New Alien Bees Flash Trigger--Too Good To Be True?

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro for Canon

10/29/2007 12:47:27 PM · #6

Originally posted by TonyT:

I have one transmitter and one receiver. They have never misfired for me. They seem to work great.

However, I have some warnings for you:
1. The hotshoe mount is a hotshoe mount only. There is no connection through the actual hot shoe. It has a short sync cord. It only sits on the top of the camera on the hot shoe.
2. I also have Alien Bee strobes. If you have ABs or White Lightnings you will be fine. The power for the receiver comes from the power cord for the flash. You take the power cord out of the flash and plug it into the receiver, then take that and plug it into the power recepticle on the flash. Then you plug another wire from the receiver into the strobe. I was told you can use a standard computer cord to power it, but I never tried it.

The also are not too well built. If you dropped the transmitter, it might crack open like an egg.

For for a total of $80, I didn't see anything cheaper and they do work really well.

My transmitter works through the hot shoe just like it were a flash unit. I don't connect it via a short synch cable. I've never had a problem with the triggers. Also, I think the receivers would likely work with any strobe that had a synch cord jack even if the strobe had a molded in or other kind of power cord that did not match the power jack on the receivers. All you would have to do is power the receivers seperately. Thier power cords have the same kind of connector most PCs and monitors use so finding a seperate power cord for them should not be a problem.

TonyT

Nikon D3X

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

10/26/2007 02:40:08 PM · #7

AllgoodPics

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro for Canon

10/26/2007 02:31:10 PM · #8

Originally posted by Pixlmaker:

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

I have a set of these, a transmitter and three receivers. They work great. They, like anything, have limitations but for a wireless alternative in studio they work great, well worth the money.

M

Message edited by author 2007-10-26 14:31:41.

alanfreed

Nikon D6

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

10/26/2007 01:27:04 PM · #9

The Brown Truck just brought my DigiBee kit yesterday... very, very nice! I'm finding myself in my basement studio, taking pictures of some really dumb stuff as tests!

The wireless trigger works great. It's awesome to run around and shoot untethered to anything. And I was surprised how easy it was to set everything up -- I was really expecting to be more apprehensive about everything at first.

scottkelley

10/26/2007 01:17:00 PM · #10

When I plug a radio transmitter such as Alien Bee into the PC port on my 5D, does that still allow a shoe mounted 580EX to provide focus assist in night conditions? Any comments are appreciated.

side question, when you don't shoe mount the transmitter, does it just hang there from the little cord?

10/26/2006 04:14:46 PM · #11

Originally posted by C-Fox:

Thanks for posting! I now have sent the link to hubby for spousal approval :-)

Does he need to approve the flash trigger, or my model's picture? :o)

nova

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM

10/26/2006 01:46:27 PM · #12

Brown arrived at my house this A.M. while I was out. I've followed your lead Don and plugged them in and fired a couple of test shots... worked as advertised!

C-Fox

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

10/26/2006 12:07:25 PM · #13

Thanks for posting! I now have sent the link to hubby for spousal approval :-)

Message edited by author 2006-10-26 12:07:41.

10/26/2006 11:29:25 AM · #14

I just did my first shoot last night with the wireless setup, and I'm happy to report it worked like a champ! The transmitter had a nice firm fit on the camera (didn't wobble or feel loose at all), the receiver is dead easy to put on the strobe, and everything worked with no fuss at all. I only had time for about 90 pictures, but I didn't have a single miss-fire or no-fire the whole time. So its a little too early to give it a 100% approval, but so far I don't have a single complaint. On a side not, here is a shot of Jennifer, the model I worked with. Feel free to comment:

10/24/2006 10:26:03 PM · #15

Originally posted by nova:

Ordered mine yesterday, and got the email just now announcing 'your order has shipped'.

So now it's your turn to wait for the brown truck's arrival. Have fun!

nova

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM

10/24/2006 10:22:22 PM · #16

Ordered mine yesterday, and got the email just now announcing 'your order has shipped'.

ADGibson

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

10/24/2006 10:03:57 PM · #17

Originally posted by Pixl Mastr WannaB:

I have triggers like this I got off ebay. I have to say they work well. the range is excellent.

ADGibson

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

10/24/2006 10:01:49 PM · #18

Originally posted by scarbrd:

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.

That is an expensive and not a very good alternative. The Canon transmitter is IR and has a limited distance at a higher cost. The one alienbees has is a radio unit with far more range.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

10/24/2006 09:57:02 PM · #19

Well, they showed up today. I got home a little late, so I opened the box, but the transmitter on my camera, and plugged the receiver into one of my AB400s. As simple as that, it was up and running. I only snapped a couple test photos, but I have a model coming over tomorrow so I will be able to put this setup through it's paces. So far so good! I'll report back tomorrow. Stay tuned...

swankFoto

Fujifilm X-E1

10/20/2006 05:23:07 PM · #20

Some DIY mods for these radio triggers here
and a review of one guy's experiences with them here

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

10/20/2006 09:18:51 AM · #21

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...

FireBird

10/19/2006 01:41:48 PM · #22

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.

Mick

Canon EOS-5D

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?

Faithless