Canon-Skyport trigger problem...

[dooge]

Hi all,

I am after a bit of advice....

Ive shot a lot of mountain biking recently and started using my flashgun off camera to get the angles right. I was using a sync cable which turned out to be a nightmare and only slightly less limiting than having it on camera!

I recently invested in a Elinchrom Skyport triggering kit, thinking that as well as having a bit more flexibility with distance and over rough terrain I would also be able to run a faster shutter speed.

So far Ive only been able to get the camera to sync at the standard sync speed of 1/250th, however my understanding was the skyport kit would enable me to shoot at higher shutters speeds? I am using a Canon 40D, 580mkII (manual mode) with a Elinchrom Skyport univeral trigger set and PW cable connecting the flash the reciever unit.

This might be a common question, and I feel embarassed to ask as Ive just finished a photography degree!

Any answers would be greatly appreciated!

Doug

[george.monaghan]

Hi,

I think you need high speed sync in manual mode and that has to be enabled.

You doing that?

[chaz]

As these modules are made for studio strobes I would have doubted you would have any camera control through these, below might be better though.

Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2
When attached to the camera's accessory shoe, this transmitter allows wireless control of Speedlite 580EX II and/or 430EX slave units. The brightness and lighting ratio of multiple units can be controlled through E-TTL II autoflash metering, and an AF auxiliary flash function for area autofocus is provided

[george.monaghan]

Hi,

Checked my manual. Works to 1/1000 in hi speed mode. Works Ok with mine up to 1/500. Not used it any faster.

[dooge]

George, is that a Canon setup with a Canon flashgun? I was thinking the flash duration a flashgun (any flashgun) pushes out is too short to register any more than the standard sync speed on a focal plane shutter, however with a longer flash duration from a studio flash it would push it up.

If its got to be used at 1/250th of a second thats dissapointing; I need 1/400th or more to get a sharp images from some of the riders!

[george.monaghan]

Hi,

I use a 580 EX ll in hi sync.

[dooge]

Ive just tryed it in manual mode, hi speed sync flash on and camera on full manual and its still not playing ball above the standard sync speed. Anything in camera I need to turn on?

[chaz]

Does the skyports support HSS.

[george.monaghan]

Hi,

I normally use my friends guns as he has had sockets put in the base of the guns. Using the normal sync lead I can only get 1/320.

Will have to check with my friends guns now rather than this long cord to gun pc sync connector.

I think that is the difference here. What do you use to connect the trigger to the gun?

[steveathome]

You will not be able to sync any faster than the camera's normal sync speed when using sky-ports, most probably your sync speed will drop a little.

The 1/1000 sync speed that sky-ports specify is obtainable with camera's that can sync at that speed, ie would be more suitable with leaf shutters (as in medium format gear).

I doubt using hi sync mode would be suitable anyway for moving objects, as multiple flashes are produced.

Surely the OP's aperture needs to be closed down more so that exposure is made with the flash rather than ambient light?

Unless I'm missing something here :(x

[dooge]

Steve, I know you are right after thinking about it. I assumed because my camera and flashgun can sync past 1/1000th of a second using the high speed sync setting when mounted on the camera that that would also happen when using the Skyport triggering kit.

When Im taking photos of cycling and using the off camera flash it would be useful to get a faster shutter speed to help keep them sharp as they are often going very fast. I also dont like using the flash any more than providing a good exposure; I want the lighting to be fairly low key and just highlight the rider rather than make him stand out.

I would show you but I cant post links up just yet!

[chaz]

You can still post your photos using the manage attachments button when you scroll down the page of your post.

[george.monaghan]

Hi,

Using radio triggers (Pocket Wizards) you can only sync at the usual speed although the new editions will sync at 1/1000 +_ on Canon flashguns.

I use the Elinchrom lights and Canon flashguns with new bases fitted to enable the Skyports to connect. Using the provided sync connector on the 580 EXll I can only get 1/320 on a Canon 1D.

Will have to experiment with my friends guns and confirm what speeds can be achieved just using the Canon flash.

Not sure when the new pocket wizards will be available in the UK - they might be already.

They do sync to the speeds you want though - no problem:


Now avaivalbe - link here: http://www.pocketwizard.com/products/transmitter_receiver/minitt1-canon-ce/

http://www.pocketwizard.com/

[george.monaghan]

Hi,

Link to buy is here:


http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/ctl?query=pocket+wizards&ac.ui.pn=search.Search

:ok:

[dooge]

George, you are brilliant! That is exactly what I need! However, at over £400 just to connect one camera and one flashgun on Calumet Im going to have to do some saving before I can get them...

Going back to the photos, heres one I took a few months ago using off camera flash and a sync cord.