Photographing lightning strikes and other ultra-high-speed events is next to impossible without the aid of some kind of triggering system, due to the rate at which these anomalies occur. Ubertronix Strike Finder triggers are an intelligent solution for recording these instances since they utilize several different technologies to detect motion in an accurate and repeatable way.
The Strike Finder line of triggers offers four unique models: the Strike Finder, Strike Finder Pro, Strike Finder Pro II and Strike Finder Elite. Each of these triggers features a different combination of means by which to record lighting strikes and other functions, depending on your own needs.
Strike Finder
The Strike Finder is the original model, which is designed most simply to record lighting strikes during either the day or nighttime. It uses microcontroller-based technology and an infrared sensor to capture lighting and other fast, sudden bursts of light in instantaneous fashion; faster than one’s dependable reaction time. This trigger mounts on the hot shoe of your DSLR and permits automatic, hands-free recording of storms. Depending on the specific storm, lighting bursts can last up to several hundred milliseconds and contain numerous individual strikes, occurring approximately 40 milliseconds apart. The Strike Finder is capable of reacting in microseconds, which when coupled with an average camera’s shutter lag, provides a dependable solution for recording fast-moving lightning storms.
The Strike Finder comes with a dedicated camera cord, available for the following cameras:
- Olympus E5
- Select Canon EOS Rebel and Samsung cameras (including the Canon EOS Rebel, Rebel XT, Rebel XTi, Rebel XSi, Rebel XT1i, Rebel T3i, Rebel T4i, Rebel 2000, Rebel G, Rebel T2, Rebel Ti, Rebel X, Rebel XS, Samsung GX-10 and GX-20)
- Select Canon EOS cameras (including the Canon EOS 1D Mark II, 1Ds Mark II, 1Ds Mark III, 5D, 5D Mark II, 5D Mark III, 7D, 10D, 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D, 60D and other cameras that are compatible with the TC-80NS (3-pin) shutter remote
- Select Nikon cameras (including the Nikon D3, D3x, D700, D800/E, D300, D200, D2H, D1H, D1x and D4)
- Select Nikon cameras (including the Nikon D90, D3100, D5000 and D7000)
- Select Olympus cameras (including the Olympus SP-590, E-30, EP-1, E-400, E-410, E-420, E-520, SP-510UZ, SP-550UZ, SP-560UZ and SP-570UZ)
- Select Pentax cameras (including the Pentax K20D, K200D, K10D and K100D)
- Select Sony and Minolta cameras (including the Sony Alpha A100, A100K, A900, A700, A350, A300, A200, A55, A57, A65, A77, Minolta Maxxum/Dynax 7D, 5D, 9, 7, 5, 4, 3, Dynax AF 807si, 800si, 700si, 600si, 505si, 500si, XTsi, STsi, AF 9000, AF 7000, AF 5000, DiMAGE 7Hi, 7i, 7, 5, A1, A2, A200, A7D and A5D)
Strike Finder Pro
The Strike Finder Pro adds to the original Strike Finder’s lightning-triggering capabilities with two more triggering systems: a laser trigger sensor and an intervalometer. The laser trigger function requires the use of an optional auxiliary laser pointer in order to emit a controlled beam of light. When this beam is interrupted it will automatically trigger an exposure within 45-60 milliseconds. This is especially useful for photographing water droplets or other instantaneous motions that occur within a relatively nearby space.
The Strike Finder Pro also integrates an intervalometer in order to facilitate time-lapse photography. The shooting intervals are controlled by a knob on the device, which allows you to fine-tune from one second to 10 minute delays between exposures. Once the time has been set, the device will automatically send a signal to your camera to make an exposure at the specified time, until you stop it.
