Quite a few readers have been asking for a Sony TTL and HSS-compatible remote commander compatible with the Sony Multi Interface Shoe. First up to the plate is Nissin flash with the Air 1 Commander for Nissin hotshoe flash.
Nissin Di700A Flash Kit with Air 1 Commander for Sony Cameras with Multi Interface Shoe ($299 at B&H)
Nissin Di700A Flash Kit with Air 1 Commander for Sony Cameras with Multi Interface Shoe ($299 at B&H) bundles the Air 1 Commander together with Nissin Air System-capable Di700A Flash with its 177′ guide number at ISO 100 and 200mm. Users will easily be able to transition from on- to off-camera lighting and maintain full control of their lights along with Sony ADI / P-TTL capabilities. The Nissin Air System utilizes 2.4 GHz radio transmission with a 98′ range to grant reliable wireless triggering without need for line-of-sight. Also, the Commander can control the power and zoom settings for flashes in 8 channels and 3 groups as well as transmit exposure compensation settings from -2 to +2 EV.
The flash itself has impressive specs with a zoom range of 24-200mm, which can be expanded to 16mm with the built-in diffusion panel, and a bounce head with tilt from -7 to 90° and rotation left & right 180°. Also, it runs on 4 AA batteries and has a recycle time of 0.1 to 4 seconds. This flash and commander feature the newer Sony Multi Interface Shoe and are not directly compatible with the older Sony/Minolta-style Auto-lock Accessory Shoe.
Nissin Di700A Flash + Air 1 Commander Kit Includes:
Nissin Air System-capable Di700A Flash ($259 at B&H) with its 177′ guide number at ISO 100 and 200mm with the Air 1 Commander, users will easily be able to transition from on- to off-camera lighting and maintain full control of their lights along with Sony ADI / P-TTL capabilities. The Nissin Air System utilizes 2.4 GHz radio transmission with a 98′ range to grant reliable wireless triggering without need for line-of-sight. Also, the Commander can control the power and zoom settings for flashes in 8 channels and 3 groups as well as transmit exposure compensation settings from -2 to +2 EV.
The flash sports impressive specs with a zoom range of 24-200mm, which can be expanded to 16mm with the built-in diffusion panel, and a bounce head with tilt from -7 to 90° and rotation left & right 180°. It runs on 4 AA batteries and has a recycle time of 0.1 to 4 seconds. This flash uses the newer Sony Multi Interface Shoe and are not directly compatible with the older Sony/Minolta-style Auto-lock Shoe.
PLUS
Nissin Air 1 Commander for Sony Cameras with Multi Interface Shoe ($79 at B&H Photo)
Nissin Air 1 Commander ($79 at B&H Photo), featuring the Nissin Air System with 2.4 GHz radio transmission for wireless master TTL control over NAS-compatible flash units. This unit is compatible with Sony cameras with Multi Interface Shoe that utilize ADI / P-TTL metering and offers a triggering range of up to 98′. Also, it features eight channels and three groups for setting up numerous flashes with different settings and modes all from the commander unit.
High-speed sync is supported with a maximum sync speed of 1/8000 second along with compatibility for slow, 1st & 2nd curtain sync modes. The zoom setting of the flash can also be manually adjusted from 24-200mm along with the power from 1/1 to 1/128. The Air 1 features a color LED control panel to view settings and make adjustments as well as an AF assist beam for focusing in low light conditions. This radio commander unit features the newer Sony Multi Interface Shoe and is not directly compatible with the older Sony/Minolta-style Auto-lock Accessory Shoe.
Accessories:
Nissin PS 8 Power Pack for Sony Flashes (Order Here for $249) is a dedicated high voltage battery designed to maximize the performance of a Sony shoe-mount flash unit. The PS 8 can provide up to 550 full-power flashes on a single charge and will shorten the recharge rate to between 0.5-0.7 seconds. This ensures that during long shoots you will not miss a single moment.
Nissin PS 8 can support up to two on-camera flash units at once, meaning that fewer items need to be packed for a shoot. Also, you can regulate the power output to your needs. This keeps you from wasting battery power from damaging your flash.
Additionally, the circuitry of the power pack has been redesigned for better heat reduction than older models and has a high-strength plastic housing to cut down on weight. Combine this with the belt clip or included strap and it can be easily carried while shooting. Also included are a power supply cable, battery pack charger, and soft case with rainproof cover.
