Wireless Flash Triggers Compared

Cactus V5 Flash Trigger Review

The Pixel TR-331 is an advanced high performance wireless flash trigger. Transmitter easily attaches to your camera hot shoe and the receiver attaches to your flash or strobe to enable a complete wireless light setup. Additional receiver units also available to enable simultaneous fireing of multiple light sources.

With a distance range of 65 meters and shutter speed of up to 1/8000 (depending on sync speed limitation of the camera model), the TR-331 offers high level of performance and versatility.

Fully supports Nikon i-TTL flash mode, you can fire your Nikon flash wirelessly in i-TTL automatic output control.

While the TR-331 supports TTL with Nikon flash only, it offers a high degree of compatibility in manual output power mode. With the provided connection cables, photographers can use the receiver with a range of lighting sources including low trigger voltage portable flashes, high trigger voltage portable flashes and studio strobes.

Note:
1. Please turn off the camera and flash before installing the Pixel TR-331.
2. Tested to support i-TTL with camera and flash models listed in the specifications only.
Features:
A. Able to support up to 32 different groups
B. Support Nikon I-TTL flash mode and included BL, FP function
C. Compatible with Nikon CLS system
D. Able to set exposure compensation through camera directly
E. Support Nikon HSS, 1st Curtain, 2nd Curtain
F. Supports several different shutter speeds with a maximum of 1/8000th second
G. Able to control multiple flashguns and studio lights simultaneously
H. LCD displays channel, battery life and function mode.
Included items are
· 1 x TR-331 TX
· 1 x TR-331 RX
· 2 x CR-2 Lithium-ion battery
· 1 x Instruction Manual
· 1 x Hot shoe protection cap
· 1 x TR-331 holder
· 1 x PC + 3.5 cables
· 1 x 3.5 to 6.3 adaptors

Product Specifications

Type: 2.4 GHz High-speed 2-way communication system
Operation Range: 65m
Channel: 15
Standby time: Transmitter - 1000 hours; Receiver 500hrs (CR-2 lithium-ion batteries)
Measurement: (L x W x H)
Transmitter 38 x 63 x 30 mm
Receiver 38 x 70 x 30 mm

Compatibility:
The TR-331 TX is compatible with Nikon DSLR cameras D3, D700, D2 series, D300, D200, D90, D80, D70, D5000, D3000, D60, D50, D40, F6 and other F series cameras
The TR-331 TX is compatible with Nikon i-TTL cameras:
COOLPIX 8800, COOLPIX 8400, COOLPIX P5000, COOLPIX P51000, and other COOLPIX cameras

The TR-331 TX is compatible with other DSLR brands like Fujifilm and Kodak or other camera systems compatible with the Nikon flash system

TR-331 RX is compatible with Nikon CLS Flash SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, SB-400 and any other flashes compatible with Nikon cameras

Using the TR-331 TX you can control studio strobe light or flash with a PC plug through use of the PC socket located on the side of the transmitter and receiver. The PC socket supports shutter speeds up to 1/8000th of a second.

http://protog.com.au/pixel-tr331-wireless-ittl-flash-trigger-for-nikon-p-330.html

From Pixel:

The TR- 331 can support Nikon I- TTL, but can't support the SB 700 flash.

Pixel TR-331 sounded great so I ordered one set but I experienced problems: it wasn't working everytime I used it so I sent it back.

I'd love to hear from someone actively using it - after all I might have had a flawed unit or been making some fundamental error when trying to use it...

Phottix Strato Review: Flash Trigger with TTL Pass-Through

According to a review I read, the Phottix Strato II units are TTL pass-through only, meaning you are still controlling the settings on a flash. The unit itself cannot transmit simulated TTL information like the PocketWizard units. I was considering picking up these until I read that.

Marcel ... thank you for the thorough and informative replies.

Thanks Neil. As I tried to find an alternative for the PocketWizard FlexTT5 transceiver, I posted information above.

