Nikon AS-15 Sync Terminal Adapter with low cost studio flash

sunsetsmile

Hello folks!

I received last week a low cost studio flash "Godox Mini Pioneer Series 120" which is coming from China I guess. I am not discussing here the quality of this light studio, which is certainly way below average, I am just wondering how I can connect it to my D610.

The studio flash has a "Sync Cord Jack", and after some research on the Internet I found out that I need some kind of accessories, e.g. the Nikon AS-15 Sync Terminal Adapter. I read as well that there exist risk of voltage problem depending on the studio flash used, that could break or damage the camera.

My questions are as follow:
1. Is this the Nikon accessory that I need?
2. If so, is it true that there are volatge problem with low cost studio flashes that could damage or break the camera?
3. If so, is there any other alternative?

Thank to the Nikon Rumors community for the help, cheers,

Matt

spraynpray

If the flash is a manual only system, buy a cheap set of chinese radio poppers off eBay - they will be fine. If you are looking for CLS compatibility, you'll need to buy Yongnuo or similar to get HSS and iTTL.

sunsetsmile

Thank you for your answer. Regarding the second option, what kind of product do you have in mind specifically?

Bokeh_Hunter

With that flash, you can not use iTTL or HSS (although it does have a fast flash duration so you might be able to push the limits.) All you really need is a cheap Wireless Radio Remote Trigger.

What can make a difference is what body you are using. Different bodies need/can use different trigger mechanisms.

spraynpray

@sunsetsmile: You don't say where you live Matt so I looked on eBay UK for some which only cost £8.32 and they are stocked in the UK. If you search radio triggers under lighting and studio, then display the pages in price ascending you'll see plenty of them when you get to that price. I will put the url below but it may be deleted due to forum policy:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/16-Channels-433Mhz-Radio-Wireless-Remote-Speedlite-Flash-Trigger-Universal-UK-/290933400049?pt=UK_Photography_Slaves_Trigger_Systems&hash=item43bcfb61f1

sunsetsmile

Ok, thanks for your answers. So technically there are two ways to go, either wirelessly with the radio triggers or wired via the Nikon AS-15 accessory, right?

Pistnbroke

you should not connect it to anything until you measure the voltage across the sync cable terminals with a voltmeter..under 12v will be compatible and not damage your camera etc

PS just did some research on google and it says 5v in its specs but ...Test dont guess

spraynpray

@sunsetsmile:
Sorry I misread your first post and that url was for speedlight triggers. This is the url for studio flash triggers:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Lighting-Studio-/30078/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=radio+trigger+studio+flash&_sop=15

Just copy and paste that url into your browser and hit enter to see the search or paste this one in to see the cheapest PAIR of triggers (I assume you have bought a two light set-up.

Don't worry about any voltage problems, there are no problems at all as it is only a little electronic transmitter that goes on your camera, the receivers switch the flashes no problem.

Ironheart

@sunsetsmile, as @pistnbroke says, the unit you are considering has a 5v trigger. See:
http://www.godox.com/EN/Products_Studio_Flash_Mini_Pioneer_Series.html
You are good to go with the as-15.

spraynpray

Why use a lead? Radio poppers are so cheap and you don't end up falling over them and damaging your camera/lens/flash?

Bokeh_Hunter

I agree with spraynpray - go with wireless, shooting tethered is a pain and the cord is always in the way.

If you do go corded, get a 20-30ft cord. The shorter you get, the more likely you are to snag and tip things over.