Optional Accessory:
Nissin PS 8 Ni-MH Battery Pack (Order Here for $79.95) is compatible with the PS 8 Power Pack. Provides up to 550 full-power flashes on a single four hour charge and is built to last for 500 charge/discharge cycles. Features a quick loading design, making it easier to swap batteries out during a shoot.
57 thoughts on “Nissin Air 1 Commander for Sony Multi Interface Shoe”
Hi Brian…looks great…do you know if one will be able to use the flash in the hotshoe as a transmitter with a second or third light? THANKS! Paul
Hey Paul, the product PDF is not clear in terms using one of the Di700A Flashes as a transmitter, so I wouldn’t count on that.
If you’re looking to use flash on camera to control off-camera flash, I can think of two better options. Either to use a combination of Sony HVL-F20M, HVL-F32M, HVL-F43M and HVL-F60M flashes
…OR…the other intriguing option is…Phottix Mitros+ TTL Tranceiver Flash for Sony Multi-Interface Shoe which will also do everything you ask for…and…HINT, HINT…they have a new Odin 2 Commander that might be coming soon…
Hello Brian, does the flash itself have TTL so it can be use on camera?
Yes it does. Here’s a link to the Nissin Di700A Flash.
Hi Brian!.
Just a question.I have a sony a7 and a flash HVL-F43M.If I’m not mistaken…Could I use one NISSIN AIR 1 COMMANDER for trigger TTL flash via wifi?.Am i right?.In a month i will visit NY and i would buy one.
Thanks in advance.
Wouldn’t that be Awesome?
Unfortunately every flash trigger uses it’s own protocols.
Nissin Air 1 Commander is only compatible with Nissin Air System-capable Di700A Flash
After ordering the Nissan di700a and Air1 Commander combo 10 days ago, I just contacted B&H and they’re now saying these will not ship for 4 months until September.
Hi Rick, I’m checking with B&H to see if that’s an accurate date.
Hi Brian, why are you talking about this flash when you’ve posted a Canon or Nikon version hotshoe? The flash as well as the transmitter shown are not Sony (MIS).
Nevertheless, ATG/Nissin will not release to camera stores until after 9/11.
The demand are great on this flash system that many are not buying Profoto B1, Canon 600EX RT or Nikon SB-910 w/PW FLEXTT5.
But you are correct this is the best for Sony & the price will hurt those OEM companies.
ATG says,
– Flash on camera behaves just like Sony HVL-F60M, Canon 600EX-RT or Nikon SB-910″.
– Plus it has 3.5mm/PC sync sockets, HV socket & can do radio 24-200mm zoom.
– One must select Sony or Canon or Nikon if buying Nissin.
– Using C/L/O/N/P/S only available from ATG.
ATG suggests not to be rough on the Multi-Interface-Shoe, not to bend & get those leads dirty. The wait-list is over 4 months & all are being pre-paid/pre-order on Sony in Asia & Europe on Leica/Hasselblad and Samsung versions.
For a fact this model that I am testing is much better than Sony HVL-F60M flash.
The Sony HVL-F60M is really bad.
I don’t recommend this for even beginners to use.
Amateurs & pros hate the HVL-F60M because it overheats & shutdown very quickly.
That flashlight is a joke.
And the flash has no PC Sync Socket.
Manufacturers don’t always provide separate photos for each version of a product so I do my best with the photos they supply. This flash was originally slated for Spring 2015 but has been pushed back until Fall 2015. Like every product, pre-orders will be filled first when it’s available.
So true. Many stores have none in stock but used fancy wording, “More to come, Coming soon & etc.
When they really have none in stock.
Did you know that ATG is also working with Yongnuo & Godox.
Yongnuo will have it in Sony soon.
Godox will have barebulb TTL in 2016.
ATG/Yongnuo/Godox/CheetahLight are hurting Sony/Canon/Nikon/Quantum/Pocket Wizard sales.
Brian which would you buy if you are using Hasselblad HD or Canon camera, ATG Gold or Canon ETTL II flashes?
Many struggling photographers are going ATG/Yongnuo/Phottix over Canon 600EX RT and Nikon SB-910.
ATG wants the price on YN600EX RT to be $155.00.
Canon wants 600EX RT for over $550.00.
Nikon wants their outdated SB-910 for $550.00.
