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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> New Alien Bees Flash Trigger--Too Good To Be True?
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10/18/2006 03:59:15 PM · #1
I was looking at Alien Bees' site to check out the new ring flash unit, and I saw their new radio flash trigger. What struck me as odd is that the transmitter is only $39.95, and so is the receiver. Am I missing something, or is this the amazingly inexpensive answer to my prayers? I've wanted to go wireless for ages, and most solutions seem to be over $300. If I can pick up a relatively small transmitter and one receiver for less than $100 delivered, I'll order one today! What do you think? Is this an amazing deal, or am I missing something obvious? Thanks!

-Don
10/18/2006 04:08:36 PM · #2
this looks very interesting and a great price. i still need to get the battery packs for my ABs still too.
10/18/2006 04:12:01 PM · #3
Ooooooh!
10/18/2006 04:15:51 PM · #4
If you are using Canon flashes I would consider this

//www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelDetailAct&fcategoryid=141&modelid=8304

It is more expensive but you don't have to buy a reciever for every flash unit. I've used this with 2 canon speedlights and will never go back.

I have even used it to fire a Canon speed light as a fill light when I need one more light in my studio set up. Works like a champ.
10/18/2006 04:19:54 PM · #5
Try the Ebay Triggers...


I got mine (One transmitter and two recievers) for around £25 delivered from HK.

Here you go

These have a hot shoe, or you can buy units with PC cords etc instead. 4 or 16 channel items are better. Lots of probs with single channels. Do a search on EBAY - you'll find US sellers too...

Also check out Flickr's strobist group for poeples opinions and experiences...
10/18/2006 04:21:56 PM · #6
This unit at BH has worked well for me and is priced pretty reasonably.

Link
10/18/2006 04:30:52 PM · #7
Originally posted by scarbrd:

It is more expensive but you don't have to buy a reciever for every flash unit. I've used this with 2 canon speedlights and will never go back.


Since I cannot see myself needing my strobes around any other photographers anytime soon, I would just need one receiver. This setup looks amazing, and I'm SERIOUSLY going to consider getting this. I don't want to be first in line, though. Maybe I'll wait for a review or something, to see how well it works. Of course, if anybody here wants to jump right in and order, feel free to post back with your opinions! :o)
10/18/2006 04:37:35 PM · #8
Looks like a great deal... and thanks for posting the link to the ring flash, which, though backordered, looks like something I'll be getting soon as well. :/
10/18/2006 04:56:33 PM · #9
Originally posted by Louis:

Looks like a great deal... and thanks for posting the link to the ring flash, which, though backordered, looks like something I'll be getting soon as well. :/


Yeah, the ring flash looks really sweet, but that's going to be a while for me. I didn't even know they were coming out with the new wireless setup when I went on their site, but that is probably going to be part of my arsenal soon. I HATE using a sync cord when using my ABs, and this looks awesome. I wonder if they will discontinue their other wireless kit. It looks pretty big and clunky compared to this new one...
10/18/2006 05:17:03 PM · #10
Ohhh man, you had me all excited. I've been waiting for them to release their new 300Mhz wireless remote system. But this ain't it unfortunately.

These new radio triggers might be a good, cheap alternative to Pocket-Wizards though.

10/18/2006 05:33:43 PM · #11
Nice timing. I've been watching ebay for weeks for pocket wizzard stuff and HATE the prices I've been seeing.
10/18/2006 05:37:04 PM · #12
Originally posted by Pixl Mastr WannaB:

It looks pretty big and clunky compared to this new one...

That's because it does a lot more than these new triggers. The RR1 wireless system gives you complete remote control over each light in your setup, including on/off, flash power level, modeling lamp settings, etc.. These new gizmos will only trigger the lights.

The RR1 system is suppose to be replaced some time this year with a new 300Mhz system.

I had the RR1 system for my 4 lights, but I sent it back and got a refund because of interference problems. The AlienBees folks were very nice for refunding my money too because I had the system for several months before I sent it back.

As soon as their new system is available I'm buying it. It's great to be able to adjust all of your lights remotely, especially when they're way up on boom arms.

10/18/2006 08:50:03 PM · #13
Originally posted by idnic:

Nice timing. I've been watching ebay for weeks for pocket wizzard stuff and HATE the prices I've been seeing.


They're not cheap but you can't beat their range or reliability.
10/18/2006 09:16:07 PM · #14
Originally posted by pix-al:

Try the Ebay Triggers...


I got mine (One transmitter and two recievers) for around £25 delivered from HK.

