Using a Flash off the camera: Radio trigger? Wifi?

[darioso]

Hi everyone,

I'm a newbie to the world of lighting. I have Metz 58-1 flash for Nikon and I would like to use it off the camera.
I'm not sure what equipment I need to be able to do that.
Do I need a radio trigger or wifi thing that is attachable to the camera? and Which one is good for its price?

Thanks for your help in advance!

 

[lennon33x]

Hi everyone, I'm a newbie to the world of lighting. I have Metz 58-1 flash for Nikon and I would like to use it off the camera. I'm not sure what equipment I need to be able to do that. Do I need a radio trigger or wifi thing that is attachable to the camera? and Which one is good for its price? Thanks for your help in advance!

People will recommend Pocket Wizards. But not everyone can afford them. Here's what you need:

1) A transmitter
2) a receiver for at least one flash

If it's a one light setup, then that's usually pretty easy.

There are several options that won't break the bank and are extremely reliable
1) Yongnuo YN-622 - I don't actually own these, but have heard rave reviews about them
2) Pixel King/Pixel Opas - I do own these. I can do HSS. These don't support TTL, but the YN-622s do (I think - I would review the website for clarification)

A lot depends on your budget.

 

[lennon33x]

What Nikon do you have?

 

[D-B-J]

A cord (there are plenty of off brand ones for much less): Nikon SC-29 TTL Off-Camera Shoe Cord with AF Assist - 4766 B&H

Yongnuo Wireless Triggers: YONGNUO RF 603 N3 Flash Trigger for Nikon D7000 D5100 D5000 D3100 D90 | eBay

Pocket Wizards:
----A Mini for the camera (transmitter): PocketWizard MiniTT1 Radio Slave Transmitter for Nikon 801-143
----A Flex TT5 for the flash (transceiver): PocketWizard FlexTT5 Transceiver Radio Slave for Nikon 801-153

Or just two flex tt5's, if you don't mind the size on top of your camera.

Those are the three most popular options. I use the pocketwizards and LOVE them, BUT, they are expensive. I have used cords in the past, but their length really limits the placement/distance from the camera you can use them. And the Yongnuo's are supposedly good, but I have no personal experience. Also, that set of PW's allows you to use TTL, but I'm not sure about TTL with a non-nikon flash (I do believe it'll still work).

Best,
Jake

 

[darioso]

I have d600 and d5100

 

[D-B-J]

I have d600 and d5100

Or you could sell the flash and buy a nikon flash, allowing you to use Nikon's CLS system.

 

[darioso]

Thanks a lot for your detail advice!

 

[darioso]

Thanks a lot for your suggestions! Now I've found the direction to follow!

 

[D-B-J]

Thanks a lot for your detail advice!

And I own the SU800, which allows you to wirelessly control the flashes power, but uses IR instead of radio frequency, and is thus essentially useless when the flash cannot directly see the camera, or there is bright sunlight. In all honesty, my current setup is perfect: the SU800 ontop of a minitt1 on camera, and a flextt5 on each flash. This way, I can control the power of each flash from my SU800(so, remotely), and use the radio frequency of the pocketwizards (which allows me to not have to worry about flash placement or distance from camera). If you can afford it, I'd work towards that setup, especially if off camera flash is going to be something you use often. The only thing I might have done different is to use all flextt5's, as they use AA batteries instead of the fancy watch battery the minitt1 uses.

Here's a video explaining the setup I use: PocketWizard® - Using your Nikon SU-800 as a Master Controller

If you aren't sure, start with the yongnuo's and get a feel for it, and then move up (or not) from there.


Best,
Jake

 

[JustJazzie]

I use the photix ares. No ttl, but affordable and reliable! I've never had a misfire.