The Strike Finder Pro comes with a dedicated camera cord, available for the following cameras:
- Olympus E5
- Select Canon EOS Rebel and Samsung cameras (including the Canon EOS Rebel, Rebel XT, Rebel XTi, Rebel XSi, Rebel XT1i, Rebel T3i, Rebel T4i, Rebel 2000, Rebel G, Rebel T2, Rebel Ti, Rebel X, Rebel XS, Samsung GX-10 and GX-20)
- Select Canon EOS cameras (including the Canon EOS 1D Mark II, 1Ds Mark II, 1Ds Mark III, 5D, 5D Mark II, 5D Mark III, 7D, 10D, 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D, 60D and other cameras that are compatible with the TC-80NS (3-pin) shutter remote
- Select Nikon cameras (including the Nikon D3, D3x, D700, D800/E, D300, D200, D2H, D1H, D1x and D4)
- Select Nikon cameras (including the Nikon D90, D3100, D5000 and D7000)
- Select Olympus cameras (including the Olympus SP-590, E-30, EP-1, E-400, E-410, E-420, E-520, SP-510UZ, SP-550UZ, SP-560UZ and SP-570UZ)
- Select Pentax cameras (including the Pentax K20D, K200D, K10D and K100D)
- Select Sony and Minolta cameras (including the Sony Alpha A100, A100K, A900, A700, A350, A300, A200, A55, A57, A65, A77, Minolta Maxxum/Dynax 7D, 5D, 9, 7, 5, 4, 3, Dynax AF 807si, 800si, 700si, 600si, 505si, 500si, XTsi, STsi, AF 9000, AF 7000, AF 5000, DiMAGE 7Hi, 7i, 7, 5, A1, A2, A200, A7D and A5D)
Strike Finder Pro II
The Strike Finder Pro II is similar to the Strike Finder Pro in that it includes three separate triggering methods. However, it offers sound triggering instead of an intervalometer function. The sound trigger will automatically send a signal to your camera to make an exposure when a loud noise is detected. The sound attachment is connected to the Strike Finder Pro II via an included 18” cable, allowing you to place the trigger just off-camera, pointed in any direction. The sound trigger is ideal for photographing high-speed situations, such as races, or when firing a gun.
The Strike Finder Pro II comes with a dedicated camera cord, available for the following cameras:
- Olympus E5
- Select Canon EOS Rebel and Samsung cameras (including the Canon EOS Rebel, Rebel XT, Rebel XTi, Rebel XSi, Rebel XT1i, Rebel T3i, Rebel T4i, Rebel 2000, Rebel G, Rebel T2, Rebel Ti, Rebel X, Rebel XS, Samsung GX-10 and GX-20)
- Select Canon EOS cameras (including the Canon EOS 1D Mark II, 1Ds Mark II, 1Ds Mark III, 5D, 5D Mark II, 5D Mark III, 7D, 10D, 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D, 60D and other cameras that are compatible with the TC-80NS (3-pin) shutter remote
- Select Nikon cameras (including the Nikon D3, D3x, D700, D800/E, D300, D200, D2H, D1H, D1x and D4)
- Select Nikon cameras (including the Nikon D90, D3100, D5000 and D7000)
- Select Olympus cameras (including the Olympus SP-590, E-30, EP-1, E-400, E-410, E-420, E-520, SP-510UZ, SP-550UZ, SP-560UZ and SP-570UZ)
- Select Pentax cameras (including the Pentax K20D, K200D, K10D and K100D)
- Select Sony and Minolta cameras (including the Sony Alpha A100, A100K, A900, A700, A350, A300, A200, A55, A57, A65, A77, Minolta Maxxum/Dynax 7D, 5D, 9, 7, 5, 4, 3, Dynax AF 807si, 800si, 700si, 600si, 505si, 500si, XTsi, STsi, AF 9000, AF 7000, AF 5000, DiMAGE 7Hi, 7i, 7, 5, A1, A2, A200, A7D and A5D)
Strike Finder Elite
The top-of-the-line Ubertronix trigger, the Strike Finder Elite, combines four triggering technologies in one unit: lightning, laser, sound and motion. The lightning, laser and sound triggering functions have been carried over from the Strike Finder Pro II, and the addition of the motion sensor gives the Elite model greater functionality for recording high-speed situations. Like the sound trigger, the motion trigger is an auxiliary attachment that is plugged into the Strike Finder Elite through an 18” cable. This triggering system can detect any motion in order to release your camera’s shutter at a greater proximity than the laser trigger.