Here you go

These have a hot shoe, or you can buy units with PC cords etc instead. 4 or 16 channel items are better. Lots of probs with single channels. Do a search on EBAY - you'll find US sellers too...

Also check out Flickr's strobist group for poeples opinions and experiences...


How excactly does it work?

I want to get a remote flash for my biking photography, but I think pocket wizards would be a better solution if I plan on getting strobes... correct?
10/18/2006 09:16:39 PM · #15
bleh ment to quote the one about the canon transmitter... :P
10/18/2006 09:28:33 PM · #16
Originally posted by Faithless:

bleh ment to quote the one about the canon transmitter... :P

The Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 is very cool, but doesn't work with studio strobes such as AlienBees.


10/18/2006 10:06:25 PM · #17
Originally posted by Pixl Mastr WannaB:

I was looking at Alien Bees' site to check out the new ring flash unit, and I saw their new radio flash trigger. What struck me as odd is that the transmitter is only $39.95, and so is the receiver. Am I missing something, or is this the amazingly inexpensive answer to my prayers? I've wanted to go wireless for ages, and most solutions seem to be over $300. If I can pick up a relatively small transmitter and one receiver for less than $100 delivered, I'll order one today! What do you think? Is this an amazing deal, or am I missing something obvious? Thanks!

-Don


The receivers seem to be AC powered. Making any mention of wireless laughable. Might be good for the studio, not for the great outdoors with no AC cords. ;)
10/18/2006 10:09:44 PM · #18
Originally posted by fir3bird:



The receivers seem to be AC powered. Making any mention of wireless laughable. Might be good for the studio, not for the great outdoors with no AC cords. ;)


it actually uses the same AC cord to power the strobe so if you have a batery pack for it then you will be fine.if not then how were you goign to use them outside anyway:)
10/18/2006 10:39:28 PM · #19
Originally posted by Elvis_L:

Originally posted by fir3bird:



The receivers seem to be AC powered. Making any mention of wireless laughable. Might be good for the studio, not for the great outdoors with no AC cords. ;)


it actually uses the same AC cord to power the strobe so if you have a batery pack for it then you will be fine.if not then how were you goign to use them outside anyway:)


Yeah, what he said :o). The receivers plug into the AC cable, but the strobes don't work without an AC cable anyway. I think this setup will rock. On a side note, I have the power pack. It came in handy last week when the electric went out in my house. I didn't do a shoot with it (photography was the LAST thing on my mind), but that Vagabond unit did a good job of running a lamp or two, and my clock radio so I knew when to get up. One of these days I'll actually use it for some location photography...
10/18/2006 10:53:59 PM · #20
Originally posted by Pixl Mastr WannaB:

...but that Vagabond unit did a good job of running a lamp or two, and my clock radio so I knew when to get up. One of these days I'll actually use it for some location photography...

Oh that's funny Don! You need to try it for PHOTOGRAPHY sonetime soon, ok?

And by the way, yeah I'm planning on 'going first' with the new AB wireless remote (was planning to order them next week before I saw this thread). I'll let you know what I think but I expect I'll love 'em!

10/19/2006 04:44:23 AM · #21
Originally posted by Mick:

Originally posted by Faithless:

bleh ment to quote the one about the canon transmitter... :P

The Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 is very cool, but doesn't work with studio strobes such as AlienBees.


Also - This transmitter is infra red, so needs line of sight.
10/19/2006 01:07:59 PM · #22
I'll just stick to pocket wizards then, as I do alot of biking shots.
10/19/2006 01:28:41 PM · #23
Originally posted by Faithless:

I'll just stick to pocket wizards then, as I do alot of biking shots.

Biking shots? Do you mean taking photos of people bicycling outdoors? Do you use studio lights (monolights or strobe heads), or do you use a hotshoe flash?
10/19/2006 01:41:48 PM · #24
Originally posted by Elvis_L:


it actually uses the same AC cord to power the strobe so if you have a batery pack for it then you will be fine.if not then how were you goign to use them outside anyway:)


Many of us are searching for a wireless solution that will work anywhere. And.... not have to buy the Pocket Wizards. So I've always got my eyes out for things like this. AB could have sold thousands more of these things if they were battery on both ends. They limited their sales by not thinking outside of their brand box.
After reading the descriptions of their products it sounds much like some I've found in discussions here:
Strobist blog So actually I was going to use them with my speedlights outside, like I already do. It's just more reliable to use RF wireless.
10/20/2006 09:18:51 AM · #25
Well, I guess I'm putting my money where my mouth is--I placed an order. They should be arriving Tuesday, so I'll report back here with my initial thoughts (one transmitter / one receiver). Stay tuned...
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