Published: March 15, 2016
Here’s a roundup of TTL/HSS Wireless Flash Trigger Systems from Sony, Phottix, Godox & Nissin for Sony cameras with Multi-Interface Shoe.
• Sony TTL+HSS Wireless Flash Control System
• Phottix Odin II TTL Flash Commander for Sony MI Shoe
• Godox X1S TTL Wireless Flash Trigger Transmitter for Sony
• Cactus V6 IIs HSS Wireless Flash Transceivers
• Nissin Air System for Sony Multi Interface Shoe
PLEASE NOTE: Flash remote systems are NOT MIX-N-MATCH!!! In other words, a Phottix Commander is NOT compatible with a Sony Receiver. So pick one system and stick with it. The compatible flashes listed in each section offer TTL+HSS and flash control from the commander. The receivers may be able to trigger other flashes – but without all those bells and whistles.
Sony TTL+HSS Wireless Flash Control System
Sony FA-WRC1M wireless flash commander + FA-WRR1 wireless radio receiver
Sony FA-WRC1M wireless flash commander and FA-WRR1 wireless radio receiver featuring a maximum range of 100 feet (30 meters). Designed for compatibility with Sony Alpha interchangeable cameras and external flash units, the new lighting system will include the FA-WRC1M wireless radio commander and FA-WRR1 wireless radio receiver.
Sony’s new radio controlled system will allow for an extremely flexible wireless flash shooting experience with exceptional performance in all types of shooting conditions. The system can control a maximum of 15 separate flash units in up to 5 groups of flashes. While using the system, photographers have the ability to control the exposure of connected flash units either manually or automatically depending on preference. Additionally, the new lighting control system will be capable of flash sync speeds of up to 1/250th of a second, along with High Speed Sync (HSS) at higher sync speeds.
Commander: Sony FA-WRC1M wireless flash commander – $348
Receiver: FA-WRR1 wireless radio receiver – $198
PC Terminal in Receiver: Yes
Compatible Flash: Sony HVL-F20M, HVL-F32M, HVL-F43M, HVL-F60M
Range: 98′ (30 meters)
The Skinny: Finally…an OEM Wireless Flash Transmitter/Receiver for Sony.
Sony FA-WRC1M wireless flash commander
PC Socket is included in the side of the FA-WRR1 wireless radio receiver
FA-WRR1 wireless radio receiver includes 1/4″ x 20 threaded in standard hotshoe base
Order Sony FA-WRC1M Wireless Radio Commander from B&H Photo | Amazon | Sony
Order Sony FA-WRR1 Wireless Radio Receiver from B&H Photo | Amazon | Sony
Phottix Odin II TTL Flash Triggers for Sony
Phottix Odin II TTL Flash Trigger Transmitter for Sony Multi-Interface Shoe ($210 Available Here)
Phottix has announced their much anticipated Odin II TTL Flash Triggers which add cutting edge functionality and features to their flagship trigger will be available for Sony multi-interface shoe in late spring 2016. The Odin II offers access to each of the 5 Groups has its own quick-access button. Changes are made by turning a large, perfectly-placed, control dial. Pick the light. Make the change. Lock it in. Shoot. A large, illuminated LCD panel shows all settings at a glance. Control five lights in TTL Auto or Manual. Switch the Group OFF and its display line disappears from the screen. Displaying only active groups assures an easier and simpler viewing experience.
Commander: Phottix Odin II TTL Flash Trigger – Price: $210
Receiver: None
Compatible Flash: Phottix Mitros+ speedlights, Indra360 and Indra500 TTL
Range: 2.4 GHz Frequency, 328′ Range
Channels: 32 Channels with Digital ID / 5 Groups
The Skinny: Longest Range of any of the Wireless Flash Trigger systems. No receiver – only compatible with Phottix flash listed above
Godox X1S TTL Sony Flash Triggers and Flashes
Godox Sony-compatible X1S TTL 2.4Ghz flash triggers allow full remote control, including TTL and High Speed Sync with upcoming Sony-compatible Godox flashes.