My conclusion:
1. If you want remote flashes to work with i-TTL and the Nikon CLS system (like they work when fitted on the camera), you have the following options:

a) Nikon SU-800 Remote Commander. It is limited by it's infrared beam, with a Coverage Angle: 78º horizontal and 60º vertical. Not great for outdoors use, and around corners. Nikon needs to rethink this system, as the flashes needs to be in line of sight from the SU-800 commander.

b) The "best" viable, true wireless i-TTL remote systems:

1. PocketWizard system
2. RadioPopper System

c) Off-Camera i-TTL Flash sync cord. You can get a 10m i-TTL flash sync cord for USD 27 on ebay. This is the cheapest method to get a remote off camera flash with full i-TTL control.

Other:

i) Pixel make interesting transmitters (e.g. the TR-331), but it appears if there are compatibility problems - especially with the SB-700 flash & D7000 camera. They appear to be great, but I have heard a lot on complaints about the Pixel transmitters.

ii) There are transmitters that give TTL or i-TTL control only for the flash mounted on the camera's receiver, but MANUAL CONTROL over the remote flashes. If you want manually controlled remote flashes, these are a option.

iii) The Cactus V5 and the Phottix Strato are the best low cost options to consider. The Phottix strato allow full i-TTL control over the flash fitted on the camera + manual control over the remote flashes.

I would like to hear feedback from other people.

Quantum Flash has another option.

FreeXwire QLINK (FW6C) : Canon
FreeXwire QLINK (FW6N) : Nikon

Link your remote Canon or Nikon Flash to your Qflash/FreeXwire radio system.

QLINK is the wireless radio solution that allows you to move your Canon or Nikon flashes off-camera and control them seamlessly with a Quantum Qflash TRIO or PILOT.

http://www.qtm.com/

If you don't know the Pocket Wizard system, you may find the following video informative:

PocketWizard system For Nikon (with AC3 ZoneController)


PocketWizard website: Nikon and Canon Videos:
http://www.pocketwizard.com/videos/product_intros/

http://www.pocketwizard.com

The video below (as well as the video above) should have been at the top of this forum. It is an intoduction to the PocketWizard MiniTT1 & FlexTT5 system for Nikon. The idea of this forum was to find an alternative to the PocketWizard system.

PocketWizards frequencies (per country) can be found at this URL:

http://www.pocketwizard.com/inspirations/technology/frequency/

Compatibility information for the PocketWizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 ControlTL radios with Nikon cameras & flashes.

The MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 for Nikon are compatible with Nikon digital cameras & flashes capable of using Nikon's latest i-TTL / CLS protocol:

http://wiki.pocketwizard.com/index.php?title=Nikon_Compatibility

Just for interest sake, here is 2 more videos to promote the PocketWizard system, showing the capabilities of the PocketWizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5.

Neil Van Niekerk uses the PocketWizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 for Nikon http://www.pocketwizard.com/inspirations/profiles/neil_van_niekerk/




http://www.pocketwizard.com/inspirations/profiles/cliff_mautner/

Internal discussion on Phottix Wireless Triggers

http://neilvn.com/forum/discussion/381/photixx-wireless-triggers

From the above it appears if "The Phottix strato allow full i-TTL control over the flash fitted on the camera + manual control over the remote flashes."

The Mini TT1 & Flex TT5 has full i-TTL control over the remote units.

I am adding this comment for people new to wireless off-camera flash photography, whom are looking for an cheaper alternative to the Pocket Wizard system. I want to add some additional info regarding the AC3 ZoneController.


The title of this discussion should have been:

"Finding an alternative to the PocketWizard MiniTT1 & FlexTT5 with AC3 ZoneController"


The high price of the PocketWizard system, compared to cheaper Chinese alternatives, makes it logical to investigate alternative & cheaper systems.

In my investigations (above) I concentrated mainly on the transmitters / receivers, but you may also find the functionality of the AC3 Zone controller as a "must have" criteria for an off-camera wireless remote system, especially when using more than 1 remote flash. [ The video posted on 29 August above refer: "PocketWizard system For Nikon (with AC3 ZoneController)" ]

I advice adding an AC3 Zone controller to the PocketWizard system. The AC3 makes changing power settings of your remote flashes easy and quick.

If you are looking for an alternative to the Pocket Wizard system, I recommend investigating if the "alternative system" has a feature to change the power levels of the remote flashes. Some have this feature built into the transmitters or transceivers, but not all offer this feature.

