What would you buy?

UaeExile

UaeExile

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Adam
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Ok, so I'm really interested in getting into off camera flash. Mostly strobes, but possibly some studio kits in the future too. I've got the Canon 6D and the Fuji XPro 1. In terms of flash, I also have the Canon 600ex RT, but as yet no means to use it off camera.

The question is, should I go for a ST-E3-RT and accept that my only option for OCF is on the 6D. Or, do I go for something like a couple of PocketWizard PlusX triggers?

Anyone else in a similar "two system" predicament?

Thanks in advance!
 
I'm going through a similar path at the moment, and I have just purchased a hahnel flash trigger which doubles as a remote also, £40, have been doing a lot of studio work lately so I have a good Idea what I want for studio stromes, Lencarta etc, the hahnel flash trigger is none ttl but it's grate to practice ;)
 
Just some comments :)

If mains power is available, studio heads win every time. They have modelling lamps so you can see exactly what's happening to the light, you will learn more, far more quickly. They recycle fast and will run all day without overheating, there is a huge range of light modifiers available for them (they're what makes the light, not the flash unit), and they're not expensive (much cheaper than Canon RT system). Studio heads are also more powerful, though that's not always needed. You can mix studio heads with speedlites.

With speedlite triggers, the key decision is auto-TTL vs manual exposure control (cheaper). The main benefit of auto-TTL is speed of use, when you need good exposure straight off the bat, such as fast moving social situations where distance is changing all the time. Flash exposure is very sensitive to distance. Speedlites can also do HSS (high speed sync) that's very handy outdoors.

Almost by definition, remote flash work of any kind is fairly static in terms of exposure because the lights are fixed in position. So auto-TTL is much less beneficial and can even work against you, so manual control is usually the favoured option.

Most radio triggers are brand-specific, except the really basic ones that have just one central firing pin. PW Plus triggers are basic in that respect, though relatively expensive. Their main advantage is reverse compatibility with all PW triggers going back many years (same radio frequency). The popular option today is Yongnuo 622 auto-TTL triggers, fully featured, very versatile (can also do remote second-curtain sync, that the Canon RT cannot) and great value. Several of other options available.
 
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It's a shame you have the 600 flash cause for the price you could have got the Lencarta Atom or Safari. Best of both worlds works on a battery pack so don't need power supply, so good for studio or location.
You could always just use the 600 for on camera flash (bounced or flashbender modifier) then purchase the aforementioned for everything else.
Also look at Godox/Wistro brands.

Just my opinion
 
HoppyUK said:
Just some comments :)

If mains power is available, studio heads win every time. They have modelling lamps so you can see exactly what's happening to the light, you will learn more, far more quickly. They recycle fast and will run all day without overheating, there is a huge range of light modifiers available for them (they're what makes the light, not the flash unit), and they're not expensive (much cheaper than Canon RT system). Studio heads are also more powerful, though that's not always needed. You can mix studio heads with speedlites.

With speedlite triggers, the key decision is auto-TTL vs manual exposure control (cheaper). The main benefit of auto-TTL is speed of use, when you need good exposure straight off the bat, such as fast moving social situations where distance is changing all the time. Flash exposure is very sensitive to distance. Speedlites can also do HSS (high speed sync) that's very handy outdoors.

Almost by definition, remote flash work of any kind is fairly static in terms of exposure because the lights are fixed in position. So auto-TTL is much less beneficial and can even work against you, so manual control is usually the favoured option.

Most radio triggers are brand-specific, except the really basic ones that have just one central firing pin. PW Plus triggers are basic in that respect, though relatively expensive. Their main advantage is reverse compatibility with all PW triggers going back many years (same radio frequency). The popular option today is Yongnuo 622 auto-TTL triggers, fully featured, very versatile (can also do remote second-curtain sync, that the Canon RT cannot) and great value. Several of other options available.
Click to expand...

Literally just looking at these. I'll take another look tomorrow!
 
Wayne Els said:
Purely on a cost basis I think Yongnuo 622's will work both with your 6D and Fuji but only in manual with the Fuji. (I have a 6D and a X100s and they work but I also have a YN gun although I believe this shouldn't matter).
Click to expand...

Interesting. Thanks wayne.
 
Wayne Els said:
Adam I see you are in the UAE. I've not been to AD in a long time but know DXB well. Some of the camera shops in the malls actually stock YN stuff over there so I guess it'd be the same where you are so you could go and try just to make sure they work.
Click to expand...

Thanks Wayne - I haven't came across one shop that fully stocks YN gear, but a few of them have bits and pieces in. What I really need to do is find people to shoot!
 
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