Recommend me a flash.. - DPChallenge Forums

12/22/2006 09:16:17 AM · #6

Well not to get away from your subject I have one question.

I have a 430EX. Can I buy a wireless transmitter to trigger the 430EX or do I need to buy a 580EX also?

On your subject I wouldn't suggest only spending $42 on a flash.

12/22/2006 09:24:58 AM · #7

I just bought an SB-28 for $60. Full manual control.

It depends what sort of flash you want to use - TTL/automatic or manual settings. a 420EX will be potentially quite limiting because it is all automatic - the 430EX seems a bit better. But if you only want to use TTL and FEC, the 420 is great.

Message edited by author 2006-12-22 09:25:35.

12/22/2006 09:26:36 AM · #8

Originally posted by rex:

You can trigger a 430EX wirelessly.

You'd need to get a wireless trigger and probably a hot-shoe to PC adaptor.

About $5 for the adaptor.
Anywhere between $30 (ebay) and $400 (pocket wizard plus II) for the wireless trigger.

12/22/2006 09:46:26 AM · #9

Thanks Gordon. I may waste $20 or so trying the cheap one.

12/22/2006 09:50:35 AM · #10

Originally posted by rex:

Thanks Gordon. I may waste $20 or so trying the cheap one.

That's where I'm at right now. The set I got on ebay work fine (I think it cost me $40 total) though I did need to resolder some of the connections in one of the receivers.

Range is about 30ft (compared to about 10x that with pocket wizards)
Based on garage door opener technology I think. Doesn't work too great at very short range (i.e., if you have a couple they get confused if the flashes are within 2 feet) but between 2 feet and 30 feet they all work well)

Setup is pretty simple, just a set of 4 dip switches to choose channels.
Build quality is pretty bad, but workable.
Pocket wizards would be lovely, but much more pricey (and I'm sure more reliable) Some day when I've worked out if I'm using wireless remotes much or not.

Tamron SP AF 24-135mm f/3.5-5.6 AD Aspherical IF for Canon

12/22/2006 09:56:16 AM · #11

Don't forget that you shouldn't mount an SB-24 to a Canon. Triggering wirelessly is okay, and PC cord might be, but I'm pretty sure that the trigger voltage is high enough to damage a Canon.

Now, Gordon, I know who outbid me on ebay for those doggone SB-24s that strobist.com has created a market for :)

12/22/2006 09:59:12 AM · #12

Originally posted by nards656:

SB-28 for $60 :) Not ebay. I got it on craigslist. had to buy a film camera to get such a good price :)

12/22/2006 10:00:38 AM · #13

so I do need a sync cord to trigger wirelessly?

It show the transmitter mounted directly on camera?

Message edited by author 2006-12-22 10:02:23.

Tamron SP AF 24-135mm f/3.5-5.6 AD Aspherical IF for Canon

12/22/2006 10:03:58 AM · #14

Originally posted by Gordon:

Originally posted by nards656:
Don't forget that you shouldn't mount an SB-24 to a Canon. Triggering wirelessly is okay, and PC cord might be, but I'm pretty sure that the trigger voltage is high enough to damage a Canon.

Now, Gordon, I know who outbid me on ebay for those doggone SB-24s that strobist.com has created a market for :)

SB-28 for $60 :) Not ebay. I got it on craigslist. had to buy a film camera to get such a good price :)

Oops, details, details :) That is a good price.

@ rex - You shouldn't need a sync cord with the ebay wireless stuff. They actually send one, but the transmitter works off the hot shoe and the trigger voltage at the transmitter is low and Canon safe. The flash is also triggered by the hot shoe on the receiver, so I've been working without a cord. I dunno diddly about pocket wizards...

12/22/2006 10:06:01 AM · #15

Originally posted by nards656:

I dunno diddly about pocket wizards...

Thanks. As you can see I don't know diddly about anything. But I do know Bo

Tamron SP AF 24-135mm f/3.5-5.6 AD Aspherical IF for Canon

12/22/2006 10:09:55 AM · #16

Originally posted by rex:

Originally posted by nards656:

I dunno diddly about pocket wizards...

Thanks. As you can see I don't know diddly about anything. But I do know Bo

Just the two cents worth from a guy who has been slightly disappointed - make SURE that the flash you buy gives you the option to set power manually. Check //www.strobist.com for MANY reasons why... specifically this page.

Message edited by author 2006-12-22 10:10:12.

12/22/2006 10:12:48 AM · #17

so I may be bettter off just buying a 580ex flash.

The plan was to buy another 430EX and buy the wireless stuff now, then a few months down the road buy a 580EX and trash the cheapie wireless stuff.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

12/22/2006 10:15:01 AM · #18

Originally posted by rex:

so I may be bettter off just buying a 580ex flash.

The plan was to buy another 430EX and buy the wireless stuff now, then a few months down the road buy a 580EX and trash the cheapie wireless stuff.

430EX lets you set the power manually. The 420EX doesn't, though I think with a 420 and a 580 you can control the power ratios between the flashes with E-TTL (2)

My 580 is on a rush delivery on a red sleigh with a portly, happy red driver, so I'll find out on Monday.

Message edited by author 2006-12-22 10:16:16.

MattO

Nikon D4

12/22/2006 10:17:55 AM · #19

Originally posted by rex:

so I may be bettter off just buying a 580ex flash.

The plan was to buy another 430EX and buy the wireless stuff now, then a few months down the road buy a 580EX and trash the cheapie wireless stuff.

I have never bought any wireless stuff but I do know that using the 580EX is so simple even an idjut like me can do it. Its fairly reliable and I also have one very powerful light source and one smaller one. My next purchase after a second 580 is going to be an ST-E2 so I can use my two 580's and fire them both wirelessly. The only thing just using a 580 is that the canon system has range issues and is usually line of sight unless in a small room that they can bounce off the walls for. I have no experience with pocket wizards but from everything I have read thats the way to go if you want guarenteed results.

MattO

FireBird

12/22/2006 10:36:21 AM · #20

Originally posted by nards656:

SB28 should be ok though. The trigger voltage on the used one I just got is 5 volts. Now for some of those cheap ebay wireless triggers. Are there any that don't use the stupid 12v battery on the camera unit?

12/22/2006 10:39:15 AM · #21

Originally posted by fir3bird:

FWIW, I don't plan on putting the SB-28 on my camera any time soon, so I wasn't too worried about the trigger voltages. I suspect the wireless trigger I have uses a 12v battery in the transmitter - not big enough for a AAA or AA

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

12/22/2006 03:01:37 PM · #22

ok you guys are losing me....the remote unit I was looking at takes a 12V on the transmitter and a 6V on the receiver.

I am planning on buying This with two receivers.

Then I will purchase another 430EX flash to use ith it. Once March hits I will then buy a 580EX and trash the remote system.

I know it won't be good reception but the plan is to use it in a home studio setup. So I am not too much worried about it transmitting the signal.

Now the one I linked above shows it does come with a sync cord.

Should I use it or can I mount it directly on my 30D?

Message edited by author 2006-12-22 15:01:45.

fotomann_forever

12/22/2006 03:06:39 PM · #23

Originally posted by NstiG8tr:

Sigma

Nice flash for little cash

Yup, I really like mine.

pamelasue

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

12/22/2006 03:09:47 PM · #24

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

Originally posted by NstiG8tr:
Sigma

Nice flash for little cash

Yup, I really like mine.

you have the ST version and not the Super? I'm in the market for a flash and was confused about the differences in those 2 ... any insight you can offer? I'm pretty new to photography and have never used an external flash before ...