The Cybersync wireless flash triggers have been reviewed at a number of different websites, so I’m not going to so much provide an unbiased, technical, and detailed review as I’m going to quite plainly laud their awesomeness.

First of all, for those that aren’t hardcore into off camera flash photography, the wireless triggers allows the camera shutter to sync, wirelessly, with an off camera flash. Seems simple enough, but providing a reliable radio sync at 1/2000 of a second (fast enough to sync with the camera’s sync speed of 1/200) is apparently pretty difficult. Thus, the poor-man solution of Cactus triggers from Gadget Infiniti ensure a fair amount of frustration when the strobes just-don’t-sync.

The industry leading solution is from Pocket Wizard is certainly reliable and is, well, industry standard. A single pocket wizard will cost almost $200. You need one for your camera and one for each flash. *ouch*

Cybersync, from Paul C. Buff (the Alien Bees and White Lightning guys), are considerably cheaper. While they don’t have the 1600 foot range like Pocket Wizard they are about 1/3 of the price — checking in at $70 per receiver.

Awesomeness #1

They just work. Seriously, this was the best feature. I plugged them in and got the flashes to fire every time (keeping in mind recharge time). That’s the best part.

Awesomeness #2

Range. Compared to the Pocket Wizard’s 1600 foot range, 400 feet doesn’t seem like a whole lot. Until you consider that 400 feet is nearly the length of a football field. You’d need some serious glass to compete with that distance. Compared to the Cactus triggers — whose working distance is probably closer to 5 feet — that’s miles away.

Uncool #1

Okay, there is one part that’s pretty uncool. It’s the lack of mounting points for the receiver. It’s a smooth plastic shell and there’s really no way to hang or mount it. There are user generated work-arounds including velcro, pouches, and lanyards. I’m still working on finding one. I knew this problem going in and frankly it’s a small one compared to the price/benefit ratio these things provide.

My first shoot with the triggers was smooth, relaxing, and rather fun. Not having the stress of dealing with the Cactus triggers was a joy and I think helped improve my work. The shoot provided 5 excellent photographs that I’m still trying to whittle down to 1 for a portfolio (let me know which ones you like the best in the comments).

Final note, since I’m here, I’m starting an experiment with a Facebook fan page. If you’re on facebook, you should hop over there and become a fan of my work.