maybe it is more than just FW but I find that puzzling. It is odd Canon has not responded to this one.    

[WahoGT]

As I responded to this in another thread, from what I've heard from a famous Professional Photographer who uses Canon gear, it's a patent issue, not a technical one (since Nikon's can do this). Canon probably doesn't want to directly address an issue it can't legally do anything about.  No Canon flashes can do this, optically or radio.  It's not a new issue with the 600EX-RT.  So there is no loss of functionality by upgrading... you just don't get that feature added.

The current workaround is to use optical slaves on your flashes (triggered by a 2nd curtain sync'd master either on-camera or off camera on an ETTL cord) or 3rd party radio triggers with this functionality built in.

[digital]

That is interesting. If this is true so be it. However one must wonder if it is only a patent issue why doesn't Canon just say so. I know they have read this thread becuase they respond to many others. Common Canon, fess up. I sold my 580 and 580II,  several 3rd party flashes, Cybersync triggers/recievers, etc for 3 x 600 and an STE3. You can do it for me 

[MrMike]

I'm very disappointed.  Othe vendors offer second curtain sync, heck even third party vendors give us S. C. Sync.  Why won't you Canon??  The least you can do is give us an explaination.  I will think twice and do my research before buying another Canon product.  Nikons shine brighter now in my opinion.

And yes Canon, I realize 2nd curtain sync is available with the flash mounted on camera.  But do you buy a flash ( or in my case, 2 flash kit with commander) just to put it on your camera and leave it there?

So more clearly put, why is this not available via your ST E3 RT?  Please answer, Thanks

[Skirball]

I'd love to see some cites of this patent infringement.  I just don't believe it.  Canon came out with a completely new form of technology (RT), new to camera manufacturers anyway.  And they still couldn't get around the patent?  I'm not buying it.

No idea why Canon continues to disappoint on this front.  Perhaps you may consider looking to get the Yongnuo knockoff of the ST-E3-RT - the YN-E3-RT.  It offers second curtain sync (but only in manual), as well as allowing all dSLRs (not just 2012 and later) to use the new group mode.  And of course, it's half the price of the Canon version.

[oldmanwalking]

I checked w/CPS and walked through the issue with the tech and learned that I get SCS with a 600EX-RT in the 1DX hot shoe, ETTL, no "master" or "slave" setting. And was told that it works *only* in this configuration. No off-camera flash access.

I don't know about other camera/flash combinations. .

[RobertTheFat]

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@oldmanwalking wrote:
I checked w/CPS and walked through the issue with the tech and learned that I get SCS with a 600EX-RT in the 1DX hot shoe, ETTL, no "master" or "slave" setting. And was told that it works *only* in this configuration. No off-camera flash access.

I don't know about other camera/flash combinations. .

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Maybe they're afraid their off-camera triggering mechanisms aren't fast enough to support 2CS. With 1CS, if the triggered response is a little late, it may not be noticed; a late 2CS could result in an unevenly lit image.

[hsfpix]

SCS occurs well within the timing capability of the RF signalling required. Getting back to the original post, it is a Canon legacy issue - nothing more than a blatant oversight from the IR system. 

The proof of this is that Yongnou's ST-E3 equivalent provides Second Curtain Sync (manual mode only, but that is only how I use it anyway), and is a lot cheaper. Oh, and it has focus assist too....Been using it heavily over the last few months.

Putting my ST-E3 up for sale this week.

[ScottyP]

Phottix Mitros Plus has both SCS off-camera and also remote control over flash zoom. They now have a package with one Mitros Plus flash and a Phottix Odin trigger so you can save just a bit in assembling your setup, as the Odin takes the place of one flash unit.

http://www.adorama.com/PH80375.html