Is that what the more expensive triggers like pocket wizards do, that cheap Chinese rf triggers doesn't do? TTL?

Originally Posted by babowc Is that what the more expensive triggers like pocket wizards do, that cheap Chinese rf triggers doesn't do? TTL?

Pocket Wizards have a broad line of products, from simple trigger systems through systems that do relay TTL signals.

Some of the import systems also relay TTL signals. It would be wrong to characterize all systems by their point of manufacture.

Originally Posted by Matthew Saville Dude, story of my life. IR wireless flash has NEVER been totally reliable, and I don't think the D800 is a significant step forward or backward compared to the D300 or any other camera. I shot for 4+ years using a D300 and CLS, and that situation you described about having to move the flash into the line-of-sight is exactly what would happen to me all the time too. Anyways, all you need is a cheap set of triggers for $60 or something. Done. It'll fire every time. If you shoot around corners or behind objects, this is honestly the only way to go. Or if you're madly in love with the ability to change your flashe's settings remotely, from the back of your camera like the pop-up flash allows you to do with Nikon CLS, ...then you'll have to pony up for something more expensive like the Radio Popper system. Or, you could always trade my beat-up old D300 for your D800! =Matt=

LOL!

Well...

How about a link to the $60 triggers you speak of. Im sure there are lots out there, but if theres a specific trusted cheap one you know of, let me know. I just rarely use this feature, and dont want to spend much more on it. But... I'm tempted on a 300mm 2.8!

Originally Posted by EphTwoEight LOL! Well... How about a link to the $60 triggers you speak of. Im sure there are lots out there, but if theres a specific trusted cheap one you know of, let me know. I just rarely use this feature, and dont want to spend much more on it. But... I'm tempted on a 300mm 2.8!

Search for Yongnuo, Cowboy Studio, Blackbelt Lighting, and Cactus. Those are some of the "better" cheap systems out there. They're not as good quality as a PW, of course, but they get the job done if you just use them in simple conditions every now and then.

=Matt=

Originally Posted by Matthew Saville Search for Yongnuo, Cowboy Studio, Blackbelt Lighting, and Cactus. Those are some of the "better" cheap systems out there. They're not as good quality as a PW, of course, but they get the job done if you just use them in simple conditions every now and then. =Matt=

Cool thanks!

Yesterday, I took my sb900 and sb26 out for a little field day out at the park in the sunset.
I was using a 70-200, shooting with sunset as the backgroud and used my tripod to mount the flash(es).
I was about 15-18 ft away, with the sensor facing the camera and I think the success ratio on the 900 was less probably 2/6 whereas the sb26 actually had a decent success rate.
I had both flashes on the ground, side by side, and it was still about the same.

Needless to say, I see where the OP is coming from.
Frustration!!

I will try it again and post back!
*however, i also had exposure issues.

Pixel Kings. Under $200 for 2x ETTL/manual triggers (plus transmitter).

I agree that there are plenty of things you can do with line-of-sight triggers if you're attentive to positioning - I've been shooting with my STE2 and Canon flashes for a couple of years now in all conditions, just being very careful about where the sensors are (and I typically don't shoot in bright sunlight) - but the freedom the radio triggers bring is AWESOME. I didn't want to give up ETTL - and didn't have the $ for the PW ettl system - so I decided to try the PK's and have been very happy with them on their first two outings.