Cybersync or RadioPopper JrX?

[k9mom]

I've been doing research for DAYS now and think I'm close to a decision on my first purchase of radio remotes for off-camera flash. I can't afford Pocket Wizards but I want something with more reliability and longevity than the inexpensive ebay triggers, so I've narrowed my choice down to the Cybersyncs or the RadioPopper JrX system. But, here, I'm stuck on which one to go with. The Cybersyncs are slightly more in cost, but that isn't really a factor. The RadiioPopper JrX system has the tantalizing possibility of TTL functionality, if RadioPopper ever releases the PRcube (their recent email to me said the cube is still 4-6 weeks away from release, but I've been hearing that for months now, so I'm not holding my breath).

Here's what I'd like to do with the strobes and my list of existing equipment:

Canon 40D with a 430EX II flash (looking for a second manual flash--Nikon SB-28, for example. Thought I'd start out with 2 flash strobes and add a third in the not too distant future). I want to use the system primarily for indoor portraiture--people and pets--but also want the portability to take the set-up off-site and possibly outdoors on occasion. I'll be adding the necessary umbrellas, reflectors, etc. to complete the set-up.

So I'd like to hear what you guys think and your opinions on what, of the two choices, would be your pick: The Cybersyncs or the RadioPoppers?

[zona5101]

I do not think you could go wrong with either set. That said I have RadioPopper JrXs that I use for both studio strobes and portable strobes. I got them the first week they were available & I couldn't be happier with their performance. The JrXs will remote control AB lighting levels. I have not used that feature because I do not have AB or WL light kits. Like you, I was entrigued when RP announced the cube but that doesn't matter much to me becasue my "strobist" portable set up is all SB-25's & SB24s.
I understand the cybers are equally well liked so I don't think you would go wrong with either one.

[inkista]

I think if you're going to stick with speedlights and nothing but speedlights, the JrXs might be a better trigger to go with, because if you move up to all-eTTL capable flashes and PXs, the JrXs will still work with the system. However, you need to know that JrXs have no eTTL capability (merely the ability to control power levels via the quench pin), and to have eTTL capability, you will need to have a Canon speedlight master unit on the hotshoe--the PX transmitter cannot master on its own--it merely bridges the eTTL light signals over radio.

If, however, you're eventually going to be adding Paul Buff monobloc lights (Alienbees or White Lightnings), then Cybersync is going to be a better bet, because when the CyberCommander comes out, you'll have far more control and feedback than JrXs could give you over the studio lights.

[bhursey]

Im pondering something since this thread. I have a sb-24 and a vivatar df400mz optical slave. The problem I am running into is I bought the first batch of cactus v4's the new batches are more reliable. This weekend my hot shoe on the cactus stopped working so I use the pc syc cable. What I am worried about is it not working when I need it. I also was planing on buying a Canon 580EX II. I use my hacked nikon sb-24 on camera at events using auto thyroister mode. Problem is it does not have the ir focus assistant so in low light situation focus hunts so if im going to start doing weddings again I need the 580 EX II. I bring my strobist set up to clients houses right now. Soo I have 2 choices. Note im broke.

1. Buy a 580 EX II for 395 - 450$, get a 15$ 15 foot pc sync cable as a back up, and get a second v4 receiver for the second flash and pray it works 100% of the time sofar its been 99% reliable.
Total worst case: 504$

2. Buy another sb-28 or sb-24, buy cheep Opteka external recycle packs, get radio popper jrx studio kit + extra receiver.

This would give me a fast 2 strobe 3 if I include my optical slave strobe set fast recycle time and dependability. Later on I can get a 580 EX and alien bees and be able to control the power output with the new cube thing.

About 428$

[k9mom]

zona and inkista, thanks for your input...muchos gracias!

I think I'm leaning toward the RadioPoppers -- getting the JrX Basic for $119.95 + one additional receiver. I figure I can upgrade the receivers to the Studio version if and when the cube comes out, and by then hope to find a used 550EX or 580EX (the 580EX II is still beyond my budget) to serve as a master to my 430EX II. I'm remotely concerned however that RP won't be able to make a cube for Canon Speedlites, as I've seen a number of references to people who've been able to DIY a cube with the Nikons but, to date, no one has been able to do this with a Canon Speedlite. OTOH, a lot of what I'm reading on strobist.com and other sites suggests that most people don't care much about having the TTL function and prefer to work in strictly manual mode. I think I'm over-analyzing all of this. I just need to whip out the plastic and buy something without worrying so much about buyer's regret afterward...

[zona5101]

I think once you start shooting in manual you won't care about iTTL. iTTL is great when you are on the go and need to pull off shots bam, bam ,bam...but when you have time to dial in all your light you aren't going to want the camera to decide when it's had enough light, you will. Be sure and check what kind of cables you need between your recievers and flashes. I needed to buy additional cables for the Nikons and studio lights. This is a good source: flashzebra.com. good prices, good cables, nice guy and quick service.

[Austin_HXC]

If you're gonna go Manual and with CyberSyncs, you should definitely consider Yongnuo RF-602's. They are as reliable as CyberSyncs and can also wake up Canon 430exII out of sleep mode, and can also act as a wireless shutter release. And the best part, less than $40.00 for Transmitter/Receiver kit. I got a set and they work wonderfully, 100% reliablity. I got mine from eBay seller Suppere. Shipping 7-10 days from Hong Kong.

[fretbuzz]

I have cybersyncs and absolutely love them. They are perfect for manual flash and all alienbees, etc. They have never failed. I also own the Radiopopper JRx Studio's. I thought that I would ready myself for TTL and start with the JRx's.

I really wish I didn't make the radiopopper purchase, because I don't foresee me using TTL except at receptions, for paparazzi stuff. The worst thing about TTL with the poppers PX is you have to have two flashes to fire one. They have no shoe mount... which makes them an expensive purchase... $250 for PX transmitter + $400x2 (ex 580 II)=$800 + $99 JRx studio (I got an email stating the price is going up on January 1st 2010). This means your looking at over $1000 for TTL capabilities.

hindsight has me thinking it would have been better to invest in the CyberCommander than a set of radiopoppers. Unfortunately... all sales are final with the radiopoppers.