Triggering Calumet Genesis 200 kit

I currently have a Canon XSI and a 430 ex II speedlite. I am looking to expand my lighting set up and am considering purchasing the calumet genesis 200 kit. That set up seems to get good reviews here and looks like quality gear. Anyway, I want to know how I will be triggering these. I see that the kit comes with pc sync cords. Is there a connection for this on my camera or flash or will I need some kind of hotshoe adapter from flashzebra.com or similar? I would like to start without going wireless or with radio triggers to save a little money. I will look into that down the road. Thanks for any help.

If you do not plan on using the Speedlite in conjunction with the Calumet lights, than you will need something like this I believe. http://flashzebra.com/​hotshoes-shoes/0064.shtml Than use one of the sync cords that came with the Calumet's and set the other strobe to trigger optically.

If you wish to use the 430EX in conjunction, you would still need to use the adapter mentioned above, but also have the 430EX and manual mode.
Also, you would need a second adapter to sit the 430EX on such as this perhaps http://flashzebra.com/​hotshoes-shoes/0065.shtml and than connect the cable from the camera to the 430EX.

You would than set the Calumet's to both trigger optically.

Hopefully I didn't miss or misstype anything.

Lon is very helpful, so when you know what combo of lights you wnat to use, he can help you choose the right adapter...

Others will chime in I'm sure...

-Mario

I should have mentioned that your XSi does not have a Sync Port and that's why you need the adapter regardless.

I also made the assumption in the second part that if you did use the 430EX as a third light, that it would be used off-camera.

Also you perhaps would need another stands or modifier if you choose for the 430EX at that point...

-Mario

The genesis optical slave can be set to trigger on fist, second or third flash, so you can use the built in flash on your camera to trigger the genesis.
Set the flash compensation to minimal and use it for fill.

mikaelo wrote in post #8577948
The genesis optical slave can be set to trigger on fist, second or third flash, so you can use the built in flash on your camera to trigger the genesis.
Set the flash compensation to minimal and use it for fill.

Thanks for pointing that out, I didn't realize the Genesis had that option.

The new Elinchrom BRXI (Or whatever it is) does, but I only have the 400BX's, so I don't have that feature...

-Mario

Thank you both for your responses. This is exactly the info I was looking for. All that's left now is to make the purchase and start experimenting!

You'll appreciate all the features on those Genesis lights, Grad (and keep a little cash in your pocket as well). I've used my Canon 30D built-in flash to fire off both Genesis 200's using their simple "slave" mode. That works indoors or even in the shade outdoors, but generally they can't see the camera flash when used in bright sun outside.

If I'm using my Canon 1D-MIII, I originally began with the Genesis included pc-sync cord but quickly grew tired of working round that ever dangling cord and fidgeting with the pc connection to the camera. I finally purchased Elinchrom Skyports and never looked back again! Love using wireless triggers, but would caution you that the inexpensive e-bay style triggers WILL cause your Genesis to mis-fire if there's any electronic noise in the air nearby. I'd recommend saving your pennies and holding out for one of the better wireless systems once you're ready.

Good luck, and post a couple pics once you get comfy with your new toys!