Canon/Non-Canon Flash and Calumet LiteLink

[bongeiste]

I'm a rank amateur starving student who is considering the possibility of moving

his flash off-camera. Right now I have a Canon 420 EX which has been reliable in

terms of not breaking down (knock on wood), but my results have usually been

pretty horrible (not the flash's fault). I realize that I have a lot to learn

about flash photography both on-camera as well as off-camera, but I'm giving

serious consideration to buying a wireless system. I've done some searching for

input on the Calumet system and have come up empty. Pocket Wizards seem to be

the way to go, but they are simply out of my price range. At the other end of

the range, I've heard that the $30 wireless systems may be unreliable. The

Calumet system seems to fall in the middle. I'm not setting up a studio; this

would be for portable use. Are there other systems that have a decent range (at

least 20 feet) without a line-of-sight limitation and are reliable? Also, I was

considering buying at least one non-Canon flash to use with the wireless system

as it seems cheaper than buying a Canon 580 EX which has onboard manual

controls. Are there any problems with mixing systems like that?

[matthewkane]

Francis -

You may want to look into the quantum 4i radio units. They are considerably less

expensive than the pocket wizards. They are a bit dated and bulky, but I hear they work

rather well. You just have to be sure to get the same CHANNEL receivers and transmitters.

I have seen some used units on bhphoto.com and adorama in the past. They can be less

than $200. They appear extremely reliable with no sight limitations.

<p>

 

I am wondering the same thing... can I fire a nikon flash using pocket wizards with a canon

camera? As long as it's not on my camera's hot shoe? I don't see why not, but I wanted to

ask anyways... thanks.

[tristan_uldum]

"I am wondering the same thing... can I fire a nikon flash using pocket wizards with a canon camera? As long as it's not on my camera's hot shoe?"

 

I was wondering the same as I have a Sigma flash, and I am now pretty sure the answer is yes, but you would want a flash with full manual control on it as I think the PW just triggers the flash, ie. no TTL or E-TTL stuff going on there. Check http://strobist.blogspot.com/ and start at "Lighting 101". I just discovered this site and so far its awesome.