Any suggestions for a wireless flash trigger to use with the 6D? Don't want to invest in PocketWizards... thought about Canon's remote... but is there something else that isn't as expensive for wireless, off the camera flash work?
I have two sets of Cactus V5 triggers. They are $75 for a set of two on Amazon. They work great. Triggers up to 100 meters. Has 16-channels. Any one can act as the transceiver or the receiver.
Overall, a great product at a good price.
Second on the Cactus V5s...been making $ off of them for the last two years. Not the best build quality, but for the price they can't be beat. The battery tray on the first batch would stubbornly not close, but the newer ones that I have work perfectly.
I did have the hot shoe on top separate from the trigger, and that one just became my dedicated transmitter.
A used ST-E2 or a used 580EX (as master) would be reasonable. I got an ST-E2 used for $115. Works great indoors, haven't tried outdoors yet (probably not so good).
coppertop wrote:
Question.... in using the ST-E2, is it a line of sight device? That is, do the flashes have to be in front of the ST-E2?
The st-e2 (and the other opticle master/slave options ) are 'line of site' . But in reality the slave only has to see the masters coded flash pulses so indoors bounce flash can work.
The master sends the command as part of the pre flashes. The st-e2 is Basicly a flash with a deep red IR filter on the front.
The slave picks up the command via the front of the flash (on the main body) . So as long as the front body of the slave can see the master it should work. Covering the front with things like soft boxes is a sure way to make things fail.
Thanks... guess I need a radio transmitter. There are times I hold the flash at odd angles. Looking for a wireless solution because the cord often gets in the way.
Leaning towards the Phottix Strato II. Ran across it while looking at the Odins.
coppertop wrote:
Thanks... guess I need a radio transmitter. There are times I hold the flash at odd angles. Looking for a wireless solution because the cord often gets in the way.
Leaning towards the Phottix Strato II. Ran across it while looking at the Odins.
In that case it may be worth making the migration to the radio based 600rt and or the st-e3 .
Not cheap but as has been mentioned on here many times they do work a treat
coppertop wrote:
Question.... in using the ST-E2, is it a line of sight device? That is, do the flashes have to be in front of the ST-E2?
It is line of sight with a twist...bounced signals work so indoors with walls the ST-E2 works wonderfully. Often I'm in front of the flashes and the flash sensors often point in the wrong direction yet I've got zero failure indoors...quite impressive. I haven't used it outdoors but I suspect it won't be so good without the walls or surfaces to bounce the signals.
How many speedlites are we talking about? What the distance for camera to Speedlite? If it is only one or all the speedlites are in one general area use a long Ettl cord to the master and then the slaves only have to see it not the camera.
Michael White wrote:
How many speedlites are we talking about? What the distance for camera to Speedlite? If it is only one or all the speedlites are in one general area use a long Ettl cord to the master and then the slaves only have to see it not the camera.
For the most part, one flash. I've got a cord but it gets in the way too much.
The Phottix Strato II's were delivered today. Nice, simple wireless units that work nice. Kinda wish they were shorter in length (or at least the transmitter) but it's gonna be nice to not worry about cords.
Cactus v5, the hotshoe connection can slip, otherwise they are pretty reliable, I use them in harsh conditions for camera traps and only 1 has failed in 2 years. You'll lose ttl, so have to consider that if youre not used to using manual settings.
I use a CyberSync Trigger and Receiver with my 6D and love them. Awesome range and I have been using them for a couple years now(not on the 6D) and have had zero problems. I have just the basic trigger and receiver.
Ditto the Cybersync from Paul C. Buff. Been using them for about 3 years now. Can be used with full on studio strobes or small flashes. I have a set of Vivitar 5600s that have been modified to take large Sealed Lead Acid batteries and have 1/4" phono trigger ports, the Cybersyncs have never failed with them, and I have used them about 150 yards away. On the studio strobes front, I have used my Cybersyncs with a wide range. Everything from Paul C. Buff's Alien Bees to a set of Profotos.
Best part? For the cost of a SINGLE Pocketwizard (which I still think sounds like a sex toy) you can have a set of Cybersyncs that include a transmitter and two receivers. Cant beat that for the quality!
