Which kind of external flash trigger would I need?

Hi, I have a Flashpoint R2 O mini flash, which I think is the same as the Godox TT350o. Don’t use it much because due to the added weight and how it throws of the balance of my small cameras; E-M10 mkii, E-PM2 and G5.

I was watching a video on taking portraits with two flashes and it occurred to me that I could try placing the R2 in a tripod and use the optical trigger, but then I thought that getting a radio trigger? could be very useful not only for portraits, but also for macro photography and even wildlife. If it works well in a few months I could add an additional full size full manual flash.

If possible I would like a trigger that can TTL with the Flashpoint but also trigger the manual flash if I decide to get one. I can probably work with just 'regular' 1/160-250s sync speeds too. Any advice?

I have no idea where to begging… Can someone post a link to a good article or video tutorial explaining the options?

Thanks

M_digicapt wrote:

Hi, I have a Flashpoint R2 O mini flash, which I think is the same as the Godox TT350o.

It is.

....I would like a trigger that can TTL with the Flashpoint but also trigger the manual flash if I decide to get one. I can probably work with just 'regular' 1/160-250s sync speeds too. Any advice?

If you're getting Godox speedlights, the single-pin manual ones (TT600 and V850II) can't do TTL/HSS on a camera hotshoe, but can do HSS/remote M power control over radio. If you get the TTL speedlights as slaves (TT350/V350, TT685/V860II, V1), they can also do TTL as slaves as well as be TTL/HSS radio masters on the camera hotshoe.

But, as you noticed, the dedicated TTL transmitters are smaller and lighter than the speedlights. These days, you have five choices of transmitter. From oldest to newest:

• X1T-o / Flashpoint R2. $45. Oldest and worst UI, but cheapest of the TTL triggers but has a hotshoe up top.
• XPro-o / Flashpoint R2 Pro ($70 / $40 on sale at Adorama at the mo). Much better UI than the X1T, and has TCM (TTL-convert-to-Manual) feature to lock in power levels set in TTL to M mode.
• Flashpoint R2 Pro II-o [Adorama exclusive, $70]. Finessed XPro UI with additional buttons. Better button press sequences for TCM use, and allows Bluetooth app control over your lights from your phone.
• X2T-o / Flashpoint R2 II-o. $60. Update to the X1T bringing in some features from the XPro and R2 Pro II, including bluetooth app control (but not TCM).
• Flashpoint R2 SPT (single-pin transmitter) is manual only, so you probably don't want that, but it's the cheapest at $25 apiece, and an easy way to use a non-Godox studio strobe in the triggering system.

I have no idea where to [begin]… Can someone post a link to a good article or video tutorial explaining the options?

Robert Hall has a few videos on youtube that describe the differences. And Flash Havoc has product announcements for all of them at lay out the basic specs as well as a good basic overview of the Godox system.

My recommendation would be to get the Xpro-O at $40 on sale from Adorama. I use this transmitter on my GX7 with a TT350o, TT685c, and two TT600s. I think it'll do what you want it to do.

dinoSnake wrote:

https://www.adorama.com/fprrr2proo.html

Can't go wrong for $39

I have a Godox version of the smaller flash (which is great!) and bought a trigger which Ive used a bit for off-camera flash (to good effect). The trigger will work TTL with a TTL capable flash, though if you ever use more than one flash, you'll probably want to use them on manual.

The trigger that I have is a bit smaller than the one in this link and is the cheaper option. Since this one is on sale right now though, I'd get that one as it looks to be far nicer tan the one that I own. I'm not sure of the extra features that this one might have, but I can see from the layout of it that it has a much better interface and will be easier and less frustrating to use than mine. Easier to use gear, at least in my experience, means that I'll be far more likely to use it...

M_digicapt wrote:

Aaron801 wrote:

dinoSnake wrote:

https://www.adorama.com/fprrr2proo.html

Can't go wrong for $39

I have a Godox version of the smaller flash (which is great!) and bought a trigger which Ive used a bit for off-camera flash (to good effect). The trigger will work TTL with a TTL capable flash, though if you ever use more than one flash, you'll probably want to use them on manual.

