Remote Flash Triggers

I'm ready to start experimenting with remote flash triggers. I currently have a Rebel XT and a 430EX.

Would it be best for me to purchase the ST-E2, or spring for the Pocket Wizards/Cybersyncs etc. I don't want to say that money is no object, but I like my purchases the be "future proof".

I will be upgrading to a 40D later on in the year, possible an extra flash as well.

I appreciate any feedback.

last year, i was in the same situation. I liked the ST-E2 but was put off that the range of the infared system outdoors is limited. The radio systems have better range and you could wirelessly trigger a remote camera with a set of pocketwizards and a motor drive cable. So in the long run, i felt the pocketwizards would be a better purchase.

did you intend to use the ST-E2 outdoors? you could get that "extra flash" such as the 580EXII and use it as a master/slave configuration with your 430ex. with the 580ex on camera and the 430ex as a remote flash.

Get CyberSyncs to start with. Then get a 2nd flash. Don't bother with the ST-E2. For it's price, you might as well get a master flash (there are a couple to choose from in my sig).

I would second the cybersync. A basic setup, one transmitter + one receiver, is $130.
The only thing is you need to look into your flash unit to find out if there's a sync port built in. If not, a hotshoe adapter is needed. You probably know all these already, just in case.

40Dude6aedyk wrote in post #8337811
Get CyberSyncs to start with. Then get a 2nd flash. Don't bother with the ST-E2. For it's price, you might as well get a master flash (there are a couple to choose from in my sig).

So:
With Cybersynchs you have $60 trigger + $80 for the receiver + another $80 for another flash you recommend. You are already beat the price of ST-E2.
Add one more and you are at loss. And it is without even having ETTl capabilities.
ST-E2 and radio triggers are very different tools and the decision must be made on the function not on the price,

Well after this experience with the ST-E2 I wont be getting one in a Hurry , here's the story .

A good friend and fellow shooter and I went with a Model on a Mid day shoot at a local Lighthouse over looking the sea , he was using a ST-E2 triggering a 580 EX with a small softbox that I was holding and it was a pain with misfires and I had to keep the flash pointed at him more than at the subject , while he was changing lens I asked him to hold my bare vivitar 285Hv with a Wein peanut fired by my on camera 430 EX I had 100% success , granted I did not have the softbox in the mix but I was much further than he was from the subject as I had on a Longer lens as I was shooting some guys Surfing earlier .

That be said line of site on the ST-E2 can be a pain in the you know where .


David

vadim_c wrote in post #8337850
So:
With Cybersynchs you have $60 trigger + $80 for the receiver + another $80 for another flash you recommend. You are already beat the price of ST-E2.
Add one more and you are at loss. And it is without even having ETTl capabilities.
ST-E2 and radio triggers are very different tools and the decision must be made on the function not on the price,

A Sigma EF530 DG Super is about $220. It can be a master to the 430EX. So you get off-camera ETTL and a flash if you get the Sigma. Sometimes they run a sale where you get free NiMH batteries + charger with the Sigma.

Nevertheless, for the 430EXII off-camera, it's $70 for the receiver, $60 for the trigger. So you $130 gets you reliable OCF in manual mode. $220 gets you indoor-reliable OCF in manual or ETTL mode. Add a $70 receiver, you have 2 radio-controlled flashes.

An ST-E2 at $220 appears to be the worst value to me.

40Dude6aedyk wrote in post #8337970
An ST-E2 at $220 appears to be the worst value to me.

I must repeat it again.
ST-E2 and radiotriggers are tools for different jobs and should not be compared.

I agree. That's why I mentioned a $220 ETTL master flash in both of my previous posts. Why waste money on an ST-E2 when you can have a speedlite that has the same functionality and more?

Thanks for all the feedback so far. Sounds like the ST-E2 is out of the question.

Couple of questions:

1) If I go with the CyberSyncs, which ones do I buy?

2) If I buy a 580EX, I can use that when it's on my camera to remotely control my 430EX?

3) If I go for the PocketWizards, and I've read the issues people are having with them, would it be better to buy the Plus II since they seem to be reliable? Or can I mix and match, say, take the Plus II on the flash end and put the TT1 on the camera?

Subscribing. I'm in the same boat with a new 580EX II ... time to get it off my camera and start experimenting. And just like you, I'm not with unlimited budget but at the same time I'd rather buy the best from the start.

P1et wrote in post #8350585
Thanks for all the feedback so far. Sounds like the ST-E2 is out of the question.

Couple of questions:

1) If I go with the CyberSyncs, which ones do I buy?

2) If I buy a 580EX, I can use that when it's on my camera to remotely control my 430EX?

3) If I go for the PocketWizards, and I've read the issues people are having with them, would it be better to buy the Plus II since they seem to be reliable? Or can I mix and match, say, take the Plus II on the flash end and put the TT1 on the camera?

You have not said whether or not you want to retain ETTL and/or HSS.

Are you comfortable with just using manual mode on your flash?

msowsun wrote in post #8350773
You have not said whether or not you want to retain ETTL and/or HSS.

Are you comfortable with just using manual mode on your flash?

Is that the main difference between the PWs and the Cybersyncs (besides the longer range)? PWs support TTL and HSS and the Cybers do not and also have a 400f range?

PocketWizard Plus II is an absolutely bulletproof system. Hook 'em up and they just work. The range is fantastic. Over 1000 feet with no problem, rated at 1600 feet. One thing to consider with PocketWizards, though. Unless you have a 580EX II, you will need some method of connecting them to your flash. Canon flashes other than the 580EX II don't have a PC sync port, so you need to buy something that allows you to trigger the flash. Personally, I had my 580EX modified with a minijack connection. Makes the PocketWizard/580EX connection so much easier.

The new PocketWizard system, TT1/TT5, is having a few start up pains, but I personally believe they will get it sorted out.

If you mix a TT1 with a Plus II (which you can do) you are still limited to manual flash. But then you can add a TT5 later if you want to upgrade to TTL flash capability.

PocketWizards are expensive, no two ways about it. But they are also extremely reliable.

One system you did not list as being considered is the Elinchrome Skyport. Lots of good features there. Go to their website and check that out before you get the PocketWizards. You might want to consider Skyports instead.

I think this thread is showing me how much I still have to learn, as I don't know what the benefit of TTL would be over using "manual" flash. If it makes a difference, ever since I purchased the 430EX, I've just put it on the camera, switched it on and taken pictures with it. Never adjusted a single setting on it.

In all honesty, ultimately, I would like to do this:

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