The MK Controls Lightning Bug Plus & Vello Cable Kit for Canon Camerasfrom MK Controls Lightning Bug Plus & Vello Cable Kit for Canon Camerasis a camera-top lightning trigger that helps you detect lightning before it hits. It detects lightning before it hits and directs your camera shutter to capture it just in time. A camera-specific cable (not included) is required for connecting the Lightning Bug to your camera.

The Lightning Bug Plus is based upon the science of lightning. There are two components of lightning: the bright white flash everyone wants to capture, and the unseen infrared light that always precedes it. The Lightning Bug uses a high-speed photodiode sensor optimized to the infrared burst that occurs just before a lightning strike. This infrared light comes from the vaporization of air and particles in the air. The Lightning Bug acts as a lookout, watching for a change in infrared light. When a significant change of infra-red light over a very short period of time is detected, the Lightning Bug directs the camera shutter to trip and capture the lightning strike.

The Lightning Bug Plus conveniently mounts on your camera hot shoe, although it can be used off-camera as well. (For certain Sony cameras, a cold shoe adapter may be required for the proprietary Sony shoe mount.) It's powered by a 9V battery, sold separately. MK Controls recommends either an Alkaline or general-purpose battery. Rechargeable batteries are not recommended due to the current

consumption characteristics of the circuitry during operation.

The sensitivity of the Lightning Bug Plus is adjustable to different shooting situations. This gives you full control over when to take the picture. If you only want to capture the brightest and boldest lightning bolts, you would decrease the sensitivity. If you want to capture lightning over the city or mountains from a long distance, you would increase the sensitivity. You can also limit the number of possible exposures per second to between 1 and 10. This feature allows you to capture repeated lightning strikes successfully. The Lightning Bug Plus is also designed to withstand exposure to rain. The design incorporates weather-resistant soft touch buttons.

Camera-Top/Off-Camera Lightning Trigger    Shutter Cable with Canon Sub-Mini Plug    For Select Canon, Pentax & Other Cameras    Helps Detect and Capture Lightning    26 Levels of Adjustable Sensitivity    1 to 10 fps Adjustment    Weather-Resistant Design

• Power-on self-test

• Event indicator light

• Sensitivity set-point indicator (LED bar graph)

• MOSFET isolation between your camera and the Lightning Bug's circuitry

• 26 levels of sensitivity for complete control in all lighting situations

• Testing of your shutter release is supported via the Lightning Bug's circuitry

• Firmware is field-updateable

• Easily adjust frames per second (from 1 to 10)

• Water-resistant soft-touch panel buttons

• Simple three-button control of all features

• Requires a standard 9V battery, sold separately (an Alkaline or general-purpose battery is recommended; rechargeable batteries are not recommended)

• Your battery can be replaced without removing the Lightning Bug from the camera's shoe mount

• Canon 4000D, EOS M, EOS M3, EOS M50, G7, G9, PowerShot N, S100, S110, S120, S90, S95, SX510 HS, XC10

• Nikon 1 AW1, 1 J1, 1 J2, 1 S1, 1 V1, 1J3, D100, D3000, D3400, D3500, D40, D40X, D50, D60, D70, L840, P610, P900, Z fc, Z50

• Sony A230, A290, A3000, A330, A330TT, A380, A390, A7C, NEX-3, NEX-3C, NEX-5, NEX-5C, NEX-5N, NEX-5R, NEX-5T, NEX-6, NEX-7, NEX-C3, NEX-F3, QX 10, QX 100, RX1, RX1R

• Olympus E-330, E500, Evolt E-330, Evolt E500, OM-1, OM-D E-M10 III, PEN E-PL1, PEN E-PL1s, SP-510 UZ

• Panasonic FZ35, FZ45, FZ70, FZ72, FZ80, FZ82, GF2, GF3, GF5, GM1, GX80, GX85, GX9, LX5, LX7

