Wireless Flash Triggers

[waynomiller]

I want to start learning some strobe work. Starting small as I only have a Canon 430EX for now but planning on buying the new 430EXII or a 580EX (or EXII). What I am looking for is advice on a wireless flash trigger set up for beginners. Something that will trigger my 430EX in slave mode.

Please help! Thanks.

[Samanax]

I have a 40D and one 580EX II and two 430EX Speedlites. I use CyberSync wireless radio triggers to fire all three Speedlites when I'm doing strobist type stuff. The CyberSyncs work really well for what I do. Most of my friends use them. A few use PocketWizards but those were out of my price range. I don't know anyone who uses the Cactus V2s or V4s.

[candleman]

i use Cactus V4's never had a problem with missfires and i'm running 3 strobes (also strobist style) manual only.

[WooD]

Originally Posted by Samanax

I have a 40D and one 580EX II and two 430EX Speedlites. I use CyberSync wireless radio triggers to fire all three Speedlites when I'm doing strobist type stuff. The CyberSyncs work really well for what I do. Most of my friends use them. A few use PocketWizards but those were out of my price range. I don't know anyone who uses the Cactus V2s or V4s.

I also use the CyberSync's.

I use them with by monolights, and speedlights. Never had a misfire.

[inkista]

Originally Posted by waynomiller

I want to start learning some strobe work. Starting small as I only have a Canon 430EX for now but planning on buying the new 430EXII or a 580EX (or EXII). What I am looking for is advice on a wireless flash trigger set up for beginners. Something that will trigger my 430EX in slave mode.

The easiest (but most expensive) route would be to get a 580EXII to put on camera to trigger your 430EX with Canon's proprietary eTTL system. Unfortunately, this would be near-infrared light based signalling, so you'd also need line of sight and within a certain distance (like a tv remote). But you would retain full eTTL function and high-speed sync, as well as the ability to master control the remote flashes from the camera (i.e., you don't have to run over to your remote flash to adjust its power level setting). A 580EX, 550EX, or ST-E2 can also serve as a wireless master, but you can only adjust the power setting through groups and ratios, not as a manual power setting. And, of course, it's a PITA to buy an entire speedlite only to not use it as a remote light.

Which is why most people use radio triggers. Much less expensive. But. Radio triggers can only communicate the "fire" signal and nothing more. So, you lose eTTL capability and high-speed sync, and the remote flashes must be used in Manual mode. So, the upshot is, if you get Cybersyncs, or Cactus V4s, you don't need to buy Canon EX speedlites. If you can't use the eTTL functionality, why pay for it? All you need is a flash that fires in Manual with adjustable power levels. You already have the 430EX for on-camera eTTL work. So, for a remote flash, you could purchase something like a Lumopro LP120 ($130) or a used Nikon SB-24. And the radio transmitter will serve as your on-camera master, so you could have both lights off-camera with Cybersyncs, umbrellas, stands, and swivels for less than it would cost you to buy a new 580EXII.

The Canon EX speedlites are still better if you want to run'n'gun. Having eTTL is kind of like having Av mode on your camera; power levels are set automatically to something in the right ballpark. And being able to go higher than your X-sync shutter speed can be useful. But to preserve eTTL function, you're looking at radio tx/rx units in the $200-$250 price range, not $60 Cybersyncs.

[waynomiller]

Thanks guys, much appreciated. Very helpful advice. I think I will go with the cybersyncs or alienbees transmitters (not a pro!) and buy some low end hot shoe flash units.