A Budget Off-Camera Flash Setup with Advanced TTL Technology
/Convert your existing TTL Flash to the Godox Flash System
Doing photography inside has been the mainstay of on-camera flash photography. For me, it was in 2013 when Canon introduced radio controlled flash, was I able to take advantage of flash outside. At that time there were very few modifiers to use to help soften the light for outside portraits. At that time, I converted a softbox for photogenic studio lights for my purpose.
Technology keeps getting better and better as radio control transmitters do more and more. The R2 Pro Mark II is one of the most advanced flash transmitters I’ve ever used. It was designed for the portrait photographer in mind. And actually makes doing flash portraits fun as they can be done quickly before expressions wane.
Flashpoint (Godox) R2 Pro Mark II Transmitter ($69 on Adorama)
Convert your flash to using TCM technology (TTL Convert to Manual Flash)
A few years ago if you wanted to use TCM technology you had to purchase a battery operated studio light and transmitter that cost thousands of dollars! Now you can have that technology on a budget. By purchasing the R2 receiver for your specific TTL flash (along with the R2 Mark II transmitter) you can enjoy all the advantages of advanced technology and still use your current flash system!
I was surprised that I could do TCM with my current flash when I purchased the $38 R2 TTL Receiver
The Advantage of TCM Technology
TTL Flash (through the lens flash) was a big improvement to automatically set the flash for the correct exposure when taking a shot. Allowing one not to have to meter flash before taking the shot. Problem was it is not consistently accurate, for several reasons, but especially if you are using a zoom lens. Which most pros use these days.
Now you can start with a TTL shot and convert it easily to manual thereby zooming the lens and having the flash consistent with each additional shot. And if you need to change the exposure some, after viewing your LCD screen, you can adjust that easily from camera position.
Glow S2 Round Flash S-Type Bowens Mount Bracket ($25 on Adorama)
This bracket will allow you to mount you flash and couple it with any softbox with a bowens mount. Or just use the umbrella slot. I purchased it over the S1 just in case I decided to purchase a Flashpoint/Godox round flash head.
Adding a photo umbrella and a light stand to complete the set up, or add a softbox using the brackets bowens mount
I bought the transmitter and receiver from Adorama. In my case I got the units that work with Canon. As I’m using a Canon 600 RT flash that I had. Depending on the TTL flash you have Canon, Nikon etc. get units that work with your specific flash unit.
To set unit up match channel and group between transmitter and Receiver. I’m using channel 32 and group B
To convert a TTL shot you previously took to manual flash mode, select group B and then Push the TCM button (TTL Convert to Manual).
Once the TCM button is pushed the flash will convert it to manual power as shown here
Once flash is converted I always hit the test flash button (button looks like a lighting bolt) before taking the actual shot. This dumps power and recharges with the correct power for the converted manual flash setting (most important especially if you decide to lower your power setting). Now I can take as many shots as I want and the power level will stay constant.
If you choose to buy a Flashpoint Strobe from Adorama make sure you get the newer transmitter, the R2 Pro Mark II, as most kits come with the earlier version R2 Pro (X-pro-C in my case) transmitter. The newer version has some great new features and wider screen for the same price.
Conclusion
One of the super new features of the new R2 Prom Mark II transmitter is that it allows you to easily turn on and off different groups of flash just by double tapping that specific group button. For me this is one of the main reasons I upgraded to this transmitter alone! I was also surprised I could zoom my Canon 600 RT flash head from the transmitter position! Even my Canon transmitter does not allow me to do this.
The Flashpoint/Godox system is one of the most advanced systems currently available and makes doing off camera flash a breeze! I highly recommend it!
Dave Likes
