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08/29/2008 08:12:44 PM · #1 |
I am planning to purchase a pair of Pocket Wizard Plus II transceivers to trigger my lights, but want to make sure I have all of the necessary cables to do so.
I will be working with a Canon 20D (hopefully soon to be a 50D).
I will need to trigger my Alien Bees, as well as my Canon Speedlight 580ex.
I would like to know what accessories I will need to make it all work. Any help would be great.
Thanks,
Aaron
Message edited by author 2008-08-29 20:14:56. |
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08/29/2008 08:28:39 PM · #2 |
I have the AB wireless remotes. They work fantastic and come wiht mini pc for the ABs and set the speedlight to slave. That should work fine due to this:
"Canon Speedlites use light - not RF - for simple but useful wireless flash communications. "
Message edited by author 2008-08-29 20:29:27. |
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08/29/2008 08:50:57 PM · #3 |
Thanks for the link Kim.
I've been using the cactus triggers. They work,but not at 100%. They fire about 8 out 10 attempts, and occasionally will trigger on their own. Also, I've yet to get them to sync faster than 1/200 with my 40D. I missed a shot this morning because it did not sync at 1/200! Nice black bar across the image. I would not buy them again.
Are you suggesting the 580ex will trigger in response to the AB firing? I thought they were triggered via IR if not using a RF reciever.
ETA: link and text
Message edited by author 2008-08-29 20:58:43. |
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08/29/2008 08:53:03 PM · #4 |
| Just go to flashzebra.com & check with Lon. He has it whatever you need..... |
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08/29/2008 08:57:50 PM · #5 |
| You will need one of these to connect the Alien Bees to the pocket wizard and one of these for the 580ex. You should also check out the strobist group on Flickr and Flash Zebra |
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08/29/2008 10:21:18 PM · #6 |
I use the new Cybersync wireless from Alienbees. They are small and reliable, I've gotten 10 out of 10 fires from over 200 foot using them outdoors and indoors. Depending on what version of the 580EX you have purchasing them from AB will not require any further purchase to use them for both your strobes and your flashes, if you have 580EXIIs like I do. I'm glad I didnt spend the $$$ on the pocket wizards and I know how unreliable and wonky the cactus triggers are, especially with the 580EX.
Matt
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08/29/2008 11:18:35 PM · #7 |
Since I don't see an answer to your question...
You need one PW for the camera. One for every light you wish to trigger via the PW. For the 580 (assuming it's NOT a '2' model) you will need a hotshoe adapter. adapter and cord. I found a hotshoe adapter with the right cord at a local photostore and you only need a short cord but I didn't turn one up in my quick googling. You will also need the cord that runs from the PW to the AB, like this here
PWs are the gold standard - they work, every time every where. I've tried some of the cheaper versions and they get hinky in some places - some lighting (I assume their ballasts) and RF interferance (keyboards and mice can do it at times) or even RC cars like kids toys, can cause mis fires. Want to look like Aunt Sally? Be standing there when some stray signal keeps tripping your lights and you're trying to work with a client.
Message edited by author 2008-08-29 23:36:53.
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08/29/2008 11:23:46 PM · #8 |
I think the professor means PW's are the gold standard.
Take your 580 with you, test the cables you are told to use (or pick out on your own) before leaving the store. I was handed some cables/adaptors by an expert, ended up with some sort of polarity issue, and after a call to PW I had to take it all back and get different parts. Extremely frustrating. |
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08/29/2008 11:40:55 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by violinist123:
I think the professor means PW's are the gold standard.
Take your 580 with you, test the cables you are told to use (or pick out on your own) before leaving the store. I was handed some cables/adaptors by an expert, ended up with some sort of polarity issue, and after a call to PW I had to take it all back and get different parts. Extremely frustrating. |
Yeah, I fixed it. Sorry.
Polarity..interesting thought. I've got 4 Stellar 300Ws units and recently got a 600unit. The 1/4" plug on the PW cable will trigger the light but it won't disable the flash's built-in trigger light it should. Tape fixed that (faster and less hassle than dealing with shipping for warranty). I might look at polarity! I've not had an issue with that with teh mono plugs, but had a hell of a time using HH plugs - i never could figure out why there would even be a polarity issue as it's a simple SPST switch concept.
Could be why Sigma flash units won't work on hot shoe adapters. I've sold my sigma so I can test this theory though.
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08/30/2008 12:00:47 AM · #10 |
Thanks to everyone who responded, and for all of the advice.
Prof - I am definitely getting the PWs, and am sure I will be very happy with the purchase. I don't know anyone who has used them that has anything bad to say.
I now know all of the cords I should need, and should be remote triggering by next weekend.
Everyone have a nice long weekend!
~Ab |
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08/30/2008 12:50:03 AM · #11 |
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
Since I don't see an answer to your question... |
Look six posts up from this one ;) |
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08/30/2008 08:29:20 AM · #12 |
Originally posted by Foolish Ice:
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
Since I don't see an answer to your question... |
Look six posts up from this one ;) |
Excellent! You found the hotshoe adapter I was looking for (and have).
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08/30/2008 10:55:52 AM · #13 |
Originally posted by MattO:
I use the new Cybersync wireless from Alienbees. |
Thanks for posting this! I went to the site to check this out, and I wasn't aware of the RFT1 buy-back program. I bought my ABs last fall, and have been having the same issues that they've been describing (short battery life, random firings, etc.). So I'll definitely send my old RFT1 stuff in to upgrade to the new one. I should add that I've been continually very impressed with their customer service! |
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08/30/2008 11:07:47 AM · #14 |
Originally posted by alanfreed:
Originally posted by MattO:
I use the new Cybersync wireless from Alienbees. |
Thanks for posting this! I went to the site to check this out, and I wasn't aware of the RFT1 buy-back program. I bought my ABs last fall, and have been having the same issues that they've been describing (short battery life, random firings, etc.). So I'll definitely send my old RFT1 stuff in to upgrade to the new one. I should add that I've been continually very impressed with their customer service! |
No problem Alan, I sent my old ones in last week after receiving the new ones and giving them a bit of testing. The only issue I had with mine was the short battery life. I took the batteries out after each session though and that helped. The new ones are really nice. And I like the fact that I can have battery powered receivers so I can use them on location with my 580EXII's.
Matt
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12/04/2008 09:22:35 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by Foolish Ice:
these for the 580ex. |
Going to purchase the Alien Bee triggers tomorrow with this cord. Should be all I need.
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12/04/2008 10:21:08 PM · #16 |
| I ordered a set of cybersync transmitters and they come with a miniphone to PC cord so a hotshoe to PC adapter will work as well for the 580ex. |
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12/05/2008 09:46:11 AM · #17 |
Still debating if I want to lose the TTL function of my lights. Am I right in thinking I will lose this if I get the Alien Bee transmitter and receiver?
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12/07/2008 09:34:54 AM · #18 |
Now I am debating either the Alien Bee route or Pocket Wizard route. But if I need one of these for each flash:
B&H
Is this not the same thing for half the price:
Gadget Infinity
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