Recommend flash radio units?

keithostertag · Oct 25, 2017

I have an old set of Bowens Monolights, which use a 1/4" sync cord. I shoot with both view camera lenses and a DSLR. I'm looking around for a reasonably priced radio unit to trip the flash, something I can plug into either my view camera lens or my DSLR on the one end and one of the Bowens Monolights on the other.

I've read that the better solutions might be a pair of one the Pocket Wizard models, and that might be OK but they are pricey! At about $250 for a pair that's a bit much for me. I've seen some reviews saying the newer PW X's are less well-made than the older PW Plus II's.

I've also read that many of the lower priced units don't always work well with all types of lenses or cameras, which is why I thought I'd ask for recommendations from people using them in a manner similar to me.

One unit that's been recommended to me is the Cactus V5 Wireless Flash Trigger sold on Amazon.

I don't need advanced features like TTL-metering, lots of channels, remote shutter, or a range over 30'.

I do think that it would be a plus if they used regular rechargeable AA or AA batteries.

Thanks,
Keith

MattKing · Oct 25, 2017

I don't have an answer for you, but I do have a caution.
My Bowens monolights are ancient, and they have a really high trigger voltage. Many of the radio triggers expect a relatively low trigger voltage, and will be fried if I use them with my Bowens units, unless I use them with the Weins SafeSync as well.

keithostertag · Oct 25, 2017

Yes, thanks for the reminder about the high trigger voltage!

Two23 · Oct 25, 2017

I've been using CyberSync triggers to fire both Paul Buff White Lightning x3200 monolights and Nikon SB-25 flash. These are "dumb" manual mode triggers that have proven highly reliable even down to about 30F below zero. I can easily get 150 yard range from them and sometimes 200 yards. I own ten of them and use them in fairly large scale outdoor photos (bridges, trains, grain elevators, city blocks.) Really, just about anything will work if you're just wanting them for portrait use. Another good but cheap brand is Yongnuo. You don't need Pocket Wizards for what you are doing.

Kent in SD

wiltw · Oct 26, 2017

I have used Buff CyberSync triggers with my Dynalite studio kit (power packs + heads) for a long time, and have no complaints about them.

RalphLambrecht · Oct 26, 2017

keithostertag said:
I have an old set of Bowens Monolights, which use a 1/4" sync cord. I shoot with both view camera lenses and a DSLR. I'm looking around for a reasonably priced radio unit to trip the flash, something I can plug into either my view camera lens or my DSLR on the one end and one of the Bowens Monolights on the other.

I've read that the better solutions might be a pair of one the Pocket Wizard models, and that might be OK but they are pricey! At about $250 for a pair that's a bit much for me. I've seen some reviews saying the newer PW X's are less well-made than the older PW Plus II's.

I've also read that many of the lower priced units don't always work well with all types of lenses or cameras, which is why I thought I'd ask for recommendations from people using them in a manner similar to me.

One unit that's been recommended to me is the Cactus V5 Wireless Flash Trigger sold on Amazon.

I don't need advanced features like TTL-metering, lots of channels, remote shutter, or a range over 30'.

I do think that it would be a plus if they used regular rechargeable AA or AA batteries.

Thanks,
Keith

I have used radio triggers in a wide price range and ended up using low-costmosels(~$25) from Chinesemanufacturers. They perform as intended and you don't have to rob a bank.

mweintraub · Oct 26, 2017

I'm now a Godox* convert. I use them for Nikon iTTL digital/film and full manual film. I also have a Bowens 750 monolight and I can use the receivers with.
Adorama's R2 system: Dead Link Removed

The receivers come with the cable and 1/4" adapter needed. The transmitter can mount to the DSLR and if you need to mount it to a non TTL hotshoe, I'd recommend getting a hotshoe adapter that has the little ramps as mentioned here: http://www.returntofilm.com/2017/02/13/return-to-film-with-flash-part-one

*or one of it's rebranded systems like Adorama's Streaklight or Cheetah X1 system.

keithostertag · Oct 26, 2017

Thank you much gentlemen, I will try one of the less expensive models, but also be wary of the potential high voltage issue.

M Carter · Oct 27, 2017

After 15 years with the big-ass Quantum radio slaves, I got a $15 Yongnuo set from Amazon - for the bucks, really reliable. You have to watch line-of-sight to some extent, but hard to beat for the price.

BUT - some older gear that works fine with the Quantums won't fire the cheapies. All my Mamiya RB shutters, my Spotmeter F, and my Sekonic won't trigger the Yongnuo. My 4x5, all my 35mm SLRs and RFs, no problem. I think some synch circuits must be too butch, have too much resistance, something (ever seen an RB sync circuit? Big chunks of metal in there).

I finally broke down and got a used Pocket Wizard set for like sixty bucks. Why I didn't do that ten years ago, I dunno. works fine with everything.

WilmarcoImaging · Dec 2, 2017

I use PocketWizard Plus II units that I found very attractively priced. Simple and reliable system.

Cable 1: MP1 cable connects the Pocket wizard to the strobe. 1/4” to miniphone in your case for the Bowens unit.

Cable 2: depends on the camera. Cable PC1 connects the Pocket Wizard to a PC socket. I use this on Canon AE1-P, Mamiya RB67 and large format shutters.

The Plus II unit requires no cable to the camera if the camera has a hot shoe. I use the Plus II this way on a Nikon D3300.

Recommend flash radio units?

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