Cactus V2s Wireless Flash Trigger Review, score 7 of 10!

[lextalionis]

Hey gang,
I spent a little over 2 months determining what I wanted to wirelessly trigger my two flashes (580ex and 430ex) off my camera. Some of my options were: Pocket Wizards, Canon ST-E2, Radio Poppers, and Cactus V2s.

I've heard nothing but good things about the PWs but I just couldn't find myself spending that amount of money for my hobby. The Canon ST-E2 would again, corner me into using only Canon gear, plus they are infrared and the signal can be blocked, Radio Poppers sound promising; however at the time of this writing the RP Jrs. are still in pre-production.

I decided to go with the Cactus V2s system which I ordered from http://www.gadgetinfinity.com I ordered the TX/Rcvr pair and an additional Rcvr for $60 shipped to my door from Kowloon, China.

Here are 4 YouTube videos describing my initial thoughts and showing the weaknesses and how to overcome them. I will immediately state that I DO NOT recommend the Cactus V2s Wirless Flash Trigger System for ANY paid/professional photographic session. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best) I only give these devices a 7. Last important note is that this is a biased review solely because I have zero experience with any other wireless flash trigger system.

Four videos and total running time 26 minutes (no forum YouTube embed tags?):

Video 1 of 4
http://www.youtube.com/v/m5hTyVLYNZg&hl=en

Video 2 of 4
http://www.youtube.com/v/BkLsoYy27aY&hl=en

Video 3 of 4
http://www.youtube.com/v/VXyA8z-ddFI&hl=en

Video 4 of 4
http://www.youtube.com/v/66rakiy2aWE&hl=en

Digi-Key Part Numbers: Antenna: ANT-433-CW-RH Connector: CONREVSMA004 just do a search at http://www.digikey.com/

-Roy

 

[dylj]

Thanks, this was very helpful.

 

[Rhys]

My experience of the V1s was poor. I gather flashzebra tried the V2s and founr 20% were DOA.

 

[Mike_E]

I bought 1 trigger and 3 receivers. One receiver was DOA but after realigning the battery contact it has worked fine since.

The only misfires I have encountered have been due to out running the flashes attached. (recycle time)

 

[Rogan]

thanks for that

hadnt realised this mod before!

shall try it when i get mine!