Best 'Manual' Triggers ???

I know you get this a lot; but sometimes threads lose their direction; or don't address me in particular. So please hear me out.

I currently shoot Speedlites with ST-E2 Sometimes the built-in mode from my 7D; but i Find the ST-E2 to work better for me. Yet that 'line of sight' limitation has affected somewhat when i shoot; so i want to change into something more reliable that can also provide more distance when shooting, I know most of the top triggers , PW ELICHRON CYBER SYNC etc, but i'd like to know your opinion of the best MANUAL Triggers for Speedlites. I'm not afan on TTL when it comes to off camera flash.

PS; i also own cheap PT-04 which have served me well withing their low working distance; but the ST-E2 works way better.

The new Cactus V5 works well and has some nice features. Review at http://rudys-rants.blogspot.com/ It will go on sale on Monday.

the cactus v4 have been around for a while, which are pretty much the same as you pt-04s. If you have the money, consider spending some bucks on pocket wizard plus II or if you wanna keep the usability of your st-e2, theres also radio poppers Px or JrX system to consider.

http://www.radiopopper​.com/
http://www.pocketwizar​d.com/

chrizramiscal wrote in post #11688625
the cactus v4 have been around for a while, which are pretty much the same as you pt-04s. If you have the money, consider spending some bucks on pocket wizard plus II or if you wanna keep the usability of your st-e2, theres also radio poppers Px or JrX system to consider.

http://www.radiopopper​.com/
http://www.pocketwizar​d.com/

Who said anything about the V4? The V5 is a totally new design using a 2.4GHz radio frequency.

For a lot less money than the pocket wizard the V5 will do everything you need.

.

i was talking about the v4 for the reason its cheap and been out for a while. Im sure v5 will be better but i just thought i'd mention the v4's that lots of people already have tried as well. I'd like to try the v5 too though

When you say "BEST" manual trigger, I suppose you are asking about reliable, consistent triggers. You can't go wrong with the Skyports or Cybersync's. I have used both shooting high school sports with Alien Bee strobes. Tens of thousands of shots in the last couple of years. I have only used the Pocket Wizards a coupel of times and they worked just as good.

Every basketball game in my MaxPreps Profile was shot using either the Skyports or Cybersyncs. Outside the gym, walking down the hall, press the test button "BOOM!" the strobes go off inside the gym.

chrizramiscal wrote in post #11688704
i was talking about the v4 for the reason its cheap and been out for a while. Im sure v5 will be better but i just thought i'd mention the v4's that lots of people already have tried as well. I'd like to try the v5 too though

OK. I just don't see the point in suggesting the V4 since, as you said, it is much the same as his PT-04s.

Pocket Wizard MultiMax. Overkill for probably what you trying to do. Next step down PW Plus II. Then AB CybcerSyncs, Skyports and so on.

For the money look at RF602s. Most users seemed quite happy with them.

First of all thanks to all who replied and PM'ed Me! I really appreciate it
Second; I've been reading a lotttt since yesterday; lots of reviews, I've got to admit; those Cactus V5s look like the 'best candidate'; I mean of course, those PW's and Cybersyncs etc. are great too; but they gotten as bad a review as a Cactus V4 or V5 has. just design flaws, but cost more than twice of what a Cactus does, and some require some adapters/cables. but overall all meet my needs; so why pay more...

Standard answer is Yongnuo RF-602 - see other current thread.

They work, reliably, great range, faster x-sync than many, neat, handy wake-up feature, cheap. Can't go wrong really.

Hoppy1 wrote in post #11694974
Standard answer is Yongnuo RF-602 - see other current thread.

They work, reliably, great range, faster x-sync than many, neat, handy wake-up feature, cheap. Can't go wrong really.

yes, Yongnuo RF-602

stupid question: How manual are the manual triggers? i.e. do they communicate current camera settings to the flash (aperture and ISO)?

No. They just fire the flash. Basically a remote controlled switch. Some will wake up a flash that timed out but others do not.

I do not understand how anything "Cactus" made it into the "best" thread, but I digress...


The industry standard is Pocket Wizards. I don't like them for the fact that they are very large and somewhat clunky compared to other alternatives out there...not to mention, very expensive. I have been using Cybersyncs for the last 2 years and while they might not be labeled as the "best", they have proven to be well constructed and 100% reliable at up to 400 yards and slightly beyond(my testing didn't allow any further). They are a good bit cheaper than other alternatives also. I would have no problems recommending them to an amateur or pro and everyone in-between.

Jeffro250 wrote in post #11698212
I do not understand how anything "Cactus" made it into the "best" thread, but I digress...

So you don't think manufactures should try and improve their product line?

Is the Cactus V5 the best trigger out there? Of course not. It doesn't do TTL or remote power control. But neither does the low end Pocket Wizard.

But it all depends on how much you want to pay. You can buy five V5 tranceivers for less than the cost of one Pocket Wizard Plus II. And other than the extended range of the PW (100 meters for the V5 is more than enough for me thanks) you don't get anything more. And I like the 2.4Ghz operating frequency. Less problems with interference from my Canon EX flashes.