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Pixel King Pro/X (3rd gen) Triggers
divamum
Registered Users Posts: 9,021 Major grins
I originally bought a set of the Kings (2nd gen) in summer 2012 - they've been a great addition to the bag and I have really been happy to have them. For under $200 for a transmitter and 2x receivers, they're a fabulous value, and also one of the few sets that can do ETTL without a lot of extra fuss and folderol.
Scroll forward to this autumn: I broke the base foot on one of my receivers not once, but twice (my stands keep getting blown over and/or dropped). For the record, PK sent me the part as soon as I asked for it - they were very helpful - but the second fall broke the foot beyond repair.... even though the unit still works!!! However, as the new set (1 transmitter/1 receiever) was $142 vs $80 for just a receiver of the 2nd gen I decided I just get the new one, especially since the trigger is backwards-compatible with the older receivers.
There's a great review (with some helpful "how to" information) over at Flash Havoc with photos and a lot of valuable comments, so I'll link that rather than repeat it all.
My overall impressions:
Pros
Cons
Scroll forward to this autumn: I broke the base foot on one of my receivers not once, but twice (my stands keep getting blown over and/or dropped). For the record, PK sent me the part as soon as I asked for it - they were very helpful - but the second fall broke the foot beyond repair.... even though the unit still works!!! However, as the new set (1 transmitter/1 receiever) was $142 vs $80 for just a receiver of the 2nd gen I decided I just get the new one, especially since the trigger is backwards-compatible with the older receivers.
There's a great review (with some helpful "how to" information) over at Flash Havoc with photos and a lot of valuable comments, so I'll link that rather than repeat it all.
My overall impressions:
Pros
- build quality much improved
- LCD screen is really nice - lovely to have a visual reference
- backwards-compatible with the 2nd gen Kings (didn't have to upgrade firmware or anything; they worked right out of the box)
- unlike in-camera ETTL info, it gives you the EV (rather than just +/- stops like you see in the viewfinder)
- ABC groups and ratios - at last!
- you can mix ETTL and Manual flashes - this is particularly helpful if you have older flashes (see below)
- it fires more flashes than it says it does - this has some problems (see below) but they WILL fire, so it can be useful.
Cons
- you have to adjust FEC on the trigger; you no longer do it through the camera's menu. The method to adjust FEC requires a lot of button pushes ("set" "A" "+/-" "set"), instead of the quick spin-dial you can use in-camera, so I'm listing it as a "con", even though it is nice to be able to see EXACTLY what the settings are without having to change camera menus. yin/yan.
- ETTL FEC on the trigger is only available on exII flashes. HOWEVER... if you have older flashes, you can adjust the output in MANUAL on the flash itself, and the trigger will fire it. So, in my case, I can use my 580ex in Manual mode as a background light, while using my 480ex in ETTL mode and adjusting as needed from the trigger.
- Unexpected bonus: it WILL fire my old 420ex. It will only fire it at full power and can't communicate ETTL (and the flash has no manual mode to use), but it will make a useful background light. Useful for me with the gear I have.
- no longer has a flash assist on the trigger.
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....I will be getting a minimum of 3 triggers and 1 transmitter in the near future....the Gen 2 worked well with my SB 900's but since no test button i was not interested.....but these new Gen 3's are quite interesting...
Wondering if you ended up getting the Canon setup you were pondering in December. I see a package at B&H that includes two 600's and the ST-E3-RT and am considering making the leap.
I'm probably getting that kit and then purchasing a receiver for my other flash. Will have two flash system as well as a trigger system that can be used on my alien bees
Other interesting options reviewed at flashhavoc. What really has me interested are the flashes with lithium batteries and bare bulb flash from Godox as well. You can get more bang for the buck with some of the third party options.
http://flashhavoc.com/godox-v860c-ving-ettl-flash-review/
http://flashhavoc.com/cheetah-cl180-godox-ad180-review/
Rar is a compression format - you probably need to unload it before using it. Google around - there are programs that will do that for you.
GaryB
“The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it!” - Ansel Adams