Help me decide on a trigger set

LASTOLITE

LASTOLITE

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Bill
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I have narrowed this down to two kits.

I shoot Nikon and I am after solid reliability and longevity. I would also like some additional abilities like HSS that I wont use now but will in the future as my skill and needs change with lighting. I am looking mainly for the ability to site a couple of flash heads then increasing or decreasing the power remotely. I would like iTTL and fully manual operation and control at my fingertips.

I have put it off many times but I want to get going with off camera flash more and need to bite the bullet and put my hand in my pocket - I have used some Stato 2's for for triggering studio strobes and they are good but the strobes are all close and its no bother manually adjusting in a studio setting. I also realize that the Strato's can be used with one of the systems but I am content in leaving that little system just for my studio lights.

So my two choices are the http://www.parkcameras.com/25191/Ph...rrer=Froogle&gclid=COKt4pLo3b0CFQkEwwodCXYAqw

and the http://www.parkcameras.com/20060/Po...-Mini-TT1-2x-Flex-TT5-1x-AC3---Nikon-Fit.html

If anyone has experience with both or with either I would like you to post your opinion on either of these setups good and bad - I have been reading and watching too many youtube videos on both and lost my objectivity.

I like the analogue dials of the PW little ac3 add on, I really like that they way you can turn a flash on / off or in M or Auto or TTL modes from the little simple dial arrangement - does this work as well as is depicted ?

As I said you experiences with either of these would be great. TIA
 
interestingly, i purchased 2 x Yongnou 622's & 1 x Yongnou 622tx. Curiously that should also fit your bill...
 
I have the PW's with the AC3 and find they work reliably and are easy to use. Need to make sure you keep a stick of batteries in case you forget to switch them off. Updateable firmware that is easy to update.
 
With the PW's I would like to ask about the
MiniTT1's battery life with those button cells - My experience with button cells is not good, Plus I have just remembered a video shoot I did where the photographer on the shoot had no battery life left in the on camera unit so lost his off camera flash ability for the day as he had no back-up....power.
 
I don't have a problem with the battery life with the MiniTT1, as long as you remember to turn it off after you've finished the using it. I have been caught out before a shoot and have ended up using a FlexTT5 (I have three) as the trigger. I now carry spare batteries (Amazon's your friend here, as you can but 5 Energiser button cells very cheaply).
 
chphotos said:
I don't have a problem with the battery life with the MiniTT1, as long as you remember to turn it off after you've finished the using it. I have been caught out before a shoot and have ended up using a FlexTT5 (I have three) as the trigger. I now carry spare batteries (Amazon's your friend here, as you can but 5 Energiser button cells very cheaply).
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Thanks for that Cliff - Ive read a blog that confirms what you say - Why go for the mini in the first place? Is it just having a smaller unit on cam less weight I suppose is the idea with the button cell?

Good to know you can use the FlexTT5 in an emergency though. Thanks for vote of confidence in the PW's I am leaning this way TBH that little AC analogue controller is ace for the way I think too!
 
chphotos said:
I use the Mini as it is smaller and it 'looks' less bulky with the AC3.
Click to expand...

Cliff do you know IF its possible to use the AC3 with the TT5 in the same way you use it with the Mini? If thats the case then that gives full redundancy and thats a winner in my eyes
 
PW has some unique features, if somewhat specialised, eg peak hypersync, optimised high speed sync, and optimised second curtain sync*. Very handy if you need them, but if you don't, PWs are a bit clunky these days, you need to download firmware, and there can be range issues.

Odins are excellent, nice easy user-interface, and they 'just work'. Also consider Yongnuo 622.

* these features work differently with Nikon and Canon, need to check details if important.
 
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What Richard said.

I sold my PW's due to frequency problems (interference from DJ's kit), and bought some Yongnuo's and a couple of flash guns. The Yongnuos have been faultless.