The Strike Finder Elite comes with a dedicated camera cord, available for the following cameras:
- Olympus E5
- Select Canon EOS Rebel and Samsung cameras (including the Canon EOS Rebel, Rebel XT, Rebel XTi, Rebel XSi, Rebel XT1i, Rebel T3i, Rebel T4i, Rebel 2000, Rebel G, Rebel T2, Rebel Ti, Rebel X, Rebel XS, Samsung GX-10 and GX-20)
- Select Canon EOS cameras (including the Canon EOS 1D Mark II, 1Ds Mark II, 1Ds Mark III, 5D, 5D Mark II, 5D Mark III, 7D, 10D, 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D, 60D, and other cameras that are compatible with the TC-80NS (3-pin) shutter remote
- Select Nikon cameras (including the Nikon D3, D3x, D700, D800/E, D300, D200, D2H, D1H, D1x and D4)
- Select Nikon cameras (including the Nikon D90, D3100, D5000 and D7000)
- Select Olympus cameras (including the Olympus SP-590, E-30, EP-1, E-400, E-410, E-420, E-520, SP-510UZ, SP-550UZ, SP-560UZ and SP-570UZ)
- Select Pentax cameras (including the Pentax K20D, K200D, K10D and K100D)
- Select Sony and Minolta cameras (including the Sony Alpha A100, A100K, A900, A700, A350, A300, A200, A55, A57, A65, A77, Minolta Maxxum/Dynax 7D, 5D, 9, 7, 5, 4, 3, Dynax AF 807si, 800si, 700si, 600si, 505si, 500si, XTsi, STsi, AF 9000, AF 7000, AF 5000, DiMAGE 7Hi, 7i, 7, 5, A1, A2, A200, A7D and A5D)
When using any of the Strike Finder models, it is recommended to override the manual sleep function on your camera so it is always ready to record. Also contributing to greater success, it is best to set your camera to manual focus and shutter- or aperture-priority modes, which offer faster overall performance. When working at night, the recommended exposure range is 1/3 to 1/8 second at f/1.8 to f/7.1, and when working during the day, it is best to photograph between 1/8 to 1/30 second at f/1.8 to f/7.1; no matter the time of day, it is recommended that you set your camera’s sensitivity between ISO 200 and 400.
The Strike Finder trigger system is a simple and effective way to record high-speed events that would otherwise be nearly impossible to capture on your own. Making use of several distinct triggering technologies across the line of different devices, each of these triggers provides a unique solution for making precise exposures of lightning strikes and many other kinds of sudden, instantaneous movements.
79 Comments
Will any of these work with the Canon T7i?
The newest model which is the Ubertronix Strike Finder 2, BH # UBSF2WCBL can attach to the Canon EOS T7i using the
Vello 3.5mm Remote Shutter Release Cable II for Canon Sub-Mini, BH # VERCC2C135.
https://bhpho.to/3QLZ5lz
https://bhpho.to/39SU2z9
Hey there, does it work with Em1 Mark 3? Thanks
You can use the Strike Finder with the OM-D E-M1 Mark III by adding the Vello 3.5mm Remote Shutter Release Cable for Cameras with 2.5mm Sub-Mini Connections, BH # VERCCC135.
https://bhpho.to/33rhM6Q
I have a Canon 80D...is this compatible?
The Vello 3.5mm Remote Shutter Release Cable for Camera with 2.5mm Sub-Mini Connections, BH # VERCCC135 would connect the Ubertronix Strike Finder triggers to the Canon EOS 80D. https://bhpho.to/2FKgIlm
Hi,
I know nothing about a lightning sensor and I am a novice photographer.
