Triggering Flash units outside the camera
For those who have only ever used their system flash on the camera, the question arises as to how you can trigger the flash unit outside – unleashed from – the camera. Leading camera manufacturers have recognized the trend towards more and more professionalism and they have been making this easier year by year for the user to handle.
Using the examples below, we would like to provide a small illustration:
Canon
Canon TLL cable
The Speedlites 420, 430EX or 550/580 (II) EX from Canon can be controlled best via the ST-E2 transmitter. A Speedlite 550/580 (II) EX can also be used as a master, however, in lieu of the ST-E2 transmitter. The advantage is that you already have a full-fledged additional flash unit. Canon has matched all its devices perfectly with one another and everything works automatically thanks to E-TTL (II), even high-speed synchronization can be used.
Only one limitation: it is not possible to use the flash on the 2nd shutter curtain in master/slave mode.
Additional possibility: TTL cable from Canon
Nikon
Nikon TLL cable
Whoever is a proud owner of a D90, D300 or D700 and is working with the system flash units SB-600, SB-800 or SB-900, can trigger and control them easily via the integrated camera flash. The integrated camera flash is switched over to master (master control) and now no longer serves as a flash but rather as a control unit. Using the camera menus, the slave flash units – meaning the flash attachments outside the camera – can be configured in up to 3 groups.
Completely different and independent types of exposure can be specified for these three groups and also for the master flash unit (example: Group A is controlled using i-TTL, Group B as well, however with a flash exposure correction of 2 exposure settings, Group C is manually set to 1/16 output etc.).
Everything works fully automatically thanks to E-TTL, corrections can be made directly from the camera.
Additional option: TTL cable SC-28 from Nikon
Wireless Flash Triggers
Another alternative is to trigger the flash using a wireless trigger from third-party manufacturers.
Two models are discussed in greater detail below.
Wireless trigger set DRT-2G for system flash units
This system consists of a transmitter and receiver. The transmitter is mounted on the accessory mount of the camera. The receiver is attached to the system flash unit using a synchronous plug. The wireless signal triggers the system flash unit. The system flash unit must therefore have a synchronous plug-in, usually it is on the side of the device and there is a cover on it. TTL, however, is not supported; it must be operated manually. The range is between 10 and 20m.
Several flash units can also be triggered using additional DRT-2G receivers.
DRT-2G for system flash units
DRT-2G – Set description
Synchronous plug-in on the system flash unit SB-800
Wireless trigger set GY880A / PT-01 / PT-04
This system also consists of a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is mounted on the accessory mount of the camera. The receiver makes a connection to the system flash unit via center contact. The system flash is mounted on the receiver. Because the receiver is fairly high, the flash2softbox adapter has an extra-long 120 mm L-bracket. TTL is not supported; it has to be operated manually. The range is between 10 and 20 m.
Several flash units can also be triggered using additional PT-01/PT-04 receivers.
GY880A:
Receiver PT-01
and transmitter RF-01
GY880A:
Receiver PT-01
with SB-800
GY880A:
Transmitter RF-01
on Nikon D70
Infrared Triggers
Some flash units feature a standard servo cell (e.g. Nikon SB-26, SB-800) that allows you to operate a flash via the infrared trigger. For all other flash units there are servo cells to insert into the PC plug or as an adapter for the flash mount. Triggering occurs cordlessly without having to fuss with wires. Any number of flash units can be operated simultaneously per infrared trigger; the precondition is that each flash unit has a servo cell. Here it is also necessary to make manual adjustments to the flash settings, as only the trigger impulse is transmitted.
Infrared trigger
Hama servo trigger
Standard synchronous cable
Synchronous connection
The precondition is a synchronous cable plug-in on the camera and the flash unit. Older flash units generally have an appropriate interface (see picture). If the interface doesn't exist, one can fall back on various adapters, not only for the flash units but also for the flash mount on the camera. Triggering via synchronous cable requires a manual adjustment to the flash unit settings, as the cable only transmits the trigger impulse.
Overview of mounting options
Flash mount servo trigger
Servo trigger for PC connection
Adapter for PC connection
PC synchronous cable
Nikon TLL cable
Canon TLL cable
Wireless
Depending upon which camera and which system flash unit are used, there are myriad alternatives for triggering and controlling them. Please always first consult the handbook for your camera or system flash unit.
