Wireless trigger for D850: I have several flashes that I would like to control with my D850. Flashes are older SB-20 through SB-800 and an AlienBees B1600 flash/lamp with some kind of...

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Wireless trigger for D850

Oct 13, 2022 15:00:49 #

Alphabravo2020

I have several flashes that I would like to control with my D850. Flashes are older SB-20 through SB-800 and an AlienBees B1600 flash/lamp with some kind of receiver (picture attached).

I know there is a native wireless trigger system for the D850 that attaches to the front ports, as well as shoe mounted Yongnuo, Godox, PocketWizard, etc.

Sorry for the wide open question but I don't really know where to start. I'd like for the system to be low-profile since I handhold most of the time. Also I'm thinking it should support some kind of high speed shutter sync since I will probably be above 1/350s. Price not a big controlling factor. I don't expect to control more than 1 or 2 flashes a time. The AlienBee is for a studio setup.

Oct 13, 2022 15:24:02 #

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

Different systems require different controllers and can do different things. The SB-800 can be directly attached to the camera (verify with Nikon) along with perhaps some of your other Nikon flash. For the Buff system you're going to need their proprietary controller or perhaps a Pocket Wizard could be used with them and other devices you own. You're going to need to do some research. Currently I use the Nikon SB-500, SB-700 and SB-5000 flashes along with a newer Elinchrom One system with its own controller (excellent system you may want to look into). Best of luck.

Oct 13, 2022 16:03:53 #

Alphabravo2020

cjc2 wrote:

Different systems require different controllers an... (show quote)

Thank you. I'll be doing some research. I'll have to find out what triggers talk to the AC Buff receiver shown or perhaps find a receiver that uses the RJ-45 plug on the back of the Buff flash.

The AC powered CSR (50VAC to 260VAC, 50/60HZ) uses a pass-through power cord to share an AC power source with the connected flash unit. The receiver has a short power cord that attaches to your AC powered flash unit and an AC receptacle into which your flash unit’s power cord connects. The receiver hangs from your light unit on its 10" cord without added power cords.

Oct 13, 2022 16:52:51 #

Alphabravo2020

So according to Buff, their flash unit will talk to most any other third party receiver/transmitter through the sync cord port. If I get a Pocket Wizard for example that will allow me to talk to both the Buff and Nikon flashes.

Oct 13, 2022 22:50:55 #

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

Alphabravo2020 wrote:

Just remember that connected and connected in TTL or even iTTL are different. My Elinchrom One units connect, with their own Elinchrom proprietary controller, to my Z9 utilizing Nikon's iTTL system. The devil, as usual, is in the details. If you wish to discuss further, please PM me, Best of luck.

Oct 14, 2022 09:58:10 #

Terkat

Good morning "AB",

I purchased my D850 nearly 3 years ago and have been using an AODELAN brand wireless remote unit (Amazon @ $29.99 with Nikon unit @ $44.99) which is their version of the Nikon ML-L7 remote. Absolutely hand held (playing card size) and maybe 5-6 credit cards thick. Works flawlessly and have had no issues with this device. Uses only 1 CR2 battery. Highly recommended.
Check this one out.

All the best to you and yours,

Terry

Oct 14, 2022 10:08:32 #

Terkat

Good morning "AB",

I have had my D850 for nearly 3 years and much of the shooting I have done since then (mainly wildlife) has required a wireless remote. I purchased a Aodelan brand wireless device (Amazon @ $29.99 vs Nikon @ $44.99) and have used it extensively since that time. It is very small (playing card size with a thickness of approx. 5-6 credit cards) and is their version of the Nikon ML-L7. Uses only 1 CR-2 battery (original battery remains fully functional!) and has proven to be, literally, indestructible. Hope I haven't jinxed myself with that comment.
Check this one out AB.

