Bowens Pulsar radio trigger
Bowens Pulsar known issues are a double triggering when using it with small portable flash units on minimum flash power, a too frequent trigger failure (non-triggering) and a limitation on the maximum sync speed. Many photographers have been blaming a lot on Bowens for this product, and I would also not recommend it. On photography, all we don't want is non-reliable equipment. I have been using several Bowens equipment for long time without any problems, but I'm not happy at all with the Bowens Pulsar. I'll keep all my trusty Bowens equipment but not the Pulsar.
I was told that the double triggering issue with small flash units can be avoided if the fixing bracket is not used. There may be a problem caused by any physical contact of the receiver unit with any metal part. I have to say that I haven't tested it with small flash units and so I can't say if this problem, known on v4, is solved on the v5. Also I haven't noticed any triggering failure with my Bowens lighting, but I have noticed the limitation on maximum sync speed when using Bowens Pulsar trigger with studio flash heads.
I have been using Bowens Pulsar also as a remote camera shutter and to sync shoots of two cameras without any problem, but I will keep the necessary cables to use with the Pocket Wizard set that I will buy to replace the Bowens Pulsar set.
On the following photographs, all with the same camera on same conditions, the maximum sync speed issue with the Bowens Pulsar is quite noticeable .
Thought 1/200s is more than sufficient for still life, it is not for other photography. For these cases all that a Pulsar owner can do is to use the old sync cord.
Left: Nikon D3 with Micro-Nikkor 105mm, 1/200s f/13, Bowens Pulsar Right: Nikon D3 with Micro-Nikkor 105mm, 1/250s f/13, Bowens Pulsar
Left: Nikon D3 with Micro-Nikkor 105mm, 1/250s f/13, IR trigger Right: Nikon D3 with Micro-Nikkor 105mm, 1/250s f/13, Sync cord
All photographs © 2009 Jose Meneses – All rights reserved