Commander: Godox X1S TTL Sony Flash Triggers – Price: $46
Receiver: None
Compatible Flash: Upcoming Sony-compatible Godox Flash – Price TBA
Channels: 32 Channels with Digital ID / 5 Groups
The Skinny: Longest Range of any of the Wireless Flash Trigger systems listed here. No receiver – only compatible with Godox flash for Sony
Godox X1S Sony Transmitter (S46 Available Here)
Cactus V6 IIs HSS Wireless Flash Transceivers
It uses 2.4 GHz radio communication to trigger other units from up to 328″² away. Cactus V6 IIs Flash Transceiver offer two high-speed sync modes. The normal setting uses a protocol depending on the camera system involved whereas the Power Sync can boost the flash for moments when Normal HSS is not powerful enough.
Users will be able to set up flashes in one of sixteen channels or three groups. Also, it has a Multi-Master setting that allows multiple shooters to trigger the same flashes, useful for demonstrations or events with a second shooter. By using flash profiles to register specific speedlights, the V6 IIs gains a few capabilities, such as an Absolute Power Mode, which calculates the equivalent power settings between multiple flashes. Additionally, it has a TTL pass-through hot shoe on the top and offers a 3.5mm sync terminal for plugging into strobes and other lights.
I have not had a chance to try this one out, but it looks interesting. Please note that while Cactus’ press release mentions Focus Assist – external focus assist lights are normally NOT compatible with mirrorless cameras, so don’t hold your breath on that one. Please Note: this is a transceiver which means you need one unit for the camera and one additional transceiver for each flash you wish to fire.
• Combination Transmitter and Receiver
• Remote Manual Power and Zoom Control
• Supports Many Flash and Camera Brands
• Frequency: 2.4 GHz
• Range: 328″²
• 16 Channels and 4 Groups
• High-Speed Sync and Power Sync Modes
• AF Assist Light; Multi-Master Capability
• Absolute Power Mode; Flash Profiles
• TTL Pass-Through Hot Shoe; Sync Terminal
Nissin Air System for Sony Multi Interface Shoe
Nissin Air 1 Commander for Sony Cameras with Multi Interface Shoe ($79 Available Here)
Nissin Air 1 Commander ($79), 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.
Nissin Air System for Sony Multi Interface Shoe ($69.99 Available Here)
Nissin Air R Receiver for Sony Multi Interface Shoe Flash ($69.99) can be triggered using their previously released Nissin Air 1 Commander for Sony Multi Interface Shoe to control multiple off-camera flashes at distances up to 98′. Nissin Air R receivers add wireless slave TTL functionality with support for high-speed sync up to 1/8000 second, manual power control, and manual zoom, with the ability to select between 8 channels and organize 3 groups.
Commander: Nissin Air 1 Commander for Sony Multi Interface Shoe ($79.99 Here)
Receiver: Nissin Air R Receiver for Sony Multi Interface Shoe Flash ($69.99 Here)
PC Terminal in Receiver: No
Compatible Flash: Nissin Air System-capable Di700A Flash
Range: 98′ Range
Channels: 8 Channels / 3 Groups
The Skinny: Least expensive of all the options but Nissin’s set-up is also the most frustrating. Click here to read how convoluted their set-up is
Nissin Air R receiver has a hot shoe on the top for communication for connecting TTL flash.
For strobes and manual flashes, Nissin Air R includes a PC sync terminal for basic connections. Mounting the receiver is simple as well with a cold foot on the bottom with a 1/4″-20 thread for stands.
Nissin Air R also has a flip-out stand for placing directly on a flat surface.
Nissin Air R features the newer Sony Multi Interface Shoe and is not directly compatible with the older flashes featuring the Sony/Minolta-style Auto-lock Accessory Shoe without the use of an optional adapter.
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120 thoughts on “Guide to TTL+HSS Flash Triggers for Sony Multi Interface Shoe”
Thank you for this post Brian! This is timely as I am planning to invest in new flash unites. One question. I want to be able to use the on-camera-flash as TTL and sync with 2 or 3 other off-camera-flashes. Are all brands capable of doing it?
Phottix Mitros+ TTL Tranceiver Flash has had this capability since it was introduced 2 years ago. Same is true using Wireless IR triggering with Sony Flashes. Commanders are designed for people who DON’T want to use flash-on-camera.
Thank you for your answer. I will think about which one is best suite for my work.
