Radio Flash Trigger
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 DSLRKIT PT 16 16 Channels Wireless Radio Flash Trigger for CANON NIKON PENTAX $13.45 Time Remaining: 15d 16h 10m Buy It Now for only: $13.45 |
 Quantum Radio Slave 4i Freq C wireless flash trigger SET $29.99 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 2h 27m |
 Yongnuo 2 sets RF 603 24GHz Radio Wireless Remote Flash Trigger C3 for CANON $59.99 Time Remaining: 18d 30m Buy It Now for only: $59.99 |
 DSLRKIT PT 16 16 Channels Wireless Radio Flash Trigger SET with 3 Receivers $28.70 Time Remaining: 15d 16h 10m Buy It Now for only: $28.70 |
 30m Radio Wireless Flash Trigger PT 04 f Nikon SB910 SB900 SB700 SB600 SB80DX2R $24.99 Time Remaining: 4h 55m |
 DSLRKIT PT 16 16 Channels Wireless Radio Flash Trigger SET with 2 Receivers $20.99 Time Remaining: 15d 16h 10m Buy It Now for only: $20.99 |
 DSLRKIT PT 16 16 Channels Wireless Radio Flash Trigger SET with 4 Receivers $34.90 Time Remaining: 15d 16h 11m Buy It Now for only: $34.90 |
 Yongnuo 2 Sets RF 603 24GHz Radio Wireless Remote Flash Trigger N3 for Nikon $59.99 Time Remaining: 18d 30m Buy It Now for only: $59.99 |
 Yongnuo RF 603 24GHz Radio Wireless Remote Flash Trigger RF603 C3 for CANON $31.99 Time Remaining: 9h 3m |
 Yongnuo RF 603 24GHz Radio Wireless Remote Flash Trigger C3 for CANON $31.80 Time Remaining: 18d 31m Buy It Now for only: $31.80 |
 Radio Wireless Remote Control Hot Shoe Trigger PT 04 for Canon Camera+Flash3RX $28.92 Time Remaining: 10d 48m Buy It Now for only: $28.92 |
 Yongnuo 2 Sets RF 603 24GHz Radio Wireless Remote Flash Trigger N1 for Nikon $59.99 Time Remaining: 18d 30m Buy It Now for only: $59.99 |
 Yongnuo RF 603 24GHz Radio Wireless Remote Flash Trigger RF603 N1 for Nikon $31.99 Time Remaining: 13h 3m |
 Yongnuo RF 603 24GHz Radio Wireless Remote Flash Trigger N3 for Nikon $31.80 Time Remaining: 18d 31m Buy It Now for only: $31.80 |
 DSLRKIT RC 08A 8 Channels Wireless Radio Flash Trigger for CANON NIKON PENTAX $14.50 Time Remaining: 25d 21h 29m Buy It Now for only: $14.50 |
 Yongnuo RF 603 24GHz Radio Wireless Remote Flash Trigger C1 for CANON $31.80 Time Remaining: 18d 30m Buy It Now for only: $31.80 |
 iShoot PT 04 Wireless Radio Remote Studio LightFlash Trigger+2Rx fr Canon Nikon $39.99 Time Remaining: 16h 12m Buy It Now for only: $44.99 |
 iShoot Radio Wireless Flash Trigger PT 04 for Canon Nikon CameraSpeedlite1RX $14.94 Time Remaining: 27d 21h 30m Buy It Now for only: $14.94 |
 Yongnuo RF 603 24GHz Radio Wireless Remote Flash Trigger N1 for Nikon $31.80 Time Remaining: 18d 31m Buy It Now for only: $31.80 |
 30m Radio Wireless Flash Trigger PT 04CN for Pentax AF330 AF360 AF500 AF540 4RX $34.91 Time Remaining: 27d 21h 43m Buy It Now for only: $34.91 |
 30m Radio Wireless Flash Trigger PT 04 f Canon Nikon Pentax CameraSpeedlite5RX $49.99 Time Remaining: 16h 42m |
 Yongnuo RF 603 24GHz Radio Wireless Remote Flash Trigger N3 for Nikon $32.99 Time Remaining: 1d 20h 34m Buy It Now for only: $32.99 |
 Radio Wireless Flash Trigger PT 04 2 Hotshoe f Canon Nikon MetzStudio Strobe3R $45.80 Time Remaining: 24d 21h 7m Buy It Now for only: $45.80 |
 30m Radio Wireless Flash Trigger PT 04 f Canon Nikon Pentax CameraSpeedlight3R $28.98 Time Remaining: 7d 22h 50m Buy It Now for only: $28.98 |
 30m Radio Wireless Flash Trigger PT 04 f Nikon SB910 SB900 SB700 SB600 SB80DX4R $44.99 Time Remaining: 17h 7m |
 iShoot 24G Wireless Radio Flash Trigger PT 042RXNikon CameraSpeedlight100m $59.95 Time Remaining: 19d 21h 16m Buy It Now for only: $59.95 |
 16 Channels Radio Slave Wireless Remote Flash Trigger Free Shipping $19.29 Time Remaining: 10d 16h 42m Buy It Now for only: $19.29 |
