Wireless Flash Triggers and some 5Dmk2 Questions (UK)

I own a 5d2 and im looking at getting some wireless triggers (i already have some cheapo ebay ones which work but eat battery power in seconds, even rechargables)

I am close to getting some pocket wizards, its just that they are too expensive i feel. Though i know they are awesome from using them extensively on many varying shoots in the past. (as a photographic assisstant) i could use the money for other things needed as well.

I have 2 Speedlite flashes and the thing is the PW's seem to only seem to come in two's, technically i will need 3 wont i? how will i trigger the two transceivers without a third based on camera?

I read somewhere that the 5d2 has some kind of in build wireless flash transmitter is this true and if so how is it used?


Anyway if this is not possible fair enough, what would be a suitible alternative to the PW's available in this country?

setsuken wrote in post #11306560
I read somewhere that the 5d2 has some kind of in build wireless flash transmitter is this true and if so how is it used?

Have you tried the Yongnuo RF-602? They are (techincally ) cheapo ebay triggers, but they work very well and I haven't had to replace the batteries yet.
The 7D has a built in flash transmitter, it uses the built in flash for this.

Yongnuo also do a ST-E2 copy which has better specs than the canon version, maybe that is worth a try, it also doubles as an assist light.

How reliable are the RF-602's? in terms of firing?

What is the ST-E2 for exactly? would i need this?

Where are you looking that only lets you buy them in pairs? You usually save money this way, but most stores also let you buy extra receivers. Since you're in the UK, check here. For example if I needed 5 transceivers, I'd get two 2-packs an an extra unit. This could save me quite a bit of money. But just about any store will sell them individually.

klr.b wrote in post #11308102
Where are you looking that only lets you buy them in pairs? You usually save money this way, but most stores also let you buy extra receivers. Since you're in the UK, check here. For example if I needed 5 transceivers, I'd get two 2-packs an an extra unit. This could save me quite a bit of money. But just about any store will sell them individually.

Yes youre right, i think its just more the expense that i just cannot afford at the moment. I would like reliable triggers but not ones that will cost the earth, so the next best thing would do.

The Yong Nuo RF-602 triggers are cheap and reliable. You didn't mention ETTL so I assume you don't need that. A newer and cheaper trigger is the Meike MK-RC7. There's not that many reviews for it yet, but some are liking them better than the RF-602s.

klr.b wrote in post #11308294
The Yong Nuo RF-602 triggers are cheap and reliable. You didn't mention ETTL so I assume you don't need that. A newer and cheaper trigger is the Meike MK-RC7. There's not that many reviews for it yet, but some are liking them better than the RF-602s.

I will be completely honest, im not sure what ETTL is and what it does! Can you tell me if its worth having?

You mention having two Speedlites. I assume they're newer model EX flashes. Do you control them manually, or do you just set it on top of the camera and let the camera automatically adjust the settings? If it's the latter, then you'd benefit from having E-TTL. The price skyrockets if you want this, though. You'd save a lot of money if you can learn how to control your flashes manually. It's definitely worth having in a run and gun situation. If you're just going to shoot in a studio, get simple triggers. Since you mentioned PocketWizards, simple triggers would be the Plus II; whereas the PW FlexTT5 would be E-TTL capable. Another benefit of the E-TTL triggers is you can use HSS or Hypersync for faster shutterspeeds.

BTW, your cheapo ebay triggers would be an example of simple or "dumb" triggers. All they do is send a signal for the flash to fire.

klr.b wrote in post #11308413
You mention having two Speedlites. I assume they're newer model EX flashes. Do you control them manually, or do you just set it on top of the camera and let the camera automatically adjust the settings? If it's the latter, then you'd benefit from having E-TTL. The price skyrockets if you want this, though. You'd save a lot of money if you can learn how to control your flashes manually. It's definitely worth having in a run and gun situation. If you're just going to shoot in a studio, get simple triggers. Since you mentioned PocketWizards, simple triggers would be the Plus II; whereas the PW FlexTT5 would be E-TTL capable. Another benefit of the E-TTL triggers is you can use HSS or Hypersync for faster shutterspeeds.

I see i own:

1x 430Ex2
1X 580ex2

When shooting on cam i usually set things like zoom to whatever is required, i let the camera do the rest as you say. So PW's will allow ETTL functionality?

The new PW FlexTT5 will allow ETTL. The PW Plus II will not.

Radio Popper as well as Pixel also make ETTL capable triggers. If you can wait, there will probably be some more coming out of China in the next few months.

klr.b wrote in post #11308500
The new PW FlexTT5 will allow ETTL. The PW Plus II will not.

Radio Popper as well as Pixel also make ETTL capable triggers. If you can wait, there will probably be some more coming out of China in the next few months.

So this:

TT5

Plus what recievers? plus 2's?

BTW, unless you're looking for some kind of a vignette effect (or some other reason), you can just set your flash to automatically zoom to your lens' focal length.

setsuken wrote in post #11308518
Cant seem to buy them in my country, the only TT5/tt1's are only for nikon it seems

I don't think they've even been publicly released for Nikon yet. Those are in beta testing, I think.

klr.b wrote in post #11308527
I don't think they've even been publicly released for Nikon yet. Those are in beta testing, I think.

Sorry i jumped the gun!

i found the unit here: i just need to know what else to buy:

So this:

TT5

Plus what ? do i need 3x of the above? or is that a trigger as well?