Easy math, which one would you think many would pick?
Hi I have Sony A7 II camera and i like to know is there some flash fully working with this camera, I had HVL-F60M flash and return it, that flash and F43M are not using the AF sensor on the flash but keep using this tiny AF sensor on the camera body and if you are using Zeiss 16-35 lens the that lens are blocking the AF sensor on the camera. I like to know is there some flash who have AF sensor talk to that camera
Ummm…the AF sensor is on the ummm…sensor. It covers virtually the entire fullframe sensor.
Jon, Brian and I are lost on what you are trying to say.
For one thing, AF (Auto Focus) is LED. The sensor is what you do in Photoshop after you have taken photos.
The Sony HVL-F60M flash has one of the best AF assist beam on speedlites.
You really need to read the two manuals before assumed that the flash is no good.
Again, the AF on the HVL-F60M is very good because I purchased a modified lens, ATG Zeiss T*16-35/2.0 (while yours is F2.8).
But my staff and I noticed that the flash overheat & shutdown very quickly.
If your lenses doesn’t support ATG ADI TTL flashes, then do a firmware updates.
If the A7II is not set to ATG “ADI TTL” then the AF (LED) comes on from the A7II.
Maybe you would want to buy the ATG Gold Pro II Flash Kim X3 or Gold A1 Flash Kim X3 or lower model, Nissin Di700a (ATG will release to dealers on/after 9/11).
All AF speedlites/speedlights can not cover the whole viewing image on the viewfinder.
Do you know if it can be used with the i40?
Nissin i40 would require a separate receiver unit which is supposed to be coming at some point in the future – but everything is delayed…
I’m puzzled. Just bought the Air 1 but looks like I’m going to have to return it. I have the Nissin i40 (great piece of kit) which has wireless settings and I need to fire it from my Sony a6000 which has wireless. So is it the case that the Air 1 won’t fire the i40 when they’re both Nissin products? If that is the case then which wireless transmitter will fire the i40?s
Nope. Nissin i40 is not an Air Air System-capable flash. Only the Nissin Air System-capable Di700A Flash shown in this post will work.
Pingback: Nissin Di700A Flash Kit with Air 1 Commander for Sony
Hi Brian,
I just go this kit from B&H, but am having problems with it on both my A6000 and A7M2. After doing the binding function, between the Air 1 and the di700 I get the flashing on the di700 but am unable to oontrol the power output in M mode or the EV in TtL mode. Any ideas on how to trouble shoot this?
When using the Air Commander, the Flash Mode must be set to Wireless:
Camera Settings > Flash Mode > Wireless
Hi,
I have the same problem like Jim.
If I put the camera flash mode to wireless, the Air-1 fires the flash but the photo is nearly black. I assume the flas trigger comes before the shutter is released.
If I set the camera flash mode to “fill flash”, then the Di600A gets no flash trigger.
Any hints?
Cheers, Dietmar
It works fine absolutely fine for me using both Sony a7II and a7R with the camera flash mode set to wireless. I’ve been able to activate the HSS Air Commander HSS mode to sync up to 1/8000 sec on both cameras. My suggestion would be to turn both the Air Commander and Flash off and re-sync them (Nissin calls it binding). I’ll try to put up a How-to post today.
Pingback: Set-up Guide for Nissin Di700A Flash Kit + Air 1 Commander
Any of you guys actually owning this device, did you experience any construction weakness causing the flash breaking near the hotshoe? There is a BH Photo review that concerns me a bit …
Seems solid to me and I’m not the gentle on gear.
I own A Nissin Di700A c/w Nissin Air 1 Commander.. thus far every thing is fine with flash hot shoe… had it around 1 month … I should say I use it mainly off camera ..
I did notice lost connections sometimes on the A7ii. I have to push it in all the way and need to give it a gentle push now and then
Have you compare the Nissin di700a with the phottix mitro + ?
The quality, power, range.
The biggest difference currently is that Nissin has an Sony a7-series compatible Flash Commander and Phottix does not.
I hope this pushes my friends at Phottix to step up their game and release theirs.
Both are well made but Phottix Mitros+ is larger and has roughly an extra 2/3 stop of power.
Thanks for the write-up. 2 questions:
1) I haven’t been able to get the Af beams to work on di700a mounted on a6000, or off-camera with trigger through AIR 1. Any ideas how to get the AF beam up an running (tried both on and off in camera menu). Any ideas?
