Alien Bee Triggers

[MrJulius]

I am starting to look into the world of off camera lighting (I've been reading Strobist)

How are the Alien Bee Triggers (transmitter/Receivers)? I am under the impression that the battery powered receiver and a transmitter are all I need to use with an off camera speed light.

Correct? Or am I missing something?

[Mr Guy]

It depends on the flash.

You'll definitely only need the transmitter to send the signal, but if you're camera doesn't have the correct input, you'll need some kind of adapter to connect the receiver to the flash. The receiver comes with a connector for PC sync cords as well as for monophonic plugs.

The other thing you'll need is something to hold it in place. That can be everything from a superclamp with a flash shoe, to duct tape, to a full lighting stand.

[MrJulius]

Ok

So,

Am I right in saying that

D300 with a Alien Bee Hotshoe transmitter deal will fire a SB-xxx wirelessly.

[Samanax]

From what I understand, Nikon flashes already have a PC port so all you would have to do is connect the CyberSync receiver to the flash with a PC cord and you should be good to go. Pretty sure you won't need a hot shoe adaptor or any other cords.

[MrJulius]

Cool deal, I love Alien Bee. The things have gotten great reviews also. They're probably not as solid of a rock as the Pocket Wizards, but I mean, I'm not climbing everest.

[Samanax]

Originally Posted by MrJulius

Cool deal, I love Alien Bee. The things have gotten great reviews also. They're probably not as solid of a rock as the Pocket Wizards, but I mean, I'm not climbing everest.

Several of my shooting buddies use the CyberSyncs and a couple have PocketWizards. Quality wise, the CyberSyncs are very close to the PocketWizards...they both really don't feel real high quality, just okay as far as build and materials go. As for performance, the CyberSyncs hold their own against the PocketWizards. The only time the CyberSync users have problems is when the battery starts to get weak. PocketWizards do have a solid reputation but one of my PocketWizard friends just had problems with his this past weekend during a shot.

I plan to get CyberSyncs when I get my strobist gear.