Best Wireless flash trigger?

This has probably been asked before but I really don't understand what products support what features of canon Flashes when browsing BH and Adorama. I want to play with off camera flash but I current only have a 430ex on my 50D. I was going to buy the Canon ST-E2 but I am wary of the range and directivity issues.

So my question is what is generally accepted as an affordable way of, I assume, radio controlling my flash off camera. What features will I be able to use and what limitations do they have. Thanks!

what is the budget ?

Cheap: Yongnuo RF-602 or Meike MK-RC7, full manual no ett-l

Mid range: Pixel TR-332 and similiar offerings, ett-l support but limited feature set (less than ST-E2)

Pro - a range of brands, but I like Pocket Wizards, full ett-l support and improved feature set like zone control etc.

Radio transmitters come in just a couple of varieties - cheap, reasonable, expensive. (You will notice they are all subjective terms).

Cheap - $50 for a transmitter receiver I believe. RF602s or 'eBay' triggers. Some are quite reliable. None support anything but manual flash.

Reasonable - $60~70 each. Cybersyncs (Alien Bee), Skyports (Elinchrom) are very reliable and have generally very good range. Again, no support other than manual flash.

Expensive - $100~180 per unit. PocketWizards, RadioPoppers. Some support ETTL, some don't.

I use Cybersyncs and have been quite satisfied.

I would avoid buying the ST-E2, and here is a good little article as to why: http://speedliting.com …ist-the-st-e2-temptation/

If you cant afford Pocket Wizards, then I would recommend the Yongnuo RF-602 triggers which will cost you all of $100 off ebay for a full set. I have used them the last 6 months with my canon speedlights. They have a little hot shoe so its really easy. I have actually made a review of them here: http://www.brodiebutle​r.com …to-the-rescue-but-beware/

Dont be afraid of using manual mode. It's actually easier and more reliable, but it doesnt always suit the situation you have at hand.

BrodieButler wrote in post #11035212
I would avoid buying the ST-E2, and here is a good little article as to why: http://speedliting.com …ist-the-st-e2-temptation/

If you cant afford Pocket Wizards, then I would recommend the Yongnuo RF-602 triggers which will cost you all of $100 off ebay for a full set. I have used them the last 6 months with my canon speedlights. They have a little hot shoe so its really easy. I have actually made a review of them here: http://www.brodiebutle​r.com …to-the-rescue-but-beware/

Dont be afraid of using manual mode. It's actually easier and more reliable, but it doesnt always suit the situation you have at hand.

So I guess I've got an ST-E2 for sale now

I second the other comments. Pocket Wizards are very good although expensive. And do consider going manual. I went all out and got a Sekonic L-358 meter with an RT-32 Radio Triggering Module that will trigger the Pocket Wizard for easily taking an exposure setting. Yes, I spent too much money but it's very cool.

Also, the Canon 7D (and probably other models) includes a built in ST-E2 function.

Cheers

+1 for Cybersyncs.