Yes they are short, but so is the 'official' version, I'm not sure if the reason for this is technical or because Canon want to sell ST-E2s !Not long enough to get any decent distance off the camera without pulling the tripod over
I've just got one of these from Mango Island (ebay) : http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320282059521
Seems Ok. Not had it long enough to say how reliable it is long term.
Its manufactured by YongNUo, came in a box with instructions.
Build quality is OK, I don't suppose it's as good as the Canon version, but I could buy 4 and throw them away and it would still only cost the same as the Canon version.
They could, of course, all be made in the same factory in China ?
Snob !but I will certainly be taping over the wonderful logo on the top with some nice black insulating tape!!!