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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> eBay Triggers - Good or Bad
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10/24/2007 02:41:48 PM · #1
I cannot find what I need in the past threads. Do you use these triggers? Do you like them? Where did you get them? You do not like them? Tell me why...

Here is what I need to trigger:

1 - Canon 430ex
2 - Nikon SB-28
2 - Sunpack strobes

Right now I am using 2 very unreliable OPTICAL triggers on the SB-28's. They don't work very good on the Canon. It flashes once then needs to be reseted. I need something that just "works".

WHAT DO I NEED??? I looked on eBay and I am more confused than I was in the beginning.

Thanks in advance for the help!
10/24/2007 02:53:48 PM · #2
Pretty reliable for me.
For 30 bux I can live with an occasional glitch - misfire or non fire.
One thing i had to change was the auto standby timing on my flash.
If it goes to standby it requires a shutter release to come out of it (or pushing the "test" on the transmitter)
10/24/2007 02:56:44 PM · #3
I have a set of $15 "eBay triggers" - I will have flashes for testing them on Thursday. I also picked up an $18 optical slave trigger I can let you know about post Thursday.

Cheers,
-Jeff
10/24/2007 02:59:28 PM · #4
I've had no issues with my e-bay triggers for either flashes or strobes, other than cell phones (at close distance) false triggering them from time to time.

Here is the source:
//www.gadgetinfinity.com/home.php

Edit again: FWIW I use the four channel version V2.
//www.gadgetinfinity.com/product.php?productid=16766&cat=274&page=1

With extra receivers:
//www.gadgetinfinity.com/product.php?productid=16741&cat=274&page=1

Message edited by author 2007-10-24 15:06:33.
10/24/2007 03:37:35 PM · #5
I run 4 SB-28's and one old broom handle flash. I have 5 rx units and 2 tx units. Mine are these: Studio.
These are the 16ch "studio" version of the ebay triggers. I DO NOT use the PC connector on the rx units. There is a 1/4 inch phone plug on a wire dongle out of one side of the rx unit. I cut this off and convert to a Nikon style screw type PC terminal for better reliability. Mine work very well out to 100 feet. Up to 300 feet with one tx unit that has an external antenna mod.

These units will interfere with each other if placed closer than 1 or 2 feet from each other. I've never need to do this when using them so it's not a problem with me. Also, most of the problems I've heard with these triggers have been with Canon flash users. Seems the Canon speed lights put out more RF interference than the Nikon Speedlites. YMMV. You might want to do a little reading or post a question about them here.
Also on the Gadget Infinity page I listed above you buy the second item down which is a pair consisting of a TX and RX unit. The top item is additional RX units. The ones Leroy listed above include a flash shoe adapter, the studio ones do not have this adapter. This means the flash has to have a PC connector, or you have to supply the adapter.

Message edited by author 2007-10-24 15:38:06.
10/24/2007 03:41:16 PM · #6
my experience is not too good.
I used the Gadget Infinity v2 with a Canon 350d and 430Ex.
They don't work half of the times :( and sometimes they make flash fire when it shouldn't.
10/24/2007 03:42:23 PM · #7
Good: price
Bad: build quality - okay if you know how to use a soldering iron

Ugly: many have problems with canon flash trigger voltages, causing misfires. Some claim to have resolved this. buyer beware.

Message edited by author 2007-10-24 15:42:53.
10/24/2007 03:43:01 PM · #8
Thanks for the responses. I am aware of the problems with the 430ex and I am not overly worried as I have 4 other good flashes. I ordered these triggers from Gadget and will keep you posted.

Thanks again!
10/24/2007 04:01:12 PM · #9
Below is the link for the NEW version of just the recievers - Leroys link was for the previous versions I think.

The new ones work better with Sigma Flashes - I haven't purchased them yet am still in the research phase so am following this topic eagerly.

Cactus receivers
10/24/2007 04:07:25 PM · #10
i got a radio trigger from Gadget, for the money it serves its purpose, but i'm looking for something more reliable for paid shoots..
10/25/2007 02:53:45 PM · #11
Anything will fire the Nikon strobes. My Cactus triggers work flawlessly. I hear that Canon strobes are more finicky, and I know nothing about Sunpack. You might check the discussion threads in the strobist flickr group. They get into excruciating detail about the ebay triggers there.
10/26/2007 07:34:41 PM · #12
Yes, I got some of these triggers recently, using with a 550EX. I have the version 2 cactus triggers from gadget infinity. I haven't had any real problems at all. No false triggers, one or two missed triggers, out of many hundreds of shots.

Sure Pocket wizards are better, but I've not needed to fire a flash from more than 10m away, and for the cost, these things are pretty good.
10/26/2007 07:39:40 PM · #13
Well, while doing some stock shots today, I figured out the Cactus triggers don't like my blender... triggered alllll sorts of false triggers. So, no combo margarita party/photo shoot parties. :-(
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