All the very best to you and yours,

Terry

Oct 14, 2022 17:15:38 #

uhaas2009

Try this first put the ab 800 on the camera and make sure every other flash can be see from your sb800 and see if you can trigger all the lights.
You can get cheap trigger and put on each flash is possible too but ……
I used pocket wizard with an 700, Metz, flashpoint and alien bee. It’s not the best solution ether.
I keeped the 360 and alien bee added flashpoint 686 or whatever the model is. With a pro r2 or the 686 on the camera it does the job. For the alien bee I have a R receiver. I’m free from walking back and forward to change the flash settings (no I’m not lazy just to many cables and umbrellas in a small space) If I would shoot weddings I may wouldn’t use flashpoint or godox.

Oct 14, 2022 17:20:00 #

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Alphabravo2020 wrote:

I have several flashes that I would like to contro... (show quote)

Whats wrong with using the Cyber sync? The D850 has a hot shoe!!

Oct 14, 2022 17:41:58 #

Alphabravo2020

Manglesphoto wrote:

Whats wrong with using the Cyber sync? The D850 has a hot shoe!!

I think it should work but I'm not sure how to talk to it. Buff recommended I get their CST3 wireless trigger to talk to the CSR receiver I have. I would also have to get one of their wireless CSRB receivers to talk to a Nikon flash.

I'll look at a few other trigger/receivers and see if I really want to jump into more Buff equipment.

Oct 15, 2022 14:05:04 #

Bullfrog Bill Loc: CT

Check out the Nikon SU-800 wireless speed light controller. I use it on my D850 for SB 800/900. I think there is a sync cord attachment for other flashes.

Oct 16, 2022 23:15:19 #

r1ch Loc: Colorado

Alphabravo2020 wrote:

I have several flashes that I would like to contro... (show quote)

Buy Godox or Flashpoint (they are the same) you will eventually buying one of those flashes anyway, in the mean time, they will control your old stuff. $59 to 69 depending on model

If you want the ultimate. Raven TLC Fusion at under $500 does everything.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EngH4i2OVVM

Oct 17, 2022 05:24:10 #

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

I use Alien Bees in some setups too. They are not HSS capable, but hypersync. Originally, I used the multi controller with the 4 wire phone lines to adjust flash duration. Especially useful when the AB was inaccessible once set up. Now I set up using PW Flex system and the AC9 controller on the ABs via the phone jack and can control all speedlights, dumb flashes and AB's lighting settings from my camera with the AC3 dials/groups. I get universal control over all the different lighting I may use.

Oct 17, 2022 09:09:05 #

r1ch Loc: Colorado

jdubu wrote:

I use Alien Bees in some setups too. They are not ... (show quote)

I did not know about this system using the AC3 it can control the power output of the ABs wirelessly using the RJ11 jack. That is pretty cool. You learn something new every day.

The only problem it is a complicated system. Correct me if I am wrong, you need the Mini TT1 $199, TT5 $180, AC3 $59 and a AC9 $54 (unless you get them used) Having to convert +3 to equal full power and -1 is 16th power would seem to be a complicated as well.

The Raven seems to be the latest thing and is now $429 it would seem to do everything and is a bit less complicated but a little expensive.

This guy seems to explain it pretty well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5avYALP_j7o

Oct 17, 2022 13:10:25 #

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

r1ch wrote:

I did not know about this system using the AC3 it ... (show quote)

I saw that video and it does look intriguing. But I am invested in the Pocket Wizards for their longstanding compatibility with old and new units. I use the Mini TT1, but you can use the TT5. The AC3 has 3 groups with individual power dials, off, manual or auto are simple to use. Setting power means a quick spin of that group's dial plus or minus.

I can set the shutter speed up to 1/8000 and the Flex system automatically shifts any compatible flash attached to HSS without any resetting on my part.

I believe that all my PW Flex units were purchased used and never have any issues with them. They work great with the yes/no PW's I have and I actually have attached Xbrand transmitters to PW's to trigger Xbrand receivers on old cheap flash units as a totally separate group. It's a good way to get more flash coverage without much outlay.

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