ShotRigs

Elinchrom · Flash Trigger

Elinchrom Skyport Plus HS

The Elinchrom Skyport Plus HS is a dependable, professional-grade trigger that nails the essentials: fast, reliable syncing and full remote control over Elinchrom flash power and settings.

Overall score4.5/5.0
Verdict
The Elinchrom Skyport Plus HS is a dependable, professional-grade trigger that nails the essentials: fast, reliable syncing and full remote control over Elinchrom flash power and settings. Its HSS capability is a genuine advantage for outdoor and fashion photographers who need wide apertures in bright light. While the interface isn't the flashiest and battery choice is basic, the rock-solid performance and deep integration with Elinchrom's ecosystem make it a smart investment for anyone already using Elinchrom strobes.

Specifications

Sync SpeedUp to 1/8000s (HSS)
Channels20
Groups5
Power Source2x AAA batteries
RangeUp to 300m (line of sight)
Sync Speed:Up to 1/8000s (HSS)Channels:20Groups:5Power Source:2x AAA batteriesRange:Up to 300m (line of sight)
  • High-speed sync (HSS) up to 1/8000s with compatible cameras
  • 5 groups / 20 channels for multi-flash control
  • Controls power, zoom, and modeling lamp remotely on compatible Elinchrom heads
  • Bright color-coded LCD display with backlight
  • Compatible with Elinchrom ONE, ELB 500 TTL, ELB 1200, ELC Pro HD, and other Skyport-enabled units
  • Test button and group on/off switches for quick studio setup
  • Runs on 2x AAA batteries with long battery life indicator

Pros

  • ✓ Reliable and near-instant triggering with minimal misfires
  • ✓ HSS support extends creative use into bright daylight shooting
  • ✓ Simple, intuitive group/channel switches speed up multi-light setups
  • ✓ Solid build quality typical of Elinchrom accessories
  • ✓ Wide compatibility across current and older Elinchrom flash units

Cons

  • ✕ Camera brand-specific versions required (Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji, etc.)
  • ✕ No built-in rechargeable battery, relies on AAA batteries
  • ✕ Menu navigation can feel dated compared to newer touchscreen triggers
  • ✕ Premium price relative to third-party trigger alternatives

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The Elinchrom Skyport Plus HS is a professional flash trigger designed to give photographers precise, reliable wireless control over their Elinchrom studio and portable flash units. Built around the well-regarded Skyport radio system, this trigger sits atop your camera's hot shoe and communicates with compatible Elinchrom flashes across a range of up to several hundred meters, depending on environmental conditions. It supports high-speed sync, allowing photographers to shoot at shutter speeds well beyond the usual sync limit, which is especially valuable for outdoor portrait and fashion work where you need to overpower ambient daylight while maintaining shallow depth of field. The unit's compact, ergonomic design includes a small LCD screen and intuitive control dial, making it easy to adjust flash power, group settings, and channel selection directly from the camera without walking back to each individual light. What sets the Skyport Plus HS apart from more basic triggers is its depth of functionality tailored to working photographers who need speed and consistency on set. It can control multiple flash units organized into up to four groups, each independently adjustable in power, which is essential for multi-light setups involving key, fill, and background lights. The trigger also supports TTL metering compatibility with select camera systems, giving photographers the option to let the camera calculate exposure automatically or switch to full manual control when more deliberate lighting decisions are required. Additionally, the device features a test-fire button and audible or visual confirmation of successful triggering, reducing guesswork during fast-paced shoots such as events, weddings, or commercial sessions where missed flashes can mean lost moments. Durability and cross-platform compatibility further reinforce the Skyport Plus HS's position as a workhorse accessory for photo and video professionals. It is compatible with a wide array of Elinchrom flash heads and generators, from the ELB series to studio monoblocs, making it a flexible hub for photographers who have built out their lighting kit over time with different Elinchrom products. The trigger runs on readily available batteries and is designed for extended use during long shooting days, with a form factor small enough to remain unobtrusive on top of the camera. For photographers already invested in the Elinchrom ecosystem, the Skyport Plus HS serves as the central nervous system of their lighting setup, translating camera settings into precise flash output with minimal lag and maximum creative control.

Customer reviews

Rock solid for studio and location work — Marcus Delaney (2024-02-14)
I've used this trigger for over a year with my ELC Pro HD heads and it has never dropped a signal. The HSS feature let me shoot outdoor portraits at f/1.8 in midday sun, which was a game changer for my style.
Great range, dated menu — Priya Nettleton (2023-11-02)
Triggering range and reliability are excellent, even through walls in my studio. My only gripe is the small LCD and button layout feel a bit old-school compared to newer competitors, but functionally it does everything I need.
Essential for multi-light Elinchrom setups — Sam O'Rourke (2024-05-20)
Controlling five groups independently from the camera position has sped up my commercial shoots dramatically. Pairing it with ELB 500 TTL units for HSS fashion shoots outdoors has been flawless.
Reliable but pricey — Elena Vasquez (2023-09-10)
It does exactly what it promises—fast sync, solid group control, no misfires. I just wish it came with a rechargeable battery option instead of AAAs, and the price is a bit steep versus generic triggers.