wireless triggers

widget5 8widget5 8 Registered Users Posts: 96 Big grins
edited December 10, 2011 in Accessories
I am looking to buy some wireless so what is the opinion of the Cybersync , skyport and pocket wizard?
I have a 30 d that I am shooting with. It is my understanding that the skyports only go to 1/160 shutter speed and pw more but I do not know the cybersyncs... I do not want to spend alot of money
www.widgetsphotography.com

Comments

  • Art ScottArt Scott Registered Users Posts: 8,959 Major grins
    edited November 3, 2011
    i shoot upto approx 200 with ones like these..... http://tinyurl.com/3fgtfuj

    PW are just too over priced for me...but then I still use a flash meter so the simplest trigger (simple and reliable...very reliable) is all I need....do not know skyport...cybersync would be my 1st choice of a non real cheap trigger, but then all I use in my studio is Paul buff lighting (white lightnings & Alien Bees )...so I would look at them but I have been a fan of the company for over 30 yrs.
    the flash triggers I linked to run my Sunpak 622's, Alien Bees, white Lightnings and my Nikon SB900's ...so for the price I am very happy.
    "Genuine Fractals was, is and will always be the best solution for enlarging digital photos." ....Vincent Versace ... ... COPYRIGHT YOUR WORK ONLINE ... ... My Website

  • du8diedu8die Registered Users Posts: 358 Major grins
    edited November 4, 2011
    I have the cybersync's and absolutely LOVE them! I don't have the commander - just the trigger and receivers. But, they are outstanding. Have not had a misfire yet.
    H2 Photography - Blog - Facebook - Twitter

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  • widget5 8widget5 8 Registered Users Posts: 96 Big grins
    edited November 5, 2011
    du8die wrote: »
    I have the cybersync's and absolutely LOVE them! I don't have the commander - just the trigger and receivers. But, they are outstanding. Have not had a misfire yet.[/QUOT ]with either of them do I need to get a hotshoe pc connector for my 580ex flash
    www.widgetsphotography.com
  • widget5 8widget5 8 Registered Users Posts: 96 Big grins
    edited November 5, 2011
    du8die wrote: »
    I have the cybersync's and absolutely LOVE them! I don't have the commander - just the trigger and receivers. But, they are outstanding. Have not had a misfire yet.

    does the cybersyncs need a pc hotshoe?
    www.widgetsphotography.com
  • kurtwkurtw Registered Users Posts: 100 Major grins
    edited November 5, 2011
    widget5 8 wrote: »
    with either of them do I need to get a hotshoe pc connector for my 580ex flash


    The 580EX (original, not II) does not have a PC terminal so you'll need to trigger it via the shoe foot. For Cybersyncs, PW Plus2, or any others that trigger via a cable, you'll need something like this:

    http://flashzebra.com/products/0135/index.shtml
    0135_390.jpg

    I use Cycbersyncs with a few different flashes including a 580EX and I do occasionally have problems with repeated misfires. I'm pretty sure that the problems are usually related to this adapter (I have the non-"deluxe" version of the one above) and may be as simple as the flash not being seated fully or it may be a flakey adapter. It definitely adds another point of failure.

    Anyway, my CST/CSRB combos have tested reliably up to about 250ft, line of sight. Beyond that, they work but with some misfires. I'm pretty happy with their quality and performance.

    However for the same functionality, I'm torn between adding units to my CS trigger collection or switching to the PW Plus2s. This is only because, having worked with another photographer using PWs recently, it would have been nice to be using the same system and the PWs are pretty much the trusted standard. That said, I'll probably stick with the Cybersyncs because I need to pick up spares and I don't think I can justify the cost of making the switch.

    Edit: BTW for sync speeds, my 50D and 7D will fully sync at the max sync speed of 1/250th with Cybersyncs. 1/320th if I don't need the bottom 1/8th of the frame lit.
  • aktseaktse Registered Users Posts: 1,928 Major grins
    edited November 5, 2011
    widget5 8 wrote: »
    does the cybersyncs need a pc hotshoe?

