Cactus Remote trigger with third party flash?

[Zippo85]

I am new to flash photography because i've never liked the look of on camera flash. Now im trying to get together a setup for wireless triggering.
I have a Canon Eos 450d (XSi) an i was wondering if the Cactus remote trigger systems would work with this camera and a Sigma EF 530 DG ST?

i havent bought the remote trigger nor the flash yet. But i would rather not pay $150 more just to get a flash that says Canon on the side. if the Sigma flash setup would work.

Bare in mind that i have absolutely no experiense with flash units so this might be a dumb question.

Cheers
Rasmus

 

[Big Mike]

They should work with any flash.

In fact, using them with a Canon (or even a dedicated Sigma) flash is sort of a waste because you only have firing control over the flash. All of the automatic E-TTL flash metering that you get when the flash is on the camera, is useless with a radio trigger like this.

Check out THIS KIT...it comes with the flash, the radio triggers, a light stand, umbrella and mounting bracket...basically everything you need to get started.

But if you do want to sometimes use the flash on-camera, with E-TTL, then it would make sense to get a Canon (or dedicated off brand) unit.

 

[Dao]

According to the manufacturer site


V2s
"Sigma EF-530 DG Super, EF-530 DG ST (for Nikon only), EF-500 DG Super, EF-500 DG ST (for Nikon only), EF-430;"

Link



V4
Sigma EF-530 DG Super, EF-530 DG ST (for Nikon only), EF-500 DG Super, EF-500 DG ST (for Nikon only), EF-430;

Link

 

[Zippo85]

Thanks for the fast reply.
So what you are saying is that it will work but it would have to set the settings on the flash manual right?
The reason i want to buy the sigma flash is that it supports TTL and all that. I had a feeling it wouldn't transmit TTL data but i want to be able to use the TTL features if i put it on the camera or via a cable perhaps.

 

[Big Mike]

So what you are saying is that it will work but it would have to set the settings on the flash manual right?

That's correct.

The reason i want to buy the sigma flash is that it supports TTL and all that. I had a feeling it wouldn't transmit TTL data but i want to be able to use the TTL features if i put it on the camera or via a cable perhaps.

Good idea. Although, I've heard from plenty of people that they don't really like the build quality of the Sigma compared to Canon units...but I also know a few who do use them and like them.

What about a Canon 430EX? A fair bit less expensive than the 580 but still pretty good.

If you haven't see it yet...the ultimate site for all things 'off camera flash' is Strobist

 

[Zippo85]

Dang....didn't see the "Nikon only" part. Guess i have to upgrade to the Canon Speedlite system.
That 430EX II is kinda in my prize range, so its not a real big problem.

As for the Strobist blog: thats what got me interrested in the first place

 

[Dao]

What about just using the flash without any TTL and set the aperture/shutter speed manually?

 

[CxThree]

If you are going this route and going to use manual mode, I am not sure I would spend the $$$ on the Canon flashes. Plenty of people do exactly what you are getting ready to do. Many of them use the VIvitar 285HV flashed for $90 on EBAY.

Check out sites like strobist.com and look at their lighting 101 and 102 modules. You will see those flashes in use. If you are not going to use TTL, and I think you are btter using manual mode for studio work with speedlights, then save the funds and go for the cheaper flashes.

 

[JerryPH]

If you are going this route and going to use manual mode, I am not sure I would spend the $$$ on the Canon flashes. Plenty of people do exactly what you are getting ready to do. Many of them use the VIvitar 285HV flashed for $90 on EBAY.

They're $90 everywhere... I would in that case avoid eBay like the plague. Adorama, B&H and MPEX all have them for that amount.

 

[CxThree]

To each their own. However, Ebay has Windows Live Cashback. It's at 10% right now. I just buy from power sellers, which usually have thousands of feedback entries and are usually a very safe bet. This saves $20 on 2 flashes withch covers half of your cost for the triggers.

 

[photograham]

To each their own. However, Ebay has Windows Live Cashback. It's at 10% right now. I just buy from power sellers, which usually have thousands of feedback entries and are usually a very safe bet. This saves $20 on 2 flashes withch covers half of your cost for the triggers.

Very good tip, but I have a personal grudge against Ebay, Amazon and Adorama can have my money