[mini_Matt]

Hi guys

Thought I'd just let you know what I have and what I plan on purchasing; might be useful to someone here



What I have:
Canon EOS 5D MKII
2x Canon 580 EX II Flash

What I need:
1 x Pocket Wizard MiniTT1 $369
2 x Pocket Wizard FlexTT5 $399x2 = $798
1 x Strobist Twin Kit from Digital Camera Warehouse $249

I don't want to use one of the flashes on the 5D MKII so I need to buy two of the FlexTT5 so I can use both off camera, by using these Pocket Wizards I can just use ETTL on the flashes if I want or set them to manual modes. Not only that but the Pocket Wizards also have to normal connection so I can also use them with different flash units down the track.

If I only had one flash then I would only buy one of the FlexTT5 instead of two and a single strobist kit from Digital Camera Warehouse.

[canonafficionado]

Originally Posted by SilverJ

haha yes E-TTL would be great, it's a pretty quick and lazy way to do it isn't it.
I think I'll be a better photographer from having to do it manually though.
That guy there in the studio doing the headshots was setup in a few short moments, but what if he wasn't happy with the initial flash output? He just took it for granted that it was fine and didn't want to tweak it anymore. I doubt that would happen too often, I bet you'd always want to tweak it to get the right look you're going for.

Isn't the flash output adjustable on the flash itself, and is independent of the type of transmitter/receiver kits though?

I think one of the main arguments for E-TTL is that you can minimise the distraction of manual set-ups. In other words focus on the subject, composition etc and let the flashes do their bit.

[canonafficionado]

Originally Posted by mini_Matt

Hi guys

Thought I'd just let you know what I have and what I plan on purchasing; might be useful to someone here



What I have:
Canon EOS 5D MKII
2x Canon 580 EX II Flash

What I need:
1 x Pocket Wizard MiniTT1 $369
2 x Pocket Wizard FlexTT5 $399x2 = $798
1 x Strobist Twin Kit from Digital Camera Warehouse $249

I don't want to use one of the flashes on the 5D MKII so I need to buy two of the FlexTT5 so I can use both off camera, by using these Pocket Wizards I can just use ETTL on the flashes if I want or set them to manual modes. Not only that but the Pocket Wizards also have to normal connection so I can also use them with different flash units down the track.

If I only had one flash then I would only buy one of the FlexTT5 instead of two and a single strobist kit from Digital Camera Warehouse.

Thanks for the visual and details mini_matt. Are you going to use this as a permanent set-up or is it more for packing and taking with you? Either way looks great. That DCW/Strobist twin kit, looks great at $249.

[SilverJ]

Only problem with the above is that just the Flex alone is more expensive than the Skyport Universal Trigger Set 19360. That's certainly a big investment you're making there mini_Matt but I am sure you'll have an awesome kit ready to product some stunning photographs to match! As for main arguments for E-TTL, I absolutely see the benefits but you certainly pay a premium for that and you will be stuck using Canon E-TTL flash heads. I've read a few books that talk about how professionals set up their scenes and they've always talked about manually pre-lighting beforehand. Typically by using stand-ins before the celebrity/model arrives. So I don't feel too bad about missing out on E-TTL if they can handle or prefer life without it. I just can't justify the PocketWizards right now, I'd rather put the $400+ savings towards a new lens and of course still need to buy the strobist kit. Best of luck to everyone with their decisions

[mini_Matt]

I'm setting up my kit more so I can pack it up and take it with me, I don't really have anywhere that I can have it permanently setup plus I figured that I have more flexibility for different locations with this gear.

Cost is certainly always a big factor and I'll admit I am a bit of a name brand buyer. With the reputation that Pocket Wizards have and the availability of professional lighting DVD's and the likes that use pocket wizards it seemed like the easier road to take for learning purposes. With the added advantage of being able to use E-TTL that's just a bonus.

I've already probably over committed myself to photography and certainly Canon gear with the amount of money I've spent over the years so this really is a small amount in comparison for the potential with this equipment. If it's a hobby you really love though and it gives you the potential to make some money if you apply yourself I think it's all worth it.

Matt

[YannB]

Hi Guys !

I have a simple question :
Do you know if it's possible to fire a Sigma ef530dg st remotly ?

I've tried a couples of settings with cheap gears and it doesn't work at all.
I've order the Cactus V4, witch is, in my opinion, a cheap PW.

Thanks in advance !

[jayda]

Using the Cactus V4 and they are working 99%. Using with 5d Mark II and 40d. Apparently some have problems with the Mark II but not in my case.

