Disclaimer: Before I start this CyberSync mini review, I would like to state that I am not in any way associated with Paul c Buff and his company. I gain no financial benefits from giving this honest review of CyberSync.
There are hundreds of CyberSync reviews on the net, so I will keep this review short and straight to the point. I received my set of trigger and 3 receivers a week after placing an order with the Australian Distributor and have been doing outdoor testing, and of course indoor as well.
What is CyberSync?
CyberSync is a remote control system that enables off-camera flash photography. A photographer can place “lights” away from the camera and remotely fire them, illuminating subjects.
The system consists of transmitter units (CyberSync CST/Commander), and receivers (CyberSync /CSR/CSR+/CSRB/CSRB+).
Range Test:
The test was conducted with 1 Canon 580EX speedlite, and 2 Canon 580EX speedlites. All flashes set to manual power at 1/8 and 105mm zoom setting. The camera used to capture below images was a Canon EOS 300D, in manual mode at 1/250 and f/8.0. Ambient light was deliberately under-exposed to verify that flash was triggered.
5 metre: 100% fire rate
10 metre: 100% fire rate
40 metre: 100% fire rate
110 metre: 100% fire rate
130 metre: 100% fire rate
Camera maximum speed sync test:
Canon EOS 300D at 1/250, f/4.5. No black banding on the bottom of the frame
Same test, 1/320, f/4.5. As you can notice, black band on bottom frame.
Pros:
- Receiver unit uses standard AA battery. This type of battery is easy to find at local supermarkets/stores.
- Transmitter unit is extremely small and fit snuggly on camera hot shoe.
- 100% reliable up to 130 metres and a whole lot better than eBay triggers.
- Off-camera flash will sync at camera maximum sync speed. For the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, this was tested at 1/200.
Cons:
- There is no lanyard loop for hanging the receivers. People suggest using Wii remote strap over the battery cover. Personally I am using mobile/cell phone bag, as pictured.
- No OFF button, receiver unit remains ON for 1 hour and will go into standby mode after 1 hour of idleness.
- PC Sync cable may become loose, but this is easily fixed by using rubber band.
- Trigger battery CR2450 can be difficult to track down.
In conclusion the CyberSync is a great upgrade over eBay triggers, for an affordable price.
[Update 21st Dec 2010] The battery (CR2450) on my CyberSync CST transmitter decided to kick the bucket after less than one year use. It was difficult to locate a local store that sells this type of battery. I event went to the city to find it, there was a watch store asking for a whooping $18 but I declined the offer. My search landed me on Dick Smith, thank god, $4.20 per battery!
[Update 13th January 2011] More range test photos.
Approximately 15m
Approximately 30m
Approximately 60m
70m
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Very simple and to the point review. I really appreciated you showing the sync speed photos using a 300D. I have e-bay triggers and a 350D and the black bar starting showing up at 1/200 and I can’t use 1/250. This review just made my decision easier.
I was wondering…did your transmitter/receiver come with the necessary cords to attach to a Canon 5d MII? I got mine awhile back, couldn’t make them connect, put them back in the box and haven’t messed with them since. I tried to contact Paul C. Buff/Alien Bees Website about it but received no response…
Hi Angel,
I received a PC Sync cord for the transmitter unit for connecting to the PC-Sync port on the 5D Mark II. The receiver has two cables included each. I’ve tested using PC-Sync to transmitter and it worked.
great post, thanks for sharing
Thanks Daniel, and have a Merry Christmas!
Very good review on the CyberSync flash remote products – I liked the pictures confirming performance at different lengths. I don’t work that far, but nice to know what they can do.
Hi Nathan,
I don’t work that far too, max distance I use the CyberSync is about 5-10m from the subject. However it is good to know what the CyberSync is capable of.
I have just recently purchased the Fuji X100. This amazing little camera allows you to synch an external flash up 1/2000th of a second with some inaccuracies, but to 1/1000th with no problems. I would like to know if you have experimented with this at all or if anyone knows how well the Fuji X100 will work with these Cybersync triggers. I am considering getting a few for some strobist style work soon. Anyone?
I haven’t used CyberSync on compact digital cameras before, however the CyberSync has 100% firing rate.
Don’t know if you found a better source yet of batteries, but I’ve been using dealextreme.com I’m in Canada & the current price of 10-CR2450′s is about US$4.50 including shipping from HK.
I have been using the CyberSync now for a few months. All I can say is it makes me LOVE my little X100 even more. This is now an amazingly portable custom lighting system. It’s just GREAT!
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