Is an adapter needed?

I'm trying to get my 430 EX off camera. I am making my shopping list and here's what I've come up with.

1. Cactus 4-Channel Wireless Flash Trigger V2s
2. Adorama Pro 10' Air Cushioned Chrome Lightstand
3. Photoflex Shoe Mount Multiclamp with Umbrella Holder
4. Photek Softlighter II

Do I need anything else to make this work?

Your list looks pretty similar to mine. You are waaaaaaaaaay less wordy than me, though!

MonteMama wrote in post #7075407
Your list looks pretty similar to mine. You are waaaaaaaaaay less wordy than me, though!

It does. LOL, I'm a person of few words.

So I see where you indicated that an adapter is needed? That is mainly the only thing I am concerned about. I didn't want to go the ST-E2 route because of the line of sight issues that would occur with the softlighter on it. I also am not ready to purchase a 580 EX II yet.

I also see that we both want a 5D. That is in my "saving for" list.

The 430ex doesn't have a PC port on it - and so yes, I do believe you need an adapter to be able to plug a transmitter into it.

OK, I've been trying to grasp this. The Cactus V2s come with:

• One PC sync cable (PC male to 3.5mm plug)
  
• The receiver has a PC sync port

I don't think you'll need a hotshoe adapter ( http://flashzebra.com/​hotshoes-shoes/0065. ) with the Cactus V2s. The receiver has a mount on top. Now, if you didn't want it on top because you felt it was too tall then you could add the hotshoe adapter.

dan

One other thing, FWIW, the air cushioned stand might be overkill for a lightweight Speedlite setup. Mine are the cheapo, Ebay stands, and I don't see a need for air cushioning. But, like I said, FWIW

dan

OK. Then my next question would be, what's the purpose of the pc sync cord?

dan j wrote in post #7076581
One other thing, FWIW, the air cushioned stand might be overkill for a lightweight Speedlite setup. Mine are the cheapo, Ebay stands, and I don't see a need for air cushioning. But, like I said, FWIW

dan

Hopefully, I'll start building up and then I won't have to upgrade stands later.

It's a trigger for the flash so you don't have to use a hotshoe - if you're flash has a port. The 430's don't have ports so they must be triggered through their hotshoe.

dan

LOL, the spend once to save money theory. If only I could convince my wife on that

dan

Thank you Dan, that's exactly what I needed to know.

Keep working on your wife, I bet you'll be able to get her to come around.

Or she'll give up and leave

dan

Just wanted to add:
Before Lori places her Cactus order, maybe someone else can comment on how adjustable they are. Not using a hotshoe adapter could make it too tall for some setups - I have no idea about flash height with the Softlighter II.

dan

I have the cactus triggers and while it does work pretty well it has a rather flimsy build. I don't trust it to support any of my flashes so I use a PC-Hotshoe adapter then Velcro the receiver to the light stand.