AEO Lightning Strike! II

[TheFantasticG]

Review: AEO Lightning Strike! II

The Lightning Strike! II Sensor Shutter Release has several different models made for various camera makes and models. The AEO Lightning Strike! II will help you capture those incredible elusive photos of lightning that you've been wanting. This shutter trigger mounts in your camera's hot shoe, with a dedicated cable to activate the shutter. It will detect lightning event day or night, and trip the shutter in 0.1 ms (millisecond). A camera's added shutter lag time will vary.

Features:

• Responds to lightning in 0.1 ms (millisecond)
• Activates shutter via dedicated cable
• Available for various camera makes and adaptions
• Responds to lightning day or night
• 9V battery included

Specifications:

• 0.1 ms response time from lightning event (camera's shutter lag time will vary)
• Battery: 9V (included)
• Dimensions: 2.5 x 6.5 x 3.5" (6.35 x 16.51 x 8.89 cm)
• Weight: 10 oz (283.49 g)

Summary:

This is a photon collecting shutter activating device to make it easy to capture lightning without active participation from the photographer. It's not the cheapest option, but it is the most inexpensive option that works as advertised. This particular unit was made for the Nikon D5000 and D90. I have since found out it works on the D7000, and if I had to bet I'd say it works on the D5100 as well.

As with other products in this area, I have made a video review.

You Tube

You Tube

Sadly, until 29SEP2011, my work schedule had not allowed me to be home and prepared for a lightning storm. Until yesterday! In which case, I made a new video of the AEO Lightning Strike! II in action on the Nikon D7000.

You Tube

You Tube

Function:

So, as you can see. It works great. Here a few sample images I got using this device:


#1

2011-09-29 - Lightning Storm (147 of 158).jpg by The Fantastic G, on Flickr

#2

2011-09-29 - Lightning Storm (145 of 158).jpg by The Fantastic G, on Flickr

#3

2011-09-29 - Lightning Storm (143 of 158).jpg by The Fantastic G, on Flickr

The Verdict:

The only thing I do not like about the unit, is how sensitive it is during sunlight hours. It's best use is at night. I have found if I place a piece of tinted plastic over it, it takes more of a flash of photons to activate the sensor and thus trip the sensor. I reported this to the company and they (at the time) were working on a new unit with an adjustable sensitivity. All-in-all I recommend this lightning trigger above the others that are available for a no-non-sense approach to capturing lightning images.

Where To Buy:

Find the lowest price on this product from our sponsored Affiliates listed below:

AEO Lightning Strike! II