Thanks for the post , just want to know when they say ” Compatible Flash: Sony HVL-F20M, HVL-F32M, HVL-F43M, HVL-F60M” they’re talking as a receiver or commander in “wireless mode” ?
As the photo shows, those are the flashes that can be used in the receiver without an adapter. This is different from Sony flash internal Wireless mode with relies on IR triggering with a shorter range. You need a Commander on the camera and Receiver on the flash.
The Phottix brand triggers the Indra strobes, but can any of the transmitter/receivers trigger studio strobes either with or without TTL? Thanks.
Brian: thanks for this and your other Sony posts.
I just purchased the Air 1 and 2x the Air R for Nikon (I wanted to continue using my SB800s) to use with my a6000 and A7II.
I haven’t given them a full test yet but I been told that the HSS is still compatible to 1/8000.
I’m also interested in TTL functionality and if the SB800s can be used in anything other than manual mode.
Have you had time to experiment with this?
I shall leave that test in your capable hands John. Let us know what you find…
Ha ha! No Worries! I should find time by the end of this month.
I just need to get some AAA batteries as everything I own seem to use AA.
This was somewhat of a disappointment when I received the Air 1 and Air R.
Brian, this was timely for me as well, as I was about to upgrade my old strobe, most likely with Einsteins. However, similar to the question from Maki, I am scared to buy new strobes and not be able to trigger them wirelessly.
Do you have any info on if they would work with the Paul C. Buff Einsteins?
No idea in those. Triggering manual flash is pretty simple. TTL and HSS is trickier.
Brian – Any word on whether the Sony OEM transmitter includes a focus assist beam? Also, do you know if it will be compatible with first and second curtain?
Any of the others have those capabilities?
There is no focus beam assist in any of the transmitter but there’s one just an inch away in the body. Sony triggers should provide all flash functions including rear curtain.
That is what I guessed. I know Sony’s new 6300 is supposed to be great in low light focus but sometimes a beam is helpful. I have the A6000 and it definitely could use a bit of help at night. I shoot a lot of weddings and have to switch camera brands at night right now. To me, this is the only lagging area for Sony to an otherwise perfect product.
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Is Sony going to enable AF assist beams for speedlites with there mirrorless cameras? Seems like a major flaw in the mirrorless lineup. They perform very well in all other situations but in low light/contrast give me a Canon or Nikon. Any way to correct this problem with a firmware upgrade?
Not at this time. Their are problems with on-sensor Contrast AF and off-camera focus beams. They might be resolved with PDAF, but even cameras with both PDAF use Contrast AF at times. I have suggested enabling it on Sony mirrorless cameras but only if it will function accurately.
There’s a technical reason why the AF assist light from the flashes can’t be used on mirrorless. They are “Near IR” meaning most of the wavelength emitted is in the IR range; and this gets blocked out by the infrared filter that’s built into the sensor. The only “Fix” possible is to replace the LEDs in the flash with another pair that emits a different wavelength (perhaps one that is the orange-ish color that’s built into the mirrorless camera bodies). Then you’d also have to reprogram the mirrorless camera to send the “Turn AF assist LED ON” command to the accessory flash.
Thank you for the thorough explanation, Gary!
Brian, wich system would you recommend to sync with profoto line (B1 and B2)
None of these will provide TTL or HSS with Profoto. You need to wait for Profoto to make a Sony Air trigger.
Brian, Found your website looking for some info related to Sony A7 and compatible off camera flash set-ups. Appreciate all the work you’ve put into the site and Sony/flash blog in particular. I’m new to flash photography but want to try some off camera flash portraits with my children. For a beginner set-up the Godox T685s and X1s trigger looks like a good balance of technical and economical solution. Any thoughts on this?
Yes. They are also available in the USA branded as Flashpoint.
https://briansmith.com/flashpoint-ttl-hss-speedlight-hotshoe-flashes-sony/
Thanks for pulling this information into one post. I use several brands of camera. Are the Godox 685 flashes the same other than hot shoe? Can the X1TS (for Sony) trigger off camera TT685N or TT685C flashes?
I have not tested that but I believe itching trigger the Canikon versions but no TTL
I can live without TTL but do need HSS. It would be nice to need only one set of flashes across all cameras.
