I have a Lightning Trigger. They're manufactured in Dolores, just 10 miles away.
Using long shutter speeds (5 sec.+) is always the optimum way to capture lightning,
but for capturing lightning when it's too bright out to use those longer shutter speeds, then the LT is the way to go. The LT detects the first flash and captures the one(s) that always follow rapidly behind. It does work, but I haven't used mine that frequently as I don't see non-evening lightning all that often when I'm carrying my photo kit.
But when that magic time does occur (e.g. during sunrise/sunset), then I'll be ready.
Posted by Jack Garrett on April 22, 2010 at 6:21 PM
For years I have used a key on a string with one end attached to a kite and the other end attached to my tripod...works every time!!! The jolt fires the camera....Brings the lightning in real close too.
I'm sorry, I couldn't resist.
Posted by Todd Caudle on April 22, 2010 at 6:58 PM
I was wondering the same thing as I was driving north of Trinidad yesterday afternoon, watching a pretty good lightning show.
JM: I had no idea they were made in your area, or even in Colorado. That's awesome!
JG: Good one!
I made my own, but have yet to be at the right place to capture anything worth sharing. I plan to carry it around with me this summer. I find it does trigger the camera nicely. For you intrepid electronics tinkerers, the details are posted to my "Other" Web site under "ESD Detector" in the Technical Articles section, or directly by clicking this link: http://www.emc-seminars.com/Technical_Articles/files/ESD_Detector_Wyatt.pdf.
Posted by Jack Garrett on April 23, 2010 at 11:00 AM
Yikes, I got lost as soon as I saw the schematic! You may have something really nice here Ken..have you considered marketing it?
Discussion
6 repliesThoughts?
Is it just an expensive (or cheap for photography) toy that gets left at home after a season of playing with it?
Thanks,
Alex
Using long shutter speeds (5 sec.+) is always the optimum way to capture lightning,
but for capturing lightning when it's too bright out to use those longer shutter speeds, then the LT is the way to go. The LT detects the first flash and captures the one(s) that always follow rapidly behind. It does work, but I haven't used mine that frequently as I don't see non-evening lightning all that often when I'm carrying my photo kit.
But when that magic time does occur (e.g. during sunrise/sunset), then I'll be ready.
I'm sorry, I couldn't resist.
JM: I had no idea they were made in your area, or even in Colorado. That's awesome!
JG: Good one!