[canonafficionado]

Originally Posted by mini_Matt

I'm setting up my kit more so I can pack it up and take it with me, I don't really have anywhere that I can have it permanently setup plus I figured that I have more flexibility for different locations with this gear.

Cost is certainly always a big factor and I'll admit I am a bit of a name brand buyer. With the reputation that Pocket Wizards have and the availability of professional lighting DVD's and the likes that use pocket wizards it seemed like the easier road to take for learning purposes. With the added advantage of being able to use E-TTL that's just a bonus.

I've already probably over committed myself to photography and certainly Canon gear with the amount of money I've spent over the years so this really is a small amount in comparison for the potential with this equipment. If it's a hobby you really love though and it gives you the potential to make some money if you apply yourself I think it's all worth it.

Matt

Thanks Matt. It's definitely something I enjoy too. For me it's also about maximising the learning too, and if E-TTL and other things help speed that, it's the best option.

That said, I've got to agree with some of the other comments here that the PWs are expensive and other similar gear is much cheaper, doing almost comparable tasks.

[fishboy]

Silver,
If you haven't already bought the Skyport kit, you're welcome to try mine out first to see if it suits your needs.

Originally Posted by SilverJ

Only problem with the above is that just the Flex alone is more expensive than the Skyport Universal Trigger Set 19360. That's certainly a big investment you're making there mini_Matt but I am sure you'll have an awesome kit ready to product some stunning photographs to match! As for main arguments for E-TTL, I absolutely see the benefits but you certainly pay a premium for that and you will be stuck using Canon E-TTL flash heads. I've read a few books that talk about how professionals set up their scenes and they've always talked about manually pre-lighting beforehand. Typically by using stand-ins before the celebrity/model arrives. So I don't feel too bad about missing out on E-TTL if they can handle or prefer life without it. I just can't justify the PocketWizards right now, I'd rather put the $400+ savings towards a new lens and of course still need to buy the strobist kit. Best of luck to everyone with their decisions

[SilverJ]

Hey fishboy, thanks for your reply! I have already made the order from Kayell on Tuesday night. I got an email confirmation when the order was placed but haven't heard anything since. They didn't have any stock info on their website though, so I might give them an email tomorrow to check the progress.

[canonafficionado]

Great to hear you went ahead and got the Skyports Silver!

Be very interested to hear of how they go, and also some of the things you can shoot and do that wasn't possible before you got the new kit.

This is a pretty encouraging thread.

[SilverJ]

Originally Posted by canonafficionado

Great to hear you went ahead and got the Skyports Silver!

Be very interested to hear of how they go, and also some of the things you can shoot and do that wasn't possible before you got the new kit.

This is a pretty encouraging thread.

Yes, really looking forward to using it. Fingers crossed it all plays nicely together.. I ordered a Manfrotto 001 nano lighting stand yesterday, should be in next week. Really great stand, not the cheapest, but I think it's worth it and it's always highly recommended. I managed to find it for $90.

I'm having a hard time finding a supplier of gels within Australia though. I want to get a CTO (colour temperature orange) and window green gel. I'd rather now wait two weeks to get them in from the U.S. Can anyone help me out with any info there? My last resort is ordering from Amazon.

P.S for Sydney siders, I heard there is a latin festival on this long weekend in Darling Harbour, Sydney I might go there to take some photos. I am hoping there will be some great colour! The weather is meant to be raining, so we'll see what it looks like on Saturday.

[canonafficionado]

The stand sounds great, and anything from Manfrotto for $90 is a bargain! As to gels, I can't see any places that have them ready to go. Plus the colours are less common perhaps.

And the Latin Festival, is an annual thing and pretty good actually, so hopefully the weather held out well enough to get down there.

[thebookfreak58]

Originally Posted by SilverJ

I'm having a hard time finding a supplier of gels within Australia though. I want to get a CTO (colour temperature orange) and window green gel. I'd rather now wait two weeks to get them in from the U.S. Can anyone help me out with any info there? My last resort is ordering from Amazon.

Check out Image Melbourne Studio & camera gear - softboxes, muslin backdrops, stands, monoblock flashes, strobist brackets, continuous lighting, barn door, gel filter, honeycomb grids, umbrellas, brollyboxes, triggers, light tents, patterned & scenic backgroun

I've bought around $400 of gear from there. Leo is great to deal with.

[SilverJ]

Thanks for that link. I'm in contact with him now.
Really happy to find the gels within Australia.

