In search of flashguns & triggers for Sony A580

TinySpark

TinySpark

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Melissa
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Hi there,

I'm new to wireless lighting systems and finding it a bit confusing, so hopefully somebody can offer some advice :)

Here's my aim: 2 off-camera flashguns, controlled remotely from a transmitter on my camera's hotshoe. And of course a couple of stands and umbrellas.

What I've been recommended:

- Yungnuo 560 IIII speedlites - have receiver built in
http://flashhavoc.com/yongnuo-yn-560-iii-review/

- Yungnuo transmitter - provides remote control for the manual flash units
http://flashhavoc.com/yongnuo-yn560-tx-now-available/

I have a few questions about this set up -

These transmitters will work with any camera with a "standard hotshoe", are the Sony Alpha's hotshoes standard? If not, are there adaptors available?

I currently have a flashgun (a Sony HVL F46AM), if I buy a Yungnuo radio receiver will it work with this new transmitter? :/

Also it keeps mentioning manual control of these flashes, but are they still able to use TTL? I'm not even sure how important this is, do you use TTL or manual settings on your strobe set ups more?

Apologies for these newbie questions, though any answers are appreciated.

Also I'm open to any strobe solution so if anyone has any different recommendations please let me know. I'm also happy to buy used equipment on Ebay too. I'm not after anything too fancy!

Thanks, Melissa
 
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TinySpark said:
Ah right ok, I had a look on the store there, they're not cheap. That TTL trigger set is $280 :/ Is there any cheaper options?
Click to expand...
That's the only real TTL option, the Yongnuo you have already sourced is a cheaper option but Manual only. And I think you'd need a hotshoe adaptor (though not an expert).

I'd recommend a TTL flashgun for on camera work, but in a studio situation, manual is better than TTL, although it takes a bit more setting up. Most strobes have an optical slave, which means they'd trigger fine if you used one of the 560s as a background light or similar.
 
Phil V said:
That's the only real TTL option, the Yongnuo you have already sourced is a cheaper option but Manual only. And I think you'd need a hotshoe adaptor (though not an expert).

I'd recommend a TTL flashgun for on camera work, but in a studio situation, manual is better than TTL, although it takes a bit more setting up. Most strobes have an optical slave, which means they'd trigger fine if you used one of the 560s as a background light or similar.
Click to expand...

Ok, well I'm happy enough to set the flashes up manually. So perhaps I could save a bit of money and buy one Yungnuo flash and also use my Sony flash (in optical slave mode). I wouldn't necessarily need the transmitter with the remote flash control really, especially if I only have one Yungnuo flash anyway.

But then what transmitters/receivers do I need, just one transmitter for on the camera (that will need an adaptor for sony hotshoe) and one receiver for the Yungnuo flash? But nothing for the Sony flash as it can just be set off when the other flash fires?

Sorry for all the questions, just trying to get my head round all of this!
 
Ok I think I know what to get, correct me if I'm wrong...

Set of 2 YongNuo RF-603 II Transceivers
- http://flashhavoc.com/flash-trigger-guide-manual/#YongNuo_RF603_II

One Yongnuo flashhun
http://flashhavoc.com/yongnuo-yn-560-iii-review/

Hotshoe Adaptor - YN H3
This will allow the transceiver to fit on my Sony A580
http://www.amazon.co.uk/YONGNUO-YN-H3-Flash-Adapter-Minolta/dp/B005XIR1Y2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418685227&sr=8-1&keywords=yongnuo YN-H3

So that will allow me to set the Yongnuo flash off via the trigger system, then set my Sony flash off using optical slave mode? (I'm not totally sure how this works.. is it built in the flash itself?)

I'll also need to buy stands, umbrellas etc Are they certain fits for them or are they all the same?
 
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TinySpark said:
Ok I think I know what to get, correct me if I'm wrong...