If you really need the complex features that PW give, it's a no-brainer. But if you don't, they're hideously overpriced.
 
surfg1mp said:
Canon had the best system with the 600rx flashes that have the radio transmitters built in. Phottix have brought out the mitros + flashes which have the Odin transceivers built into the flashes......that is going to be my next purchase when I'm looking to upgrade.

http://flashhavoc.com/phottix-mitros-plus-for-nikon-released/
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I wouldn't buy a TV with a DVD player built in. Neither would most people because we all know someone with a TV with a broken DVD player built in.
 
I don't think anyone has come up with the perfect solution in one system yet. Canon RT still can't do remote second-curtain sync. Odin transmitter has no AF-assist beam, and no option to have a flash on-camera. All fairly obvious omissions I'd have thought.
 
HoppyUK said:
I don't think anyone has come up with the perfect solution in one system yet. Canon RT still can't do remote second-curtain sync. Odin transmitter has no AF-assist beam, and no option to have a flash on-camera. All fairly obvious omissions I'd have thought.
Click to expand...

That's where the mitros + come in hoppy. Couldn't tell you about the second curtain, because I don't use it....and way cheaper than the canon rt.
 
Phil V said:
I know a few; can you confirm you know people with TV's with working built in DVD players?
Click to expand...

Who cares about TV's with built in DVD players, the op was asking about ways of triggering flash. Having a radio transceiver in a flash is a logical step.....separate triggers are a pain and the need for extra batteries is annoying. how many triggers have you broken Phil.
 
LASTOLITE said:
I have narrowed this down to two kits.

I shoot Nikon and I am after solid reliability and longevity. I would also like some additional abilities like HSS that I wont use now but will in the future as my skill and needs change with lighting. I am looking mainly for the ability to site a couple of flash heads then increasing or decreasing the power remotely. I would like iTTL and fully manual operation and control at my fingertips.

I have put it off many times but I want to get going with off camera flash more and need to bite the bullet and put my hand in my pocket - I have used some Stato 2's for for triggering studio strobes and they are good but the strobes are all close and its no bother manually adjusting in a studio setting. I also realize that the Strato's can be used with one of the systems but I am content in leaving that little system just for my studio lights.

So my two choices are the http://www.parkcameras.com/25191/Ph...rrer=Froogle&gclid=COKt4pLo3b0CFQkEwwodCXYAqw

and the http://www.parkcameras.com/20060/Po...-Mini-TT1-2x-Flex-TT5-1x-AC3---Nikon-Fit.html

If anyone has experience with both or with either I would like you to post your opinion on either of these setups good and bad - I have been reading and watching too many youtube videos on both and lost my objectivity.

I like the analogue dials of the PW little ac3 add on, I really like that they way you can turn a flash on / off or in M or Auto or TTL modes from the little simple dial arrangement - does this work as well as is depicted ?

As I said you experiences with either of these would be great. TIA
Click to expand...

Just one thing, you mentioned flash heads, you do realise the remote control of power with the triggers you've shortlisted will only work on speedlites?

If you do, fine just ignore me :)
 
surfg1mp said:
Who cares about TV's with built in DVD players, the op was asking about ways of triggering flash. Having a radio transceiver in a flash is a logical step.....separate triggers are a pain and the need for extra batteries is annoying. how many triggers have you broken Phil.
Click to expand...
I've never lost one, but plenty of people have, and I suppose I don't mind separate triggers. YMMV
 
The pocket wizard people gave been laying people off recently
I put my cash into yongnuo 622n and 622tx like Phil
HSS and super sync, remote zoom and power control, mixed manual and ttl. reliable and cheap as chips - downer is trying to understand the Chinglish manuals.....
Outstanding products
 
surfg1mp said:
That's where the mitros + come in hoppy. Couldn't tell you about the second curtain, because I don't use it....and way cheaper than the canon rt.
Click to expand...

Apologies, I stand corrected. I thought Mitros+ was receiver only and needed an Odin transmitter on-camera. They don't, Mitros+ have transceivers (and second-curtain sync) :thumbs:
 
I understand the Photix TTL offering cant function the same way as the PW's as you need a commander flash on top of the camera for it to be able to control the power output of the other two flashes?