Photixx Odin alternative for PWs and Radio Poppers? Price about $350 per set

Review link

http://www.thephoblographer.com/2011/11/06/review-phottix-odin-ttl-wireless-radio-triggers-for-canon-dslrs/

sassone

If you're on a budget, try these:- http://www.xlstudiolighting.co.uk/Lighting-Control/Triggering-Systems
No TTL but they work fine. I can now use my studio lights with my flash.
Nick

I don't understand / or know if it is possible - to intergrate the Qflash TRIO with Nikon Speedlights and PocketWizard MiniTT1 & FlexTT5 receivers. The idea is to use the QFlash as remote (off-camera & wireless) flash with full TTL control. Any advice?

It appears if you need to use the FreeXwire QLINK (FW6N) system, but I don't understand how it works.

Phottix Odin TTL Flash Trigger for Canon
http://www.phottix.com/en/phottix-odin-ttl-flash-trigger-for-canon.html

" Photographers can wirelessly trigger TTL flashes, retaining full TTL functions, as well as remotely control power and flash zoom settings. Shooting with off-camera TTL flash has been made incredibly easy. Say goodbye to manual mode, proprietary flash-based triggering, or setting values on your camera LCD – reliable wireless radio-based TTL triggering and remote power control is here.

The Phottix Odin TTL Trigger consists of an on-camera transmitter and control unit (TCU) and receiver units for compatible hot shoe flashes. The Odin offers photographers four wireless channels and three flash control group designations. Flashes can be controlled in traditional Canon TTL ratio modes A:B with EV +/- adjustments of three stops. What makes the Phottix Odin unique is the ability to designate groups in TTL/Mixed mode. Individual groups, A, B, C, can also be controlled in TTL mode with EV +/- adjustments. Groups can also be set to Manual mode, adjusting power levels remotely, or turned off.

Flash head zoom can be set to be dynamically adjusted as photographers adjust their lenses. Flash zoom can also be easily adjusted manually and set statically from 24 to 105mm. The Phottix Odin system will also trigger compatible non-TTL flashes and studio strobes. "

I use the Phottix Odin (not to be confused with Strato/Strato II). Absolute marvel, way way better than the PW TT5/TT1. Full cotrol over remote flashes (zoom, second curtain sync, high speed sync, manual or TTL with power settings).

Best piece of kit I've bought since my 85mm 1,2 and that says it all. Cheers.

As far as I can see, Odin is so far only for Canon users? Is there any aproximate date, when Nikon version will be released?

I was wondering if anyone can comment on the ease of use during photo shoots (e.g. how complicated is it to go from EV +1 to EV+2) on the PW or Radio Popper. I have the JRX system right now and always working in manual caused me some issues recently when I was exposing for the background so the histogram looked fine, but I couldn't see the screen to see how the subject was exposed and was just guessing. Even guessing with the JRX is frustrating since it's just an unmarked knob. I want to upgrade but the PRX controls looked awkward.

With PocketWizard, if you have the AC3 Zone Controller on your FlexTT5 unit, changing manual flash power or FEC (TTL) is as easy as moving a tiny marked dial. Otherwise, you need to attach a speedlight on top of the FlexTT5 unit to control the FEC or manual flash power.

The new " PocketWizard Plus III Transceiver " is also an alternative to the MiniTT1 & AC3 Zone Controller, BUT IT IS NOT TTL CAPABLE. It only works in Standard (Non-TTL) flash mode (manual flash mode). If you don't need TTL flash, this is an alternative option. The main advantage of the mini TT1 & Flex TT5 is TTL remote control of your flashes.

http://plusiii.pocketwizard.com/

i switched to Canon's 600 EX RT flashes with radio ETTL. good bye PW!

So Canon has finally decided to use radio wireless technology for its latest flash. I wonder how this will affect Pocketwizard and RadioPopper sales.

I've always wondered why Nikon or Canon didn't previously do this.

Odin for Nikon: It’s coming

http://journal.phottix.com/photo-accessory-news/odin-nikon-coming/

" We get a lot of requests for a Nikon-compatible version of the Phottix Odin TTL Flash Trigger. Rest assured – it is coming.

When it’s released we want it to work and not make you inadvertent beta-testers, forcing everyone to download firmware upgrade after firmware upgrade.

Is it worth the wait? Our testers say yes. Stay tuned for more information as it is available. "