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Archive 2009 · PW or Cybersync?

ckhagen
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p.1 #1 · PW or Cybersync?

Has anyone used both? Opinions?

I'm going to be picking up some AB's and using off-cam flash and I want triggers that will work well with both. The Cybersyncs are less expensive...

Jan 12, 2009 at 02:18 AM

ksmahgrts
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p.1 #2 · PW or Cybersync?

in my experience you get what you pay for.

PWs here.

Jan 12, 2009 at 02:23 AM

ckhagen
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p.1 #3 · PW or Cybersync?

Very true...
It's not like they're Ebay junk though, ya know? I've heard tons of complaints about PWs, so I figured it couldn't hurt to ask if anyone had used both. I doubt Alien Bees would sell something miserably horrible.

Jan 12, 2009 at 02:28 AM

Saad Syed
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p.1 #4 · PW or Cybersync?

After using PW's and CyberSyncs extensively, I went w/ CyberSync. You do get what you pay for. PW's have more channels, can sync to more things, and have a longer range. However, none of those things fall under my list of needs. As far as the money you pay for both, CyberSyncs are just as reliable as the PW's. It's really up to your budget, your needs, and your expectations - all I can say is the reliability is the same with both. The technicalities, however, will differ.

Best of luck,
YMMV.

Jan 12, 2009 at 02:28 AM

Jonathan H
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p.1 #5 · PW or Cybersync?

I would say for the average wedding photographer, cybersyncs are plenty.

Where PW's are favored are sports (long range, slightly faster sync, many channels for many shooters) and fashion/commercial (PW's integrated with Profoto, Dynalite, Norman, etc packs, many channels for many shooters in neighboring studios crammed into the NYC meatpacking district

)

Jan 12, 2009 at 03:03 AM

sboerup
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p.1 #6 · PW or Cybersync?

Resale value for my equipment is a high priority for me, so PWs take the cake in that regard. But, they are so well integrated with my equipment (Profoto, Sekonic) it's just icing on the cake.

Considering most of us have near $20k in equipment, $500 on PWs isn't that big of a deal.

Jan 12, 2009 at 03:33 AM

Patrick Elliott
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p.1 #7 · PW or Cybersync?

PW's do have more range, channels, features, etc. But ask yourself, do I need the extras? I didn't.

I went with the CS's and haven't regretted it at all. I have no problem with misfires, etc., and I really like their small size. Also, Paul Buff has very good customer service, and hangs out in the Lighting forum to answer questions. He also offers credits by turning in your old units for upgrades. I, personally, have no complaints about the CS's, and would go with them again, based on my needs.

Hope this helps.

Patrick

Jan 12, 2009 at 04:21 AM

coffee-black
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p.1 #8 · PW or Cybersync?

I think Paul C. Buff has proven himself in the industry as an alternative source for solid working equipment at a fraction of the cost of other producers. Unless you have existing lighting, with built in PW, the CS system is a solid purchase.

I've used a Quantum Radio Slave 4 for more than 15 years. It has never failed. This is simply not new technology. I have a very difficult time justifying the costs of the units by either Quantum or PW. At this point in it's technological time line, it is safe to seek the lowest price from a proven supplier.

>rw

Jan 12, 2009 at 05:05 AM

radioblurs
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p.1 #9 · PW or Cybersync?

cybersync for me-you can get a transmitter and two receivers for barely more than the price of one PW-i trust my cybersyncs (they're very dependable) and don't need the range, either-nothing against PWs, they're work horses but cybersyncs are a great deal without losing the core features i need-can't go wrong either way, really

if you're still unsure, go to this link and read the reviews of the cybersync triggers: http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/662406

daniel

Jan 12, 2009 at 05:11 AM

PatFurey89
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p.1 #10 · PW or Cybersync?

I'm using Cybersync's, and have never had a misfire or went out of range from them. Battery life is good too, but I wish the transmitter took AA's.

Jan 12, 2009 at 08:42 PM

Sam Hassas
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p.1 #11 · PW or Cybersync?

What also should be noted about those advising cybersync's is that PW is far and away the most popular system. If you were to shoot for another photographer, chances are they use PW's as well. Good to have a system that will work in link with other shooter. Tony Hoff is shooting with me over the weekend and he obviously won't be bringing his own lights, umbrellas etc. All he needs are his PW's and he's locked in with me.

