Guangdong, China: Photon Video Co. Ltd have introduced a pair of new hobbyist flash remotes that break the mould in receiver design. The Skina WS-1 and WS-2 triggers are aimed at photographers on a budget and offer a few interesting features that other manufacturers don’t.
Both the WS-1 and WS-2 use compact transmitters with a pass-through hotshoe, similar to the YN-04 II from Yongnuo but with an integral spirit level. The WS-1 receiver boasts three hotshoes, an umbrella hole and a pistol grip, making it half radio remote, half handheld tri-flash bracket. The WS-2 on the other hand is a bit like the Yongnuo CTR-301P – with a built-in optical slave and 2.5mm sync port – also adding a pre-flash detection optical slave mode.
Skina WS-X transmitter features
- Pass-through hotshoe (manual only) with locking pinhole
- 360° spirit level
- 433MHz
- Claimed range of 15 metres
- Claimed synchronisation speed of up to 1/250 second
- Takes 1 * 23A battery
- Locking wheel on foot
- Confirmation LED
While the transmitters on the WS-1 and WS-2 appear to have identical features, we don’t know for certain whether they are compatible with each other. However, the upper hotshoe allows you to stack the transmitters if needed. Unfortunately it appears there is no way of changing the frequency channel to avoid interference.
Skina WS-1 receiver features
- Three hotshoes (manual only) with locking pinholes
- Swivelling head
- Power button and indicator LED
- Ergonomic grip for holding by hand
- Umbrella hole
- Takes 2 * AAA batteries
- 1/4″ tripod socket
- Comes with tilting light stand adapter
Skina WS-2 receiver features
- Hotshoe (manual only) with locking pinhole
- 2.5mm sync port (2.5mm-6.35mm cord included for use with studio flash)
- Four modes:
- Off
- W: 433MHz radio receiver
- L1: optical slave mode
- L2: optical slave with pre-flash detection
- 1/4″ tripod socket
- Takes 2 * AAA batteries
- Self-supporting on level surfaces
- Indicator LED
Where to buy
The Skina WS-1 is available on eBay for around US$40, while the Skina WS-2 is listed at about $25 plus shipping. For more information, please visit the Photon Video Co. web site.