I had narrowed this down a little while ago and had left it there until a day or two ago - but it seems there have been some developments in the trigger market. I suppose if PW or the company that makes em are having financial difficulties then whats the deal for the future and firmware updates and whatnot. They are not cheap by any means. But as I see it they seem to be the simplest in operation especially with the little AC-3 analogue controller. I dont want gadgetry I need a simple method of increasing or decreasing flash power without legging it around all day.

I have a D3 That cannot act as a commander as it has no flash built in and no way of controlling other units from the camera so the trigger on camera needs to do the work - I hope I have this correct.

Ever think too much and then cant be bothered....LOL. The reason why PW's have been so successful is they have taken most of this thinking away and just provided a solution or maybe they explain it in a way I can grasp it....

The ODINS will do this but you need to faf with menu's and that thing sticking up in the air......mmm

There seems to be mixed info on the Yongnuo's as to if they will do what I want.

MIKEROPHONICS said:
The pocket wizard people gave been laying people off recently
I put my cash into yongnuo 622n and 622tx like Phil
HSS and super sync, remote zoom and power control, mixed manual and ttl. reliable and cheap as chips - downer is trying to understand the Chinglish manuals.....
Outstanding products
Click to expand...


Can you confirm Mike if you can use these on a Body with no flash and control off camera flashes power and they can be used in iTTL modes as well as Manual mode? or combinations
TIA

Bill
 
LASTOLITE said:
I understand the Photix TTL offering cant function the same way as the PW's as you need a commander flash on top of the camera for it to be able to control the power output of the other two flashes?

I had narrowed this down a little while ago and had left it there until a day or two ago - but it seems there have been some developments in the trigger market. I suppose if PW or the company that makes em are having financial difficulties then whats the deal for the future and firmware updates and whatnot. They are not cheap by any means. But as I see it they seem to be the simplest in operation especially with the little AC-3 analogue controller. I dont want gadgetry I need a simple method of increasing or decreasing flash power without legging it around all day.

I have a D3 That cannot act as a commander as it has no flash built in and no way of controlling other units from the camera so the trigger on camera needs to do the work - I hope I have this correct.

Ever think too much and then cant be bothered....LOL. The reason why PW's have been so successful is they have taken most of this thinking away and just provided a solution or maybe they explain it in a way I can grasp it....

The ODINS will do this but you need to faf with menu's and that thing sticking up in the air......mmm

There seems to be mixed info on the Yongnuo's as to if they will do what I want.




Can you confirm Mike if you can use these on a Body with no flash and control off camera flashes power and they can be used in iTTL modes as well as Manual mode? or combinations
TIA

Bill
Click to expand...
The YN622n TX, does the same job as the Odin, with a simple menu to control your flashes in M or iTTL. Check out the review on Flash Havoc.

The AC3 controller is anything but elegant btw, download the manual and check how to set flash power in manual. You'll realise that a simple LED screen is a much better solution.
 
Sorry I can't confirm as I only have a d7k - but I would be shocked if not.

If you are west London based feel free to pop around and try. I am in Twickenham.

The Yongnuo TX really is a doddle to use and to be able to zoom flash is a godsend. Full TTL control as well as manual and mixed groups too - all on screen. It's like having an sb700 on the camera in commander mode but with the ability to not worry about line of sight - especially outdoors.
 
Phil,

In what way is the AC3 controller not elegant? It's really easy, in my opinion, to set Flash output in manual, using the AC3. A switch for each channel that you set to 'M' and then adjust the output with a dial.
 
Phil V said:
The YN622n TX, does the same job as the Odin, with a simple menu to control your flashes in M or iTTL. Check out the review on Flash Havoc.

The AC3 controller is anything but elegant btw, download the manual and check how to set flash power in manual. You'll realise that a simple LED screen is a much better solution.
Click to expand...


Hi Phil

Good site that - from the site I read for Nikon users.....re the YN trigger - its different for Cannon users as they have flash control in the menue of the camera itself - Nikon does not so using a D3 or any body without flash you need a way to control the other units through the trigger?

