Here it is, beautiful and brand new: the new Cactus V6 trigger radio.

Today I will test this new toy for you and compare it with its predecessor.

First impressions : 

A digital display with orange LED which is essential in low light, its menu buttons, the 4 different possible groups, its mini-USB port (ideal for firmware updates) and a test flash button, make it an optimal trigger. It is of course backwards compatible with previous models.

The size of the rigger gained volume, which makes it more stable and solid on a tripod flash. The battery now requires AA batteries: for guaranteed durability. The digital battery indicator is accurate. The screw thread for the tripod is easily accessible and the attachment on the case has been optimized: a small black bar allows you to set the shutter on your SLR with amazing simplicity.

On location :

First big improvement: it is now possible to adjust the power of remote flashes: you choose the group (very easy using the backlit ABCD buttons) and we can therefore use the knob to vary the flashes parameters, the fit is incredibly fast, a real treat.

This new release allows to swing the power of a 2,3 or 4 flash simultaneously, it is also very accurate because it can control flash power in manual mode up to 0.1EV,

Additionally, the V6 breaks down barriers between brands: more than 30 models of flashes are compatible with this release ( among Canon / Nikon / Pentax), which is a nice change compared to its predecessor. I own different models of Canon flashes, no worries, I set the V6 right below and I am armed to shoot.

I appreciate the delicacy and precision of the trigger, with a frequency of 2.4 GHz, which is equivalent to a nice distance of 100 meters; I am assured of fidelity in lightning shots, regardless of my position. This was not always the case with low-cost triggers purchased on the internet.

Finally, the combined use of multiple cobra flashes has never been easier. In practice: each flash group with its separate button, so it is easy to minimize or maximize the power using the dial on the trigger. I can no longer do without this option. This allows you to work without stress and more efficiently, without running to flash to change their settings. I also often use the absolute mode: power tool analyzing the different flashes for the same light intensity, useful method on some shoots for a nice continuity in reporting.

Flash model profiles pre-installed in V6:  : 

 

Canon :
– Cactus AF45C, AF50C;
– Canon 320EX, 430EX, 430EXII, 540EZ, 580EX, 580EXII, 600EX-RT;
– Godox V860C;
– Metz 36AF-5, 44AF-1, 50AF-1, 52AF-1, 58AF-1, 58AF-2;
– Nissin Di866 MARK II, MG8000;
– Phottix Mitros;
– Sigma EF-500 DG SUPER;
– Yongnuo YN568EX II;

Nikon :
– Cactus AF45N, AF50N;
– Metz 36AF-5, 44AF-1, 58AF-2;
– Nikon SB-24, SB-28, SB-600, SB-700, SB-800, SB-900, SB-910;
– Nissin Di700, Di866;
– Sigma EF-530 DG SUPER;

Pentax :
– Cactus AF45P, AF50P;
– Metz 36AF-5, 44AF-1, 50AF-1, 58AF-2;
– Pentax AF 360FGZ, AF 540FGZ;

 

 

 

Conclusion :  

 

I’ve covered a good fifteen shootings with this new trigger and I am very satisfied. Manoeuvrability: the power to change its flash in a few seconds is a time saver. To be able to use almost any cobra flash with this trigger is innovative, it is even possible to install other profiles using the mini USB port. Finally, I have not encountered any bugs yet, no false contact problem, changes from the previous model is unquestionable. I found a nice compromise between flash kits with generator and with the use of flash cobra and it shows through shootings productivity, much recommended!