Help me decide MiniTT1/FlexTT5 or Cybersync

Very interesting, opinions seem to split down the middle. I understand both side's point of view in terms of manual vs ETTL. For Cybersync users, do you ever find yourself limited by the sync speed when you shoot outdoors?

Any more suggestions?

Tawcan -
Consider a couple of things - these PWs have been out for a very short time and PWs are the standard by which every other radio trigger is measured today. But this type of photography is not new. It was being done before PWs or Cybersyncs. I don't do a lot of that type of shooting where high shutter speed is needed along with flash. When I need to I'll pull out the two EX flash units I have and see how they work out using the Canon wireless system and HSS. I've done it before, will probably do it again. I bought the two EX flash units, a 550EX and a 430EX, before I bought the radio triggers.

But bottom line, that 'ability' is not worth $300 to me. I've never felt limited with my Cybersyncs. Are there things they won't do? Yup. But $300 will buy you a second EX flash and another Cybersync receiver.

I own both PW Flex and Cybersync triggers.

I use my PW Flex's for on location shoots where space is limited and constant moving is required.
It is certainly very useful to have HSS and ETTL, but it's not 100% reliable. I don't get 100% perfect exposure by using ETTL.

I mainly use my Cybersync's in my home studio or when I require or have the time to setup my strobes on location photo shoots. It'll take me about 5 to 7 minutes at the most to setup PW's vs. 20 -/+ minutes to setup 3 strobes with a beautydish, two large softboxes, sandbags and connecting all the plugs and cables.

So, for me, they both have it's purpose.

I have studied from David Ziser through his seminar and his videos over at KelbyTraining.com. His technique is manual flash, he trains his assistants to position themselves in the correct place for the correct exposure and lighting. He then changes the camera to match the lighting ie Exposure, Shutter speed, ISO or a combo of there about.

I went the cybersync route and had nothing but problems. If you want to buy ONCE go straight to PW

proaudiorep wrote in post #8379082
I went the cybersync route and had nothing but problems. If you want to buy ONCE go straight to PW

That's too bad. What sort of problems did you have?

I also like to know. What problems did you have?

pw + 1

That's weird. My cybersyncs worked flawlessly.

You should send them back to alienbee and demand a replace if you're having problems. From what I have heard, they're pretty good at customer service.

It has come time to upgrade, I researched the mini/flex and didn't like what I saw as far as reviews. Given, every situation is different. If I'm going to be putting that much money into a ettl system, they should WORK.

I decided on the PW Plus 2, tried and true! Yeah, I really wanted to use TTL but I have been doing manual since the beginning.

Im very interested in the new PWs but one thing's got me stumped.
On Rob Galbraith's site , he says the miniTT1 and flexTT5 can "add clever tricks like not requiring a flash or ST-E2 at the camera at all to do wireless TTL".

What does that mean?

purpletiger wrote in post #8387378
Im very interested in the new PWs but one thing's got me stumped.
On Rob Galbraith's site , he says the miniTT1 and flexTT5 can "add clever tricks like not requiring a flash or ST-E2 at the camera at all to do wireless TTL".

What does that mean?

Normally if you wanted to transmit ttl to other flashes, you need either a flash as a master or the ST-E2 "commander".

With the new PW's, you just need the Mini T1 to transmit the ttl signal to a receiving Pocketwizard Flex TT5 with the flash mounted on top. The thing with transmitting ttl with normal flashes, is the range is limited and you can't put it between a wall, a person, etc etc. This is where the new pocketwizards come in because they transmitt the signal via radio, which allows for much greater range.


Hope I'm not confusing

Grant, not confusing at all I absolutely got you first time, thanks! Btw nice wedding shots u have there.