`Sam

Jan 12, 2009 at 09:30 PM

letenele
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p.1 #12 · PW or Cybersync?

My Cybersyncs arrived today, I can't wait to try them out.

Jan 12, 2009 at 10:01 PM

tmiller
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p.1 #13 · PW or Cybersync?

Many times the most popular is not the best... *cough pc vs mac* =o) Haha, I'm a PC guy anyways, for the gamez!

CyberSync's work for me, and they've been more reliable than my PocketWizards were.

-tmiller

Jan 12, 2009 at 10:41 PM

Saad Syed
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p.1 #14 · PW or Cybersync?

tmiller wrote:
Many times the most popular is not the best... *cough pc vs mac* =o) Haha, I'm a PC guy anyways, for the gamez!

CyberSync's work for me, and they've been more reliable than my PocketWizards were.

-tmiller

I was so happy when they released Call of Duty 4 for Mac... I don't have to switch to Vista anymore! lol.

Jan 12, 2009 at 10:55 PM

tmiller
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p.1 #15 · PW or Cybersync?

Saad Syed wrote:
tmiller wrote:
Many times the most popular is not the best... *cough pc vs mac* =o) Haha, I'm a PC guy anyways, for the gamez!

CyberSync's work for me, and they've been more reliable than my PocketWizards were.

-tmiller

I was so happy when they released Call of Duty 4 for Mac... I don't have to switch to Vista anymore! lol.

Hehe... yeah, but I can play anything... anytime... and who brought that curse word of an OS into the convo? =o) I'm an XP man myself, and Windows 7 should be pretty good.

=o)

-tmiller

Jan 12, 2009 at 11:07 PM

ckhagen
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p.1 #16 · PW or Cybersync?

You have a good point there Sam.

I'm really torn honestly... I happen to think that based on reviews alone, the Cybersyncs are actually more reliable, but there are some advantages to the PW.

Jan 13, 2009 at 04:13 AM

brucemuir
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p.1 #17 · PW or Cybersync?

Im using skyports.

Jan 13, 2009 at 04:20 AM

Matt Khoury
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p.1 #18 · PW or Cybersync?

paul c buff's ROCK....

Jan 13, 2009 at 05:13 AM

conscience224
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p.1 #19 · PW or Cybersync?

Matt Khoury wrote:
paul c buff's ROCK....

+1

Jan 13, 2009 at 05:16 AM

Tom K.
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p.1 #20 · PW or Cybersync?

I have the PW's and I would recommend you buy the cybersyncs. The PW's are much too expensive for the cheesy and cheap build quality they have. If you think PW's are well build you're wrong. They feel like cheap plastic toys and they certainly don't feel like they are worth the money they cost. They work very well.......but.......so do the cybersyncs.

Jan 13, 2009 at 05:49 AM

svRob
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p.1 #21 · PW or Cybersync?

I own both. I use Cybersyncs with "The Busy Bee" package I bought from them.

The only thing PWs do that CS don't is remote trigger for shutters. I was going to order extra CS and called their Tech line first, finding out I can't I ordered PWs from B&H as I have the need for wireless shutter fire.

I don't have the need for the maximum advertised range of either, at least I haven't seen the advantage just yet.

IMO... if all you intend to do is remote fire flash.... PCB CS for function and price.

Jan 13, 2009 at 06:10 AM

tmiller
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p.1 #22 · PW or Cybersync?

svRob wrote:
I own both. I use Cybersyncs with "The Busy Bee" package I bought from them.

The only thing PWs do that CS don't is remote trigger for shutters. I was going to order extra CS and called their Tech line first, finding out I can't I ordered PWs from B&H as I have the need for wireless shutter fire.

I don't have the need for the maximum advertised range of either, at least I haven't seen the advantage just yet.

IMO... if all you intend to do is remote fire flash.... PCB CS for function and price.

You have heard of the "test" button before right?

It'll trip the receiver, and the cybersync's will fire.

I keep my 580's from going to sleep that way all the time, or to wake up a model. =o) Heheh

-tmiller

Jan 13, 2009 at 06:50 AM


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