 Transmitter for iShoot 433mhz PT 04 A B C CN Wireless Radio Remote Flash Trigger $9.75 Time Remaining: 12d 20h 49m Buy It Now for only: $9.75 |
 80mWireless Radio Flash TriggerRemote Control for Canon Camera EOS 450D 400D $39.99 Time Remaining: 21h 38m Buy It Now for only: $44.99 |
 2 Sets Yongnuo RF 603 Radio Flash Trigger for Canon C3 $59.97 Time Remaining: 12d 23h 3m Buy It Now for only: $59.97 |
 iShoot 24G 100m Wireless Radio Flash Trigger PT 04 Camera Remote Control C32RX $64.95 Time Remaining: 12d 15h 31m Buy It Now for only: $64.95 |
 Radio Wireless Remote Control Hot Shoe Trigger PT 04 for Canon Camera+Flash2RX $21.95 Time Remaining: 3d 36m Buy It Now for only: $21.95 |
 80m Wireless Radio Flash Triggers Receiver for Canon 600EX RT 580EX 430EXII $19.99 Time Remaining: 21h 39m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 |
 PIXEL Opas Wireless Flash Trigger Transceiver Radio Slave for CANON $73.97 Time Remaining: 29d 42m Buy It Now for only: $73.97 |
 PT 04 A Receiver for iShoot A B C CN Wireless Radio Flash Triggers Transmitter $12.85 Time Remaining: 12d 21h 7m Buy It Now for only: $12.85 |
 PIXEL Opas Wireless Flash Trigger Transceiver Radio Slave for NIKON $73.97 Time Remaining: 29d 42m Buy It Now for only: $73.97 |
 iShoot PT 04 Hot Shoe Mount Wireless Radio Remote Studio LightFlash Trigger+4Rx $59.99 Time Remaining: 1d 3h 10m Buy It Now for only: $65.99 |
 Radio Wireless Remote Control Hot Shoe Trigger PT 04 for Canon Camera+Flash4RX $34.92 Time Remaining: 25d 17h 13m Buy It Now for only: $34.92 |
 Yongnuo 2 Sets RF 603 24GHz Radio Wireless Remote Flash Trigger C1 for CANON $59.99 Time Remaining: 18d 29m Buy It Now for only: $59.99 |
 DSLRKIT RC 08H Umbrella Holder Wireless Radio Flash Trigger SET with 4 Receivers $42.99 Time Remaining: 25d 21h 30m Buy It Now for only: $42.99 |
 Pair Yongnuo RF 603 Radio Flash Trigger for Canon C1 $32.99 Time Remaining: 1d 10h 45m |
 Transmitter for iShoot PT 04 A B C E CN Wireless Radio Remote Flash Trigger $9.85 Time Remaining: 13d 19h 48m Buy It Now for only: $9.85 |
 2 Sets Yongnuo RF 603 Radio Flash Trigger for Canon C1 $59.97 Time Remaining: 12d 23h 3m Buy It Now for only: $59.97 |
 DSLRKIT RC 08A 8 Channels Wireless Radio Flash Trigger SET with 3 Receivers $28.99 Time Remaining: 25d 21h 30m Buy It Now for only: $28.99 |
 Yongnuo RF 603 24GHz Radio Wireless Remote Flash Trigger RF603 N1 for Nikon $31.99 Time Remaining: 1d 13h 3m |
 Radio Wireless Flash Trigger PT 04 for Portable Studio Outdoor Strobe Light $15.93 Time Remaining: 4d 1h 16m Buy It Now for only: $15.93 |
 Radio Wireless Remote Control Hot Shoe Trigger PT 04 for Nikon Camera+Flash2RX $22.00 Time Remaining: 26d 21h 37m Buy It Now for only: $22.00 |
 DSLRKIT RC 08H 8 Channels Wireless Radio Flash Trigger with Umbrella Holder $15.99 Time Remaining: 25d 21h 30m Buy It Now for only: $15.99 |
 Pair Yongnuo RF 603 Radio Flash Trigger for Nikon N1 $32.99 Time Remaining: 1d 13h 17m |
 30m Radio Wireless Flash Trigger PT 04 for Nikon SB910 SB900 SB800 SB700 SB600 $21.92 Time Remaining: 27d 21h 36m Buy It Now for only: $21.92 |
 RD616 16 Channel Transmitter Slave Flash Trigger Radio Free Shipping $19.29 Time Remaining: 10d 16h 22m Buy It Now for only: $19.29 |
 iShoot PT 04 Wireless Radio Remote Control Flash Triggers Transmitter for Sony $9.75 Time Remaining: 12d 20h 49m Buy It Now for only: $9.75 |
 Pair Yongnuo RF 603 Radio Flash Trigger for Canon C3 $32.99 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 24m |
 Studio Radio Wireless Flash Trigger Remote Control for Strobe LightCanon Camera $24.98 Time Remaining: 25d 20h 28m Buy It Now for only: $24.98 |
