Cactus V4 triggers

FM Forums \| Lighting & Studio Techniques \| Join Upload & Sell	Search Used
1 2 end

Archive 2009 · Cactus V4 triggers

paulhodson
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #1 · Cactus V4 triggers

I have recently purchased a set of the new Cactus V4 triggers from Gadget Infinity. I am very pleased with them - except that they appear to produce cut off at 1/200 second with my 5D

The two images below indicate the problem: one shot at 1/160 is fine, the other at 1/200 is not (the images represent about the bottom left hand 25% of the frame).

Still pleased with them - but not sure if this is a problem of this particular set or a general issue.

Tested with two flashguns - 540EZ and 430EZ.

Note - these are not my best work as photos.

Update - reply from Gadget Infinity:

Please kindly be informed that as stated in the item listing:

http://www.gadgetinfinity.com/product.php?productid=17204&cat=0&page=1

"The fastest response time is 1/1000s (actual sync speed varies from 1/125s
to 1/600s depending on the sync speed limit of the camera system)"

"Support sync speed: up to 1/500 second (depending on sync speed limitation
of the flash unit)"

We would like to kindly explain that maximum sync speed of the V4 is usually
slightly lower than the maximum sync of the camera system it is used on.
That is why the actual sync speed could be as low as 1/125 for certain
camera system.

For this case as the Canon 5D camera has a max x sync speed of 1/200. The
maximum sync achieved when used with the V4 wireless flash trigger would
therefore be 1/160.

The reason that the max sync of the camera system can not be achieved is
because the transfer of the trigger signal to the output of the receiver
requires time. First the transmitter has to power up. Then a code has to be
sent out. This will include the channel number and some framing information.
Then the receiver has to decode this information after receiving it.

May be useful information for anyone considering ordering one.

2012 © paulhodson

Jun 15, 2009 at 06:13 AM

cordellwillis
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #2 · Cactus V4 triggers

It's more so the camera and not the triggers.

Jun 15, 2009 at 05:51 PM

paulhodson
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #3 · Cactus V4 triggers

In the sense that the camera can't cope with the triggers - but it is the delay from the triggers - the camera is fine with on camera flash.

Now I know it is a "design feature (

Jun 15, 2009 at 06:23 PM

Cableaddict
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #4 · Cactus V4 triggers

I have yet to get any radio system for my Speedlights, and this is definitely an important factor. Don't some of the more expensive systems do around 1/250 or so?

Is there a list somewhere?

Jun 15, 2009 at 09:14 PM

paulhodson
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #5 · Cactus V4 triggers

The camera does 1/200th max anyway - so I doubt you will get what you want.

Apart from the above issue I like the V4s - good range and a good stable shape (not tall) too.

Jun 15, 2009 at 09:24 PM

cordellwillis
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #6 · Cactus V4 triggers

paulhodson wrote:
In the sense that the camera can't cope with the triggers - but it is the delay from the triggers - the camera is fine with on camera flash.

Now I know it is a "design feature (

)" I am not that unhappy. The triggers work well - good range of around 100 feet and the cut off is very small and can be ignored for fill in flash where the edges tend not to matter and at 1/160 it is fine anyway.

It would have been nice if they had given the fuller explanation before purchase mind you. The fact they say they work between 1/125 to 1/600 leads one to imagine that 1/200 will be achievable.

Actually, they did. If you had an older 1 Series that max out at s/500 you would possibly get the same shutter shadow at s/500. Same goes for a camera that would max out at s/600. Even looking at the older PW I believe you would still have the shadow of the shutter at s/200 on the 5D.

Peace,
Cordell

Jun 16, 2009 at 03:55 PM

paulhodson
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #7 · Cactus V4 triggers

No worries - turns out the damn triggers are incompatible with a 5D - cause banding from radio interference! Back to the drawing board!

Jun 18, 2009 at 10:03 PM

Scott Clark
Offline
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #8 · Cactus V4 triggers

I got a set of the CTR-301 triggers (I think that's what they're called) from ebay for $50..they sync reliably up to about 1/700th on my old Minolta D7i. Range isn't anything to get excited about, but they seem to work fine. Haven't noticed any issues on my other DSLRs.

Jun 18, 2009 at 10:43 PM

paulhodson
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #9 · Cactus V4 triggers

Scott Clark wrote:
I got a set of the CTR-301 triggers (I think that's what they're called) from ebay for $50..they sync reliably up to about 1/700th on my old Minolta D7i. Range isn't anything to get excited about, but they seem to work fine. Haven't noticed any issues on my other DSLRs.

I have just ordered set of these - keeping my fingers crossed. The problem with the V4 is restricted to the Canon 5D (some production models only) and the Lumix DMC-G1. All other cameras are believed to be OK.

Synch speed of the V4 tends to be less than that of the camera due to delays in the electronic response. 1/160 for my 5D instead of 1/200 - although the cut-off was very slight at the higher speed.

