The 4-channel MicroSync radio triggers let you wirelessly trigger your remote strobes or speedlights. The basic transmitter and receiver kit will only set you back $100 and you can buy the components separately from there. Depending on how you use your off-camera lighting kit, the MicroSync kit could be just the right fit.
In terms of form factor, it’s pretty clear that the MicroSync receiver is built for monolights given the 1/4″ monoplug and H-prong plug options. Of course, you can get a kit that offers a hotshoe adapter if you want to use it with speedlights. Also, some monolights use a smaller mini-plug instead of the larger 1/4″ monoplug, which can be adapted using a stepdown plug that’s available in the hotshoe kit referenced above.
The build quality of both the transmitter and receiver is solid. Even though the pair is relatively cheap compared to PocketWizards, the MicroSync kit doesn’t feel like you are shooting with “poverty wizards.”
The transmitter fits on a standard camera hot shoe and slides good enough so that it won’t slip off when moving your camera around. MicroSync specs say that there are some Nikon DSLRs that it isn’t compatible with, but should work on all Canon and Pentax DSLRs. There is a test fire button on the side of the transmitter that will let you manually trigger the lights if you are testing your range or otherwise want to pop the strobes.
I used the MicroSync trigger indoors up to about 60-feet with no problems. I would guesstimate that reliability in that range is upwards of 98%. I only encountered a handful of misfires, some of which were maybe attributed to range and some were maybe just random misfires (interference, radio goblins, or something). Note that MicroSync specs the triggers as reliable up to 100-feet. Sync speed is 1/180s for DSLRs with their focal plane shutters and 1/350s when using a leaf shutter camera.
The trigger performed great with several different lights; however, working with speedlights and monolights that used mini-plugs was less than ideal due to the accessories required to connect the monoplug receiver. Monolights that have a 1/4″ monoplug are ideal for the MicroSync system because that big monoplug works as a support for the receiver and you don’t have to worry about strapping it down to the light or lightstand somehow.
All that said, if you are looking to trigger speedlights and can’t afford PocketWizards, the MicroSync triggers will certainly get the job done. Just make sure that you have some some way of attaching the triggers to your mount – maybe some velcro, or gaffer tape if all else fails.
For $99, the MicroSync radio triggers are worth the price of admission. If your lighting kit fits with the MicroSync’s plug options, then it will be a much smoother integration into your system.
The MicroSync Radio Triggers are available from Photography Bay’s trusted retail partner, B&H Photo, at the following link:
MicroSync Radio Triggers at B&H Photo
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