Wireless triggers

[bphillips330]

I have a 50D and a 580exII and a 480 exII that is in pieces. My question is i want to dabble with wireless triggers. This is a mere hobby (albeit an EXPENSEIVE HOBBY :)) My family is asking what i want for the holidays and was just curious how much a decent set of these are. What should i look for in a trigger?

Off subject, I need to get my 480 repaired. I tried to replace the flash bulb in the 430 exII and got it in, just can't get it back togethter. any advice so i can use this as my second flash?

[jeromego]

I have a 50D and a 580exII and a 480 exII that is in pieces. My question is i want to dabble with wireless triggers. This is a mere hobby (albeit an EXPENSEIVE HOBBY :)) My family is asking what i want for the holidays and was just curious how much a decent set of these are. What should i look for in a trigger?

Off subject, I need to get my 480 repaired. I tried to replace the flash bulb in the 430 exII and got it in, just can't get it back togethter. any advice so i can use this as my second flash?

I would suggest getting the Cybersync from Alienbee (1 CST and a CSRB receiver for every speedlite). Price is decent and works like a charm.

I would send it to Canon.

[amg2833]

I have some Cactus V4s and I like them very much.
They weren't nearly as much as the Cybersync's either.

If you want quality though, go with the 'Syncs. I had a pair (ended up returning them for the V4s actually), and they were solid.

[kylefornia]

I'm not entirely familiar with the flashes you use but I am pretty sure neither have a built in sync port. In this situation you'll have to buy a hotshoe with a cable that connects to your trigger. They sell them at flashzebra (http://flashzebra.com/products/0126/index.shtml) for a pretty affordable price. It really depends on what you're looking to do with your wireless remotes however to narrow down which kind you should get. There are currently triggers that can transmit ttl data which are pretty much top of the line and then it varies down to ones that just set off your flashes and you have to adjust them manually. Of the ones that just that are dumb triggers they vary greatly in reliability. I use PocketWizard Plus and PocketWizard Plus II's currently and have never had a problem. They have never misfired or anything and their range is something like 1600 ft, well beyond what almost anybody would actually use in practice. Many people have also had success with various eBay triggers but their track record makes me leery, even for the significant price difference.

Now for your 430 exII, I would suggest taking it in to get it fixed. The last thing a hobbyist should be doing is repairing his own equipment. That is a novice mistake, one that most people only have to do once to learn their lesson. So do yourself a favor and take it to someone who repairs camera equipment for a living. No offense I'm just trying to help you out.

[jeromego]

I'm not entirely familiar with the flashes you use but I am pretty sure neither have a built in sync port. In this situation you'll have to buy a hotshoe with a cable that connects to your trigger. They sell them at flashzebra (http://flashzebra.com/products/0126/index.shtml) for a pretty affordable price. It really depends on what you're looking to do with your wireless remotes however to narrow down which kind you should get. There are currently triggers that can transmit ttl data which are pretty much top of the line and then it varies down to ones that just set off your flashes and you have to adjust them manually. Of the ones that just that are dumb triggers they vary greatly in reliability. I use PocketWizard Plus and PocketWizard Plus II's currently and have never had a problem. They have never misfired or anything and their range is something like 1600 ft, well beyond what almost anybody would actually use in practice. Many people have also had success with various eBay triggers but their track record makes me leery, even for the significant price difference.

Now for your 430 exII, I would suggest taking it in to get it fixed. The last thing a hobbyist should be doing is repairing his own equipment. That is a novice mistake, one that most people only have to do once to learn their lesson. So do yourself a favor and take it to someone who repairs camera equipment for a living. No offense I'm just trying to help you out.

Wrong! 580EXII does have a pc port.

[Nate P.]

Just got a set of Radiopopper JrX's. I love 'em, it would be a tough decision between these and the CyberSyncs.

[yogestee]

I swear by the Yongnou RF-602 system.. No ETTL though,,manual flash only..

[Austin.Manny]

I swear by the Yongnou RF-602 system.. No ETTL though,,manual flash only..

+10000000000.

I'm more than happy with mine.
Basically Cybersyncs that can wake up flashes from sleep too.

So I guess that would make these eBay triggers better than Cybersyncs... ;)

[Peacefield]

I like my cybersyncs, though they do not support ETTL so you need to be comfortable in dealing with metering somehow. If it's just for your amusement, eBay triggers (Cactus and others) aren't bad and they're pretty cheap. Not reliable enough for weddings which is what I shoot, but fine for messing around. The real question is, have you experimented with your flash's built-in infared capabilities? Not suitable for outdoors or through walls, but you can do a lot with them and it's already paid for.

[doubledragon]

+10000000000.

I'm more than happy with mine.
Basically Cybersyncs that can wake up flashes from sleep too.

So I guess that would make these eBay triggers better than Cybersyncs... ;)

is there a work-around for cybersync users who's flashes fall asleep? I thought I heard that there was a custom function in most canon flashes to keep it from sleeping.

[bphillips330]

where did you get cactus?




I have some Cactus V4s and I like them very much.
They weren't nearly as much as the Cybersync's either.

If you want quality though, go with the 'Syncs. I had a pair (ended up returning them for the V4s actually), and they were solid.

[MeNiS]

I swear by the Yongnou RF-602 system.. No ETTL though,,manual flash only..

another vote for the yongnuo. i just recently got it and wireless flash is working like a charm! got it on ebay for about $50 for 1 transmitter and 2 receivers kit.... can't beat that price!!

i also have the 580exii and 430exii... just like OP.

[dpds68]

Hey my CTR-301P Trigger's are cool also :oops:

[Nate P.]

is there a work-around for cybersync users who's flashes fall asleep? I thought I heard that there was a custom function in most canon flashes to keep it from sleeping.
Yes, there is a custom function... CF.1 for my 580EXII, check your manual.