I am interested in taking pictures of lightning bolts because I live in the high desert in northern Arizona.
I own a Sony OX 5000 digital camera with a E mount,
does this lightning sensor adapt to my camera?
If it's the Sony A5000 that you have, you would need the Vello 3.5mm Remote Shutter Release Cable for Select Sony Cameras with Multi-Terminal, B&H # VERCCS235 to connect with one of the Ubertronix Strike Finder remotes:
https://bhpho.to/2GvqNAr
would one of these work with the Nikon d3400?
Unfortunately, the Nikon D3400 lacks a remote control connection, which is required to operate these Ubertronix products.
Are any of them compatible with the Nikon d3500?
Unfortunately, the Nikon D3500 lacks any sort of remote control port on it, thus it cannot work with Ubertonix products. The last of the D3000 series that was able to work with a remote control connection was the D3300.
Hi, do these fit EOS Rebel SL1?
Hi David,
The Ubertronix Strike Finder Touch for Select Canon Sub-Mini Cameras B&H # UBSFTRS60E3 can work with the Canon SL1, since this camera has an E3 remote port on the side.
Does it work with Sony Alpha 99 II?
If yes do I need something additional?
Thanks!
You could use the AEO lightning triggers with the Sony A99 II. You would need an appropriate cable such as the Vello 2.5mm Remote Shutter Release Cable for Select Sony Cameras with Multi-Terminal.
I purchased the Strike Finder Elite. The unit worked great when it stayed mounted on the camera. Unfortunately I discovered a big design flaw with the unit. I was photographing a storm 2 nights ago while running to my vehicle with the camera on tripod I noticed that when I arrived at my vehicle the Strike Finder Elite did not make the trip with me. The hotshoe adapter on the unit is riveted to the battery compartment door and the door is plastic and loosens up with battery changes. The Strike Finder Elite unit slid appart from the battery compartment door and was lost to the moving water from the torrential downpour that was quickly moving across the ground I just ran across and draining into a lake. I would rate the ability of the unit a 5 and the construction of the unit a big 0.
Is the motion sensor on the Elite model sensitive enough to be triggered by a meteor in the night sky?
I highly doubt that the Ubertronix Strike Finder Elite is sensitive enough to be triggered by a meteor in the sky.
Any plans to include Fuji systems with your triggers?
There are options for select Fujifilm cameras. If you send use an email letting us know which Fujifilm camera you have, we would be happy to check on lightning trigger options. [email protected]
will this work with a Canon EOS 80D? Also d=is delivery to Europe a problem?
Any of the Ubertronix Strike Finders with the Canon sub mini connection would be compatible with the Canon 80D. B&H does ship internationally, and can ship the Strike finders to many countries in Europe.
Will this work on my Nikon D7100? I didn't see it in the lists for the Nikon options. Also what version would you recommend? I was debating between the Regular trigger and the Pro version.
I also have the same camera. I'd love to hear back on this question as well.
I believe this article was written just before the release of the D7100, so the compatibility charts aren’t overly up-to-date. That being said, the D7100 uses Nikon’s DC2 accessory port, and would be compatible with any of the Strike Finders that come with that cable. This would be the same connection that the D90 and D7000 use. As for choosing between the regular and Pro version, I think it’s worth it to go with the Ubertronix Strike Finder Pro Camera Trigger for Select Nikon Cameras in order to add the laser trigger sensor and an intervalometer.
Hi,
Do you have a Lightning Activated Camera Shutter Triggers for Sony 7RII camera?
There are a couple options for the a7RII. You could look at the Ubertronix Strike Finder Touch for Select Sony Cameras or the Vello FreeWave Stryker Lightning & Motion Trigger Kit for Select Nikon & Sony Cameras. The Vello is currently out of stock. If you chose the Notify Me When In Stock option on the triggers page, we would send you an email when it came back into stock. The Ubertronix would be a special order item that takes approximately 7-14 business days to arrive at B&H before shipping out to you.