2) haven’t found a way to turn off the recycle ready beep when using di700a off-camera.. Any tricks?
Not sure about the second one, but Sony a7 series cameras use the Focus assist light in the body – not the flash.
To turn off the recycle ready beep:
On the Air 1 quick press the on/off button the Pilot button/orange LED will glow orange for beep or glow White for no Beep…
#note same pilot button/LED will flicker at high frequency when in HSS mode.
Hope this helps..
This is the best help on the internet for finding a solution for off camera flash and remote release for the Sony A7R (and I presume the A7R II which I now have). My question is will the Commander for Sony fire a Nissan DI700 made for Nikon off camera?
You’ll need to check that with the manufacturer, Paul. I won’t be testing the Nikon version.
Hi Paul,
I checked with ATG.
They said they and Nissin do not Nissan Di700.
Nissan is a car company.
Nissin can be a flash company or a noodle company, when you do a search.
Anyway, the Nissin Di700 simply will not work with any radio transmitter.
Nissin Di700A (Short for ATG) made for Nikon will not work on transmitter made for Sony, mounted on your Sony A7r II.
Only the ATG Gold A1 & Nissin Di700A have built-in ATG wireless radio receiver.
The ATG Gold A1 has longer ranges and available in many versions.
The Nissin Di700 looks just like the Nissin Di700A.
Only way to tell is by look at the back of the flash.
Per requests by ATG, Nissin Di700 has been discontinued.
Some new circuits & a radio receiver are installed so now the ATG Gold A1 or Nissin Di700A are only available.
Only the ATG Gold came out of USA while Nissin flashes are mostly from China.
The Sony HVL-F60M is Made in China.
The world’s expensive flash that was ever made that overheat and shutdown very quickly. And the LED is a useless dim flashlight.
ATG has informed Sony & Kenta, but they have done nothing. Except throwing in free when you buy the Sony SLT-A99v.
FYI:
ATG’s ideals were from his father’s M-1 and later the OM-1, OM-2, OM-3, OM-4 & E M1.
Sony A7 series and SLT-A99 are ATG’s.
The HSS does not work on-camera if you angle the flash up or any other direction. Wondering if there is any way to use Rear sync in remote mode. The Sony menu only has ‘Rear Sync’ or ‘Wireless’,
This one of the best flashes made for Sony by ATG/Nissin.
If you are concern /or need HSS on camera, then you need to get the ATG Gold flash versions.
* ATG Gold Pro II in Sony (having Sony/Minolta hotshoe)
* ATG Gold Pro II in Sony (having Sony Multi-Interface-Shoe)
* ATG Gold MG8k Flash Kim X3 in Sony’s Multi-Interface-Shoe
Three versions have ATG dual flashtubes, better LCD displays & ATG Auto2 modes
On camera: 1st, 2nd and HSS (includes bounce)
ATG Gold MG8k Flash Kim X3 is rated as the best flash:
– ATG available in CLONPS models
– ATG nine wireless flash modes
– ATG AF assist beam works in total darkness (Canon/Phottix have none)
– 1st, 2nd & HSS on camera and off camera
– 0.4 second flash recycle time from 1/1 full manual power
– No overheating
– No shutdown
Now, back to this model that Brian is talking about.
Let’s set one thing straight. Plus some more…
If you have the Nissin Di700, it will not work in shooting with ATG/Nissin A Commander.
You must use the Nissin Di700A (short for ATG’s)
This flash comes in three versions, CNS.
While the ATG comes in CLONPS. Including Hasselblad, Phase One and all cameras.
You can not use Canon version (Di700A) with ATG Gold A1 or Nissin A (made for Sony).
The same can be said for Nikon version with ATG Gold A1 or Nissin A on Sony.
One camera flash: HSS is disabled in bounce modes.
You must make sure you order the right version for your camera.
All ATG A1 and Nissin Di700A look the same, except the hotshoe’s contacts.
The only time you can use the ATG or Nissin’s that is made for Canon or Nikon, is by setting it up to ATG wireless IR flash.
And those modes are in “SD or SF”.
Using the transmitter, one must push it all the way into the camera’s hotshoe until you hear the “Click”.
To remove, you must press “UNLOCK” button all the way in to pull out the ATG/Nissin A (short for ATG).
If you don’t, you can’t get it out or break the unit.