Brain,
I bought the trigger and flash, mounted it to my sony a6000 and it wont fire? When I hit the test on the trigger it fires the flash, but when I hit the shutter nothing happens. What am I doing wrong? Is it something in the camera?
You must make certain the trigger and flash are communicating. Follow the set-up listed in the manual. Be certain the trigger is seated properly in the multi interface shoe and, of course be cerain the camera flash mode in ON.
They are def communicating as I hit the test fire and it will fire. I’ve taken the trigger off and put it back on 3 different times. Is there a setting in camera I’m suppose to use?
Menu > Camera Settings > Flash Mode > Fill-flash
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Can a Nissin Air R be used with a Minolta Speedlite 3500Xi ?
You’d need a Minolta > Multi Interface Shoe Adapter and likely not get TTL
Brian’s right – you won’t get TTL because the 3500xi was designed to be used for film and therefore doesn’t know how to do a pre-flash (required for digital).
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Hi Brian, First of all, thx for the many useful documentation you have on your site regarding Sony gear!
I am about to make the switch from Canon to a Sony A7r MKII.
There is only one thing stopping me, and that is my flash gear.
I currently have one Canon 600ex-rt, two Yongnuo YN600 ex-rt and the Yongnou YN-e3-rt remote trigger. This is a super combo offering ttl, hss, radio trigger, AF assist, “¦
As I would like to keep all those functions I already know that I cannot keep this setup for use on the Sony body (yes, with limited manual functionality with the Yongnuo remote and only the Canon flash).
I am willing to sell these to invest in something new, but as I am keeping my Canon gear, I would like the flashes to be useable on the both Canon and Sony.
Do you have any recommendations you can give me?
Cheers!
Have a look at Flashpoint hotshoe flashes and triggers
I don’t get it … all the flashes seem to be brand specific?
Isn’t there any brand where I can buy 1 transmitter for the Sony and 1 transmitter for the Canon and use for example 3 flashes of that brand?
If this is the case, I need to buy 3 flashes for the Sony and 3 flashes for the Canon …
TTL is always proprietary. Canon TTL, Nikon TTL and Sony TTL speak different languages. But if you don’t need TTL, almost any trigger will fire Canon flashes in manual mode.
Thanks for your clear reply Brian!
So this part I do understand, but I thought it was the remote trigger talking to the flash, and thus only the remote trigger needs to understand the proprietary “talk” of the camera. And then the remote trigger communicates this to the flash in the proprietary language of the flash builder.
Unfortunately I seem to be wrong ?
Once again, TTL is proprietary. Triggering is not. A Canon flash does understand when a Sony camera says “enough already. Off! Off! Off!!!”
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Hi Brian,
Thank you for this concise article.
I have purchased the
Nissin Di700A Flash Kit with Air 1 Commander for Sony
before reading your test and my first impression was very good on the functionality.
After adding some light modifiers to the flash for off-camera lighting I can warn only about the plastic hotshoe on the Di700A Flash unit! Be aware that the pictures on A..zon show the flash with a metal hotshoe but the reality is different!
I needed to improvise on a holder for the flashes to be used with a standard umbrella tilt adapter. one of 2 hotshoes is already broken but luckily the flash works still perfect off-camera.
Nicolas
I would suggest contacting Nissin product support to request a replacement flash foot.
Does sony triggers control sony speedlights without a receiver?
Sony flashes do not have radio receivers built in, so they each need a Sony Wireless Radio Receiver.
Brian, I have a Nissin i40 with a damaged Shoe, can I use the AIR 1 Commander for Nissin to trigger the flash wirelessly off camera or do I need to have it connected via its shoe to the Nissin Air R (bite the bullet and repair the shoe)
The i40 does not have a receiver built-in so it requires an Air Receiver to trigger it which will only work if you fix the flash foot.
So if I would buy Sony TTL+HSS Wireless Flash Control System I will be able to shoot profoto B1 in ttl and hss?
Doubt it. You probably need to wait for Profoto to make an Air trigger for Sony.
I am absolutely new to flash photography, and in fact have a Sony HVL-F60M arriving today. I am interested in being able to use this flash off camera, and I am unsure what is needed for this setup. It sounds like I can use the on-camera flash to trigger the HVL-F60M off camera, but I am not sure what features this includes… I am assuming not much intelligence? Also not sure what other limitations this way has.