[scottgrot]

Originally Posted by BLINDER

Hi SilverJ - forgive me for not responding to you already btw (v. busy here).
But for info's sake I've just purchased for my 3 SB-800s (amongst other flashes here) an elinchrom skyport kit. Bought from Kayell NSW.
For less that $650 (the cost of one and a bit PW -depending on model!! - and I did seriously way them up) I've got the transmitter, 3 receivers and lots of cords to run my various flashes - all in lovely cases.
It has worked as I expect. They won't have the distance of a PW but my work doesn't call for distance either.
I was just in Singapore for a couple of weeks and shall put up a couple of shots on my blog and FB, that worked with a single flash @ the zoo.
I only wanted to use this stuff in manual mode - I don't need the camera and ttl etc working it out. I'm thrilled with the results so far.
I work the flashes in manual mode (inc head zoom + power output).
Highly recommended - cause it will plug in to just about any flash!!

Hey guys,
I'm probably too late to this thread.
I fully agree with BLINDER. As well, this is the set-up that I initially went for. That is, 1 x skyport trigger and 3 x receivers. I have two nikon flashes, two canon 430exII, and a Minolta 5600HD flash.
The skyport triggers fire them all.
I had various issues firing the 430exIIs because they don't have a built in PC sync. And the hot shoe adapters that I bought to overcome this had problems.

See the fix here.

Be careful with the aerials on the skyports. They are rather fragile. I had one snap, and the nice fellow from Kayell posted me a new one at no charge.

Oh, and the only thing I found with the skyports is that they didn't come with pc sync cables. I bought one cable for $22 or something, but couldn't justify the cost for what it was. So I hacked together some pc sync cables for other flashes that I'll never use. All 5 cables work well.

[swoffa]

Hi all,

Has anyone heard/know anything about the Yongnuo triggers? There very cheap, 40 bucks, and can double as a wireless shutter release. Handy.

I found these whilst looking at the cactus v4.

I'm looking for something to get the 580exii off the 40D, just so I can start to play. Further down the track radio poppers or skyports may be the go if this keeps my interest.

Thanks

[zen]

A little off topic, but what I find really annoying is why doesn't the higher end camera's like a Canon 5D Mk II not come with a pop up flash? Similar can be said to Nikon too.

I only shoot with a D90 but I'm glad it comes with a pop up so I can use it to wirelessly trigger my speedlights and they perform reasonably okay in most conditions. Especially if you're using them in a reasonably controlled environment they fire every time!

[swoffa]

Just received a response from radio poppers, thought some of you may be interested.

Presently we only offer our products in the United States and Canada . However, we are working diligently to bring the RadioPopper PX to other markets. As we meet regulatory requirements of individual countries and establish export schedules, we will post updates on our website (radiopopper - home). We do have an EU & Australian specific unit set for release at the end of the fourth quarter of this year. When we release units to Australia, Ted's Camera Store (Digital Cameras and Camera Accessories | Video Cameras | Teds Cameras Australia ) will be our distributor.
Please be aware that the radio frequency used for US models is the same frequency band Europe uses for it's GSM cellular phones. Anyone using these in Europe can expect shortened range, misfires and other odd behavior due to the constant background interference from the phones.

Thanks for your interest in RadioPopper and we look forward to serving you in the near future.

[SilverJ]

Originally Posted by zen

A little off topic, but what I find really annoying is why doesn't the higher end camera's like a Canon 5D Mk II not come with a pop up flash? Similar can be said to Nikon too.

I only shoot with a D90 but I'm glad it comes with a pop up so I can use it to wirelessly trigger my speedlights and they perform reasonably okay in most conditions. Especially if you're using them in a reasonably controlled environment they fire every time!

Hey, one of my annoyances is that I've got a 5D markII and it doesn't support second curtain flash sync unless its mounted on the hot shoe.

What I'd really love though is for the 5DmkII to have the IR feature that Nikons have where you can fire your flash wirelessly (even using TTL I believe) within a few metres by using IR communication built into the body and strobe.

Sometimes that is all you need I reckon if you need to take a quick snap. It saves you requiring a PC-PC cable or OC-3 cord that is required with a Canon. It is good however, that you can have a second flash and use the 580EXII to fire it, but how often do you want to carry two flashes just for that reason? If I was carrying two, it would be for a proper manual setup with umbrellas.

I've got the skyports, but the idea of holding the flash as well as the receiver in my hand and running it in manual seems a bit stupid to me for a quick job. Might as well use a light stand and do it properly! Which is useless if you're in a hurry and just want to do something quick.