Ishoot Sniper review
Affordable Wireless Flash Trigger triggers that work!
O.K what do we have here? affordable wireless flash triggers that work? can it be? I think so and Mr Overexposed is very excited about it, wireless triggers are either really expensive or really cheap, the really expensive ones work but break the bank and ruin fun. OK if you are a big time high flying photographer living it up in London or New York shooting fashion/glamour/celebrities then you can afford to have Pocket Wizards coming out of your bum, you don’t care about saving money. You my friend are Mr Overexposed arched enemy. But if you are an average photographer with an average income and struggle to mentally and physically survive in todays over complicated technological world then please read on, because Mr Overexposed may have found the answer to relatively cheap off camera flash triggers.
iShoot Sniper Wireless flash trigger will work for Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Samsung, Panasonic and Sony DSLR/SLRS and flashguns. I’m pretty sure these triggers will work with almost any flash, I have tested them with Vivitar, Canon EZ and EX series, Centon and Jessops flash guns.
First impressions
I was really impressed when I unpacked the iShoots, two reasons, nice box covered in Japanese with a soldier holding a sniper gun on. If that doesn’t get you excited then I don’t know what will. Unfortunately the instructions are all in Japanese to but fortunately they are very simple to use so no worries there. It’s also a nice surprise when you find the little stand that comes with them to, very handy for when you have to pack light or can’t fit a light stand into a cramped place. So so far so good.
Looks and style
OK so I’m not that into how kit looks, as long as it works and doesn’t cost the earth I’m happy. However iShoot have gone for a similar look and feel to the newer TTL Pocket Wizards. Not the smallest I’ve seen but they seem as well made as other triggers I’ve used and work smooth.
Obvious perks
The first thing that had me thinking when I saw the triggers was what cables am I going to need? I hate cables and hate finding the right ones for my flashes that work with triggers. However with the iShoot Snipers I was a very happy bunny to find out that no cables are needed what so ever, they have a sync socket on them for some reason but they have worked with all of my flashes by just sliding them on to the hot shoe that is fixed to the trigger. Many flashes don’t even have a pc socket on them so with other triggers you would have to purchase a separate piece of equipment to allow the trigger to plug in to the flash.
Brilliant, now we are definitely off to a good start.
(If however you want to use these triggers for studio style flashes then you’ll need to get a specific lead that goes into your flash head with a regular pc that can goe into the trigger.)
What you’ll need to get started with the triggers
Each trigger needs two double A (AA) batteries, that’s all you’ll need to get rocking your trigger.
How many do you need?
You get one iShoot Sniper for £70 inc VAT (cheap compared to others)
There is no difference between receivers and transmitters, the trigger is cable of both.
You need a one to go on the camera and one to go on each flash. (so you need two to get started basically)
Let’s get down to business
Setting flashes off away from the camera can be a nightmare, let me tell you I have tried everything, long sync leads, optical slaves, cheap triggers from ebay and the more expensive mainstream triggers like Quantum and Pocket Wizard.
I would totally warm people away from optical slaves, they are OKish indoors but as soon as you step outside they can’t be trusted at all. Ebay triggers are a pure waste of time to, they work now and again but can’t be relied on. I am a fan of sync leads, they’re cheap and work every time, the only obvious downside is the range. It’s hard to get decent distance with sync leads (even if you stick a load together) This is why good radio triggers are a must for anyone who is serious when it comes to off camera flash. I have used Pocket Wizards and Quantum free wire triggers in the past and they are great but I don’t like the price tag on either of them to be honest nor should you as any money saved means more holidays and more other luxuries in life.
So moving on are the iShoot Snipers any good?
Yes they are very good,
Range Test
This was good fun, we were very impressed with the range on these bad boys, sniper is the perfect name for them. They fired every time up to 150 meters, fantastic! They were tested on a cold British rainy day and held up well.
After a 150 meters we were getting a 50% success rate which was a little disappointing as they claim a 500 meter range, However some other top end triggers have worked the same at those distances so not bad at all.
Manufactures top features
- iShoot Sniper is compatible with Nikon/ Canon and other manual flashes
- Uses 2AA batteries
- Antenna for enhanced wireless signal (replaceable)
- Sync speed is up to 1/500
- Range of a massive 500M
- Metal hotshoe
- PC-Sync port and remote port
Mr Over Exposed top features
- Cheap in comparison to other branded radio flash triggers
- No need for leads when using them with small flashes and Stobes
- A good range (OK not 100% at 500m but hey 500m is a long away away, for realistic shooting distances these triggers are very good
- Good build quality with a professional look
- Compatable with almost any flash/strobe gun
- Water and dust sealed (this is really although it’s a shame the rest of my gear isn’t to be put in a situation where this could be fully tested. Still it’s nice to know they are well built.
Mr Overexposed overall Rating is a fantastic 9 out of 10:
Build: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Specs: 9/10
Value for Money: 9/10
So overall a big thumbs up for the iShoot Sniper trigger from Mr Overexposed, if you are looking for triggers get yourself over to UK Highland.
iShoot Snipers can be purchased at UK Highland Photography
