Wireless Triggers - options - help me make a list

Hey guys, I'm trying to compile a list to help people that are in the market for wireless triggers. What all have you guys seen out there?

Off the top of my head:


Non-Proprietary
Cactus (eBay) Triggers (3 types me thinks - 4ch, 8ch, 16ch)
Pocket Wizards
Paul C. Buff Cybersyncs
Elinchrom Skyports
RadioPoppers (Jr.'s too when they come out)
Flashwaves
Microsyncs

Proprietary to Canon
580ex
550ex
ST-E2

Proprietary to Nikon
Nikon CLS (in camera)
SU-800
SB-800
SB-900


I know there are a lot more.

What am I missing?

Thanks.

580EX
ST-E2

tdodd wrote in post #6240695
580EX
ST-E2

While I know those are triggers, I'm trying to shy away from things that are proprietary to one brand. I'll be making a large article with a lot of research that people can use since I haven't really seen one that encompasses all options yet.

austincabot wrote in post #6240731
While I know those are triggers, I'm trying to shy away from things that are proprietary to one brand. I'll be making a large article with a lot of research that people can use since I haven't really seen one that encompasses all options yet.

Why exclude them? This is a Canon (small flash) forum. I'm considering my next wireless system, after huge disappointment with eBay triggers. I have two 580EX units at the moment and that is a legitimate option for a wireless solution for small flash units, as is an ST-E2.

All the solutions you list are proprietory, as far as I know, since none of them will mix and match with other solutions.

How was I supposed to know you didn't want "Canon" options listed? You didn't say that in your first post. For all I knew you had simply forgotten about them. I'm not a mind reader.

tdodd wrote in post #6240783
Why exclude them? This is a Canon (small flash) forum. I'm considering my next wireless system, after huge disappointment with eBay triggers. I have two 580EX units at the moment and that is a legitimate option for a wireless solution for small flash units, as is an ST-E2.

All the solutions you list are proprietory, as far as I know, since none of them will mix and match with other solutions.

How was I supposed to know you didn't want "Canon" options listed? You didn't say that in your first post. For all I knew you had simply forgotten about them. I'm not a mind reader.

I wasn't attacking you.

If you'll notice, I placed them on the list as soon as I read your post.
I, for one, Don't like the Canon ETTL system because I don't have as much control as I'd like, plus It makes me stick to all Canon flashes. But, you are correct.

And by proprietary, I should have said "non-camera-manufacturer-options"

I really do appreciate your input. Besides, for RadioPoppers to work, you'd have to have an ST-E2, 580ex, or 550ex anyhow.

No harm done

The list will be helpful.

I'm looking to purchase some wireless triggers but I dont have much funds for the pocket wizards.

How are the radiopoppers?

I hear great things about the popper jrs. coming out.

robsk8ter247 wrote in post #6241130
I hear great things about the popper jrs. coming out.

Not sure if i should wait for the Jrs or get the cybersyncs.

sinitry23 wrote in post #6241069
The list will be helpful.

That's its purpose -

I'm going to write a article on the subject complete with links, reviews, etc. Should come in real handy

I believe that Radio Poppers should be called "Proprietary" because they only work with a Canon ETTL Master and Slave.

Radio Popper Jr.'s are "Non-Proprietary" because they are just like other radio triggers.

msowsun, they also work with Nikon, Minolta/Alpha, Olympia. RadioPopper P1s do not care what the proprietary data protocols are, as long as they can intercept the IR transmission and reconstitute IR data flow at the receiver.

CliveyBoy wrote in post #6241742
msowsun, they also work with Nikon, Minolta/Alpha, Olympia. RadioPopper P1s do not care what the proprietary data protocols are, as long as they can intercept the IR transmission and reconstitute IR data flow at the receiver.

OK, that maybe true, but they will not work unless they receive some sort a "Proprietary" IR transmission and reconstitute IR data flow at the "Proprietary receiver. The transmitter and receiver both must use the same dedicated, proprietary, signals.

Is that not correct? And if so I would still call it a "Proprietary" type of trigger.

I'd say its proprietary dependent on what system you are using, however because it is not manufactured by/does not work with just one brand, I'm not going to consider it proprietary.

You might want to consider listing optical masters/slaves as a system. There are types that get messed up by Canon's pre-flash and types that don't I believe. They fill the role of controlling another flash in a similar way to the low end cactus triggers I think. And they would work about as reliably as the ST-E2 on average I would surmise (though the ST-E2 when functioning adds fantastic utility for the Canon system). The optical slaves do have their drawbacks, but they also can work just fine within their limitations. I know the optical triggers are out there, but I don't know enough about the specifics to know which ones form a complete system together. Others will know that I'm sure and I'd like to hear that info myself. I wouldn't be surprised if Curtis N sticks his head in here at some point.