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05/20/2010 01:27:46 PM · #1 |
So, im on a major budget as I wrote before and Ive decided to go with the strobist setup since I already have a 430 EX II.
I have everything priced out and ready to buy with the exception of the wireless sync. For now Im just going to go with the cable but I will be buying a wireless sync asap.
Im trying to compare the sync by Alien Bees and the Pocket Wizard syncs. I know the PW is much more expensive, but honestly I dont think I need something that powerful, ever.
Are there any known issues with the Alien Sync such as this one im thinking of picking up
transmitter
receiver
Im planning on getting the CSRB+ since its more portable for me. Does anyone know of any issues or the range. I know the PW has a range of like 1600 ft, but I probably wont ever use that range.
Any help would be great guys!
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05/20/2010 01:55:12 PM · #2 |
I'll be watching this thread because I'm interested in getting a strobist kit as well. It seems to me the question comes down to..do you want ETTL or not? It is my understanding (someone correct me if I'm wrong) that the only way to get ETTL is with PW or RP+ST-E2 (IR)? What about HSS? I'm guessing HSS is fine with PW but not with cybersync?
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05/20/2010 01:59:24 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by mgarsteck:
So, im on a major budget as I wrote before and Ive decided to go with the strobist setup since I already have a 430 EX II.
I have everything priced out and ready to buy with the exception of the wireless sync. For now Im just going to go with the cable but I will be buying a wireless sync asap.
Im trying to compare the sync by Alien Bees and the Pocket Wizard syncs. I know the PW is much more expensive, but honestly I dont think I need something that powerful, ever.
Are there any known issues with the Alien Sync such as this one im thinking of picking up
transmitter
receiver
Im planning on getting the CSRB+ since its more portable for me. Does anyone know of any issues or the range. I know the PW has a range of like 1600 ft, but I probably wont ever use that range.
eta: I forget the range he stated but it was something like a couple hundred feet. The one thing I "think" might be a problem is connecting the receiver to your flash. You might need a PC to hotshoe converter but I could be wrong on that
Any help would be great guys! |
I spoke to a photographer at an event I was at and he was using these for wireless flash. He said that the range was a lot shorter than the PW's however they were more than enough for what he does. He also said that if you need extra range there is the option of using a relay as well. He said he's never had a misfire and the price is certainly right.
Message edited by author 2010-05-20 14:04:03. |
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05/20/2010 02:05:18 PM · #4 |
I will have to look into the Ettl thing and whatnot. From what I understand is that if you get the Cyber Commander, you can control the power of each individual strobe from the commander. I watched a video of the guy doing it and it was impressive. I found out the range is supposed to be 300 ft. In all honesty, I cant find a reason to go beyond 100 ft. So Im definitely going with the alien bees. The price is perfect, probably about 1/2 of the PW's
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05/20/2010 02:09:09 PM · #5 |
I own and use these regularly--love them. Simple, reliable, and backed by Paul Buff's terrific customer service should you ever have any issue (for example, I had been borrowing some, but needed my own set for a shoot--I placed an order and paid for 2nd day shipping which would would arrive two days before the shoot: for some reason, the transmitter was sent separately, by 5-7 day ground. I called, the team shipped another on via Fed Ex Overnight, and paid for return shipping of the unit that arrived later on--all no cost to me).
I have used them in a collaborative studio with 10 or more photographers shooting at different stations: the channel settings are reliable, so no false triggering of anyone else's lighting. This is seldom an issue anyway, but it works when you do need it.
As for range, I have never had any issue there, either. I have not done a test to see just how far away I could go--but in all of my normal usage the range has been fine. I will be buying a couple more of the receivers soon. |
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05/20/2010 02:10:32 PM · #6 |
I use the alienbees cybersyncs, I have never had a misfire and it triggers well even with the reciever behind concrete. You will have to adjust the power manually on the 430ex II. If you buy the commander you will still have to adjust the power on the 430ex ii manually. But you can adjust power from the commander trigger if you get alienbees monolights(with the right reciever).
The PW have a much greater range, but In all the shooting I've done, I've never run out of range.
I shot most of this portraiture portfolio with cybersyncs. |
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05/20/2010 02:13:18 PM · #7 |
I think (but do not know for certain) that the Cyber Commander gives you control of Paul Buff lighting products (with the appropriate receiver and strobe). I don't believe it will perform any TTL functions, nor will it allow you to adjust manual settings of speedlights remotely. But I could be wrong.
I plan to get a cyber commander setup with my upcoming einstein strobes, though :-) A luxury when working alone--but not at all essential. I use the regular triggers all the time with my speedlights set on manual control. |
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05/20/2010 02:22:14 PM · #8 |
Let's put it this way: I have several ways to wirelessly trigger my 580EX II and Sigma 530 DG Super.
1. CyberSyncs
2. Canon ST E2
3. My Canon 7D pop-up flash
In the case of 2 & 3, I can get FP (high speed sync) and ETTL, which is nice. However, both of those use IR/line-of-sight for the signal, meaning if the flash can't see the camera, they won't fire. Even with those two options, I find myself most often using the CyberSyncs and just figuring out the manual setting by chimping a couple of test shots (if there's time).
Short story...buy the CyberSyncs, you won't be disappointed.
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05/20/2010 02:53:56 PM · #9 |
Ive been seriously considering selling my PW Plus II's and getting the cybersync's for the only reason I can easier control my AB's with them :)
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