Post your latest purchases.

[Blue439]

New strobes are coming...

For a long time have I been worried about the fate of Phottix as a brand, and as a result, of the fate of the Phottix lighting equipment I own: 2 Indra500 studio strobes, 2 Mitros Plus cobra flashes, one Odin II flash controller, and a wide assortment of light modifiers: beauty dishes, softboxes, reflectors, etc.

Ten years ago or so, Phottix was a flourishing and innovative company that produced excellent quality products at very reasonable prices —and as a matter of fact, none of the Phottix products I own ever failed me. However, maybe 2–3 years ago, not having heard anything new for a while about Phottix and new products and the like, I researched the company and found that its online presence had shrunk considerably, to the point that I worried for a while about it having keeled over. Apparently, it is not the case, but the company has, for reasons undisclosed (but so many things happen in China that remain unexplained...), substantially diminished in size and does not keep innovating in the world of flash lighting the way it used to. I waited a couple of years since finding out about this alarming news, but Phottix never resurfaced as a major player, even though it is still there, more lurking in the shadows than anything else.

The lead role has, for many years, been taken over by Godox, which was only a distant second to Phottix back then. And so, in order to preserve my investment and keep up with current technology, I have decided, after much hesitation, to re-sell my Phottix equipment and buy a complement of Godox strobes. I will therefore be acquiring two AD600 Pro IIs (600 W/s, compared to the 500 of my current Indras) and one small AD100 Pro. The very first advantage I will immediately benefit from is that those strobes are monolights —in other words, they are self-contained with a built-in lithium battery: no more power cords snaking around my ankles, and no more restrictions on the placement of the lights for want of a longer cord...

Plus, the AD100 will come in aquamarine color, and is cute as a button.

Of course, it is a significant investment, but I hope to offset part of it with the proceeds from the resale of the Phottix gear, even though I know I will need to price that quite low in order to find takers. The good news is that, with the newest versions of the strobes I will be buying, Godox are walking away from their proprietary mount and adopting the Bowen standard mount. I will therefore be able to keep using all of my current light modifiers.

I will of course post photos of the new gear as it arrives.

 

[Blue439]

First arrival...

This baby is an X1 radio receiver. I will need it to set and trigger my Nikon SB–900 speedlight if I ever have to use it off-camera as part of a broader lighting scheme.

At first, I thought I would re-sell my two Phottix Mitros+ speedlights but then I realized I do not have to do that as they will just be considered by the Godox ecosystem as non-Godox Nikon flashes, like the SB–900. Therefore, I can keep them so as to have 6 lights in all: two AD600s, one AD100, the SB–900 and the two Mitros+. That would mean buying two additional X1 receivers but as each is less than 40 euros, it is not a big expense.

 

[Blue439]

Big delivery day today...

This arrived this morning:

Actually, I am expecting another one, and maybe this will interest someone. The fact is, it was much less expensive to buy the AD600 Pro II monolight packaged with an X Pro II trigger than as a standalone product! In a normal world, the trigger should have added about 80 euros to the price of the flash, but in this demented world of ours, the addition of a trigger in the package lowered the price by about 150 euros... not counting the additional revenue that the resale of the second trigger will bring, because I bought two AD600s under that crazy scheme...

The second trigger I bought for Canon, as I figured it would make it easier for me to re-sell... If anyone is interested... probably not on this forum, though...

More good stuff coming in later today...

 

[hark]

First arrival...

This baby is an X1 radio receiver. I will need it to set and trigger my Nikon SB–900 speedlight if I ever have to use it off-camera as part of a broader lighting scheme.

At first, I thought I would re-sell my two Phottix Mitros+ speedlights but then I realized I do not have to do that as they will just be considered by the Godox ecosystem as non-Godox Nikon flashes, like the SB–900. Therefore, I can keep them so as to have 6 lights in all: two AD600s, one AD100, the SB–900 and the two Mitros+. That would mean buying two additional X1 receivers but as each is less than 40 euros, it is not a big expense.
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I don't think you can trigger a non-Godox flash off camera when using your Godox trigger except if it is set to optical slave (never tried it with my NIkon flash so not sure if it is possible). Godox makes the X1R-N Wireless Flash Receiver which will integrate with your Godox system and will radio fire the Nikon flash when using the Godox trigger. Just put the flash on top of the Godox receiver and place it off camera. It should work with your Phottix flashes, too.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1341962-REG/godox_x1r_n_ttl_remote_controller.html

Be sure to keep the Godox batteries charged – especially the AD600 batteries. They've been notorious to drain completely making the charger ineffective to get them going. It used to be that the only way to jump start them was to open the battery and access terminals internally (lots of YouTube videos on how to do that). BUT it's my understanding Godox changed the newer batteries to having a button on the outside which somehow jumps it allowing it to start charging.