 Studio Radio Wireless Flash Trigger Remote Control for Strobe LightNikon Camera $24.95 Time Remaining: 20d 15h 19m Buy It Now for only: $24.95 |
 Single Receiver for iShoot PT 04 A B C CN Wireless Radio Remote Flash Trigger $9.75 Time Remaining: 28d 21h 26m Buy It Now for only: $9.75 |
 Pair Yongnuo RF 603 Radio Flash Trigger for Nikon N3 $32.99 Time Remaining: 1d 15h 51m |
 Pair Yongnuo RF 603 Radio Flash Trigger for Nikon N3 $33.99 Time Remaining: 5d 17h 59m Buy It Now for only: $33.99 |
 iShoot Studio Radio Wireless Flash Trigger for Strobe Light35 635mm Sync Jack $33.98 Time Remaining: 25d 20h 28m Buy It Now for only: $33.98 |
 iShoot 24G Wireless Radio Flash Trigger PT 04 G for Canon CameraSpeedlite100m $39.95 Time Remaining: 19d 21h 16m Buy It Now for only: $39.95 |
 Wireless Remote Radio Trigger for Sony a CameraFlash $39.99 Time Remaining: 1d 16h 14m Buy It Now for only: $44.99 |
 30m Radio Wireless Flash Trigger PT 04 f Canon Nikon Pentax CameraSpeedlight2R $21.92 Time Remaining: 23d 19h 53m Buy It Now for only: $21.92 |
 Radio Wireless Remote Control Hot Shoe Trigger PT 04 for Nikon Camera+Flash4RX $34.90 Time Remaining: 10d 48m Buy It Now for only: $34.90 |
 FM Wireless Radio Flash Trigger Studio +2 Receiver T3B $23.15 Time Remaining: 26d 21h 49m Buy It Now for only: $23.15 |
 iShoot PT 04 Wireless Radio Remote Studio LightFlash Trigger+3Rx fr Canon Nikon $49.99 Time Remaining: 2d 3h 10m Buy It Now for only: $54.99 |
 30m Radio Wireless Flash Trigger PT 04 for Nikon SB910 SB900 SB800 SB28 SB263RX $30.99 Time Remaining: 18d 16h 35m Buy It Now for only: $30.99 |
 iShoot PT 04 A Wireless Radio Remote Control Flash Triggers Receiver for Sony $12.99 Time Remaining: 12d 20h 42m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 |
 PT04 A Receiver for iShoot PT 04 A B C E CN Wireless Radio Remote Flash Trigger $12.80 Time Remaining: 14d 15h 50m Buy It Now for only: $12.80 |
 80m Wireless Radio Flash Triggers Receiver for Canon 600EX RT 580EX 430EXII $19.99 Time Remaining: 2d 19h 9m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 |
 PT 04 B Receiver for iShoot Wireless Radio Remote Flash TriggerStudio Strobe $12.99 Time Remaining: 4d 20h 42m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 |
 Transmitter for iShoot PT 04 A B C CN Wireless Radio Flash Triggers Receiver $9.80 Time Remaining: 12d 21h 34m Buy It Now for only: $9.80 |
 Studio Radio Wireless Flash Trigger for Photo Strobe Light35 635mm Sync Port $33.95 Time Remaining: 20d 15h 22m Buy It Now for only: $33.95 |
 iShoot PT 04 Wireless Radio Remote Studio LightFlash Trigger+2Rx fr Canon Nikon $39.99 Time Remaining: 3d 16h 12m Buy It Now for only: $44.99 |
 FM T2B RECEIVER of Wireless Radio Remote Flash Trigger $4.74 Time Remaining: 16d 19h 31m Buy It Now for only: $4.74 |
 DSLRKIT RC 08A 8 Channels Wireless Radio Flash Trigger SET with 2 Receivers $21.99 Time Remaining: 25d 21h 30m Buy It Now for only: $21.99 |
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Wireless Flash Triggers Compared
Wireless flash trigger technology changes almost daily, so periodic updates are necessary to keep abreast of the latest devices and trends. This article is adapted from a video course update provided by Photographer Phil Steele at SteeleTraining(dotcom).
Starting at the low-budget end of the spectrum, the venerable Cactus V2s trigger has now been replaced by a newer model, the Cactus V4, which introduces several improvements in physical design. It also replaced the previous CR2 receiver battery with the more commonly available AAA battery, a great idea, since it's easy to accidentally leave the receiver turned on and run the battery down.
