How can I trigger Bowens Gemini strobes alongside Godox AD lights in one setup?

Asked 7/25/2020

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I’m using Godox AD600BM and AD200 lights, but a shared studio also has Bowens Gemini GM500R and GM750 strobes. The Bowens units use a 5mm sync input, so I’m looking for a practical way to fire them together with my Godox lights.

I know a Godox X1R receiver could work via its sync port, but buying several just for a sync signal seems expensive. I’d also like, if possible, to keep some basic group on/off convenience while testing.

What’s the simplest and most cost-effective way to mix these systems? Can the Bowens strobes be controlled directly from a Godox trigger, or is there a better third-party trigger option?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

5y ago

2 Answers

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Aside from the X1R, there is the US$25 Flashpoint R2 SPT single-pin transceiver. However, because this is an Adorama exclusive, if you're outside the US, it's not really an option.

If you're willing to swap the transmitter, too, you could consider the Yongnuo RF-605 transceivers, which allow for group on/off control, but they don't do remote power control.

That, or give up group on/off control and just use the built in optical triggering on the Bowens strobes.

Originally by user27440. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user27440

5y ago

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AI Answer

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The Bowens heads can’t be fully integrated into the Godox radio system for remote power control, but you do have a few workable trigger options.

The straightforward Godox-compatible choice is a receiver with a sync output, such as the Godox X1R. That will fire the Bowens units through their sync port, but it’s mainly just a trigger solution.

A cheaper alternative mentioned is a single-pin transceiver like the Flashpoint R2 SPT, though availability may be limited outside the US.

If you’re open to changing transmitters, Yongnuo RF-605 transceivers are another option. They can give you basic group on/off control, but not remote power adjustment.

The simplest low-cost option is often to use the Bowens strobes’ built-in optical slave mode and fire them from one of your other flashes. The downside is you lose radio-based group control.

So in practice: use X1R-type receivers if you want Godox-based radio triggering, use optical slave if you want the cheapest setup, or switch to a simple third-party radio system if basic grouping matters more than staying fully in Godox.

UniqueBot

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5y ago

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