The trigger that I have is a bit smaller than the one in this link and is the cheaper option. Since this one is on sale right now though, I'd get that one as it looks to be far nicer tan the one that I own. I'm not sure of the extra features that this one might have, but I can see from the layout of it that it has a much better interface and will be easier and less frustrating to use than mine. Easier to use gear, at least in my experience, means that I'll be far more likely to use it...

Thanks. Which model do you use? I might go for the smaller option...

I've got this one: https://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Channels-Wireless-Transmitter-Panasonic/dp/B073JGV8QS/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1EFPONTFTDVZE&keywords=godox+trigger+olympus&qid=1567448614&s=gateway&sprefix=Godox+trigger+olympus%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-3

Though as I said, I'd much prefer the step up one, which it seems at Adaroma right now is actually the cheaper option. I don't think that either of these things is all that large and the only advantage that I see to the X1T model that I can see is that it has a hot shoe on top.  Any scenario that I can think of where I'd be using off camera flash though, I'd likely be using any and all flashes off camera anyway so the hot shoe wouldn't be used. The X1T works fine but I find the controls a bit fiddly and I imagine that bigger one with the bigger LCD on top is easier to use, which would be a huge advantage...

M_digicapt wrote:

kli wrote:

... Robert Hall has a few videos on youtube that describe the differences. And Flash Havoc has product announcements for all of them at lay out the basic specs as well as a good basic overview of the Godox system. ..

Thanks! Will check the links out...

You're welcome. More specific links:

Robert Hall videos (he is, btw, sponsored by Adorama these days), newest to oldest:

• X2T
• R2 Pro II, and after using for a while, a second review .
• XPro (more an announcement than a review, as he got the Canon version and he only shot NIkon at the time ;), but does state a lot of reasons he likes it over the X1T.
• What he doesn't like about the X1T.

Flash Havoc product announcements (oldest to newest):

• X1T-O (there is, btw, no X1R-O, the X1 receiver only comes in Canon, Nikon, and Sony flavors)
• XPro-O
• R2 Pro II (since then, a firmware updated has added the SCAN function for setting the channel to the least-crowded one automatically).
• X2T
• SPT

Aaron801 wrote:

M_digicapt wrote:

Aaron801 wrote:

dinoSnake wrote:

https://www.adorama.com/fprrr2proo.html

Can't go wrong for $39

I have a Godox version of the smaller flash (which is great!) and bought a trigger which Ive used a bit for off-camera flash (to good effect). The trigger will work TTL with a TTL capable flash, though if you ever use more than one flash, you'll probably want to use them on manual.

The trigger that I have is a bit smaller than the one in this link and is the cheaper option. Since this one is on sale right now though, I'd get that one as it looks to be far nicer tan the one that I own. I'm not sure of the extra features that this one might have, but I can see from the layout of it that it has a much better interface and will be easier and less frustrating to use than mine. Easier to use gear, at least in my experience, means that I'll be far more likely to use it...

Thanks. Which model do you use? I might go for the smaller option...

I've got this one: https://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Channels-Wireless-Transmitter-Panasonic/dp/B073JGV8QS/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1EFPONTFTDVZE&keywords=godox+trigger+olympus&qid=1567448614&s=gateway&sprefix=Godox+trigger+olympus%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-3

Though as I said, I'd much prefer the step up one, which it seems at Adaroma right now is actually the cheaper option. I don't think that either of these things is all that large and the only advantage that I see to the X1T model that I can see is that it has a hot shoe on top. Any scenario that I can think of where I'd be using off camera flash though, I'd likely be using any and all flashes off camera anyway so the hot shoe wouldn't be used. The X1T works fine but I find the controls a bit fiddly and I imagine that bigger one with the bigger LCD on top is easier to use, which would be a huge advantage..

Or if you really want the X1T buy the Pro model that's on sale and I'll be happy to trade my XT1 plus $20 for it...

M_digicapt wrote:

Hi, I have a Flashpoint R2 O mini flash, which I think is the same as the Godox TT350o. Don’t use it much because due to the added weight and how it throws of the balance of my small cameras; E-M10 mkii, E-PM2 and G5.

Added Weight? Your flash weighs 7oz. Lol. The Godox transmitters weigh between 2.8 and 3.5oz, so you only save 3.5oz or so adding a trigger. And you mentioned adding a Tripod in your set which is more weight to carry around. Correct me if I am wrong, but you are trying to work out a solution for a few ounce problem?