    Another option to is add a sync port like this or switch the foot to another one.
    http://aktse.smugmug.com/
  • NeilLNeilL Registered Users Posts: 4,201 Major grins
    edited November 5, 2011
    The Cybers are very good. Of course the PWs are too, but very exxy, and a little finicky I understand, and not all functions work with all gear.

    I have Phottix Strato, a real alternative you could consider.

    http://www.phottix.com/?___store=en

    http://www.phottixstore.com/store/studio-accessories/phottix-strato-2-4ghz-wire-wireless-4-in-1-trigger.html

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVvtXsXV8ZY

    Neil
    "Snow. Ice. Slow!" "Half-winter. Half-moon. Half-asleep!"

    http://www.behance.net/brosepix
  • ImageX PhotographyImageX Photography Registered Users Posts: 528 Major grins
    edited November 10, 2011
    I also use Cybersyncs and love them. They are extremely reliable and I haven't had one single issue with mine. I use them with a Cyber Commander as well as the regular trigger transmitter. They are priced right so you can't go wrong at all.

    I also have a bunch of cheap Chinese Ebay triggers(PT-04's) with a few transmitters for my 6 speedlights. They are flaky. Sometimes they work flawlessly and sometimes they don't cooperate at all.
  • LatinoooLatinooo Registered Users Posts: 20 Big grins
    edited November 30, 2011
    ImageX Photography wrote: »
    I also use Cybersyncs and love them. They are extremely reliable and I haven't had one single issue with mine. I use them with a Cyber Commander as well as the regular trigger transmitter. They are priced right so you can't go wrong at all.

    I also have a bunch of cheap Chinese Ebay triggers(PT-04's) with a few transmitters for my 6 speedlights. They are flaky. Sometimes they work flawlessly and sometimes they don't cooperate at all.

    Hi .. Just a quick question do you need to have 6 transmitters for all of you speedlights ?? there is nothing else you can do !! Cause Ill have 2 speed light's and I'm wary about how I can connect with my cam .. !!
    I'm not a pro, so I'm learning..

    I'm not nothing, so I am who I am ..

    Here is my place
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,133 moderator
    edited November 30, 2011
    Latinooo wrote: »
    Hi .. Just a quick question do you need to have 6 transmitters for all of you speedlights ?? there is nothing else you can do !! Cause Ill have 2 speed light's and I'm wary about how I can connect with my cam .. !!

    Typically you only "need" one transmitter, triggered by the camera, and then a receiver for each flash. I ordered 3 transmitter/receiver sets for my needs. One of the transmitters was a dud, but I use one transmitter on the camera and then carry the extra to set up the flashes and as a backup. (The transmitters that I use have a manual trigger button so that I can just press the button to fire each light separately during setup.)
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • lifeinfocuslifeinfocus Registered Users Posts: 1,461 Major grins
    edited December 5, 2011
    NeilL wrote: »
    The Cybers are very good. Of course the PWs are too, but very exxy, and a little finicky I understand, and not all functions work with all gear.

    I have Phottix Strato, a real alternative you could consider.

    http://www.phottix.com/?___store=en

    http://www.phottixstore.com/store/studio-accessories/phottix-strato-2-4ghz-wire-wireless-4-in-1-trigger.html

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVvtXsXV8ZY

    Neil

    The link to Steele Training and these triggers look great. Thanks, Phil
    http://www.PhilsImaging.com
    "You don't take a photograph, you make it." ~Ansel Adams
    Phil
  • travischancetravischance Registered Users Posts: 642 Major grins
    edited December 5, 2011
    If you haven't found a set, I'm selling a RadioPopper Jr. X studio kit (transmitter & receiver) that has been used twice (LNIB). Retail is $169 & I'd be willing to save you a few bucks.
    Travis M. Chance
    twin Mark IV's & a bunch of "L" glass
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  • lifeinfocuslifeinfocus Registered Users Posts: 1,461 Major grins
    edited December 7, 2011
    Art Scott wrote: »
    i shoot upto approx 200 with ones like these..... http://tinyurl.com/3fgtfuj

    PW are just too over priced for me...but then I still use a flash meter so the simplest trigger (simple and reliable...very reliable) is all I need....do not know skyport...cybersync would be my 1st choice of a non real cheap trigger, but then all I use in my studio is Paul buff lighting (white lightnings & Alien Bees )...so I would look at them but I have been a fan of the company for over 30 yrs.
    the flash triggers I linked to run my Sunpak 622's, Alien Bees, white Lightnings and my Nikon SB900's ...so for the price I am very happy.