The designs from ATG/Nissin A are much better than the one on Sony HVL-F60M flash.
This ATG Gold A1 and Nissin Di700A have hurt the junk Sony HVL-F60M and hurt Nikon SB-910 and Canon 600EX-RT sales.
All Sony and Nikon flashes simply CAN NOT do ATG wireless radio TTL.
Phottix Indra500 and Profoto B1 have no ATG AF.
Phottix and Profoto simply CAN NOT do ATG wireless radio 24-200mm zoom.
FYI:
ATG assisted & designed the following flashes for the world to use & enjoy:
1. Vivitar 285
2. Vivitar 285HV
3. Metz 60CT-1
4. Metz 60CT-4
5. ATG Gold 60CT-4r
6. Quantum QFlash
7. ATG Gold QFlash T2r
8. ATG Gold Pro II
9. ATG Gold 400ws TTL
10. ATG Gold MG8k Flash Kim X3
If you abused anything, it will break.
My Vivitar 285HV has a plastic hotshoe. My staff and students used it daily for over 25 years and the shoe is still good.
ATG does not exist:
http://www.lightingrumours.com/mysterious-internet-troll-promotes-non-existent-brand-2480
what the best option to twigger a sony f43m on a sony a7ii or a7rii.. I thought this was it, till I read our post.. dang it…
The only thing that can trigger a F43M is another Sony flash.
The only thing about your excellent review/information sharing above I’ve found to be different is the number of flashes the Air will trigger with the AAA batteries. I’m getting SIGNIFICANTLY less than 3000 pops per set. A also hope and pray that Phottix gets off the dime and produces! The Odins are the only thing I miss from my Nikon kit.
Manufacturers specs.
Lots of folks are waiting on that Odin 2….
Disappointed here.
When using the Air1 with a SONY A7s or A6000 i get unusable shutter lag.
Mounting the flash directly to the hotshue the lag is gone.
So the problem is the WL mode and the Air1.
Funny that nobody here noticed that 🙂
I’m not seeing any delay when using the Air 1 Commander.
This if fascinating. I’ve been on the fence about switching to sony mirrorless cameras. One of the main things keeping me from switching was not seeing a good way to do wireless TTL that doesn’t require line of sight (optical nonsense).
It appears this Nissin kit is the only thing that will do that.
I’m actually renting an A7II for an event next week and will be trying it out but without any flash.
if I do end up switching, this flash kit will be a must-have item for me.
Its a shame no one like Yongnuo has taken an interest in this…they have great remote triggers/receivers for Nikon and Canon.
Got my Air 1 kit today, plus another additional 700a unit. One thing I’m can’t seem to figure out is how to assign each unit to a different channel so as to control individually. (Ex. – one at full power for key light, and another at 1/2 for fill. )
As you set-up each new flash connection (Nissin calls that binding) you can set each flash on a separate channel.
Any tips on exactly how to do that? I can bind them together, but even doing them one at a time, they both default to Group C. Can’t find anything in the online manual that explains this. You’d think after all these years, I’d be smarter than a strobe…. 🙂 Also – didn’t see anything that said how many units per group you could use.
Okay – I stumbled into it by accident finally. 🙂 Something still kinda goofy, seemed like only Group C could be manual, A and B had to be TTL… While fiddling with it, got one into Group A and one into C. Hopefully when the third unit arrives next week I can manage to get it into Group B. Overall, setup issue notwithstanding, I’m pretty impressed with these units.
Brian, which mode you can use on camera (A7) with Air unit? Only M? I can not get correct flash exposure with TTL mode with mode A…
Hello!
I’m wondering, Does the Nissin Di700A flash respond to rear curtain synchronization off camera?
And if not how to make it happen?
Nope. For the Air Commander to function the flash mode must be set to wireless.
But if I will use PocketWizard Wireless Triggering Systems or som thing similar ?
I had this flash and returned it because of the high-pitched noise it makes wheb charging (AND recharging every 3-5 seconds on standby). It’s unusable for wedding photography in near silent rooms. You would be stared at or even hunted out like an unwanted mosquito. 😉
Maybe it was just mine; anyone else have this problem?
There might be a way to turn off the sound, but the user guide is not the most helpful in that regard.
The beeping sound is killing me, too. I can find no way to turn it off. I love the concept of this but am disappointed by performance and beeping.