Also in the low-budget space we have the Chinese Yongnuo RF-602, the latest in a series of inexpensive triggers from this company. Internet reports indicate good reliability, but as with all inexpensive triggers, build quality may be questionable.
A third low-buget option is the Cowboy Studio flash trigger currently being sold on Amazon.com in North America. Readers are encouraged to read Amazon reports from users with camera equipment similar to their own, since the reliability of all these systems can vary when paired with different camera gear.
Finally, many UK readers are reporting success with the iShoot Wireless PT-04 trigger, widely available on auctions sites, but also being sold on Amazon UK, making it a popular choice there.
In all cases, Steele recommends that readers seek out triggers that use readily available batteries in their receivers (such as AAA) rather than specialized batteries such as the CR2 which are not as easily obtained in the field for emergency replacements.
Moving up to gear designed for professionals, or amateurs with big budgets, the first category to consider is the sync-only radio triggers. These synchronize the flash with the camera shutter, but do not offer through-the-lens metering of the flash power.
The longtime industry standard in this category is the PocketWizard Plus II system. These large sync-only triggers have a solid reputation among professionals for reliability and range under all kinds of field conditions. For photographers with the budget for them, Steele says there is little reason to seek any other brand of sync-only trigger.
However, for those on a lower budget there are slightly less expensive alternatives which still represent a big step up from the low-budget triggers described above.
The Cybersync trigger by Paul Buff (sold by Alien Bees) costs significantly less than PocketWizards, typically about half the price, but its reputation for reliability is not as well established. As with all of these systems, your mileage may vary, so look for reports by users with camera gear similar to your own.
Another pro-level system priced below PocketWizard is the Elinchrom Skyport Universal system. Elinchrom also makes TTL trigger systems for their dedicated line of studio flash units, but the Universal system can work with any brand of flash.
The Skyport has a good reputation for reliability, but according to Steele it has one drawback that prevents it from being a contender for his use. The Skyport uses a built-in rechargeable battery in its receivers, which is economical, but which makes it impossible to replace a discharged battery in the field. If you shoot in a studio where you can plug the unit in, this may not be a problem for you.
Moving up from the sync-only triggers we reach the state of the art in radio flash triggers, those offering Through-the-Lens (TTL) metering of the flash output power.
Steele ranks two systems as serious contenders in this space. The first is the PocketWizard ControlTL system, the latest offering from the company which has long been the leader in sync-only triggers.
The ControlTL system has many slick features and does everything you could ask from a TTL trigger system, giving you tremendous control over exposure from single or multiple flashes. It even improves on the native performance of the Canon flash system, increasing the sync speed and boosting performance with clever digital processing tricks.
However, at the time of this writing, there is one drawback to the PocketWizard ControlTL system with Canon flashes. Some of the Canon flash units put out a lot of radio noise, which unfortunately falls into the same part of the spectrum used by the PocketWizard triggers. Some Canon users report poor reliability as a result, although the makers of the PocketWizard system claim that recent improvements have largely fixed these issues. As this article is written it remains an open question based on Internet reports, and readers are encouraged to do diligent research and obtain the latest reports from users before committing to this system with Canon flash gear.
The other contender in the pro-budget category for TTL radio triggers is RadioPopper. This system takes a different approach and, rather than directly interpreting the commands sent by the camera's hot-shoe to the flash, it creates a radio bridge between the master flash and the slave flashes. This of course requires sacrificing one of the flash units which might otherwise be used as a slave.
The RadioPopper system could be viewed as an enhancement to the built-in wireless system offered by both Nikon and Canon. Both of those camera makers offer built-in wireless flash triggering, but with limitations: there must be a line of sight between the master and slave flash, the distance cannot be too great, and lighting conditions must be favorable (for example, outdoors in bright sunlight can be challenging because the flashes use pulses of light to communicate).
RadioPopper has essentially removed these limitations by replacing the line-of-sight light communication between flashes with radio communication.
If you like shooting with the built-in wireless system provided by Nikon or Canon but are frustrated by the limitations, then the RadioPopper system may be for you.
Summing up, Steele says that if he were starting today on a low budget, he would favor the Cactus V4. On a pro budget and seeking rock-solid reliability in manual sync-only triggers, he would choose the PocketWizard Plus II. And for high-budget TTL triggers, he would try RadioPopper until PocketWizard gets the bugs out of the Canon compatibility in the new ControlTL system.
You can view of video version of this article, including photos of all the gear described here, at SteeleTraining(dotcom).
About the Author
Copyright 2010. Mark Lawson writes for SteeleTraining.com where photographers can find
free photo tutorials
and training on a wide variety of photography subjects, from
wireless flash triggers
to Photoshop techniques and everything in between.
Radio Flash Trigger (PT-04TM) Test