The new, still yet-to-be-released Sony commander system seems like the one I would want to work with the HVL-F60M, but B&H doesn’t list my a77mii on their list of cameras and only the a7 series. Is this just because the Sony flashes don’t natively work fully with those cameras?
Hi Tim, the simplest off-camera solution is to simply use a 3-foot Vello Off-Camera TTL Flash Cord for Sony Multi Interface Shoe. According to Sony’s specs, the new flash commanders are only compatible with a7II, a7RII and a7SII and I have not had a chance to test them to see how they work on any other camera models.
Thanks so much for this reply. I got the Nissin Di700A Flash Kit with Air 1 Commander for Sony and am returning the Sony HVL-F60M after trying the two out over the weekend. The Sony flash seems to be slightly better quality, and also has LED lights for video or constant light in small quantities, but the Commander system from Nissin works REALLY well, and at $299 for the flash and commander together was $50 cheaper than the refurbed HVL-60M! Additional Nissin flashes will only set me back $250 and all of the wireless communication is built-in. For this prosumer it seems a no brainer and looks like it will work really well for me. But I really do appreciate your posts and advice!
Hi Brian”¦Great article. I have a Sony A7 with the HVL-F32M and wanted to use the Sony speedlight off-camera. I was looking to purchase a Godox flash to act as a master/slave for the Sony flash. Would that be a good option or do you recommend something else? I was hoping to purchase a trigger/receiver system but the only option looks to be the Sony OEM which is way too pricey or even the Cactus system which seems to be an unknown as not many people have had the chance to review it.
The Godox transmitter requires a receiver in order to trigger a Sony flash but Godox receivers for Sony are not yet available. Cactus is a transceiver system that can be switched between transmit and receive. I’ll be testing them next week.
I have the Nissan Air 1 Commander and a Sony A7r2. I am wondering if there is any way to turn off the awful pre-flash when using it wirelessly with a A7r2? It makes the subjects blink 95% of the time. Is there another flash you would recommend for sony that I can use off camera that does not have the annoying pre-flash in TTL?
Do you have the camera’s flash mode set to “fill-flash”?
Hi Brian, Thanks for all of the info. I shoot with an a7ii and invested in two F43M flashes. I didn’t realize at the time that you couldn’t turn the controller flash off. Now I am looking for a controller and don’t want to invest in another set of flashes. Do you have any recommendations? Thank you!
Your best bet for HVL-F43M is Sony FA-WRC1M wireless flash commander + FA-WRR1 wireless radio receiver.
Hi Brian, thank you so much for all of your help to me with my Sony cameras over the years. Your book, posts, etc have been invaluable. I have an old HVL-F42AM (now discontinued) on my A7Rii. Any advice on how I can fire it wirelessly? Alternatively, can I use the HVL-F42AM on camera to fire another Sony flash wirelessly?
Thanks Jeanett. You can trigger a HVL-F42AM remotely using either a Sony HVL-F20M, Sony HVL-F32M, Sony HVL-F43M or Sony HVL-F60M in the a7RII hotshoe.
[The only current Sony flash that cannot trigger HVL-F42AM remotely is the new Sony HVL-F45RM Wireless Radio Flash since it uses radio triggering instead of the older optical pulse triggering technology used by previous Sony flashes]
Thank you Brian! I very much appreciate your help!
I am planning to Buy a wireless transmitter and receiver for my Sony HVL-F43M External Flash. Sony is costly for me. what is the other option?
Other brands of Radio Commanders only control their own flashes – not Sony Flashes.
Your other option besides Sony Wireless Radio Flash System would be the use another flash on camera such as HVL-F20M or HVL-F32M to act as a commander for the off-camera HVL-F43M.
Wondering if you can help me with this one. I have a Sony A7r, but a canon flash. I was looking at the Nissin multi interface shoe. Is there a way to use that and still keep using my canon flash? Thanks!
You can trigger a Canon flash off camera, you just won’t have TTL or HSS or be able to control the output remotely.