Don't leave the batteries on the charger once charged. The batteries can cause fires and also tend to discharge on the charger once fully charged. The recommendation by users is to charge Godox batteries to 80% if they are going to be stored then top them off before using.

Godox also has info in the user manual about over heating (thermal protection). Using the strobes repeatedly at full power or use of HSS beyond a certain number of shutter actuations can send them into thermal protection which disables the strobe from firing. That's when it's good to have a spare battery on hand (or use the optional wall plug instead of the battery). Make sure the strobe's light comes on inbetween flashes so it is ready to fire at its full strength. Just be mindful of the Godox batteries' care, and they should provide you with years of fun shooting!

If you aren't aware, Godox makes an extension head for the AD600 strobes. When using them outdoors, the strobe can be attached to a light stand using a clamp while the extension head is mounted on the Bowens mount. That helps prevent the light stand from toppling over in the wind (still recommended to weigh down the light stand). The strobe is so heavy that it can get blown over easily in the wind when it's mounted up top.

There isn't anything wrong with their system. It just takes a little care in ensuring the batteries are taken care of properly. I have the AD200 Pros and AD400 strobes. When not using them, I set a reminder in my phone to charge them on a regular basis.

 

[Blue439]

Thanks a lot for that detailed comment!

I don't think you can trigger a non-Godox flash off camera when using your Godox trigger except if it is set to optical slave (never tried it with my NIkon flash so not sure if it is possible). Godox makes the X1R-N Wireless Flash Receiver which will integrate with your Godox system and will radio fire the Nikon flash when using the Godox trigger. Just put the flash on top of the Godox receiver and place it off camera. It should work with your Phottix flashes, too.

I researched it before buying, and normally that receiver, in its latest version with updated firmware (first thing I did upon receiving it) should trigger my SB-900. Will try that over the next few days. There remains the issue of whether I can also use it to change the settings remotely on the SB-900. Normally (once again), it should work. But I’ve read everything and the contrary about it on the internet and the Godox prose isn’t very clear on the issue.

Be sure to keep the Godox batteries charged – especially the AD600 batteries. They've been notorious to drain completely making the charger ineffective to get them going. It used to be that the only way to jump start them was to open the battery and access terminals internally (lots of YouTube videos on how to do that). BUT it's my understanding Godox changed the newer batteries to having a button on the outside which somehow jumps it allowing it to start charging.

There is indeed that button you’re talking about on the battery. I will implement the precautions you recommend anyway.

If you aren't aware, Godox makes an extension head for the AD600 strobes. When using them outdoors, the strobe can be attached to a light stand using a clamp while the extension head is mounted on the Bowens mount. That helps prevent the light stand from toppling over in the wind (still recommended to weigh down the light stand). The strobe is so heavy that it can get blown over easily in the wind when it's mounted up top.

I knew about that head and I have been considering it. I hadn’t clicked to the fact that the lights would be quite a lot heavier than my Indras, but it makes sense because the battery is now on-board and not hooked up via cable. I understand what you’re saying about light stands toppling over in the wind. I do have sandbags but I will be extra careful. I have good stands, payload-wise, but of course the wind is always a risk. I don’t do a lot of outdoor shooting with flashes, so that risk remains minimal.

Thanks again for all the interesting info! Will let you know how it goes.

 

[hark]

Thanks a lot for that detailed comment!


I researched it before buying, and normally that receiver, in its latest version with updated firmware (first thing I did upon receiving it) should trigger my SB-900. Will try that over the next few days. There remains the issue of whether I can also use it to change the settings remotely on the SB-900.

The settings have to be changed by walking over to the flash to change them. They cannot be changed through the trigger that you have on your camera.