Set of 2 YongNuo RF-603 II Transceivers
- http://flashhavoc.com/flash-trigger-guide-manual/#YongNuo_RF603_II

One Yongnuo flashhun
http://flashhavoc.com/yongnuo-yn-560-iii-review/

Hotshoe Adaptor - YN H3
This will allow the transceiver to fit on my Sony A580
http://www.amazon.co.uk/YONGNUO-YN-H3-Flash-Adapter-Minolta/dp/B005XIR1Y2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418685227&sr=8-1&keywords=yongnuo YN-H3

So that will allow me to set the Yongnuo flash off via the trigger system, then set my Sony flash off using optical slave mode? (I'm not totally sure how this works.. is it built in the flash itself?)

I'll also need to buy stands, umbrellas etc Are they certain fits for them or are they all the same?
Click to expand...
Or you get get Sony fit triggers and fire the Sony flash wirelessly, then use the Yongnuo optical slave.
 
Tricky one - various workarounds but no ideal solution. Personally, I'd go with your first suggestion of YN560iii guns and a 560-Tx via that adapter. I think you could also use your Sony gun with a reverse-adapter (Sony flash to normal hot-shoe) and YN603-II or 602 trigger, though I'd probably just put that gun to one side and use it when you need TTL on-camera.

Comments: optical slave triggering will work fine indoors in a studio-type situation but is unreliable outdoors in daylight. Phottix Strato-II triggers are very good and available in Sony fit. Sony has finally dropped its daft exclusive hot-shoe fitting - good excuse to upgrade to a Sony A77-II, or if you're serious about flash long-term and are likely to need more kit, then the sooner you jump to Canon or Nikon the happier you will be ;)
 
Ok, I think I'm going to play it safe and just buy Sony-fit triggers and flashes.

Gonna go for this one - Phottix Strato II Trigger for Sony - anyone any experience with these?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006JODE...TF8&colid=2WET56E3WOQR2&coliid=I1NMYOL33CJUBE

I'll play around with my existing Sony flash off-camera for now and then after Christmas I'll have a look around for a second-hand Sony flash gun and another Phottix Strato receiver (or look at third party options).

I have quick question though about the flash holders for the light stands. Are there specific ones to fit Sony hot shoes or can I just buy something like this? - http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006VTJQ...UTF8&colid=2WET56E3WOQR2&coliid=IBPWV9QG9LE00


HoppyUK said:
Comments: optical slave triggering will work fine indoors in a studio-type situation but is unreliable outdoors in daylight. Phottix Strato-II triggers are very good and available in Sony fit. Sony has finally dropped its daft exclusive hot-shoe fitting - good excuse to upgrade to a Sony A77-II, or if you're serious about flash long-term and are likely to need more kit, then the sooner you jump to Canon or Nikon the happier you will be ;)
Click to expand...

I'd love to get an A7! But it'll be a while before I can afford that :p
 
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TinySpark said:
Ok, I think I'm going to play it safe and just buy Sony-fit triggers and flashes.

Gonna go for this one - Phottix Strato II Trigger for Sony - anyone any experience with these?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006JODE...TF8&colid=2WET56E3WOQR2&coliid=I1NMYOL33CJUBE
Click to expand...

Yes, but mine are not Sony-fit though. They're probably the best manual radio triggers around, though not the cheapest. You don't have much choice though ;)

I'll play around with my existing Sony flash off-camera for now and then after Christmas I'll have a look around for a second-hand Sony flash gun and another Phottix Strato receiver (or look at third party options).

I have quick question though about the flash holders for the light stands. Are there specific ones to fit Sony hot shoes or can I just buy something like this? - http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006VTJQ...UTF8&colid=2WET56E3WOQR2&coliid=IBPWV9QG9LE00

I'd love to get an A7! But it'll be a while before I can afford that :p
Click to expand...

No, you'd need a Sony-fit one, or another adapter. They do exist, I think, but that's the problem with Sony - just a PITA.
 
HoppyUK said:
Yes, but mine are not Sony-fit though. They're probably the best manual radio triggers around, though not the cheapest. You don't have much choice though ;)

No, you'd need a Sony-fit one, or another adapter. They do exist, I think, but that's the problem with Sony - just a PITA.
Click to expand...

