The best flash triggers allow you to position your speed light far away from your camera, creating new and exciting lighting set-ups.
Using a wireless flash trigger may be a far better bet. Not only does an honest radio-frequency trigger offer to 100 meters of range, you'll often use one transmitter to regulate multiple flashguns separated into several groups.
It’s great for replicating a studio flash head setup, with a separate key, fill and accent lights. The sole downside is you’ll need a further receiver for each extra flashgun you would like to include, though some modern flashguns can pack inbuilt receivers.
Another thing in touch in mind is, unlike an easy cord that enables all flashgun functions; many low and mid-range wireless triggers can’t transmit TTL metering or other specialist signals. Consequently, you'll need to resort to manual flash control, which may be time-consuming.
Finally, wireless flash triggers are usually designed to figure with one camera brand with remote camera control, but we’ve included an exception.
Five things to observe out for
Channel hopping
With frequency triggering comes possible interference from other RF devices. A system with multiple channel options or channel coding will exclude uninvited waves.
Stand back
All the kits we’ve featured use frequency triggering, which unlike cheaper infra-red systems, usually provide up to 100m of range without having an immediate line of sight.
Sync speed
Typically, a flash trigger will enable a shutter speed up to 1/250sec, but top-end systems boast high-speed sync with compatible flashguns, enabling up to 1/8000sec shutter speeds.
Stay put
Don’t fancy dalliance running between multiple flashguns to line their power? More advanced triggers will allow you to remotely control flashgun output from the transmitter.
TTL triggering
A triggering system that wirelessly transmits TTL metering signals may be a must if you believe the hearth and forget the simplicity of a TTL flashgun, but these triggers inevitably carry a premium.
