#987607 - 04/05/2011 22:16
Lightning Trigger!
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Cloud Gazer
Registered: 17/11/2007
Posts: 4
Loc: Melbourne, Victoria.
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Hi gang, I see it's been over 2yrs since I've seen a post on lightning triggers. How are they? Is there any examples you want to share? I just bought one from here Lightning trigger cost me around $107.00 which isn't too bad. Anyway, just wanted to see what has been happening with them... Ben
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nice sounding
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#987621 - 05/05/2011 05:53
Re: Lightning Trigger!
[Re: Beanz]
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Weather Freak
Registered: 07/10/2008
Posts: 471
Loc: Lismore, Northern Rivers
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Gday Ben, I recently got a lightning trigger. Have used it on a couple of occasions with mixed results. I've found that, depending on the manufacturer, it will pick up even the smallest change in light intensity. Example being on Tuesday I was trying for lightning with it and chewed through about 160 pics in about 10mins. I was able to get 5 reasonable keepers http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2004121179771.2121057.1145861180Still very happy with the results but trying to get one of those elusive fully branched daytime CGs is still difficult as the sensor isn't quite quick enough when matched with my 400D. You may get lucky if two staccattos arc down within milliseconds of each other, but I haven't succeeded in that department yet. Anyhow good luck with it and hope to see some of your results soon. Cheers Jason
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#994235 - 09/06/2011 10:15
Re: Lightning Trigger!
[Re: thomo]
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Weather Freak
Registered: 27/06/2005
Posts: 129
Loc: Glenorchy, Tasmania, Australia
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What camera are you using Leigh?
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#994659 - 11/06/2011 07:45
Re: Lightning Trigger!
[Re: Analog6]
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Weatherzone Addict
Registered: 06/12/2005
Posts: 2639
Loc: West End, Townsville, QLD
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#1004678 - 06/08/2011 16:31
Re: Lightning Trigger!
[Re: Big_Pete]
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Weatherzone Addict
Registered: 28/01/2011
Posts: 2104
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Just wondering, I have Finepix Fujifilm S3600 2006 version, could I get a lightning trigger for that camera? If not, as in other option could I trade cameras for a better one? In the topic. Nice pictures you guys. I scored some lightning myself in routine of index finger.  Just wondering, how lightning trigger works?
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Blank.
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#1004683 - 06/08/2011 17:14
Re: Lightning Trigger!
[Re: Noname]
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Weatherzone Addict
Registered: 23/09/2001
Posts: 3091
Loc: Mt Warrigal, NSW, Australia
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Just wondering, I have Finepix Fujifilm S3600 2006 version, could I get a lightning trigger for that camera? If not, as in other option could I trade cameras for a better one? 99.9% certain you cannot. Triggers are available for digital SLR type cameras, and then mainly Canon and Nikon. I doubt trade is an option either, just keep the Fuji for a backup and save your dollars for a digital SLR. Lightning trigger reacts to light, it could for example be triggered by flashing a strong light toward the camera. I have a trigger myself, but last year was so woeful for storms here it went unused.
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#1004702 - 06/08/2011 18:49
Re: Lightning Trigger!
[Re: ozthunder]
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Meteorological Motor Mouth
Registered: 29/11/2009
Posts: 8400
Loc: Blair Athol, SA
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A lightning trigger is very, very basic. All it is is a photodetector, which is finely tuned to notice differences between ambient light and a lightning strike. When the photodetector detects lightning, it compares it against the ambient light level. If it is higher (To a threshold you usually set), it'll trigger. At night is much easier in terms of detecting lightning, as it's usually the brightest light source at the time. The trigger then just signals your cameras shutter to fire. Done  Cheers, Dan
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#1004803 - 07/08/2011 13:10
Re: Lightning Trigger!
[Re: Things]
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Cloud Gazer
Registered: 05/08/2011
Posts: 5
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The photos I got without the use of the tripod - I just sort of pinned the camera to the door of my car. This fella was just outside the house - I was inside shooting outside, which is why there's reflections on the shot. I suppose I'll photoshop them out eventually. I love this thing!  * I should note that I did turn the levels way down, as the original shot is too washed out to even see the bolt.
Edited by strido (07/08/2011 13:11)
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#1007571 - 23/08/2011 16:42
Re: Lightning Trigger!
[Re: Harry Spotter]
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Weatherzone Addict
Registered: 06/12/2005
Posts: 2639
Loc: West End, Townsville, QLD
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They predominately rely on bolts that strobe, or last at least 1 second. The biggest problem is camera lag, while cameras are on the improve most DSLR's have a lag time of 40-120ms, which is where the problem lies. If you scroll up and look closely at my 4th shot there are some branches on the bolt. Another factor to consider during day is distance from the strike, branches have to compete with daylight and are usually less intense than the actual bolt. 
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#1007576 - 23/08/2011 16:53
Re: Lightning Trigger!
[Re: thomo]
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Weatherzone Addict
Registered: 06/12/2005
Posts: 2639
Loc: West End, Townsville, QLD
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#1007678 - 24/08/2011 13:17
Re: Lightning Trigger!
[Re: Jason P]
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Weatherzone Addict
Registered: 14/11/2001
Posts: 1955
Loc: Springwood, Brisbane
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Ah thanks guys. I'd really like branches like this!  But it seems the camera is as much at fault as the trigger (if not more so). The branches are still present when the lightning first makes contact with the ground; but they seem to disappear for any subsequent strokes of the same strike. Which is a pity... and it means my problem remains, for the most part. Thanks for that chart of shutter lag times, Leigh. Cheers, Marty.
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#1007689 - 24/08/2011 15:47
Re: Lightning Trigger!
[Re: Harry Spotter]
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Weatherzone Addict
Registered: 05/11/2005
Posts: 3256
Loc: Canberra!
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Mate, if we all got branchy cg's like that, we'd all be happy chappies.......
In truth, i've resisted buying triggers, simply because twilight / evening lightning is far more photogenic IMO from a purely photographic point of view. Day time structure is usually what i'm after before night fall.... and in addition this upcoming season, footage as well.
I do have some chunky solid ND filters that can slow down shutter speeds to 2-5 secs in broad day light, however as mentioned above, don't tend to use it. Each to their own i guess:)
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