The New CACTUS V5's "Transceiver" Duo

1) If your camera has the availability to to have a wireless control, and I think that the 7D does, that is like a $20 piece. My 40D does not, so if I want to shoot wirelessly, I have to have 2 transceivers.

2) I have to defer this to someone else...

n0w0rries wrote in post #12332707
I've got a couple of questions...
1) Is it possible to use a 3rd party wireless trigger for the camera? Or is there some reason they always suggest to use the triggers for this?
2) I've got a 580exii, and 2 430exii's. I can fire them all via IR, but I'm thinking there would be situations where I'd rather have the ability to use radio. Question is should I get 1 pair and fire the other 2 with IR, or get 2 pairs so I can have them all on radio (for reliability)

1. 3rd party that mimic the canon setup would still have the same issues, it does not work very far and even less so outside. I have one of the 20$ canon remotes and it's cool enough but is truly limited on distance and line of sight. Cactus may have my heart for remote shutter as soon as I can afford to order more

2. I am not 100% but believe if you hook the 580ex II up to a cactus trigger you are not going to be able to set it up in a master/slave config. To do this I believe it must be physically on (or connected via cable) and communicating with the camera. One of those zebra cables might be a good purchase, you can get 30' of length, retain ettl and still trigger the 430's while being a decent distance away.

Just get more cactus V5 remotes. They are cheap enough.

iplayguitars wrote in post #12328674
Yes it is in all the way, it did take a lot of pressure to slide it in but for some reason it still slips out a little. I get the misfires even if it's in all the way, not sure what's wrong.

yes it is a very very tight fit but for some reason it still slips out and the lock on the 430exII doesnt help at all

That is strange... it's a tight fit but slips out on it's own (as in you are not wiggling it out or anything, right?)? The flashgun lock is just 4 tiny plastic "feet" that move down to push against the metal part of the lock... friciton fit. If you tug hard enough you can still remove the flash even with the lock engaged.

Barring a return or exchange, try some velcro or tape to see if that eliminates the misfires. I'm thinking the misfire is due to the wiggling out and loss of electrical contacts between the V5 and flash. If you are not happy with that then go try and get an exchange.

I use one of these to fire the camera : http://www.dealextreme​.com …mark-ii-more-16199?r=9999.

A lot cheaper than two extra V5's and the cable. You are looking at $70 plus shipping for two V5' and the shutter cable.

Although the first CR2 didn't last long in my unit, and those things are expensive.

n0w0rries wrote in post #12332707
I've got a couple of questions...
1) Is it possible to use a 3rd party wireless trigger for the camera? Or is there some reason they always suggest to use the triggers for this?
2) I've got a 580exii, and 2 430exii's. I can fire them all via IR, but I'm thinking there would be situations where I'd rather have the ability to use radio. Question is should I get 1 pair and fire the other 2 with IR, or get 2 pairs so I can have them all on radio (for reliability)

The most I would think you would need for wireless flash would be 4 transceivers. 3 on each off camera flash and 1 connected to the camera hotshoe. If you get the V5s then you have radio triggers (without the line of sight limits of IR) as an option.

You would need 6 transceivers if you want to do wireless trigger AND flash AND the shutter cable for your camera model. Lemme see if my count is right. 3 for each off camera flash, 1 on the hotshoe, 1 connected to the camera via shutter, and 1 in hand for wireless trigger.

dbdors wrote in post #12332996
I use one of these to fire the camera : http://www.dealextreme​.com …mark-ii-more-16199?r=9999.

A lot cheaper than two extra V5's and the cable. You are looking at $70 plus shipping for two V5' and the shutter cable.

Although the first CR2 didn't last long in my unit, and those things are expensive.

Yeah it's an upfront investment in gear whatever scenario is chosen. Having to worry about CR2 batteries is another minor hassle. Or just stock up on AAA Eneloops for the V5's. Options are out there.

dbdors wrote in post #12332996
I use one of these to fire the camera : http://www.dealextreme​.com …mark-ii-more-16199?r=9999.

A lot cheaper than two extra V5's and the cable. You are looking at $70 plus shipping for two V5' and the shutter cable.

Although the first CR2 didn't last long in my unit, and those things are expensive.

What is the range on that just curious?

Thanks for the info. I ordered 2 pairs.

I've got an Aputure AP-WR3C remote... probably around $20-$25 off ebay. Range is claimed at 30m, never tested how far it actually works but never had an issue with it.

n0w0rries wrote in post #12334074
Thanks for the info. I ordered 2 pairs.

I've got an Aputure AP-WR3C remote... probably around $20-$25 off ebay. Range is claimed at 30m, never tested how far it actually works but never had an issue with it.

That's how I do it. One on each of three flashes, one in the camera hot shoe, and a cheap wireless shutter release. Works like a charm.

DM1975 wrote in post #12334400
That's how I do it. One on each of three flashes, one in the camera hot shoe, and a cheap wireless shutter release. Works like a charm.

Just curious, will the cheaper system you have allow the use bulb mode as on the cactus? I'm looking for ways to save money but would really like that feature for light painting.

CptTripps wrote in post #12334450
Just curious, will the cheaper system you have allow the use bulb mode as on the cactus? I'm looking for ways to save money but would really like that feature for light painting.

It does yes.

CptTripps wrote in post #12333081
What is the range on that just curious?

You know, I've never tested. I'll have to take it outside one day and test.

CptTripps wrote in post #12334450
Just curious, will the cheaper system you have allow the use bulb mode as on the cactus? I'm looking for ways to save money but would really like that feature for light painting.

Mine does as well.

Very cool, looks like I saved some more dough, thanks for the info guys.