 

[Blue439]

Not the best photo I ever took, but hey! They’re here! The AD600 Pro II beasts have arrived, I have configured them and they seem to work very well... Awaiting the cute little aquamarine AD100 Pro now, and the new lighting kit will be complete.

 

[Blue439]

The settings have to be changed by walking over to the flash to change them. They cannot be changed through the trigger that you have on your camera.

You were right, the X1R receiver triggers the flash but at full power. Changing the settings on the XII Pro transmitter doesn’t do anything.

So, which device do you think I should get to be able to set the SB-900 flash remotely? I will obviously return this X1R.

Many thanks in advance!

Note: now that I have the AD100 Pro (which, aside from being super-cute, puts out a lot more light than the SB-900), I will use the Nikon flash only as a tertiary light source. Whenever I can walk around and shoot the AD100 handheld repeatedly to light the places I want, additionally to whatever light the two AD600s will give me, I think I am all set for most situations, including large buildings and monuments. But since the SB-900 exists, might as well have what it takes to use it inn case of need...

 

[Blue439]

And this is the new, cute little baby lit by its bigger brothers...

Nikon Z7 II, Nikkor S 135mm, ƒ/1.8 S Plena lens. Gitzo tripod, Arca-Swiss Cube C1 geared head. Flash lighting. Composite shot made up of 10 focus-stacked exposures, set automatically using the built-in function on the camera. Stack processed with Helicon Focus software, Method B.

 

[hark]

You were right, the X1R receiver triggers the flash but at full power. Changing the settings on the XII Pro transmitter doesn’t do anything.

So, which device do you think I should get to be able to set the SB-900 flash remotely? I will obviously return this X1R.

Many thanks in advance!

Note: now that I have the AD100 Pro (which, aside from being super-cute, puts out a lot more light than the SB-900), I will use the Nikon flash only as a tertiary light source. Whenever I can walk around and shoot the AD100 handheld repeatedly to light the places I want, additionally to whatever light the two AD600s will give me, I think I am all set for most situations, including large buildings and monuments. But since the SB-900 exists, might as well have what it takes to use it inn case of need...

The one I linked earlier is the one I have. Are you setting the flash in manual mode, not TTL? If you have it set manually, maybe the receiver is faulty.

 

[Blue439]

The one I linked earlier is the one I have. Are you setting the flash in manual mode, not TTL? If you have it set manually, maybe the receiver is faulty.

If, by “the one I linked earlier”, you mean this one:

I don't think you can trigger a non-Godox flash off camera when using your Godox trigger except if it is set to optical slave (never tried it with my NIkon flash so not sure if it is possible). Godox makes the X1R-N Wireless Flash Receiver which will integrate with your Godox system and will radio fire the Nikon flash when using the Godox trigger. Just put the flash on top of the Godox receiver and place it off camera. It should work with your Phottix flashes, too.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1341962-REG/godox_x1r_n_ttl_remote_controller.html

... then that one is the X1R – N, and that’s the exact same one I bought. It has the problems I describe above:

• can fire the Nikon flash but only “locally”, by pressing the TEST button on the X1R – N itself;
• canNOT fire the Nikon flash remotely from the X Pro II – N transmitter on the camera (i.e., when I actuate th shutter, the transmitter sends a signal but the Nikon flash does not go off); and
• cannot SET the Nikon flash, i.e., change the power setting on it remotely.

And yes, I tried all this while in M mode, which is the way I usually work with my flashes.

I have tried to find the answer to my question (“Which Godox gizmo will allow me to set and fire the SB-900 remotely from the X Pro II N trigger?”) all over the internet, no cigar. I have some “this gizmo will fire it” answers (X2T – N), but no explicit confirmation on “this gizmo will fire it and set it remotely”. I have asked the Strobepro outlet guys, they have very detailed and well-made tutorials on Youtube about using Godox gear, waiting for them to respond, if they ever do.

If worse comes to worst, I’ll buy a Godox cobra flash with a built-in receiver, so that I’ll be sure it’ll work with the X system, and I’ll keep the SB-900 for when I need to shoot with on-camera flash (not often).

 

[Blue439]

Update: Kevin, the technician from Strobepro in Canada, saved the day. He told me the SB-900 should in fact be set to TTL, with any and all Nikon-only options turned off.