Jun 19, 2009 at 05:36 AM

Kronick
Offline
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #10 · Cactus V4 triggers

I don't mean to hijack this thread -- but im trying to figure out this Cactus v4 with my 5D. I have two flashes setup, but can only seem to get the transmitter/reciever to fire one of the flashes..

I put them all on Channel 1, but only one will fire. I tried them all on #1 and #2, still only the one. What am I doing wrong??

Jun 19, 2009 at 07:04 PM

paulhodson
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #11 · Cactus V4 triggers

Kronick wrote:
I don't mean to hijack this thread -- but im trying to figure out this Cactus v4 with my 5D. I have two flashes setup, but can only seem to get the transmitter/reciever to fire one of the flashes..

I put them all on Channel 1, but only one will fire. I tried them all on #1 and #2, still only the one. What am I doing wrong??

Nothing. I have the 5D and they work exactly as they should in terms of firing the flashes - faultlessly, every time, from great range. Nothing complicated about them.

(The incompatibility I referred to is to do with radio interference from the transmitter which causes banding at the top of the image - only happens with some models of the 5D apparently - seems to be a batch thing as some are OK.)

Is it always the same receiver at fault?

Try emailing Gadget Infinity who are very helpful.

Jun 20, 2009 at 05:32 AM

redal
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #12 · Cactus V4 triggers

Kronick wrote:
I don't mean to hijack this thread -- but im trying to figure out this Cactus v4 with my 5D. I have two flashes setup, but can only seem to get the transmitter/reciever to fire one of the flashes..

I put them all on Channel 1, but only one will fire. I tried them all on #1 and #2, still only the one. What am I doing wrong??

Id swap the batteries between the to receivers, to see if that is the trouble, for a start.
Does the indicator light flash on both receivers, when triggered?

Paul, i hope you have better luck with the 301's as i found they worked when set up perfectly , but outdoor with a little variance in the setup i had misfires , which was frustrating .

Jun 21, 2009 at 07:36 AM

Lance Couture
Offline
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #13 · Cactus V4 triggers

I'm a little late to the game on this thread, Paul, but I just bought a set of these today.

They won't be here for a couple of weeks, but I wish I had found this thread before I bought them - I kid of knew I should have just bitten the bullet and bought CyberSyncs.

I will report back when I get them - see if they work on my 5D.

Thing is, on the Flickr Strobist group, many people seem to have been using them with success. I guess they must all be Nikon peeps...

Jul 15, 2009 at 07:48 AM

m00g
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #14 · Cactus V4 triggers

I have the V4's syncing at 1/200 with 2 580EXII"s on my 350d. I've pushed past the 1/200th mark and get banding issues, but thats due to my sync speed limits.

@Kronick - I'd get new batteries first.

Jul 15, 2009 at 08:09 AM

Lance Couture
Offline
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #15 · Cactus V4 triggers

So, in order to achieve true high speed sync, I need to go with CyberSyncs or above, I'm assuming?

Jul 15, 2009 at 08:26 AM

cordellwillis
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #16 · Cactus V4 triggers

Lance Couture wrote:
So, in order to achieve true high speed sync, I need to go with CyberSyncs or above, I'm assuming?

No. At the moment the only known and popular "high speed sync" triggers available are Radio Poppers and the new Pocket Wizards (TT1 & TT5). Get ready to spend at least $200 apiece for a trigger and another $200 for the receiver.

Jul 15, 2009 at 12:21 PM

Lance Couture
Offline
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #17 · Cactus V4 triggers

cordellwillis wrote:
Lance Couture wrote:
So, in order to achieve true high speed sync, I need to go with CyberSyncs or above, I'm assuming?

No. At the moment the only known and popular "high speed sync" triggers available are Radio Poppers and the new Pocket Wizards (TT1 & TT5). Get ready to spend at least $200 apiece for a trigger and another $200 for the receiver.

Well, since I am just learning off-camera flash, I went with the Cacti (?). If/when I become truly proficient with off-camera flash, I will look at the RP's or PW's.

I was hoping I would be able to high speed sync with the V4's, so I could go above 1/200th for both action and wide-aperture stuff. I guess not...

Oh well... c'est la vie!

Jul 15, 2009 at 07:04 PM

Nick Choy
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #18 · Cactus V4 triggers

Yes I just noticed it over the weekend as well - my 5D has interference patterns - see here for example

Shot at 1/100 as well!

Jul 27, 2009 at 12:23 PM

Lance Couture
Offline
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #19 · Cactus V4 triggers

paulhodson wrote:
No worries - turns out the damn triggers are incompatible with a 5D - cause banding from radio interference! Back to the drawing board!

Are you having the banding issue, Paul?

Jul 27, 2009 at 11:28 PM

abam
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #20 · Cactus V4 triggers

if it's any consolation, elinchrom skyports (much more expensive than v4s) only sync at 1/160 on my 5D2. 1/200 produces banding.

Aug 10, 2009 at 04:23 PM

1 2 end
FM Forums \| Lighting & Studio Techniques \| Join Upload & Sell 1 2 end