Is it possible to daisy chain TTL distributors?

In other words, if I want to attach say 4 speedlites remotely can I have: HSA-3 on the camera, a connecting cord to a TTL distributor, two speedlights hung off that distributor (via cords and Off Camera Shoe Adapters) and a third cord leaving that TTL distributor to go to a second TTL distributor supporting an additional 2 (or 3) x speedlites?

Is there a limit?

-- Derek Linney (dlinney@aol.com), March 06, 2002

Answers

Canon states a limit on the total length of all the cords. I think it's 9 meters or 30 feet. After that impeadance induced exposure errors might result. But it's most likely a conservatively rated limit and you might be able to use as much as twice that. Extra distributors with extra Speedlites shouldn't make any difference, but it sure gets expensive.

I found that Ikelite Lite-Link TTL slaves is cheaper and easier to use and still retain TTL metering. The down side is anybody else's flash will trigger them too.

Of course you could upgrade to E-TTL flash metering and buy a selection of 550EX's, 420EX's and/or Sigma EF-500 Supers. Then you could use them in Canon's wireless mode. These can't be triggered with other people's flashes.

-- Jim Strutz (j.strutz@gci.net), March 06, 2002.