I can't find a specific Sony fit mount for the light stand so going to buy this hotshoe adaptor and just attach it to the mount (then attach receiver and flash). - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pixel-TF-325-Converter-Alpha-Cameras/dp/B003URJP5Q/ref=pd_sxp_grid_i_0_0

I've just noticed these King triggers for Sony. It has full TTL support, but the Phottix one doesn't (only on-camera). This is a better deal right? :/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pixel-King-Wireless-Trigger-Sony/dp/B006BNL4TG
 
Another thing I've noticed is that the receivers have a screw hole on the bottom, so they can be screwed on to flash stands. So how come the flash and umbrella holder that sits on top of the light stand has a hotshoe mount, rather than a screw?
 
TinySpark said:
I can't find a specific Sony fit mount for the light stand so going to buy this hotshoe adaptor and just attach it to the mount (then attach receiver and flash). - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pixel-TF-325-Converter-Alpha-Cameras/dp/B003URJP5Q/ref=pd_sxp_grid_i_0_0
Click to expand...

Yes, prolly easiest.

I've just noticed these King triggers for Sony. It has full TTL support, but the Phottix one doesn't (only on-camera). This is a better deal right? :/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pixel-King-Wireless-Trigger-Sony/dp/B006BNL4TG
Click to expand...

I don't have personal experience of Pixel, other than to say their TTL triggers in the early days had a far from glowing rep. Maybe things have changed, but you probably neither need nor want TTL in a studio situation. The advantage of TTL is speed, in fluid social situations perhaps, when distances are changing and you just don't have time to mess about. When things are more static and controlled, as they tend to be by definition once you have lights on fixed stands, then TTL tends to just get in the way, sometimes changing exposure when it shouldn't, eg when subject changes from a white top to a dark top.

Phottix Strato II triggers are manual, but have a TTL pass-though on the transmitter that can be handy. Phottix Odin is the full TTL system (and of course manual too). That works very well, seemingly across all camera brands, but is more expensive.
 
TinySpark said:
Another thing I've noticed is that the receivers have a screw hole on the bottom, so they can be screwed on to flash stands. So how come the flash and umbrella holder that sits on top of the light stand has a hotshoe mount, rather than a screw?
Click to expand...

Not quite sure what you mean, but a cold-shoe, or cold-foot, can have a screw fitting option as there are no electrical contacts involved.
 
HoppyUK said:
Not quite sure what you mean, but a cold-shoe, or cold-foot, can have a screw fitting option as there are no electrical contacts involved.
Click to expand...

This is probably such a n00b question but what I mean is, the receiver has a screw hole as seen in this photo on the left - http://3zgehi1uaxi23dphbrgqa50r6z.w...tent/uploads/2012/02/Phottix-Strato-II-10.jpg
So how do you attach it to this umbrella holder, I can't see a screw coming out the top to screw the receiver into. Can that top square bit come off? http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006VTJQ...UTF8&colid=2WET56E3WOQR2&coliid=IBPWV9QG9LE00

Does this also mean I don't need a hotshoe adaptor since the receiver can fit directly on to the screw on the umbrella stand?
 
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HoppyUK said:
Yes, prolly easiest.
I don't have personal experience of Pixel, other than to say their TTL triggers in the early days had a far from glowing rep. Maybe things have changed, but you probably neither need nor want TTL in a studio situation. The advantage of TTL is speed, in fluid social situations perhaps, when distances are changing and you just don't have time to mess about. When things are more static and controlled, as they tend to be by definition once you have lights on fixed stands, then TTL tends to just get in the way, sometimes changing exposure when it shouldn't, eg when subject changes from a white top to a dark top.

Phottix Strato II triggers are manual, but have a TTL pass-though on the transmitter that can be handy. Phottix Odin is the full TTL system (and of course manual too). That works very well, seemingly across all camera brands, but is more expensive.
Click to expand...


Hmm, perhaps the Phottix triggers are the safer option then. I just thought it could be worth the extra £20 to get the ones that can use TTL, but if they're not as reliable there's no point really.