I was watching a video on taking portraits with two flashes and it occurred to me that I could try placing the R2 in a tripod and use the optical trigger, but then I thought that getting a radio trigger? could be very useful not only for portraits, but also for macro photography and even wildlife. If it works well in a few months I could add an additional full size full manual flash.

If possible I would like a trigger that can TTL with the Flashpoint but also trigger the manual flash if I decide to get one. I can probably work with just 'regular' 1/160-250s sync speeds too. Any advice?

I have no idea where to begging… Can someone post a link to a good article or video tutorial explaining the options?

Thanks

M_digicapt wrote:

flbdig wrote:

M_digicapt wrote:

Hi, I have a Flashpoint R2 O mini flash, which I think is the same as the Godox TT350o. Don’t use it much because due to the added weight and how it throws of the balance of my small cameras; E-M10 mkii, E-PM2 and G5.

Added Weight? Your flash weighs 7oz. Lol. The Godox transmitters weigh between 2.8 and 3.5oz, so you only save 3.5oz or so adding a trigger. And you mentioned adding a Tripod in your set which is more weight to carry around. Correct me if I am wrong, but you are trying to work out a solution for a few ounce problem?

I was watching a video on taking portraits with two flashes and it occurred to me that I could try placing the R2 in a tripod and use the optical trigger, but then I thought that getting a radio trigger? could be very useful not only for portraits, but also for macro photography and even wildlife. If it works well in a few months I could add an additional full size full manual flash.

If possible I would like a trigger that can TTL with the Flashpoint but also trigger the manual flash if I decide to get one. I can probably work with just 'regular' 1/160-250s sync speeds too. Any advice?

I have no idea where to begging… Can someone post a link to a good article or video tutorial explaining the options?

Thanks

You are wrong....

I mostly use manual lens and find that the flash throws the balance off when manual focusing. Also, having the flash off camera offers many advantages.

Btw, Not my case, but many people have switched to M43 to save a few ounces...

I understand switching to a smaller system, I have a large investment in m43 including OM-D E-M1 Mark II, Pen-F and a G9 and I have used them all professionally. I also have the Lithium Ion version of your flash. So we are in agreement about m43 and size. And I have various size lens and that flash has never effected any of my manual focusing. I also use off camera flash at every wedding and portrait shoot that I do, as well as on camera Flash.

My question was you are talking about the Weight of the small flash vs the weight of a Transmitter and the difference is going to be ounces.

But if you feel you need a solution that takes care of the balance i hope you find a good solution.

M_digicapt wrote:

flbdig wrote:

M_digicapt wrote:

Hi, I have a Flashpoint R2 O mini flash, which I think is the same as the Godox TT350o. Don’t use it much because due to the added weight and how it throws of the balance of my small cameras; E-M10 mkii, E-PM2 and G5.

Added Weight? Your flash weighs 7oz. Lol. The Godox transmitters weigh between 2.8 and 3.5oz, so you only save 3.5oz or so adding a trigger. And you mentioned adding a Tripod in your set which is more weight to carry around. Correct me if I am wrong, but you are trying to work out a solution for a few ounce problem?

I was watching a video on taking portraits with two flashes and it occurred to me that I could try placing the R2 in a tripod and use the optical trigger, but then I thought that getting a radio trigger? could be very useful not only for portraits, but also for macro photography and even wildlife. If it works well in a few months I could add an additional full size full manual flash.

If possible I would like a trigger that can TTL with the Flashpoint but also trigger the manual flash if I decide to get one. I can probably work with just 'regular' 1/160-250s sync speeds too. Any advice?

I have no idea where to begging… Can someone post a link to a good article or video tutorial explaining the options?

Thanks

You are wrong....

I mostly use manual lens and find that the flash throws the balance off when manual focusing. Also, having the flash off camera offers many advantages.

Btw, Not my case, but many people have switched to M43 to save a few ounces...

I haven't used the "pro" version of the trigger, but using the smaller, cheaper one with my EM10 and now the Pen F wasn't a problem for me. The pro one is slightly bigger and heavier but it's not as big or bulky as a flash unit so I can't really imagine that even on a smaller camera (like the ones that I've used) the weight of it would be much of an issue...