Basic Wireless Trigger Setup w/CTR-301s and YN460s

I would like to test the off-camera wireless trigger waters.

Currently, I own a 430EX and feel I've finally come to understand the benefits of using a flash. I've read about the CTR-301Ps and feel they will work for my needs. I've also read about there possibly being compatibility issues with the 301s and the 430EX. Is this true?

Here's what I'm thinking:

1. Get CTR-301P set from eBay/Dealextreme (w/ 2 Rx)
2. Get (2) YN460 flash units (are there better flashes for the money?)
3. Get (2) a cheap stand/shoot-thru combo
4. Go to town and see if it's for me
5. If not for me, sell all items and buy a ridiculous amount of lollipops

As far as I can tell, I'd be set with the above plan. Are there any cords or anything I'd need? Is there a better option? Not looking to spend a ton here, but if there is a better option that costs like 25%-50% more, I'd consider it if it seems worth it.

This setup would be used to dabble in outdoor portraiture, and maybe some indoor stuff, but I don't really have much room.

Thanks for any suggestions!

I normally use Sunpak 383 flashes with my CTR-301p triggers but in the few test shots I've done using the 430ex it has worked fine.

No cords are needed, but having a PC cord or two as a backup may be a good idea.

BTW, not sure where you are in MD but there's a "Washington DC strobist" group on meetup.com that you may want to check out.


ETA: I just noticed you were planning to get the trigger pack that has 2 receivers. Considering the price you might as well get the pack with 3 receivers that way you have a spare. Would suck to go out to use them and discover that you had a dead battery after forgotten to turn one off.

krb wrote in post #8684841
I normally use Sunpak 383 flashes with my CTR-301p triggers but in the few test shots I've done using the 430ex it has worked fine.

No cords are needed, but having a PC cord or two as a backup may be a good idea.

BTW, not sure where you are in MD but there's a "Washington DC strobist" group on meetup.com that you may want to check out.

Ooooooh, that sounds like a great way to learn. Thanks!

I'd get the YongNuo RF-602 triggers instead for a tad more cash. They work on a 2.5ghz frequency and seem to be rock solid from all the reviews. I used them myself the other day for a shoot and I didn't get one misfire.

Get ready to have fun and find yourself spending more and more on lighting

i am on the same boat as the OP..

i have NO idea! was going to get the cheapest wireless trigger system at ebay... will watch how this goes

I am also looking to get my 430ex soon too so i guess this is a great thread to learn from

1. Sorry, can't tell you about the 430EX with CTR-301P because I only have 580EX/II.
But the CTR-301P are good, I have 2 Transmitter and 4 Receivers, never regret it, all fired fine without a miss.

2. The YN460 Flash is a good manual flash and it's powerful, I got two from ebay seller that makes the CTR-301P "yongnuophotoequipment​"
for $40 each, so it's worth the money to me.

3. You can get a good lightstand for $19.99 each from B&H

4. You forgot to add two umbrellas, you can get good ones at B&H for about $10 to $15 each. Get between 34" and 46" for better coverage.

5. If after this you are not satisfied, you can give them out for goodwill.

Enjoy your setup.

Mufutau

shocksyde wrote in post #8684767
I would like to test the off-camera wireless trigger waters.

Currently, I own a 430EX and feel I've finally come to understand the benefits of using a flash. I've read about the CTR-301Ps and feel they will work for my needs. I've also read about there possibly being compatibility issues with the 301s and the 430EX. Is this true?

Here's what I'm thinking:

1. Get CTR-301P set from eBay/Dealextreme (w/ 2 Rx)
2. Get (2) YN460 flash units (are there better flashes for the money?)
3. Get (2) a cheap stand/shoot-thru combo
4. Go to town and see if it's for me
5. If not for me, sell all items and buy a ridiculous amount of lollipops

As far as I can tell, I'd be set with the above plan. Are there any cords or anything I'd need? Is there a better option? Not looking to spend a ton here, but if there is a better option that costs like 25%-50% more, I'd consider it if it seems worth it.

This setup would be used to dabble in outdoor portraiture, and maybe some indoor stuff, but I don't really have much room.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Would you guys recommend a Sunpak 383 over the YN460? I have the chance to trade some extension tubes for a 383 and am wondering if it would be a good move?

mufutau55 wrote in post #8684904
2. The YN460 Flash is a good manual flash and it's powerful, I got two from ebay seller that makes the CTR-301P "yongnuophotoequipment​"
for $40 each, so it's worth the money to me.

Thanks for your suggestions!

I contacted the same seller on eBay asking about a package deal, and he offered the following:

"You just need to pay for US$39 for CTR-301 P with 2 receivers, and US$42 for YN-460. So total price is US$39 + 42*2 = US$123"

Didn't say anything about shipping, so I assume that's the shipped price. Can't argue with that for 2 decent flashes and a wireless trigger system!

You obviously can't do any statistical analysis on a sample of one but I got this trigger:
http://www.dealextreme​.com/details.dx/sku.62​01
and it's completely reliable. Maybe I just got lucky but I don't think I have had any misfires with it and the range is actually as advertised (can trigger to about 40m in the open which is more than enough for me). You have to mod it it you want to add a sync cable. It's certainly cheap.
As for the flash, I am waiting for my yn-462 to arrive. My reasonong was that a significantly simpler electronics of yn-462 would maybe make a more reliable than yn460. I'll certainly write a detailed review when I get it.

dsvilko wrote in post #8687977
You obviously can't do any statistical analysis on a sample of one but I got this trigger:
http://www.dealextreme​.com/details.dx/sku.62​01
and it's completely reliable. Maybe I just got lucky but I don't think I have had any misfires with it and the range is actually as advertised (can trigger to about 40m in the open which is more than enough for me). You have to mod it it you want to add a sync cable. It's certainly cheap.
As for the flash, I am waiting for my yn-462 to arrive. My reasonong was that a significantly simpler electronics of yn-462 would maybe make a more reliable than yn460. I'll certainly write a detailed review when I get it.

nice find! will probably get this after i get a flash!

just a quick newbie question... i just place the trigger on my cam and the receiver on the flash and its good to go right? Of course after setting the flash since its manual.

mufutau55 wrote in post #8684904
2. The YN460 Flash is a good manual flash and it's powerful, I got two from ebay seller that makes the CTR-301P "yongnuophotoequipment​"
for $40 each, so it's worth the money to me.

+1 on the YN460 - powerful and cheap (includes two optical slave modes)

johnj2803 wrote in post #8688228
nice find! will probably get this after i get a flash!

just a quick newbie question... i just place the trigger on my cam and the receiver on the flash and its good to go right? Of course after setting the flash since its manual.

Yep.

Well, you do have to set the power switches to ON for both the flash and the receiver...

OK, slight change of plans. I'm gonna use my 430EX and get a Sunpak 383 along with the CTR-301P triggers. I'm gonna grab an Impact 2 stand/umbrella kit and go to town. Thanks for all of your help everyone.

shocksyde wrote in post #8688653
OK, slight change of plans. I'm gonna use my 430EX and get a Sunpak 383 along with the CTR-301P triggers. I'm gonna grab an Impact 2 stand/umbrella kit and go to town. Thanks for all of your help everyone.

Sounds like a good plan.

i have a 430ex ii and a ctr301p trigger/receiver system. works great for me so far. i have no issues. i did a write up with some photos you can search for it.