The best triggers?

[Merkin]

I am wanting to get into some off camera flash stuff for my senior sets and I'm just curious as to what would be the best trigger for me.

The only one I've really looked into was the ST-E2 from canon is that a good model?

Thanks ahead of time for your advice!

[alabama1980]

I'll put my vote in for PCB Cybersyncs....They've faithfully fired my flashes without a miss for about 5 months now, and a lot of people swear by them.

[57hardtop]

Get some Paul C. Buff Cybersyncs or Elinchrom Skyports...those are the best, most reliable ones on the market that won't break your wallet.

[Titus213]

The ST-E2 works inside but outside it tends to be more limited by sunlight. Line of site is also required - the receivers have to be able to see the transmitter. This becomes problematic when a modifier is used. For the extra weight on camera I would go with a 580EX flash as the master over the ST-E2 but would not rely on it in an outdoor shoot.

If you are wanting to retain E-TTL in a radio system you will be limited to a couple of options (and lots of money). If you are comfortable with manual flash I would recommend the Cybersyncs as well. They are small, reliable, and cost effective.

Pocket Wizards are probably still the standard of excellence but you pay for that. They also offer a set that will let you keep E-TTL, and yes, you pay for that too.

Radio Poppers also allow you to maintain ETTL but run about the same as Pocket Wizards I think.

I do not own and have not used either of the E-TTL options I mentioned. The ST-E2 and 580EX as master I have used.

Or you could opt for a really long E-TTL cable - www.flashzebra.com

[gonzogolf]

Dave has it right, although I will suggest another option if you want ocf and ettl. Flashzebra.com carries a 24ft ocf cord.

[Merkin]

Thanks for the help guys, I'm very new to flash so shooting manual might be a problem for me now.

I shoot outside 90% of the time so the ST-E2 might not be the way to go.

If I were to get a pocket wizard set up what all would I need?

[Zansho]

You could also try radiopoppers or the Pocketwizard Flex setup if you want to go for an ETTL route.

As far as a pocketwizard setup, you'd need two transceivers and the proper cords to trigger your flash. One transceiver for the camera, one transceiver for the flash and the right cord to attach the pocketwizard to your flash. You won't need a cord for the camera, as it mounts right to your hotshoe.

[stephen_g]

I see no reason to get anything other than Cybersyncs personally.
Then again, I only own EZ flashes and a Sunpak, so everything is manual.