    Art, what flash meter do you use? I see that Sekonic meters works with PW. If you use Sekonic, does that mean only a PW will do certain functions that it won't with other triggers?

    Thanks, Phil
    http://www.PhilsImaging.com
    "You don't take a photograph, you make it." ~Ansel Adams
    Phil
  • lifeinfocuslifeinfocus Registered Users Posts: 1,461 Major grins
    edited December 9, 2011
    Phottix Strato II - Camera Specific and Use w/any Flash?
    I looked at buying this product - Phottix Strato II.

    http://www.phottix.com/en/studio-accessories/phottix-strato-ii-multi-5-in-1-wireless-flash-trigger.html

    I sent two emails to them - one to support and one to sales, asking why the trigger is camera specific - Nikon, Canon or Sony, and can the receiver be used for any flash, like for instance an old Vivitar 285.

    Since I have not gotten an answer perhaps somebody who uses this product could answer.

    Thanks
    Phil
    http://www.PhilsImaging.com
    "You don't take a photograph, you make it." ~Ansel Adams
    Phil
  • NeilLNeilL Registered Users Posts: 4,201 Major grins
    edited December 10, 2011
    lifeinfocus wrote: »
    I looked at buying this product - Phottix Strato II.

    http://www.phottix.com/en/studio-accessories/phottix-strato-ii-multi-5-in-1-wireless-flash-trigger.html

    I sent two emails to them - one to support and one to sales, asking why the trigger is camera specific - Nikon, Canon or Sony, and can the receiver be used for any flash, like for instance and old Vivitar 285.

    Since I have not gotten an answer perhaps somebody who uses this product could answer.

    Thanks
    Phil

    If you sent those emails Thu-Fri-Sat US time it will have been the weekend in SE Asia. Also, communication is not as easy as in the US, not the same feeling of obligation to answer applies. And then there is the language issue. However I managed to communicate with them when I was buying mine. Try phoning. Persist.

    Here is something which might be relevant to your query:

    Compatibility

    Phottix have confirmed that they will have Strato 4-in-1 Trigger models available to suit Canon TTL and Nikon TTL (and more recently also Sony).
    (Because of different TTL pinouts and protocols used by different camera manufacturers, the Strato 4-in-1 transmitter TTL pass-through functionality is specific to a specific camera brand.)

    The Strato 4-in-1 Trigger triggers for Canon can be used to trigger Canon and 3rd party Canon-compatible TTL flashes via the transmitter's pass-through hotshoe. The Strato 4-in-1 receivers can be used to trigger any regular centre-fire flashes, as well as studio strobes.
    A brand-specific version of the receiver is likely to be required for remote flash wake-up functionality (ie, a Strato 4-in-1 receiver for Canon is likely to be required to wake up Canon-compatible flashes).

    When using the Strato 4-in-1 Trigger as a wired or wireless shutter release, you will need the appropriate shutter release cable to suit your camera.

    http://martybugs.net/blog/blog.cgi/gear/Phottix-Strato-4-in-1-Trigger.html


    Neil
    "Snow. Ice. Slow!" "Half-winter. Half-moon. Half-asleep!"

    http://www.behance.net/brosepix
  • lifeinfocuslifeinfocus Registered Users Posts: 1,461 Major grins
    edited December 10, 2011
    Phottix Product Stratto II Multi 5-in-1
    Thanks Neil for the info. and the link.

    I noted on the website link you sent that they also reviewed a newer model from Phottix - "Phottix Strato II Multi 5-in-1 Wireless Flash Trigger for Canon, Nikon and Sony"

    See review of above product :http://martybugs.net/blog/blog.cgi/gear/Phottix-Strato-II-Multi-Trigger.html

    If interested in purchasing, it is available via Amazon.
    http://www.PhilsImaging.com
    "You don't take a photograph, you make it." ~Ansel Adams
    Phil
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