Thank you for the fast response. Is there a system where I will still be able to have TTL or HSS with my Sony camera and Canon flash?b
Nope. Sony, Canon and Nikon all have their own flash protocols that don’t speak to each other. If you want TTL & HSS with a Sony camera you need a flash designed for Sony.
Perhaps one day soon someone will come up with a transmitter with the smarts to speak with all the Canons, Nikons, Sonys, Fuji, et al and have hardware compatibility via plug-in hotshoes. That seems the simplest solution.
Silicon is cheap as they say and it’s really the pin layout that makes them incompatible, especially Sony’s forward edge pinout design. Has anyone found out why Sony made that design decision?
Each brand speaks a different language.
Thanks again! Would you recommend the Godox system over the Nissin? I’m not
sure if not having TTL or HSS is a deal breaker. My canon flash is pretty old, I wouldn’t be sad to let it go. Would you rec starting over with the Godox? Not wanting to spend too much, but it looks like a great deal. Is there a way to use the Godox transmitter to the Canon flash?
Godox tranmitters can trigger Canon Flash – but NO TTL or HSS/
You might be happier with Phottix Mitros+ TTL Transceiver Flash with Odin II TTL Flash Trigger Kit. It sturdier than Nissin and Godox but less expensive than Sony.
Hi Brian. First, thanks for all the Sony info. Wonder if you can help with this problem. I bought the Flashpoint ad200’s just for some portable work and the R2 trigger both for my Sony a6300. Let’s say I set my shutter to 1/160 and set the ad200 at 1/4 power I get a nice exposure.
However, when I try high speed sync mode the photos are underexposed when using a higher shutter speed and leaving the other settings the same. I thought if you adjust your shutter to bring down the ambient light your flash should look the same in HSS mode. Any idea what I’ve haven’t got set right.
Thanks
You should be able to go up to 1/250 before HSS kicks in. HSS throws away much of the flash output.
Thanks Brian. I found that the flash output is less during HSS mostly because of the multiple flashes so I adjusted the output to get what I needed. Thanks again.
For what it’s worth, here’s an explanation of how HSS works and why it results in substantially less power: https://youtu.be/edkLa0HEbcA
Thanks Gary
Can anyone confirm or deny the working of the Sony FA-WRC1M with the Sony a7 camera? Originally I read it wouldn’t work until a firmware update, then read it wouldn’t work at all. Then read a review where someone said they used it on an a7. I’m a bit confused as to how why the a7 would be any different in this regard?
I’m moving from my a900 with 58AM and 42AM flashes to the a7. I was using the adapter and was using those flashes wirelessly well with the a7. However I’d like to move to RF wireless and looking for the best solution for the new Sony shoe.
Of the systems available which would you regard as the “best”. Clearly the Sony is the most expensive and I didn’t mind paying the price. As long as it works 100% all the time (or close to it).
Thanks for the great site.
Sony FA-WRC1M Wireless Radio Commander is compatible with Sony a7 II, a7R II, a7S II, a7 III, a7R III, a9, a99 II & a6500.
It’s not compatible with 1st generation a7 cameras.
Thank you.
It took a while before both the transmitter and receiver became available, but for the last few months I’ve been using Adorama’ s “Flashpoint” transmitter & receiver to control both Adorama Flashpoint strobes and a Sony HVL-F43M. Flashpoint is Adorama’s private label for units made by Godox, and they’re compatible with Godox X1 flash units.
Hello Brian,
My experience with Odin and Sony so far, and a little help needed!
I’ve been happily using Odin 2 and Mittros+ for years with my Canon system so I naturaly got one for my new A7 III.
First caveat: the Odin for Sony only works for Mittros + for Sony
With my Mitros+ for Canon I have 2 solutions:
1/ bin them”¦
2/ use the Odin only as a stratto trigger (only trigger, no TTL, no power setting)
However even that does not work (the test button triggers the flash but nothing happens when I release the A7 III shutter)
Aaaarghhhhh!
Is there a (hidden) setting on the A7 III that would prevent the Odin to fire?
Really Simple.
Use the Canon version with Canon cameras.
Use the Sony version with Sony cameras.
They speak different languages.
Thanks for your quick answer!
What do you think of the Odin as stratto issue?
A7III + Odin as Strato -> press test button = fire any flash with stratto
A7III + Odin as strato -> fire camera = nothing happens
?!?