Would any of these Strike Finders be compatible with a Nikon Coolpix L340?
Unfortunately, none of these lightning triggers would be compatible with the Nikon L340 as the camera does not have an accessory port for a wired remote shutter release.
The D810 and D4s use a 10 pin connector which works with the Micnova motion and lightening sensor, which is supplied with 2 cables, one for the MCDC2 square accessory port, and one with the 10 pin connector for pro cameras that use this input. Does Ubertronix supply both cables? Are cables available for cameras with the MCDC2 or the 10pin connectors?
It looks as though the Ubertronix units would come with one cable. You would need to purchase the second cable separately. There are cables available for both the 10-pin and MC-DC2 connection.
This unit appears not to be suppled with the laser sensor. What laser sensors do you carry that are compatible with the unit for motion sensing.
Ubertronix does make models that have a sensor for detecting a laser. You would need to purchase a laser pointer separately, though. If you have already purchased a model that doesn’t have the capability to be triggered by a laser pointer, I don’t know that it could be added.
http://bhpho.to/1PDZAKZ
Is this triggr compatible with a Sony a6000?
Unfortunately, at this time, there are no lightning triggers from Ubertronix that are compatible with the Sony Alpha A6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera. The Sony A6000 uses the newly-designed Sony Multi-Terminal remote terminal, and at this time, Ubertronix only has the connection cable for the older Sony/Minolta remote terminal.
Hi is there a trigger for Nikon 5300 and/ or Olympus OMD m1 mirrorless camera?
Sorry I meant a strike Finder. I only meant to send this once. Frances
For the Nikon D5300, you could look at one of the Ubertronix Strike Finder Triggers for the Nikon DC2 connection. As for the OM-D E-M1, you could use one of the Strike Finder Triggers for select Olympus cameras.
Hi
Srry to bother again, but is there any strike Finder that works with nikon d610?
Regards Joakim
Yes there is. The Nikon D610 uses the MC-DC2 type remote option. Below is a link to the options/accessories from Ubertronix that offer that connection type and are compatible with the D610 camera:
http://bhpho.to/1LDSkt5
hi
Does the strike Finder PRO works with a Canon eos 6d?
The Ubertronix Strike Finder Pro Camera Trigger for Select Canon Cameras, B&H # UBSFPRRS80N3, and the Ubertronix Strike Finder Pro II for Canon EOS With N3 Connector, B&H # UBSFP2RS80N3, would be the correct items for use with the Canon EOS 6D DSLR camera.
any models compatible with Leica-S, Pentax 645Z?
Unfortunately, it doesn’t look as though there is an option for either the Pentax 645Z or Leica S medium format cameras at this time.
Is there a unit that works with the Nikon D610?
Yes there is. The Nikon D610 uses the MC-DC2 type remote option. Below is a link to the options/accessories from Ubertronix that offer that connection type and are compatible with the D610 camera:
http://bhpho.to/1LDSkt5
Sony ILCE-5000L?
The Sony ILCE-5000L camera can be used with these Strikefinders. You would need the Ubertronix Cable # RM-S1AM cable. See the link below for details on the cable:
http://bhpho.to/1QFYz32
Sony ILCE-5000L?
Hello, Which trigger will work with a Nikon D40? Thanks
Any of the versions above could be used with the Nikon D40, it would require a special cable to connect to the camera. Unfortunately B&H does not carry the particular cable required to work with the Nikon D40. Below is a link to Ubertronix's website page for camera trigger cables, which you can purchase directly from them. On their drop down menu, the cable you would want to select is the MCDC1 model. Below that link I am enclosing a second link to another lighting trigger device product we carry which is compatible with the D40 for you to regard. See the two links below:
http://bhpho.to/1FCwFSl