Cactus Wireless Flash Trigger System V4 vs. CTR-301P

[Sean Setters]

I'd stick with the 430's. Manual Power adjust is so much better than Vivitars. Vivitars have full 1/2, 1/4 & 1/16th. Can you say Neutral Density gel? Output is better and recycle time is about half. 430's are way better than Vivitars.

Well, he just noted how cumbersome manual power adjustment is on the 430s. However, it all comes down to "..how much do you want to spend??" The 430EXs are better flashes. And if he purchased a 7D, he'd be crazy to give them up (ETTL control from the pop-up flash). Even without the 7D, being able to manually adjust the flash from a RadioPopper JrX transmitter is a very nice feature to have. For that particular feature to work, you'd need the RadioPopper Cube which hasn't been released yet (and given their track record of release time tables, it might be 8 months before it's released). I've heard someone mention that they'd like to try the Item #0135 Deluxe Canon Hotshoe with Miniphone Jack (Female) from flashzebra to see if it'd work like the yet-to-be released Radiopopper Cube. If the TTL points are live (and not just dummy points), then the flashzebra option might just work.


All of that costs money--and not a small amount. Vivitars with traditional radio triggers work very well. They're relatively cheap, rugged, and it's a breeze to change the settings. I do carry an ND filter for the rare occasions I need 1/8 power.


There is no right answer. I built my setup over time. Vivitars, Cybersyncs, Lumopro supports, flashzebra accessories--they all work extremely well and they're perfectly priced for my needs. If you need to work quickly and hate walking around to adjust your flashes, then you'll likely spend your money on different items. Otherwise, just buy what you think will work. If in time you find out you want something different, write off the cost of your gear to a learning experience and buy what will work better. Sell the things you no longer need. It's more important to buy gear that isn't perfect, yet learn how to light perfectly with it. After you've got that down, then you can justify buying gear that makes the act of lighting more convenient.

[Chuck Lee]

Even without the 7D, being able to manually adjust the flash from a RadioPopper JrX transmitter is a very nice feature to have. For that particular feature to work, you'd need the RadioPopper Cube which hasn't been released yet

Hmmm.... that's manual? Otherwise, use E-TTL with flash comp. with PX transmitter/reciever. Right?


Hold the Phone... Ouch!! I didn't look close enough. I thought the JrX would do the job. The PX reciever is $250/ea


In the words of the Church Lady......"Never Mind".........EDIT: (scratch that... I think that was Rosana Rosana Dana ...probably before your time. Unless you were a teenager in the late 70's early 80's)


Mark, Maybe try the CTR-301Ps with the 430Exs first. Sean's got a better point.

[Sean Setters]

Hmmm.... that's manual? Otherwise, use E-TTL with flash comp. with PX transmitter/reciever. Right?

Yes, using the RadioPopper JrX transmitter while the Radiopopper JrX receiver is connected to the (as of right now non-existent) Cube, you will be able to manually adjust the power of TTL flashes remotely. It's not ETTL, but it's certainly faster than walking over to each of your flashes and making the adjustment manually. The Radiopopper PX transmitter/receiver simply bridges the gap between TTL flashes using radio waves to transmit the data between the camera and flashes (that's still a major accomplishment, of course, but it's very expensive).

[Mark Elberson]

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Arial;"]Ok...I think I will keep the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"]430EXs[/b] and look to buy two more (hopefully refurbished from Adorama or used).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"] I also think I will start off with the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"]CTR-301Ps[/b].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"] This will allow me to get started with what I already own (flash-wise) and hopefully by the time I out-grow them (if I do <span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"]<span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"]J<span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Arial;"]) the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"]RadioPopper RPcube adaptor[/b] will be available and I can invest in a set of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"]RadioPopper JrXs[/b].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"] The idea of being able to manually adjustmy Canon Speedlites or a set of Alien Bees Studio Strobes sounds awesome!<span style="color: black;"]<o></o>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size: 10pt; color: blue; font-family: Arial;"]<o></o>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size: 10pt; color: blue; font-family: Arial;"]The following is from the RadioPopper website:<span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Arial;"]<o></o>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size: 10pt; color: blue; font-family: Arial;"]Compatible Devices: <span style="color: black;"]<o></o>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size: 10pt; color: blue; font-family: Arial;"]Any strobe capable of firing via a sync port.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"] For EZset Studio compatible devices are any current Alien Bees, White Lightning or ZUES brand strobe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"] For EZset Strobe, compatible devices include any TTL / "Dedicated" flash for use with Canon or Nikon Camera bodies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"] The EZset Strobe operation requires the RPcube adaptor which will be available for purchase in 6-8 weeks.<span style="color: black;"]<o></o>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<span style="color: black;"]<span style="font-size: small;"]<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"]<o></o>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Arial;"]Based on this statement I believe that my 430EXs will work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"] I will try contact RadioPoppers though and ask specifically.<o></o>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Arial;"]<o></o>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"]<span style="font-size: 10pt; color: red; font-family: Arial;"]&ldquo;For EZset Strobe, compatible devices include any TTL / "Dedicated" flash for use with Canon or Nikon Camera bodies&rdquo;<span style="color: black;"]<o></o>[/b]
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<span style="color: black;"]<span style="font-size: small;"]<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"]<o></o>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Arial;"]Again, I can&rsquo;t thank you guys enough for all of your wisdom and helpful suggestions <span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"]<span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"]J

[Chuck Lee]

Mark,


All I ask is that you post a follow up so all of us can see how it works out. This is really good stuff. If I knew back in January, what I know now I would have opted for the CTR-301Ps.


Have fun with it!! [Y]


Chuck

[Mark Elberson]

<span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Arial;"]Will do Chuck <o></o>


<span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Arial;"]Also, I emailed RadioPoppers and asked when the <span style="font-family: Arial;"]RadioPopper RPcube adaptor will be available and also if my 430EXs will be compatible. As soon as I hear back I'll post an update.

[Oren]

Anyone know what's the max trigger voltage for the CTR-301P? I think I've read somewhere in the past that it was like 12V, but right now I can't find this info [:S]