Robbie59

Hi all, I have a Canon 400d and a Speedlight 430ex flash gun. My question is what would be the best trigger to use so that I can shoot with off camera flash.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

the best?

Pocket wizards.

Robbie59

Which make would you suggest? (taking into account that I'm not Rockafella but the other fella)

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

So you're not asking what are the best...you want to know what is a good brand that's not too expensive?

That's a different question entirely.

the answer is "It depends on a few things..."

1.) how many misfires you are willing to put up with.

2.) Your budget

3.) Do you need ETTL or HSS?


So answer those questions and we can go farther... :)

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

Right on! But there may be a middle ground, depending on your ETTL desires. I have found used Pocket Wizard Plus II Transceivers (especially with the new models out now) on e-Bay that make them very reasonable. And I've enjoyed adding fill and accent light in landscapes that I never would have attempted otherwise.

I may be steering you down the wrong path, as what I mentioned are remote triggers akin to a long range reliable optical sensor (if there was such such a thing); they only tell the flash when to fire, not how. That's a huge difference unless you have the experience to set the strobes up each time.

So please please answer rpavich's questions first so he can help.

Robbie59

Sorry I haven't repied as yet, normal life gets in the way sometimes.
I realise that I didn't leave enough info, being a complete newbie at flash photography i never thought about ettl etc. I have been looking at all the different units out there for sale that i got totally confused. I was given an ettl cable but found it to be so restrictive I have only used it once. As for the of misfires well that is also new to me but upon searching I now realise what you mean. Unfortunatly I cant afford the best, so I will have to look at the second best.

DavidT Loc: Maryland

I've read thru the threads above, and seeing that you're relatively new to remote flash, I would not recommend the Pocket Wizard II. Not that they're bad. On the other hand, they're probably the most reliable and "best" flash triggers on the market. But, not for someone new, and not for a Canon user. You will find that you cannot connect your 430EX flash to the PWII because the 430 (and most Canon flashes) do not have a PC sync connection. So, you will have to buy a hot/cold shoe with a PC sync outlet and a PC sync cord to connect with the PW. This results in more possible things that can go wrong.

My suggestion is to get the Yongnuo RF603C transceivers. You can get two for about $30...well worth the investment. These radio transceivers are quite reliable and well-made. They use AAA batteries and can control pre-focus (i.e., like pressing the shutter button half-way). The 603C is also compatible with the Canon 400D.

The Yongnuo transceivers allow you to use your Canon in manual mode only (But, same with the PW IIs). This is not a major drawback. With digitial technology allowing you to see the flash effect immediately, you can easily make any necessary corrections.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

this is a good suggestion; it's not a negative to be on manual, especially considering the price.

The drawback to these is that you will walk over to your flash and manually change settings, just be aware, and you won't have high speed sync available.

An "in between" solution (between Yongueo and Pocket wizards) are the Pixel Kings.

They are robust, reliable, and they support ETTL, High speed sync and they are adjustable via the camera LCD, it's just as if the flashes are "on camera."


They are very reliable as far as misfires go also.


They are "middle of the road" expensive.

http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Trigger-Flashes-Transmitter-Receiver/dp/B005TQFRTY/ref=pd_cp_p_0


http://www.pixelhk.com/proshow.aspx?id=101

Robbie59

Thanks very much, both of you, Davidt and rpavich , this has certainly cleared up my question and given me something concrete to work on. Your help is greatly appreciated and I am so happy that I have joined this site, with guys like you it certainly makes life a whole lot easier.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

No problem...glad to have helped. Come back anytime! :)

photoguy

i HAVE 2 SETS OF YOUGNU AND THEY WORK PERFECT

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

I have Yongnuos for Nikon and they are great! I also use the Yongnuo 460, a totally manual flash that gives consistent reliability.

pappy0352 Loc: Oregon

I also use these and they are great.

Pappy

Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

Go to Cowboyphoto.com. They have a large selection of remote triggers at low prices. I think many of them are the Yougnu several people have mentioned. I have bought triggers from them and they are quite reliable.

scott61

I am also fairly new to using flash triggers. I have a Canon 5D with a 580EXII flash and two 430EX's. I am using a Flex TT5 hot shoe mount transceiver with two remote transceivers.
My question is that, (and yes I need to still study the manuals more for this answer....) is there a way to remotely control the 430's. (My 5D is the original 5D.

I also wanted to mention a mistake I made when first buying the pocket wizards. You can get either transceivers or just receivers. I needed/wanted transceivers, but accidentally ordered just a receiver for a "good" price off of ebay. So, just be careful in what you order. (I doubt anyone else has ever done anything like this :?: