wireless trigger

[R_Fredrick_Smith]

I keep reading comments and have read what they say on their websites and it all seems rather vague to me. Also the photos of the units themselves leave me wondering about their size and shape and real world usability. I personally use the Pocket Wizards and have never had any problems with getting full control of my lights. I really don't want an "automatic" solution for flash photography. I want the control in my hands. I was not impressed by the sample photos that have appears shot with the poppers. So I'm waiting for a real world test that addresses the specifics and gives exact details of setups, etc.
Cheers,
rfs

[RobArtLyn]

Originally Posted by R_Fredrick_Smith

I keep reading comments and have read what they say on their websites and it all seems rather vague to me.

OK. It all seems completely clear to me. They remove the need for line-of-site and other issues (bright sunlight) for wireless E-TTL control of remote flash units by replacing the light signal with a radio signal and recreating the light signal at the receiving end.

Originally Posted by R_Fredrick_Smith

I personally use the Pocket Wizards and have never had any problems with getting full control of my lights. I really don't want an "automatic" solution for flash photography. I want the control in my hands.

If you prefer manual flash and don't use wireless E-TTL now, then you obviously would not be a potential customer for the product anyway. I won't be either, as it most likely will not be compatible with my hybrid Sony/Minolta equipment. Keep in mind that they are only intended for automatic camera control of Canon and Nikon flash units used off-camera and will not control Alien Bees/Hensel/Broncolor/Speedotron/etc. studio units.

[lsc1]

I too believe in waiting to let the early adopters work the bugs out. Also, let me say I have zero benefit personally if this company does well or not, I'm just here for spirited debate and learning.

Now the OP asked about using remotes on a Canon, which is why I wanted to let him/her know what is in the pipeline about to be released. I think the best decisions are made with as many facts as one can gather.

Originally Posted by R_Fredrick_Smith

I really don't want an "automatic" solution for flash photography. I want the control in my hands. I was not impressed by the sample photos that have appears shot with the poppers. So I'm waiting for a real world test that addresses the specifics and gives exact details of setups, etc.
Cheers,
rfs

As to your point about control...

"Prefer Manual Mode?
ETTL is the strength of the automated system, but let’s not forget that it’s not the only way. Your ETTL / iTTL flashes also offer a robust manual triggering mode. This manual mode is activated by the same infrared "line of sight" system as in ETTL mode. This means that even if you prefer manual consistency for certain situations, the RadioPopper still serves as a reliable radio based triggering device - and in a smaller size and lower cost package than the current name brand offerings. " Radiopoppers Website

So, I would say there is a case to be made that Radiopoppers gives you more control because you have the added option of TTL along with manual. That is assuming they work as advertised.

At $175 each, they're not much cheaper than the PW's $189 (which I own) so price would not be a motivator for me here, it would be added flexibility. However, they may not work best for the workshop crowd since unless I'm wrong, the $175 unit is single channel.

I think the issue with studio strobe firing is being addressed with their $25 unit (The Jr.) and that is a substantial price savings.

[R_Fredrick_Smith]

I think maybe our discussion boils down to which type of flashes work best for Glamour photography. I think more conventional studio type strobes with modeling lights and fast recycling are much better for this type of photography than the dedicated camera flashes (whether used on or off camera). I think being able to see the light prior to the shot gives one better compositional control. Although in the last year I've seem to be seeing a shift of many people photographers to fluorescent lights since they are now within the price range of most photographers. Someone might want to start a separate thread on this subject.
Cheers,
rfs

[Photomart]

I think maybe our discussion boils down to which type of flashes work best for Glamour photography. I think more conventional studio type strobes with modeling lights and fast recycling are much better for this type of photography than the dedicated camera flashes (whether used on or off camera). I think being able to see the light prior to the shot gives one better compositional control. Although in the last year I've seem to be seeing a shift of many people photographers to fluorescent lights since they are now within the price range of most photographers. Someone might want to start a separate thread on this subject.
Cheers,
rfs

Light is light! ... If you can control it, you can use it!

I use a combination of expensive studio strobes -- plus, the cheaper Alien Bees -- plus, my Nikon flash heads (SB-800, SB-80, SB-15 and even and old Vivitar) ... plus, I always use florescent and incandescent room lights (when appropriate) ... ALL IN THE SAME SHOT! With digital cameras, live preview, color correction gels and so many types of light to choose from ... today's diigital photographer can get great images in almost any lighting situation ... if they have the ability to control the light.

I love my cheapo Hong Kong wireless triggers, but they don't do TTL -- which is never a problem for me because I don't shoot TTL.

[R_Fredrick_Smith]

Originally Posted by Photomart

Light is light! ... If you can control it, you can use it!

I use a combination of expensive studio strobes -- plus, the cheaper Alien Bees -- plus, my Nikon flash heads (SB-800, SB-80, SB-15 and even and old Vivitar) ... plus, I always use florescent and incandescent room lights (when appropriate) ... ALL IN THE SAME SHOT! With digital cameras, live preview, color correction gels and so many types of light to choose from ... today's diigital photographer can get great images in almost any lighting situation ... if they have the ability to control the light.

I love my cheapo Hong Kong wireless triggers, but they don't do TTL -- which is never a problem for me because I don't shoot TTL.

For the most part the only thing we need to worry about is firing onne of the strobes. Most strobes have some method of being fired if they see another flash fire. I also do the mixed light thing and sometimes use little battery opertated "wink" flashes to put highlights in a specifc spot. They fire when they see another flash fire.
Cheers,
rfs

[RobArtLyn]

Originally Posted by R_Fredrick_Smith

For the most part the only thing we need to worry about is firing onne of the strobes. Most strobes have some method of being fired if they see another flash fire.

Great theory. I wish that work for me in practice. Even in small rooms with white walls, I sometimes have problems with my ABs seeing each other and firing. I have almost no luck at all in a space like the hanger from my other thread. I finally gave in and ordered separate radio triggers for each of them.

[Al_Nowak]

Let me add a few comments...

If the inexpensive unit fails to fire a strobe, I'd suspect you are:

a) using a weak transmitter battery which can't provide full output power or a receiver battery which is close to dying,

b) stretching the unit's range beyond its practical limits,

c) or, most likely getting your hand, body, or something between the transmitter and receiver, and absorbing most of the transmitted signal. While radio does pass through a lot of stuff, it loses strength in doing so.

One thing to keep in mind is that ALL radio transmitters must have FCC certification, even those running without a license under FCC Part 15 low power rules or on "license free" spectrum. No FCC ID number on the unit, it's illegal to import, offer for sale, sell, or use. The FCC can fine you rather significantly if they catch you. But that's usually if you blatently ignore their warnings and keep on doing it. However, interfere with a public safety agency's radios and you got big trouble!

You'd be amazed (I was...) at how many unlicensed FM broadcast stations they shut down every year. Check out the FCC Enforcement Bureau's list at: FCC.gov

[R_Fredrick_Smith]

Originally Posted by RobArtLyn

Great theory. I wish that work for me in practice. Even in small rooms with white walls, I sometimes have problems with my ABs seeing each other and firing. I have almost no luck at all in a space like the hanger from my other thread. I finally gave in and ordered separate radio triggers for each of them.

What will almost always work is to tape a piece of tinfoil near the little receptor on the head. Make it large enough that you can twist it around so that it becomes a reflector to reflect the flash into the receptor.
Cheers,
Roger