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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Cactus V2s wireless flash question
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 09/24/2008 03:41:44 PM · #1
Does anyone know if using a Cactus V2s will work with any flash gun?

I intend to use it with my current 430EX and was hoping to buy a second cheaper flash like a Vivitar or a Metz that I can use whilst out and about, I have ordered the transmitter and two receivers and now wonder if I will be able to use them as I hope to be able to or not.

Hope someone will be in the know on this one otherwise I will be really disappointed when it arrives LOL
09/24/2008 03:43:22 PM · #2
I use those for my Vivitar 285hv and Sigma DG 500 Super flashes. They work great for me. If you go to Gadgetinfinity.com you can check to see if your flashes will work. If yours isn't listed just email them. They respond back pretty quick.

Message edited by author 2008-09-24 15:44:25.
 09/24/2008 03:45:51 PM · #3
Originally posted by yanko:
I use those for my Vivitar 285hv and Sigma DG 500 Super flashes. They work great for me. If you go to Gadgetinfinity.com you can check to see if your flashes will work. If yours isn't listed just email them. They respond back pretty quick.


Actually that is where I bought these from, ahh so any flashes listed as compatible will work with ALL cameras? That's awesome then I might email them and amend my order a little ;)

Cheers
Mark
09/24/2008 04:00:44 PM · #4
Whoa, hold up! The list doesn't mean that flashes are compatible with ALL cameras! It means that the Cactus triggers are compatible with the flashes!
 09/24/2008 04:09:07 PM · #5
Originally posted by OdysseyF22:
Whoa, hold up! The list doesn't mean that flashes are compatible with ALL cameras! It means that the Cactus triggers are compatible with the flashes!


Sorry yes that's what I meant, I wouldn't necessarily expect the flash to work mounted directly on the 40D but I assume it will work and be triggered when coupled to the V2s? I have the 430EX that I would use if for any reason I needed a directly mounted flash.

Hope that makes sense?
 09/24/2008 04:55:43 PM · #6
Originally posted by Mark-A:
Originally posted by OdysseyF22:
Whoa, hold up! The list doesn't mean that flashes are compatible with ALL cameras! It means that the Cactus triggers are compatible with the flashes!


Sorry yes that's what I meant, I wouldn't necessarily expect the flash to work mounted directly on the 40D but I assume it will work and be triggered when coupled to the V2s? I have the 430EX that I would use if for any reason I needed a directly mounted flash.

Hope that makes sense?

Makes sense. Just wanted to make sure you understood it right and didn't go out and stick a flash on your camera that would damage it.

Yes, any flash on the list should work with the V2s. Granted, when I bought them, they hated by 430EX. I switched to the Cactus 16-channel models and converted them to PC adapters, and they still don't like my 430EX, although they work great with my Nikon flashes.
 09/24/2008 05:01:20 PM · #7
Oh then that may not be a good start lol, I have just stuck in another order for an extra receiver and a Vivitar 285HV so I can have a play around when they arrive, I will let you know how I get on with it and the 430EX.

My main use for them will be outside lighting and also studio lighting as hair lights and background lights to accompany the studio lighting kit I have (2 head).

Anyway thanks for the advice much appreciated.
 09/24/2008 05:16:17 PM · #8
Originally posted by Mark-A:
Oh then that may not be a good start lol, I have just stuck in another order for an extra receiver and a Vivitar 285HV so I can have a play around when they arrive, I will let you know how I get on with it and the 430EX.

My main use for them will be outside lighting and also studio lighting as hair lights and background lights to accompany the studio lighting kit I have (2 head).

Anyway thanks for the advice much appreciated.

I'll be curious to hear how it works out for you. I know that other people have had success with the V2s and the 430EX combo. With mine, it either won't fire, misfires, or gets locked into a constant strobe (which isn't good for the flash).

I've pondered getting a Vivitar 285 myself, but just haven't ever gotten around to it. But I hear great things.

The one thing I do recommend is following the directions on this page to mod your transmitter - you add a little antenna to it and it boosts that range by a lot. I was using mine from across a university gym the other day and it never missed a beat. Before the mod, I was lucky if I could get it to work well across my room. It's very easy, the connections are already on the circuit board.
 09/24/2008 05:19:04 PM · #9
Ahh cool thanks :)

I sell car spares and do a beesting aerial which might just fit that task :) Will take a better look when it arrives.

Thanks Again.
 09/24/2008 05:22:21 PM · #10
I have the Cactus V2s triggers. I use them on an SB-26, SB-28, 580ex & 430ex.

They work nearly flawlessly with the Nikons. They work well with the 580ex but the 430ex is the flash that likes them the least. Tend to get the most misfires with that flash.

If you are really getting in to this you might want to look at the Cybersyncs which are new. They are more expensive than the Cactus, but much less than pocketwizards. According to those that have tried them on the Strobist site they are excellent with no misfires.

Junior Poppers have still not hit the market at this time. Many waiting to see what they are like as they are supposed to be cheap and reliable.

Message edited by author 2008-09-24 17:23:25.
 09/24/2008 05:24:09 PM · #11
Yeah I will have to see how much use I get out of these first, then if need be I can upgrade to a new system - I definitely did not want to spend as much as pocket wizards would cost and at under £100 for a flash a transmitter and 3 receivers I couldn't help but give it a go :)

ETA: Spelling, god I use the edit button as much as the post button LOL

Message edited by author 2008-09-24 17:24:58.
 09/24/2008 05:25:48 PM · #12
Originally posted by OdysseyF22:

...or gets locked into a constant strobe (which isn't good for the flash).


that's exactly what happens with one of my old manual flashes when using it with my v2's. i first thought it was a problem of the flash (cus it's old and crappy), but now that you mention it it might be as well the receiver.

Originally posted by OdysseyF22:

The one thing I do recommend is following the directions on this page to mod your transmitter - you add a little antenna to it and it boosts that range by a lot. I was using mine from across a university gym the other day and it never missed a beat. Before the mod, I was lucky if I could get it to work well across my room. It's very easy, the connections are already on the circuit board.


bookmarked :)
thx for sharing the link!
 09/24/2008 06:31:41 PM · #13
Originally posted by Mephisto:
Originally posted by OdysseyF22:

...or gets locked into a constant strobe (which isn't good for the flash).


that's exactly what happens with one of my old manual flashes when using it with my v2's. i first thought it was a problem of the flash (cus it's old and crappy), but now that you mention it it might be as well the receiver.


I had this same problem on my first shoot using those triggers. I changed the channel and the problem was fixed. Have you tried that?
09/24/2008 06:42:19 PM · #14
Originally posted by yanko:
Originally posted by Mephisto:
Originally posted by OdysseyF22:

...or gets locked into a constant strobe (which isn't good for the flash).


that's exactly what happens with one of my old manual flashes when using it with my v2's. i first thought it was a problem of the flash (cus it's old and crappy), but now that you mention it it might be as well the receiver.


I had this same problem on my first shoot using those triggers. I changed the channel and the problem was fixed. Have you tried that?


heck no! i'll try that tomorrow...

btw i'm using my 4 V2's with a sb24 (WTB another one of those), metz 32/36AF, an old Braun (the one that gets locked in the strobe) and an old Vivitar flash.
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