Anyone use Cactus V2 Transmitters?

ShepsCrook

ShepsCrook

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I just picked up a Canon 580EX II for my 40D and I want to use it wirelessly... But the cost of getting something more professional like a PocketWizard really isn't what I'm looking to spend at the moment for just every day shooting and simple model shoots.

So I'm looking at the Cactus V2 Wireless Transmitters because they are only $28 shipped, can handle 4 channels, there's a nice mod for them, and I know someone that has then and likes his.

Any opinions on them here?
 
I have a set. They're not the most reliable triggers, but if you just want to play around with wireless flash, they're a good start. If I were getting paid for a job I wouldn't count on them though.
 
I've had people say that if you're taking shot after shot at a game, or making good money, then go with the reliability of Pocket Wizards, but if you just are doing regular shooting (I'm including local model shooting) then Cactus V2s would be fine since if you happen to not get a flash in just one shot, you'll be ok to take another.

I will also be modding the ones that I get if I do get them with the battery pack and the antenna.
 
That's basically it. If you want to learn how to use wireless flash, they're a cheap and pretty good way to start. I think the max sync speed I could use mine with on a 20D was 1/200, or maybe even 1/160. That limits you a little bit if you're trying to use them outdoors as fill
 
Honestly they were okay at best, but had my fair share of problems even with the mods. If I was to buy some wireless triggers today it would be the alienbees wireless cybersyncs. They are small and reliable. But I already have a few PW and love them too, but they get pricey.

Here is the wireless cybersyncs I was talking about. My brother has a few and they work with flashes and studio lighting.

http://www.alienbees.com/cybersync.html#csrb
 
i use them and they are good for what i need. since im just still learning the whole strobist scene. rarely have a miss fire i have done the antenna mod and the AAA battery mod
samples:
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I was just at a strobist meet and I met a few people who were using them. They were having issues. I need 100% reliability because it's just frustrating to learn otherwise IMO
 
no problems on my end...were these people using the antenna mod? i read that it helps. i my mod right when i got mine so i cant compare before and after reliability
 
What I like about the cybersyncs are they are not that expensive and they are very reliable. I do not think I have ever seen them have any issues at any of my events..
 
antok86 said:
no problems on my end...were these people using the antenna mod? i read that it helps. i my mod right when i got mine so i cant compare before and after reliability
Click to expand...

Not sure. I was too busy shooting myself.

I like the petiteness of those cybersyncs. I'm going to stick with PocketWizards because a lot of people use them and I can rent them easily.
 
lan said:
Not sure. I was too busy shooting myself.

I like the petiteness of those cybersyncs. I'm going to stick with PocketWizards because a lot of people use them and I can rent them easily.
Click to expand...

I agree, I already have a lot invested in PW. But I am seeing more and more people using them at some of my strobist events. For the money and if you are doing this as a amateur or semi-pro they are good for the $$. I have had 0 probems with them or my PW.
 
Maybe I'll just go with the CyberSyncs. I've heard good things about those.
 
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