The Nikon version does not have control through the camera menu, but it does allow a master flash or SU-800 controller to be mounted on top of the transmitter and used as the interface for adjustments. - See more at: http://flashhavoc.com/flash-trigger-guide-ttl/#sthash.efw77XeZ.dpuf
Click to expand...
 
Phil V said:
You want this

Just perfect, and missed off that earlier roundup
Click to expand...


Diving Pete said:
& thats why I said so in post 2....lol
Click to expand...


Thanks guys - Yes I did look at this and its seems unbelievable for the price - But as I understand, Correct me if I have got this wrong - But as I understand it for Nikon cameras without built in flash as a commander you need to put a flash on top? or the SU800 commander to act as the control.
 
LASTOLITE said:
Thanks guys - Yes I did look at this and its seems unbelievable for the price - But as I understand, Correct me if I have got this wrong - But as I understand it for Nikon cameras without built in flash as a commander you need to put a flash on top? or the SU800 commander to act as the control.
Click to expand...

No. The YN unit is the commander. And even though your camera doesn't have a pop-up flash, it still has all the flash control options. See handbook.
 
LASTOLITE said:
Thanks guys - Yes I did look at this and its seems unbelievable for the price - But as I understand, Correct me if I have got this wrong - But as I understand it for Nikon cameras without built in flash as a commander you need to put a flash on top? or the SU800 commander to act as the control.
Click to expand...
Further to what Richard said, the YN622n will act as a commander on it's own but can be a bit clunky. The YN622n TX will act as commander and has a very simple interface.
 
622Tx on camera - use lovely lcd to adjust....
622's on flashes..
You can use the 622's as commanders as well but the TX is easier...

OP - please watch these:

 
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I love my Pocketwizards - and I'm mainly a manual sort of shooter. The killer bit for me (other than reliability and quality) is that with the AC3 on top of either a TT1 or a TT5, I can adjust my flashes up and down (and turn them off altogether) without having to walk over to wherever they are. Futzing with flashes when someone's waiting for you to work your magic and make a photograph of them is something that I like to do as little as possible of. PWs help me set things up faster.

Of course - if the Phottix triggers do all that, and are as solid as the PW kit, then you're laughing fattycakes. But even if I was buying again now, I think I'd stay with the PWs.
 
Lyope said:
I love my Pocketwizards - and I'm mainly a manual sort of shooter. The killer bit for me (other than reliability and quality) is that with the AC3 on top of either a TT1 or a TT5, I can adjust my flashes up and down (and turn them off altogether) without having to walk over to wherever they are. Futzing with flashes when someone's waiting for you to work your magic and make a photograph of them is something that I like to do as little as possible of. PWs help me set things up faster.

Of course - if the Phottix triggers do all that, and are as solid as the PW kit, then you're laughing fattycakes. But even if I was buying again now, I think I'd stay with the PWs.
Click to expand...
All the ETTL triggers allow that, which frankly leaves the PW's just looking massively overpriced. (Even the 600ex flashes look better value) Unless you are a Canon shooter and you need to tweak the timing of HSS or hyper sync, in which case they're worth every penny cos they're your only option.
 
PW are massively overpriced. That's why they are laying people off. Youngnuo have eaten away at their customer vase. Snooze you loose. Wake up Nikon!
 
I'm looking at the Yn system to take my flash off-camera on my Fuji X-T1. I have a Nikon SB910 plus a Fuji EF20.

Maybe it's worth getting the basic Yn flash to work with the SB910. Could somebody suggest a 2/3 flash set up for me? Thanks in advance.
 
I really appreciate this info you cant beat experience of others the YN's are looking more attractive all the time....im gonna give them a go i think - I have a mate with a set of PW's I may have a play with too But 450 - 550 vs about 160 for a 3 flash setup is a bit of a difference:eek:
 
Diving Pete said:
622Tx on camera - use lovely lcd to adjust....
622's on flashes..
You can use the 622's as commanders as well but the TX is easier...

OP - please watch these:

Click to expand...


BRILLIANT! Explains it all really - Thank you!
 
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