Customer Reviews: Read 14 more reviews...
 Mine broke on first use too July 15, 2008
Sculthorpe (Oakland, CA United States)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The first time I tried to use this, it snapped in half just like those of the other reviewers. I was using a Canon 430 EX. I will try to get help from Canon but it seems like a really bad design.
 A necessity, but too short!! July 15, 2008
Bertram G. Moshier (Chicago, IL USA)
A flash extension cord is a necessity for any serious amateur or professional. The Canon OC-E3 is the one to use with your Canon 430EX or 580EX II, as it supports the all important ETTL II. Unfortunately, the OC-E3 won't work in all real world assignments / pleasure situations.
Canon missed the functional mark by making the cable length only 2 feet coiled and 3-3.5 feet extended. As it is I can't spread my arms apart, around, or above an object without the cord getting into the frame.
While the provided length is better than having the flash right above the camera, two feet just doesn't provide the necessary artist freedom necessary.
Obviously Canon's considers situations requiring lengths longer than 3.5 feet are when you should go wireless. They are wrong, as any distance within your reach justifies the lower wired cost. The cable's actual length should be your reach plus several additional feet to allow for wrapping the cord outside of the camera's frame.
As for how long the OC-E3 will hold up with daily usage, I don't know. I recently got mine and haven't tried it in my normal routine.
As for what I'm going to do about the length, I'm not sure. I may look to modify the cord as another reviewer did with female CAT5 connectors. My concern is how the modifications will stand up in wet weather. I suspect in the end, I'll keep the cable as it and use it for applications with a strobe frame, doing close up, macro, or tent work.
As for applications needing longer lengths, but don't justify wireless cost (or carrying the extra hardware), I'll keep looking for a longer cable. Unfortunately, it won't be a Canon product (as Canon doesn't make a longer cable), but that is their loss.
This cable is not worth the price Canon is asking, as it works in too few applications to justify the cost. Please don't get me wrong, I see where a short cable is very useful and necessary, but I'd suggest looking at a third party cable that is the same length (reflecting the reduced number of applications this cable covers). Unless you'll never need the cable to be say 6 extended feet (or as I suspect 6 to 8), in which case I'd say the OC-E3 is the one for you.
 Canon off Camera Shoe Cord June 27, 2008
P. D. Bakker (Ocala, FL)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Very Pleased With the prouct. I'm using the cord with my Canon EOS Rebel Xt and Sigma EF-530 DG. They work well together.
Excellent Tool May 15, 2008
Castro Pea Ivan Ramanish (Guatemala)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
My photos are now more creative, this a necesary tool if you want more control and freedom with your flash.
Cheap plastic for your flash May 10, 2008
R. Warren (Michigan)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Broke instantly when I attached my 580EX II onto the mount. Cracked in half. Left my flash hanging in the air. Terrible design. Perhaps not using cheap plastic on a part that has a fair amount of torque would be better. Not impressed. Waste of money.
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