It does not make sense to me unless there’s a camera setting that prevents it from firing…
What do you think?
Thanks!
Did you enable wireless flash?
MENU > Camera Settings 1 (11/14) > Flash > Wireless Flash > On
Yes I did, but it still doesn’t work.
That’s very strange.
The A7 III’s hotshoe works (I tried it with a Godox for Sony flash)
I’ve upgraded the Odin firmware etc…
I was just asking you in case I missed something really obvious…
I think ‘m going to send it back and switch to Godox…
All those brand switches are going to leave me broke!!!
Thanks a lot anyway for taking the time!
I have a Godox X1wireless flash trigger and receivers for Sony. I’m using a Sony A99II camera with a Sony HVL-F43M flash. In manual mode I am unable to change power settings on the off-camera flash from the on-camera transmitter. Every other aspect works fine. What am I doing wrong please?
You’re doing nothing wrong. TTL requires the same BRAND trigger as flash.
Hi Brian. I have Canon Speedlites with Canon Pocketwizards, but dont seem to be able to get them working with my Sony A7 properly. Im wondering if one of the hotshoe adapters might enable me to get them communicating. Also would I be able to get HSS?
Canon & Sony Flashes speak different languages. You can’t get HSS of TTL with Canon Speedlights – only basic manual operation.
Hi Brian, thanks for all your work, I have the Nissan Air trigger and receivers X 3 and have only recently begun my journey into ‘flash’ photography. I have been successfully using the system with my Sony A99 and sony ’43’ flashes both below 1/250 and HSS up to 1/8000. Since upgrading to the Sony A7III everything is going well except for the HSS capability, I have the camera on WL, the Nissan system HSS turned on, the flash fires up to 250 but will not fire past 1/250. I have spent time on the internet but can’t seem to find a solution!
Nissin may need to update their firmware.
Emailed Nissin and they informed me that some Sony cameras have lost HSS capability as per compatibility list : http://nissin.lekumo.biz/download/Nissin_Compatibility_Chart.pdf
Incompatible Cameras (HSS): α9, α7R Mark III, α7R Mark II, α7S Mark II, α7 Mark III, α7 Mark II , α99 Mark II , α6500
That’s very odd as those are the cameras SUPPORTED by other HSS triggers – which would indicate that Nissin is not following Sony flash protocols the way that Profoto & Phottix do.
A copy of the email from them;
Dear Lance Perryman,
Thank you for your purchase of Nissin flash.
According to our Compatibility Chart here : http://nissin.lekumo.biz/download/Nissin_Compatibility_Chart.pdf
Sony changed their software coding of their new cameras after firmware update since 2017,
the following camera models would lost the HSS of Air R function after camera firmware update , they are α9, α7R Mark III, α7R Mark II, α7S Mark II, α7 Mark III, α7 Mark II , α99 Mark II , α6500.
For wirelessly control our Nissin Di700A / i60A / MG10, the wireless HSS function will be working normally on those NIssin flash.
At this moment , our technical team are trying to get back the HSS of Air R by firmware update,
but sorry for we have not a solid solution and release date about this issue at this moment.
Please stay tuned with us for the product announcement.
Welcome to contact us again in the future. Thank you.
Customer Service Specialist / Global Sales & Marketing
Nissin Marketing Ltd. / +852 28805050 / info@nissin.com.hk / http://www.nissindigital.com
hey Brian i have the godox ad600 and the x pro trigger. What i want is to be able to stand off camera and fire the shutter. Are there any shutter releases that are radio and not infrared like the sony ones?
Hi. Really interesting article again. I hope my question is not too basic!
I’ve recently moved from Canon 6D to a Sony A7iii and want to purchase an on-camera flash with TTL. On Canon I had a Nissin Di700 which was perfect for my needs (if a bit big). Now it only works in Manual mode on Sony so it’s time to change. But what should I be looking at? Godox, Nissin. I find flash options very confusing. Some good advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks
Ready
Every camera manufacturer has it’s own unique flash protocols, so the key for TTL is to use a flash designed for Sony.
My first choice are Sony flashes.
Phottix are the best third party flashes.
