ST-E2 / Pocket Wizard or Radio Poppers??

Hi,

Seems like nothing is straight forward.

I want the ability to use my flash (580 EX II) off camera. From what I have read thus far:

• ST-E2 - limited range
  
• Pocket Wizards - cheaply built and not reliable
  
• Radio Poppers - don't know much about
  

I haven't heard much about pocket wizards being unreliable. They are a proven piece of kit.

perhaps try looking into Cactus V5s, as they are similar to Pocket Wizards (manual only, no TTL), and run about $70 per pair. Each one is a tranceiver and can act as a transmitter or receiver.

I don't know why you think PocketWizards are cheaply built and unreliable...mine work great. I recently upgraded to the newer Flex/Mini and the AlienBees adapters. Along with the AC3, it's an excellent setup - ability to adjust lighting from the camera wirelessly is a huge timesaver, as well as ability to turn the light on/off or put it on a manual non-ttl evaluated mode.

Pocket Wizards rocks and I have never had a issue wih reliability. I have 5of the Plus 11 and they haven't failed me yet. If you wanna lean about lighting then go to strobist.com.

I'd recommend Cactus V5s. I've used them and they are reliable and consistent. you can get 2 sets (4 total) for the price of 1 pocket wizard plus II if those are out of your budget.

Numenorean wrote in post #13686330
I don't know why you think PocketWizards are cheaply built and unreliable...mine work great. I recently upgraded to the newer Flex/Mini and the AlienBees adapters. Along with the AC3, it's an excellent setup - ability to adjust lighting from the camera wirelessly is a huge timesaver, as well as ability to turn the light on/off or put it on a manual non-ttl evaluated mode.

Hi,

I was reading about them from reviews on bhphoto and a number of people were complaining about the plastic used with the hotshoe always breaking or very fragile?

PWard wrote in post #13686368
I'd recommend Cactus V5s. I've used them and they are reliable and consistent. you can get 2 sets (4 total) for the price of 1 pocket wizard plus II if those are out of your budget.

Hi Phillip,

Trying to read up on these Cactus V5's.

I am mostly interested in a reliable wireless trigger that will work ETTL. But am not ruling out manual mode either. Just want to buy one that I can keep and be happy with.

Tony

you didn't mention wanting ETTL in your initial post, so I assumed manual, which opens up a lot of possibilities as far as wireless triggers go.

Since you want ETTL, that narrows your choices down quite a bit.

look into Pixel King.

http://www.amazon.com …TF8&qid=1326309​412&sr=8-1

I use Radiopoppers PX system, and absolutly love it!!! It does have two downsides, 1: Expensive 2: You will need a master in your hotshoe.

However the positives for me are I can control 3 seperate groups, range of 1,500 feet, full manual control, ETTL/iTTL, and High Speed Sync up to 8,000/sec.....all being controled from my camera.

I used to own an ST-E2 and hated it so much, I just never used it, its big plus for me was to use it only for its auto assist light when shooting events in dim conditions. The line of sight thing was very unreliable for me.

I have zero experience with Pocket Wizards.

PWard wrote in post #13686534
you didn't mention wanting ETTL in your initial post, so I assumed manual, which opens up a lot of possibilities as far as wireless triggers go.

Since you want ETTL, that narrows your choices down quite a bit.

look into Pixel King.

http://www.amazon.com …TF8&qid=1326309​412&sr=8-1

Hi,

I like what I read on the Pixel Kings. Seem to be very positive. I will definately put them on the short list.


Thanks

Dustman wrote in post #13686797
I use Radiopoppers PX system, and absolutly love it!!! It does have two downsides, 1: Expensive 2: You will need a master in your hotshoe.

However the positives for me are I can control 3 seperate groups, range of 1,500 feet, full manual control, ETTL/iTTL, and High Speed Sync up to 8,000/sec.....all being controled from my camera.

I used to own an ST-E2 and hated it so much, I just never used it, its big plus for me was to use it only for its auto assist light when shooting events in dim conditions. The line of sight thing was very unreliable for me.

I have zero experience with Pocket Wizards.

Hi,

I appreciate the positive info on the Radio Poppers. Will delve into them a bit deeper, but they are probably a bit more than I want to spend for my limited uses.

Thanks

You are right about the Pocket Wizards being cheaply built.
I was sitting on a stool at a basketball tournament. Half time was over, so I picked up my camera to get ready for the second half. Little did I know, my foot was on the neck strap and it jerked the camera out of my hands. The 1D MK III with 70-200 attached landed upside down on the hardwood floor. Luckily the PW took the brunt of the blow which saved the camera or lens from possible damage.

After a quick trip back to PW, it now has a new foot!

For manual use only, The Cybersync's are very reliable also.
Example - 580 EX II set up just beyond mid court aimed upward and towards the far basket at a basketball tournament. I triggered it on manual along with the two Alien Bees to give a little more light on the far end of the court.
See...

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get a flash that can act as a slave to your 580-II

SMP_Homer wrote in post #13687449
get a flash that can act as a slave to your 580-II

true. Yongnuo or even Neewer flashes on Amazon are pretty cheap. I have one of the Neewer flashes. Slave mode works perfectly fine, and I only paid $30 for it.