I imagine I'd be using strobes for portraits I set up (both inside and out, for example at weddings) so perhaps TTL isn't a huge deal like you said in this case.
 
TinySpark said:
This is probably such a n00b question but what I mean is, the receiver has a screw hole as seen in this photo on the left - http://3zgehi1uaxi23dphbrgqa50r6z.w...tent/uploads/2012/02/Phottix-Strato-II-10.jpg
So how do you attach it to this umbrella holder, I can't see a screw coming out the top to screw the receiver into. Can that top square bit come off? http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006VTJQ...UTF8&colid=2WET56E3WOQR2&coliid=IBPWV9QG9LE00

Does this also mean I don't need a hotshoe adaptor since the receiver can fit directly on to the screw on the umbrella stand?
Click to expand...

Oh right. The screw fitting is just an option - due to the absence of any electrical contacts, you can use the screw (to attach direct to a stand, if that also has a screw) or the normal slide-in lugs of the standard hot-shoe/foot, to attach to a normal umbrella holder.

The pic you've linked is not a Sony version of the Phottix Strato II, but the Sony version does also have a screw hole on the receiver, but not the standard slide-in lugs of a normal flash as in your linked pic. But the screw is no help with a standard umbrella holder without a screw fitting to attach to.

It's all a lot of hassle, which is why I'd simply put an adapter on the camera and then get all your other studio kit with standard hot-shoe fitting.
 
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Dont know if i'm too late but if you buy a copy of Gary Friedmans Sony A580 SLR guide he has a whle chapter dedicated to off camera flash and the options availvale,

In your position I would buy another HVL 43am and then use the Sony pop up flash to control both wirelessly and using TTL.
 
HoppyUK said:
Oh right. The screw fitting is just an option - due to the absence of any electrical contacts, you can use the screw (to attach direct to a stand, if that also has a screw) or the normal slide-in lugs of the standard hot-shoe/foot, to attach to a normal umbrella holder.

The pic you've linked is not a Sony version of the Phottix Strato II, but the Sony version does also have a screw hole on the receiver, but not the standard slide-in lugs of a normal flash as in your linked pic. But the screw is no help with a standard umbrella holder without a screw fitting to attach to.

It's all a lot of hassle, which is why I'd simply put an adapter on the camera and then get all your other studio kit with standard hot-shoe fitting.
Click to expand...

I've already got a Sony flash though which complicates things. The only problem I have at the moment is finding an umbrella holder that can fit my Sony-fit receiver on it. I'm going to pop into Jessops today and see if they know of any solutions.

Brazo said:
Dont know if i'm too late but if you buy a copy of Gary Friedmans Sony A580 SLR guide he has a whle chapter dedicated to off camera flash and the options availvale,

In your position I would buy another HVL 43am and then use the Sony pop up flash to control both wirelessly and using TTL.
Click to expand...

I should have researched this ages ago, but I only really decided I wanted to get some lighting equipment a few weeks ago. You see I have to pass on details about what to buy to my boyfriend who is getting me the equipment for Christmas, he can't really leave it any later than today to order, otherwise I would have researched further and even had a look at that book you mentioned :/ I'm a nightmare haha.

I think I'll let him order the phottix triggers for Sony and a light stand, then I can figure out how to get an umbrella holder to accomodate my Sony-fit receivers.
 
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Bit late perhaps, but the Pixel Kings work 100% with the older Sony / Minolta hot shoe, supporting both TTL and HSS.

I use them with my A900, never had a problem (I have 3 receivers), and know other happy users of them as well via other Sony based forums.

RE: Attaching to Umbrella holders - you actually have a choice with the Pixel Kings.

The base of the receiver units has a plastic square which matches the 'standard' (Canon, Nikon style) hot shoe, so fits into a standard holder, but it also has a threaded hole which matches the typical thread found on the screws which attach the holder to the rest of the mount - so you can (and I do) just remove that, and screw the trigger directly on - seems to be less wobbly (one less joint in the system).
 
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