cheap ettl triggers

No, they're not just expensive versions of the RF-602. RF-602 is a basic manual only trigger that works well and reliably. The Pixel Knights are complex E-TTL controllers that don't.
 
I have the 602s but find it a but hit and miss getter the power correct( user error)
Thought these might make it easier for me,
So you think their a bad buy ?
 
I have the 602s but find it a but hit and miss getter the power correct( user error)
Thought these might make it easier for me,
So you think their a bad buy ?

With manual triggers you have to set the power yourself ;)

I wouldn't buy the Pixel Knights, but I've not tried them (not many people have). There's a bit about them if you google, including a long thread on www.photography-on-the.net somewhere.

They appear to be a bit quirky operationally, and unreliable. The technology invloved is very complex and the radio E-TTL systems that work are either Pocket Wizard's Mini/Flex system (even they are not immune to RF interference problems if you're unluck) or Radio Poppers. Both are expensive, but PWs do clever stuff that the native Canon system doesn't.

There are other ways of doing it with IR systems, or a simple cord. There is also a kind of half way house using Phottix Stratos triggers which provide E-TTL on-camera (or on a cord) with manual control for the remote units which should be reliable and cheap if that method of working appeals.
 
Thanks for the info
My 602s I do set the power myself but usually don't get it right until about the fifth go( my fault not the triggers)setting power moving the lights etc, which can make me look a bit stupid when doing pics for friends kids etc
When I use my speed lite as a master and the rest as slaves it works a treat with ettl but once outdoors it's not reliable
 
Thanks for the info
My 602s I do set the power myself but usually don't get it right until about the fifth go( my fault not the triggers)setting power moving the lights etc, which can make me look a bit stupid when doing pics for friends kids etc
When I use my speed lite as a master and the rest as slaves it works a treat with ettl but once outdoors it's not reliable

Oh right. I'm sure you'll get better with practise and will automatically know what settings to use (take notes!). Most people prefer manual for this sort of thing, but if E-TTL is the way you like to work (and I find it's brilliant for moving targets like kids outside, which is very dificult in manual due to the constant changes of distance) the usual problem outside is that the master unit (on the camera) is too far from the slaves. A simple solution to that is to put the master on a cord, close to the slaves. You can get cords up to 10m long.
 
I have both the pixel knights and the RF602, which do i use most.. the reliable ones RF602.

The pixel Knights are soooo hit and miss. I had load of issues with under/over exposure when i took them on holiday with a 550ex, should have just taken the RF602

M.
 
Thanks for the info
My 602s I do set the power myself but usually don't get it right until about the fifth go( my fault not the triggers)setting power moving the lights etc, which can make me look a bit stupid when doing pics for friends kids etc
When I use my speed lite as a master and the rest as slaves it works a treat with ettl but once outdoors it's not reliable

To be honest Stuart it sounds more like you just need a bit of practice and/or a better understanding of the gear you've got rather than a set of expensive TTL triggers.

I'd recommend buying a copy of the Lightenupandshoot.com V-Book (download, about $15/£10) and going through that. It's got some great tips in it for getting everything set up nicely.



You can get cords up to 10m long.

You can, but the 10m refers to the fully extended (in the case of the coiled-type ones) length, in practical terms you can only use a fraction of that length before you start pulling lightstands over every time you move :lol:
 
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You can, but the 10m refers to the fully extended (in the case of the coiled-type ones) length, in practical terms you can only use a fraction of that length before you start pulling lightstands over every time you move :lol:

Interfit make a straight 10m cord. There are a couple of others around 7-8m.
 
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