High Speed Flash + Remotely? - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

06/20/2008 01:12:33 AM · #1

I AM SUPER N00B yes it is true and I admit it freely.

I have just learned it is possible to use shutter speeds above 1/250 with my flash with my D300 in high-speed mode. Awesome to learn new things!

That said, I am sure it is possible to do the same via a i-TTL sync cord, which is fine for placing a single flash off-camera as long as it doesn't need to be far away.

The question is, is it possible to do this via things like the Pocket Wizards to high speed sync several flash units?

Thanks a bunch!

Mal37

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

06/20/2008 01:17:10 AM · #2

The new Radio Popper is supposed to do this. You need to have two or more flashes though, as it "reads" the infrared signal from the master flash, then transmits it via radio frequency to the other flash/flashes.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

06/20/2008 02:43:36 AM · #3

Google suggested at least one model of the Pocket Wizard did so as well but in researching my flash I found I have a ttl terminal on the side above the sync terminal for multiple flash. So I am guessing it is possible to connect more than one SB-800 together with cables and retain their ttl but I haven't seen any info about this.

Thanks nickp37, you helped confirm that it is possible and a desired feature so if it doesn't work currently I am sure it will soon. :)

Man_Called_Horse

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

06/20/2008 09:14:45 AM · #4

I have on occasion used my pocket wizards synced with my camera for off camera flash imagery.

Prof_Fate

06/20/2008 09:42:10 AM · #5

Get a 2 or so stop neutral density filter and just keep you shutter speeds below 1/250. HSS is hard on the flashes from what I've heard and I've had a very hard time getting it to work, as in seeing the results I want in the image. Perhaps Nikon's works better than canon's in this regard.

Essentially the flash becomes a high speed strobe and as the shutter speeds increase you'll get less of the flash's output/light recorded in the image. I suspect there is an optimum shutter speed for HSS flash but as I stated above I didn't get consistent results and went the ND way and it works like a charm, everytime.

justamistere

Nikon D3s

06/20/2008 10:26:44 AM · #6

I'll try it tonight or Sat-morning and post the details.

I hava a D200, with 4 SB-800 flashes and MultiMax I & II PocketWizards for wireless connection. I was reading all three of the manuals and I think it can be done. When using the PocketWizard you have to do it in manual mode.

Another great feature:
The camera uses infrared which is limited in distance and the two infrared sender/recievers have to be visible to each other. Similar to using your infrared remote for your TV, you have to aim it more directly.

So, with this limitation, from the camera you can do iTTL and control the amount of flash for (I think 4, ABCD) flash units. Nikon Creative Lighting System feature uses this "flash Commander Mode". See Setting Flash Commander Mode

brownsm

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

06/20/2008 10:33:30 AM · #7

Originally posted by Prof_Fate:

I'll second this thought. don't get fooled into thinking you need to use HSS to get stopped-action shots. if you are in a situation where most of your light is coming from the flash, you can use long exposure times and still stop the action. as an example, take this shot.

. that was using a 1 second exposure! it's just that the duration of the flash is so short and that's what stops the action. if you are in a situation where there's a lot of light, then the ND suggestion can work. alternatively, stop down the f-stop. to be truthful, I havent found a situation where I need HSS.

Ann

Olympus OM-D E-M1

Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro

06/20/2008 10:36:06 AM · #8

It might be possible to use Pocket Wizards or Radio Poppers, I'm not sure. I know for certain that high speed sync doesn't work with the gadget infinity triggers. But, before you go out and spring for the Pocket Wizards, you need to know that using high speed sync reduces the power of your flash by at least 2 stops, more for higher shutter speeds. You may be able to get it to work, but you may not get enough flash power to get the results you're looking for.

Good luck, though. I'd like to see what you get.

edit: To second what

brownsm said. I've stopped hummingbirds in flight at 1/180. It's a matter of managing daylight rather than getting the shutter speed high enough.

Message edited by author 2008-06-20 10:37:47.

06/20/2008 02:58:54 PM · #9

Thank you everyone for your help. I have decided the only correct solution to my problem is lowering the power and there by pulse width of my flash.

Yes, this was intended for stop motion but of a much higher speed such as 100psi compressed gases.

Since my flash would be in manual mode to set that up a simple sync cable would be more than enough to pull it off.

Thank you everyone again for your advice. I may still get some pocket wizards some day but I can really use those funds for better glass :)

Cheers!