
Three different studio flash units have been released by Shenzhen-based manufacturer CononMark. The G4.0, GID50 and GE400 monolights add to the “3G Wireless” series of remote-controllable monolights.
The defining feature of the system is the CononMk 3G trigger, a 3GHz wireless controller which may be handheld or camera mounted and allows adjustment of all flash settings from a distance. Since it mounts on the camera it also functions as a wireless flash trigger. The test button may be used for metering.
Specifications
Model | G 4.0 | GID50 | GE400 |
---|---|---|---|
Flash Energy | 400J | 500J | 400J |
Power Source | DC only | AC/DC | AC only |
Guide Number | 56 | 58 | 58 |
Modelling Lamp | 35W DC | 75W - 150W | 60W E27 |
Accessory Mount | Comet | Comet | Bowens |
Power Levels | 1/1 - 1/64 | 1/1 - 1/128 | 1/1 - 1/64 |
Recycle Time | 0.1 - 3.5 sec | 0.01 - 1.2 sec (AC) 0.2 - 3.5 sec (DC) | 0.5 - 2.8 sec |
Cooling Fan | No | No | Yes |
Weight | 0.90kg | 1.75kg | 1.85kg |
Price | US$685 | US$699 | 2 for US$599 |
CononMk G4.0
Effectively a remote-controllable version of the popular CononMk DL 4.0, the G4.0 is a Comet bayonet battery-powered monolight with IGBT circuitry. At full power, the specified flash duration is 1/3200 second, dropping to 1/8600 at minimum power and 1/13000 in stroboscopic mode. Perfect for freezing action!
Without remote control, it’s known in different countries as the Impact Lite Trek, Strobeam DL4, Phottix PPL-400Â or Photoflex TritonFlash.
CononMk GID50
Very similar to the G4.0, the GID50 can be powered by either a battery or the mains. IGBT control provides quick flash durations at low power settings. It can be turned down to 1/128 of full power. Recycle times are slightly quicker when powered from the mains than from the battery.
CononMk GE400
The odd one out in our line-up, the GE400 can’t be battery-powered and doesn’t have IGBT control. Nonetheless, the Bowens S bayonet is much easier to find accessories for, and the device has a cooling fan to keep the light going longer during intensive shoots. The claimed flash duration is 1/1900 second (t 0.5).
Another advantage is that a two head GE400 kit is cheaper than a single G4.0 or GID50. On eBay, a two head kit is a comparable price to the Hobo Merlin (see below).
 Where to buy
- Dzone2, based in Hong Kong, sell the G4.0 for US$685 (£425), the GID50 for $699 (£445) and a 2-head GE400 kit for $599 (£369). Click here for the listings.
- Green Life, also based in Hong Kong, list the G4.0 at $670 (£425).
- Dragon Image of Australia sell the GE400 under the FlashPro brand for A$360 including GST.