So, I did as he said, and bingo! Not only the SB-900 fires, but I can very well set and adjust its output directly from the X Pro II transmitter on the Z7 II camera! Easy as pie.

Next step is to see whether that works also on the two Phottix Mitros+ cobra flashes I also keep. The work perfectly well, would probably not be worth much on the resale market but could come in extremely handy in certain situations...

 

[Blue439]

The Mitros+ haven’t proved very cooperative. I have decided to sell them both and acquire a Godox AD200 Pro II instead. The form factor, bulk and weight seem fine.

 

[hark]

Update: Kevin, the technician from Strobepro in Canada, saved the day. He told me the SB-900 should in fact be set to TTL, with any and all Nikon-only options turned off.

So, I did as he said, and bingo! Not only the SB-900 fires, but I can very well set and adjust its output directly from the X Pro II transmitter on the Z7 II camera! Easy as pie.

Next step is to see whether that works also on the two Phottix Mitros+ cobra flashes I also keep. The work perfectly well, would probably not be worth much on the resale market but could come in extremely handy in certain situations...

That's interesting! Glad you were able to get it sorted out!!

 

[Blue439]

That's interesting! Glad you were able to get it sorted out!!

Thanks Cindy! Next, I tried with the Phottix Mitros Plus flashes, but despite them being “for Nikon”, and having worked fine for years with my Phottix Odin II transmitter;, they proved uncooperative, and I decided to resell them both.

Instead I got a Godox AD200 Pro II which is almost the same form factor and bulk, and three times the power. It should arrive today (Saturday), or else Monday.

It can work with two different heads, a Fresnel-type one, like a speedlight, and also a barebulb one, like a “normal” studio strobe:

I can’t wait to start using it!

 

[BF Hammer]

Had to update my signature. Came home from the camera store today with a used Z14-24mm f/2.8. It was my intended next lens to buy and fill a hole in my zoom range. When looking up lenses for somebody else this past week I discovered the lens at my local store available. Unfortunately the only things missing was both of the lens hoods, so I will be purchasing the filter threaded HB-97 hood soon.

 

[hark]

Had to update my signature. Came home from the camera store today with a used Z14-24mm f/2.8. It was my intended next lens to buy and fill a hole in my zoom range. When looking up lenses for somebody else this past week I discovered the lens at my local store available. Unfortunately the only things missing was both of the lens hoods, so I will be purchasing the filter threaded HB-97 hood soon.

Nice acquisition! Does it allow a front filter, or is it too bulbous? I have the Nikon 14mm f/2.8 prime lens. It is so bulbous that is has a leatherette pouch that covers the front element, not a lens cap.

 

[BF Hammer]

Cindy, It has a special-shaped pinch-on plastic lens cover (it only fits in one orientation). It takes rear gel filters and if you fit the HB-97 lens-hood there is filter threads inside to use a front filter. That is the reason I am shopping for that lens hood. There is also an aftermarket hood available made of aluminum with threads for filters in front. It is only $10 more than the plastic Nikon hood.

Now I wonder if somebody has made a light pollution rear gel filter for Milky Way photos?

 

[hark]

Cindy....

Now I wonder if somebody has made a light pollution rear gel filter for Milky Way photos?

That's a great question! I dunno but I hope you find one. Wouldn't a rear gel have to be sized specifically for that lens though? I'd think rear lenses would come in a variety of sizes depending on how the lens manufacturer made the lens.

 

[Blue439]

Had to update my signature. Came home from the camera store today with a used Z14-24mm f/2.8. It was my intended next lens to buy and fill a hole in my zoom range. When looking up lenses for somebody else this past week I discovered the lens at my local store available. Unfortunately the only things missing was both of the lens hoods, so I will be purchasing the filter threaded HB-97 hood soon.

Nice purchase, I hope you will like this lens. I tried it myself a few years ago, ended up finding it too heavy and bulky v. the 14-30/4 S. I couldn’t justify the difference and size and weight for the wider aperture, as I very rarely need to work between ƒ/2.8 and 4 for the kind of photography I mostly do these days —rather around ƒ/8, in fact. And I have fast primes for the rare occasion. That said, it is a great lens and I’m sure you will have a good time with it.