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Pocket Wizards vs AlienBees CyberSyncs

Now Pocket Wizards are the standard flash triggers for the pro’s.  But they come at a price.   With Radio Poppers being a similar price & the Junior versions nowhere in sight of being finished, the next best option I can see are the Alien Bees (thanks for advice Matt).


I’ve just had a quote from Alien Bees as follows:-

CyberSync Trigger Transmitter @ $59.95
CyberSync Battery Powered Trigger Receiver @ $69.95

For 1 transmitter & 2 receivers, there is a $25 International surcharge, plus $48.77 P&P.  Total = $273.62

From my experience Import duty & VAT equate to about 22% of price paid, so grand total would be $333, which at todays rate equates to [B]£190 [/B]

Cheapest I can find for equivalent Pocket Wizards is £376, so double the cost

Hmmmmmmm.

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28 October, 2008 - 6:04 pm Dennis - Found the blog from POTN :) Just had a similar decision to make... RadioPopper P1's would give TTL capability for my Canon, or my buddy if he wanted to try them out on his Nikon. Bulky though (and a pain to attach light tubes in a hurry), need an ST-E2 or on camera flash unit to trigger them... and if I wanted to add a off brand flash as a third light... well... Skyports... pricy compared to Cybersyncs (a bit less than the PocketWizards)... great reviews from those that have them, and ability to set up flashes in groups like the ST-E2 or when using a 580EX II on camera as master. So... ordered the Cybersyncs as I have two Canon flashes already (along with the ST-E2 for off camera TTL), have options to add a Nikon flash from my friend or an old Minolta flash (if I can dig it out of the closet from years gone by) for a background/fill/hair light, reliable from what I've heard so far... and cheap compared to the above options. Would've liked to have had the range and ability to have TTL outdoors like using the RadioPoppers would have given me, but too much bulkiness and trouble mounting along with the fact I'd have to stick with Canon flashes for TTL. The others (PocketWizard, Skyport) it just came down to best price and support (the Paul Buff forums are awesome). Just got the Cybersyncs this week and haven't had a chance to play with them yet though... Two things noticed right away... yep... the power on button needs a couple of rubber O rings glued around it to keep it from being turned on accidently (should be a simple fix using a generic O ring kit from the hardware store) otherwise the 20 - 1 hour activations will eat up the battery charge fairly quickly if I don't have them protected in the bag and they are activated accidently. Great construction otherwise and bonus comes from the fact the 3rd receiver I bought can be used as a repeater to extend the range if I only use my two flashes (I bought 3 so I could use a Nikon/Minolta flash the odd time). Anyhow... will keep a watch on your blog... would luv to see your opinions on whatever choice ya make :)

28 October, 2008 - 6:55 pm Dave - Thanks for reply Dennis :) I've got to get something sorted soon, as I tried using one 508EX off camera as a slave, in an outside location last weekend. As I was using a wide angle lens, by the time I placed the off camera 580 out of shot I was struggling to get the 2 580's talking. In the end I had to give up :( I'm hoping to have a play with some Cybersyncs this weekend, so will feedback accordingly. Let me know how you get on. I see the old credit crunch has bumped the prices up in UK, with the Cybersyncs going up £14, but the PW's £43 !!!. Cheers Dave

14 December, 2008 - 8:18 pm Dave - About time. The launch of the Radio Popper Juniors or jrX as they have been renamed. With these prices, it seems they are gunning for the Cybersyncs $99 JrX Transmitter + JrX Receiver Basic Kit $69 JrX Transmitter Individual $59 JrX Receiver Basic Individual

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