Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

I have a Nikon D90 and 4 SB-600's.
I have ordered a Einstein which I got a call saying it would be ready to ship soon.
My question is the following:
Which triggering solution should I use?
Right now, I trigger using my pop-up flash and manual settings using my camera commander menu. I love this since I can control my flash power from camera position and in two groups.
Now, Pocket Wizard has released the mini-TT1's and TT5's which look promising.
From what I read, I should still be able to control my flash power manually, not only TTL, from my camera.
And then, there's the CC and the CSRB+'s that I could use to trigger my Einstein (with CSXCV) and my speed-lights. I know I won't be able to control the SB-600 flash power from the CC and will have to go to each flash to manually set them. Oh, and I love the fact that the CC has a built in light meter. Would you suggest a CST on camera and usnig the CC off camera instead?

I'm not looking to trigger all four of my Sb-600's, only 2 MAX plus the Einstein.
So, which trigger method should I use? The PW scenario is almost twice the price compared to PCB scenario. But I would be able to control my flashes remotely using PW's.

Any input greatly appreciated.

Thanks

hard to go wrong with the cybersyncs, but with the SB600s you will lose the CLS control, and will have to set them manually. You will also need to get the accessory hotshoe mount that adds a synch cord connection.

Don't know much about the PWs, though they are apparently coming out with both a nikon speedlight controller and another one that will play well with Einsteins. Might be worth waiting a bit to see how that plays out.

With my D90 I use CST and CSRBs for my speedlights (one SB800, two SB600s with adapter shoes), and CST/CSXCVs for my Einsteins, with a Cyber Commander for remote control of settings on (but I don't use it on camera as a trigger).

Another option: get the CST/CSRB/CSXCV combo so you can immediately begin playing with the Einstein, SB600s together, and wait to see what develops and when with the PWs. If you end up deciding to go the PW later on, you can either sell the Cybersyncs, or keep them as a back up if the PWs go wonky.

They will also play together to a degree. TT1 on the camera and a CC/CST in the shoe of the TT1. You can adjust the speedlites via in camera menus, and the Buff lights via Cyber Commander. Remember though, CyberSync remotes will not trigger or be triggered by a Pocket Wizard remote.

So, if I go with CC I don't really need CSRB+ for my SB-600s, just the CSRB would be fine since I can use the CC to adjust the power output of the speedlights.
I don't remember why I wanted the "+" ones, maybe in case I bought B400's or B800's in the future.

I'll have to call customer service and change my order. I had originally ordered only one hot shoe adapter as I had only had one SB-600.
With the money saved from CSRB+ to CSRB, I will probably get the grid kit now :)
Which is the better all around reflector to get? I ordered the 8.5", should I get the regular 7"?
The only light modifers I have so far is a 60" convertible umbrella and a Westcott 28" apollo softbox. An octobox with a grid would be fun, but the funds are not there yet.

Thanks for your help.

No! The adjustment of the speedlites would come from the PW remotes. CSRB+ and CSRB would not allow adjustment at all of speedlites. My example is to run two parallel systems. One for speedlites and one for Buff lights at the same time.

TT1 in the hotshoe, transmitting to TT5's on the speedlites. There should be some level of adjustment in the camera for the speedlites. Place CC on the TT1, so that the fire signal passes through to the CC, triggering the Buff lights at the same time. The CC will control putput of the Buff lights, the PW will control the output of speedlites, all units fire together. With this example, no CyberSync unit is required for the speedlites.

However, if you only want to use one system, and you choose CyberSync, I would get the CSRB+ recievers for the speedlites. This allows you to individually meter and group the speedlites as you would a Buff light. However, you will not be able to control power outpout of the speedlites.

My bad, I did a typo and meant to write "can't" instead of "can" for adjusting speedlight power from CC. OUPS.
So, the CSRB+ is the better way? I'll add everything up and see if I'm still within my budget.

Thanks