• Pentax K3 III, K-m, K-r, K-S2, K-x, MX-1, Q, Q-S1

• Fujifilm FinePix S100FS, HS10, HS11, HS20EXR, HS22EXR, HS25EXR, HS28EXR, HS30EXR, HS33EXR, HS35EXR, HS50EXR, IS-1, S1 Pro, S2 Pro, S20, S200EXR, S205EXR, S9000, S9100, S9500, S9600, X100, X100S, X-E1, XF-1, X-Pro1, X-S1, X-S10

• Samsung Galaxy NX, NX Mini, NX-1, NX1000, NX1100, NX20, NX-200, NX2000, NX210, NX-210, NX30, NX300, NX3000, NX300M, NX500

• Sigma DP1, DP2, SD14

• Leica C (Typ 112), M8, M8.2, M9, M9-P, M-Monochrom, S2, X1

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. How is this used with a Z9? Please describe set up. Thanks.

A: You would need to add a 9 volt battery to the MK Controls Lightning Bug Plus to power it. It will then slide onto the hot shoe of the Nikon Z9. You then need to plug the cable into the shutter release socket of the Z9. To use it on standard mode you need to hold the on/off button for 2 seconds. For fireworks mode you press and hold the on/off button and increase the sensitivity simultaneously for 2 seconds. Please take a look at this manual for further features. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/lit_files/841235.pdf

Q: 2. Will this unit operate on a Nikon Z8?

A: No, the MK Controls Lightning Bug Plus & Vello Cable Kit for Nikon DC-2 Cameras will not work on a Nikon Z8 Mirrorless Camera. The MK Controls Lightning Bug Plus & Vello Cable Kit for Nikon 10-Pin Cameras will work with the Nikon Z8 Mirrorless Camera.

Q: 3. Is there a cable available for the Sony RX10IV ?

A: Yes, for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV Digital Camera get the MK Controls Lightning Bug Plus & Vello Cable Kit for Sony Multi-Terminal Cameras, BH #MKLIBUGPLUSM (B&H Kit) (https://bhpho.to/3SKihAn).

Q: 4. will it work on a Cannon 90 D?

A: The 3 pin version is for higher end cameras such as the Canon 5D. The 90D would need the MK Controls Lightning Bug Plus & Vello Cable Kit for Canon Sub-Mini Cameras as shown at this link: https://bhpho.to/3yyiRbT

Q: 5. What is the difference between lightning bug plus and older lightning bug

A: The MK Controls Lightning Bug Plus uses a USB-C cable that allows the user to update firmware, change internal settings, and use an external battery to charge it. It also has longer battery life when compared to the previous version. It has improved detection of lightning strikes and also automatic sensor calibration. During power-on, the Lightning Bug Plus senses ambient light, and sets baseline sensitivity. It also includes full lifetime product warranty.

Q: 6. Can this be used with Nikon d850?

A: Yes, the MK Controls Lightning Bug Plus & Vello Cable Kit for Nikon 10-Pin Cameras is compatible for use with the Nikon D850 DSLR Camera.

Q: 7. Does this cable work with the IDX System Technology FR-C10 Manual Focus Remote Controller for Canon 20-Pin Lens? Here is the link if you guys need it:https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1636186-REG/idx_system_technology_fr_c10_manual_focus_remote.html/qa

A: Yes, this VariZoom Extension Cable has one male and one female 20-pin on each end. The IDX System Technology FR-C10 Manual Focus Remote Controller for Canon 20-Pin Lens uses a 20-pin end. You will be able to link the two cables to connect to a compatible Canon lens.

Q: 8. Can the battery be replaced by the user?

A: Yes, the battery is user replaceable.

Q: 9. Will this cable work between the canon cn-e 18-80mm and the Zakuto ZAZCNYC Y-cable for the Canon Zoom and Focus controls?

A: Unfortunately we are not able to test this combination and neither is VariZoom. However, it is our combined opinion that it should work as you intend.

Q: 10. I have Sony & Nikon, Will this unit work on both with only a cable swap or will i need two complete units?

A: It works with most cameras , you would only need a proper cable