Speedlights controlled by Triggers?

[jloehle]

I am looking at getting some wireless RF triggers. I am wondering if any of them can control the power output of a flash set to manual, so you can control your lighting at the camera instead of having to walk over to each flash and changing the power on the back?

I know the Skyports have this on them for Studio strobes and thought I had heard from an Elinchrom guy that they would also control Metz flashes this way.

What about the new Commander from AB due out soon.

I already use e-TTL with my St-E2 but learned the other day how tough it can be in bright light. I would consider the radiopoppers that will work with the ST-E2, but then I need to stick with Canon flashes (which I have 3 of) and not use cheaper Vivitars, etc.

Joe

[wasabimaniac]

I've been doing quite a bit of research on this topic as well.
It seems like you're on the right track in terms of vendors, I would have to say that there are a lot of AB supporters here and everyone has stood behind them.
I think if you want to keep remote control, PW's, RP's, and as you've mentioned, the Cybercommander are all options.

[bobbyz]

I don't think cybercommander can control hot shoe flash, only control power level on the AB/WL lights.

[tim]

I think RadioPopper units can do this. Personally I use skyports (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/505381-REG/Elinchrom_EL_19360_EL_Skyport_Universal_Radio_Slav e.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114) as i'm happy with manual. For interactive sessions my assistant holds the flash/soft box/receiver combo and adjusts as I ask, so it's voice activated ;)

[adebartolo]

I think RadioPopper units can do this. Personally I use skyports (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/505381-REG/Elinchrom_EL_19360_EL_Skyport_Universal_Radio_Slav e.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114) as i'm happy with manual. For interactive sessions my assistant holds the flash/soft box/receiver combo and adjusts as I ask, so it's voice activated ;)

+1

You got to love the Voice Activation!

[wasabimaniac]

I think RadioPopper units can do this. Personally I use skyports (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/505381-REG/Elinchrom_EL_19360_EL_Skyport_Universal_Radio_Slav e.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114) as i'm happy with manual. For interactive sessions my assistant holds the flash/soft box/receiver combo and adjusts as I ask, so it's voice activated ;)

That's awesome! I've heard mobile, but voice activated? Very original! I like! LOL

[FlyingPhotog]

Skyports here as well...love 'em.

[tim]

That's awesome! I've heard mobile, but voice activated? Very original! I like! LOL

Don't tell her I said she's a mobile voice activated light stand... ;)

[jloehle]

I try to use an assistant when I can, but often cannot do that. So, I am looking for the easiest way to do this.

So, the answer right now is that there is no such control of speedlights? This goes for the Cyber Commander, too?

Thanks,
Joe

[bobbyz]

I try to use an assistant when I can, but often cannot do that. So, I am looking for the easiest way to do this.

So, the answer right now is that there is no such control of speedlights? This goes for the Cyber Commander, too?

Thanks,
Joe

Both RadioPoppers and new Pocket Wizards do allow the control. CyberCommander, I don't think so but I will wait till Monday when hopefully it will be released.

[jloehle]

Bobby,

I am not talking about TTL control, I am talking about manual control from the head unit.

Joe

[SkipD]

...I am not talking about TTL control, I am talking about manual control from the head unit.Joe, I don't think you are ever going to find what you are looking for. The only remote controls of manual flash unit settings which are available are for studio light units. As you've mentioned, AlienBees and certain Elinchrom models are all I have heard which can be controlled remotely. I seriously doubt that anybody will ever create radio remotes for Speedlites and other hotshoe type flash units which allow control of the manual mode settings.

There are now (or will be soon - I have not followed the news closely) radio remotes that can provide the ETTL communication between Canon cameras and Canon Speedlites but as I understand that's not really what you are looking for.

[bobbyz]

Bobby,

I am not talking about TTL control, I am talking about manual control from the head unit.

Joe

I was reading some yesterday on some blog and I do remember seeing where someone was talking about manual control like you want. Not sure if they were using RPs or the new PW. The person was real happy as he was using both flashes in manual settings but able to remotely control power so one doesn't have to walk back and forth.