Radio triggers for 580EX

It's less than optimal to pay a lot for a highly reliable element that's bound to be included in an inherently unreliable "system", the amateur photographer being part of the latter.

Moreover, if you use off-camera speedlights set to manual (as almost all radio triggers require to), you need to chimp (or meter) and reshoot anyway. It's not like having to grab that once in a lifetime moment. In such a setting, it's not the end of the world if, once in a while, you have to reshoot one more time because the cheap trigger misfired.

Actually, I'm only supporting your decision for the unexpensive alternative.

And, of course I'm aware that the above reasoning does not apply to every instance out there, especially not to the professional sphere.

Do these work with the 550ex ? on the page they mention every speedlite bar the 550

I'm sure that, if they work with the 580EX (as stated), they will work with the 550EX. Perhaps someone who uses this combination can give a more definitive answer.

fyi, in the Flickr thread about the CTR-301 there is mention of a new Cactus V4 trigger due out the end of this month or early March '09...of course there is always "something better" due out when looking to buy any device. For the $40 I figure the CTR-301 setup is worth it for a trigger and two receivers.

I am looking because my allegedly 10' hot shoe cord is, well, an adventure on the best of days.

keeny wrote in post #7382260
Do these work with the 550ex ? on the page they mention every speedlite bar the 550

These just trigger the flash using the center electrical contact. There is no e-ttl feature, so most likely it will work on ANY flash with the center contact as the main trigger circuit.

"Moreover, if you use off-camera speedlights set to manual (as almost all radio triggers require to), you need to chimp (or meter) and reshoot anyway"

You will need a light meter when shooting like this. i've been doing it this way, and it is a pain in the butt. that's my next purchase.

"These just trigger the flash using the center electrical contact. There is no e-ttl feature, so most likely it will work on ANY flash with the center contact as the main trigger circuit."

Correct. whether it's a nikon, canon, or whatever. if it fits in the flash trigger, it will more than likely be triggered.

Bill - I have just received my CTR-301s. They were ordered on 17th and delivered on 25th - not bad from Hong Kong! And they work perfectly, so I am very pleased.

Good to know Roy!
I must admit I'm quite happy with mine. Nothing fancy, but at the price they seem to be quite decent quality. In reality I do so little "flash" work that I was reluctant to pay out any more than this. But so far I haven't had a single miss with my 580 and 420 flashguns. The build quality certainly isn't "cheap and nasty" I suppose the only downside is the CR2 battery rather than the more easily available AA's. On the other hand it does allow for a smaller unit, so I'm prepared to live with that.

cheers

Bill and Roy, do you both use the CTR-301s with 580EXs? I have a 430EX, and those seem to have much more problems with interfering with cheap radio triggers.

Still no misfires? What range have you guys been seeing?

I'm torn if I should order the 301s today or wait for the V4s.

I am only using one of the CTR-301s with one 580EX, but I have had no misfires. The range I use is about 15-20 feet.

I'm using them with a 580EX II and a 420EX. No miss-fires yet, and a similar range to Roy.

I suppose it depends what you need really? I'll accept that there is probably better stuff out there (at a price), but I just don't use flash often enough to justify perhaps a £200 outlay when I can get these for £25 or so. Maybe it's a bit premature to judge but they seem ok so far.

Those are exactly my sentiments.