Elinchrom Skyport universal trigger set
£125.00
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Compact and easy to use, the Elinchrom Universal Skyport set is a reliable and popular option.
Photo answers review
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The Elinchrom Universal Skyport set is quite small and light, with its compact design. It doesn’t have a hotshoe attachment for a flashgun – something that’s becoming a standard feature with radio receivers. However this doesn’t mean that you can’t attach one via the mini jack socket on the Skyport receiver (this has to be purchased separately from a third-party supplier). This is quite a basic trigger set, but still has some handy features that makes it unique. The trigger can be used to control some of the functions of Elinchrom RX units such as flash power output, but this is only possible when a Transceiver RX 19353 is attached. This is a sleek-looking trigger kit with excellent overall build quality. Robust and flexible aerials that are designed to withstand accidental knocks is just one nice touch. In terms of ease of use, these triggers are self-explanatory – you really can’t go wrong with them and don’t even need to read the instructions to set them up. So long as the groups and channels are set the same on the trigger and receiver you're ready to go. Despite the obvious shortfall of the set due to the lack of a hotshoe, the Elinchrom Skyport Universal set remains a popular and reliable option. You can attach an external hotshoe, so you simply need to decide whether or not having one built-in is an important feature for you. Additional receivers can be purchased for a very reasonable £74.
VerdictThese Elinchrom triggers are very good, thanks to their compact size and ease-of-use, but are let down by the lack of a hotshoe attachment for a flashgun. It is possible to attach one via the mini jack socket, but this does have to be purchased separately.
SpecificationChannels: 8 channels, 4 groups
Range: 50-120m
Mount: None
Hotshoe: No (external can be attached via mini jack socket)
Max. sync speed: Up to 1/1000sec depending on DSLR sync speed
Special features: Trigger can control some functions of Elinchrom RX units when a Transceiver RX 19353 is attached
In the box: Skyport transmitter, Skyport universal receiver, mains charger for receiver, short Elinchrom screw-in sync, short Elinchrom mini-jack sync, short PC-minijack for non-hotshoe cameras
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I bought a set of these about nine months ago after doing quite a lot of research on-line. I wanted a trigger that would be near 100% reliable which ruled out the e-bay triggers which were around at the time. I also didn't want to have the expense of Pocket Wizards if I didn't have to.
So after receiving the kit I had to search around for a quality cable to attach my Sigma flash guns (the Super variety). So that was another £20 to add to the bill.
I finally got to try out the triggers and was very disappointed to find that there is a problem between Skyports and these Sigma flashguns. I could only get around 75-80% reliability which is not good. I tried it with 3 flashes and 2 cables (more expense) but it was the same every time.
I e-mailed Elinchrom who forwarded it The Flash Centre (authorised distributor) to deal with. While they were very friendly and sent me another cable to try (foc) the problem couldn't be resolved.
I am now selling the Skyports after trying the new breed of Yongnuo triggers (RF-602) which are available on E-bay and Amazon. These seem to be of similar build quality, have built in hotshoes (no messy cables) and in my limited tests have been 100% reliable. Oh yeah they are also 25% of the price of the Skyports so for less money I can have 2 triggers and four receivers.
(Written by: MikeTheTog)
25 February 2010 10:16