Nissin and Godox are a step below either of those in terms of build quality, but if you liked your Nissin flash for Canon, the Sony versions will be the same.
Hi Brian, I recently purchased the Godox X1 for Sony with Trigger and Receiver. It works well. I would like to use the receiver and trigger to provide remote shutter release on my a7rii, a7r, and a6000 but I am unsure which cable is required AND which socket must be used on the cameras. The provided cable with the Godox equipment would only fit in the power port on the a7r and a7rii. I assumed the Multi receptacle would be the one to use. What are your thoughts?
The X1 Receiver has a 2.5mm Flash Port. To remotely trigger a7R II, a7R & a6000 cameras you’d want to use a 2.5mm Remote Shutter Release Cable made for Sony Multi-Terminal cameras
Thanks Brian, which terminal is used on the Sony a7rii camera for remote shutter release? Is it the connection labelled “Multi”?
Thanks again, Alvin Nixon
Thanks Brian, I just searched using your terminology and found what I needed. Thanks for your help and patience.
Regards, Alvin Nixon
Brian, I just got a Godox V860II-S and the XPro-S. Great system and affordable. I also have a legacy Metz 54 MZ 4i flash that I was thinking of using as a secondary light source. Is it possible to attach a device that would allow the Metz to operate in tandem wireless (2.4Ghz) with the Godox system? If so what do I need? Can I use both flashes simultaneously?
Hello Brian: I have recently gone to sony A7II from my canon system..
I have pocket wizards, that have worked fine for me for my canon/studio lights (alien bees), but now I want to know what the best way for me to communicate with the sony to lights? I have the 60rm flashes, but would like to know if my pocket wizards will work or do i need to go to sony products in order to use multiple strobes
I don’t have Alien Bees, but I do still have a few Pocket Wizards. The only drawback is Pocket Wizard uses rather “basic” tech to transmit the signal so you’re going to lose 1/3 stop sync speed. Stick to 1/160 sec sync speed and you should be fine.
I have an Alpha 6300 and a Nissin6300. Which off camera transmitter and or receiver would you recommend?
Thanks in advance
Sorry, I’m not sure what flash you mean by Nissin6300.
Here’s one more for the list from Neewer/Visico for their batt/AC powered monolight Visico 5 TTL (400ws, two batteries and remote for $350 last year)
https://photos.app.goo.gl/qr2LR1BMqEvSYURn9
Thanks Robert. I’m having a hard time finding the Sony version of that trigger. I can only locate the Neewer VC-818TX 2.4G Wireless Flash Trigger for Canon
Do Sony make an off camera hot shoe cable for the a7 series cameras and latest flash units such as the HVL-F60M so you can mount the flash on a bracket given that this flash is quite heavy on the camera hot shoe
I use Vello Off-Camera TTL Flash Cords for Sony Multi Interface Shoe
Thanks Brian, been looking for ages and now found your Dec 2016 link as well and looked at the B&H web site. I assume these are for the new version of the hot shoe
Yes. “Sony Multi Interface Shoe” is the current Sony hot shoe.
Hi Brian,
Nice to scroll through your stuff. Good on you.
I have been wondering for a while now how people mount their hvl f43m on a tripod. I would prefer the e-type clam on the swivel but somehow these are too small for the sony flash. Much too risky for me. Are there these e-type things available for new sony system? Or else, how can I flash remote without being afraid it drops on the floor? Hope you (or somebody else) might know. Thanks and cheers
Most people use a lightstand – not a tripod – and mount the flash on a Hotshoe flash lightstand bracket
Hi Brian,
Thank you for your reply. I have exactly one of those. Problem is that part where the flash (or trigger) is supposed to be attached: too narrow and not gripping on the f43m. There should be more space for it to attach well. I am looking for one of these that fits the sony mi system.
Nobody else has this problem?
Hi Brian,
Could you please indicate some remote controller for the HVL-F42AM flash compatible with Sony Alpha 200?
HVL-F42AM is IR sync not radio so your best option is to use the a200 pop up flash at very low power to trigger the F42AM
Brian, Are you aware of any way to get HHS with the Dynalite Baja series on sony?
I doubt there’s a way without a dedicated flash trigger. Now that Dynalite is sadly RIP, I can’t see that happening.