Alien Bees Cybersync vs Pocketwizard

[wheels55]

I'm ready to go off camera flash with my 430EX 2 and need to select a triggering device.I prefer radio over IR (for some outdoor use). I need The Flash Gurus to tell me what is the gold standard device with the latest technology. I can see that most of you pros are using either the AB Cybersync or the PW. Thanks in advance for your input.

[alabama1980]

I'm far far far from the "guru" status, but I can offer that I have had my Cybersyncs for a few months now and have used them a LOT, be it a real shoot, or just me messing around...and they haven't missed a beat. 100% fire rate so far. I (personally) see pocketwizards as an overrated and over expensive tool.

[canonnoob]

I have used both and personally i prefer the cybersyncs... they are smaller and nicer IMO. as far as how good they are... they do basically the same thing and serve the same purpose.

[bobbyz]

Gold standard would be PW Plus II. Personally I use CyberSyncs and no issues except when I need to shoot with others than I have to borrow PWs.

[DannyLongIsland]

Same as those above....I have no experience with PW's, but my cybersyncs haven't missed a beat yet, indoor or outdoor.

[canonnoob]

Gold standard would be PW Plus II. Personally I use CyberSyncs and no issues except when I need to shoot with others than I have to borrow PWs.

What do you mean shoot with others?

[S-Man]

^ I think he means if you're shooting with other photogs, using their lights (at a group shoot, or wedding for example) you have to use PW since that's what most people use, in order to trigger the shared lights.

The thing I don't like about my CS's, is that the "on/off" button keeps getting pressed in my bag resulting in dead batteries. So I have to take the batteries out to turn off the units.
But yeah, they've never missed a fire IME.

edit:For those unfamiliar, The Cybersyncs on/off button is a momentary "Test" button on the receiver. Each time it is pressed or fired, it resets the timer for 1 hour. If the unit is not used for 1 hour, they turn off. If the "Test" button keeps getting pressed, it resets the timer over and over and they never turn off.

[alabama1980]

^ I think he means if you're shooting with other photogs, using their lights (at a group shoot, or wedding for example) you have to use PW since that's what most people use, in order to trigger the shared lights.

The thing I don't like about my CS's, is that the "on/off" button keeps getting pressed in my bag resulting in dead batteries. So I have to take the batteries out to turn off the units.
But yeah, they've never missed a fire IME.

edit:For those unfamiliar, The Cybersyncs on/off button is a momentary "Test" button on the receiver. Each time it is pressed or fired, it resets the timer for 1 hour. If the unit is not used for 1 hour, they turn off. If the "Test" button keeps getting pressed, it resets the timer over and over and they never turn off.


I read somewhere about gluing a small black rubber washer over the button. You can still press it with your finger, but it takes more pressure, and anything bigger than the hole of the washer can't press it. I havent tried that yet, but Im gonna...

[Titus213]

^ I think he means if you're shooting with other photogs, using their lights (at a group shoot, or wedding for example) you have to use PW since that's what most people use, in order to trigger the shared lights.

The thing I don't like about my CS's, is that the "on/off" button keeps getting pressed in my bag resulting in dead batteries. So I have to take the batteries out to turn off the units.
But yeah, they've never missed a fire IME.

edit:For those unfamiliar, The Cybersyncs on/off button is a momentary "Test" button on the receiver. Each time it is pressed or fired, it resets the timer for 1 hour. If the unit is not used for 1 hour, they turn off. If the "Test" button keeps getting pressed, it resets the timer over and over and they never turn off.

Glue a #8 5/16 rubber washer over the 'Test' button. That makes it recessed just enough to prevent it from turning on. I used regular super glue and it works fine.

[medic583]

alabama1980, just an old shot from last October when I got my cybers and added the o-rings

O-Ring
I/D 3/16
O/D 5/16

Works great and haven't had any accidental turn-ons :) since.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3289/2985292283_9ac6978dd4.jpg

[iqbal624]

I'm not a guru by any means BUT, I just ordered some Radio popper JrX's. The price is right and they will be able to control power remotely. . .

[bobbyz]

What do you mean shoot with others?

What S-Man said. PW are lot more universal.

[CanonManNY]

If I have a 430EXII can I use just the Cybersync Transmitter with the 430EXII and fire it. Or would I have to buy a Receiver as well?

D

[Veemac]

If I have a 430EXII can I use just the Cybersync Transmitter with the 430EXII and fire it. Or would I have to buy a Receiver as well?

D
You need a receiver too. The Cybersyncs work on radio frequencies and the 430EXII has no way to receive them without a receiver attached to it.