Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

I currently own a set of CyberSyncs (1x CST and 2x CSRB) that I use with Vivtar 285HVs and a Sunpak 383. I am considering buying a Canon 430EX to add to my bag, and while looking at reviews of it (see here), I found a couple places that say the model is noisy when it comes to RF and it can make wireless triggers unreliable. This would be a deal breaker for me. I've searched and searched trying to either bust or confirm the claim, and I have not been convinced yet. I have read of people using cheapo ebay triggers with the flash, so I think surely the CyberSyncs will work, but I don't want to spend the money without knowing!

Now, I am aware that I won't get any TTL goodness using the CyberSyncs, and I know I'll need to pick up a SLFA (or similar) to be able to connect the 430EX to the receiver. I'll shoe-mount when I want TTL, but I need the flash to double-duty as a remote manual flash as well.

Thanks for your help,
Gideon

The "noisy" Canon flashes (430EX, 580EX, and 580EXII) are the ones that PocketWizard has identified as causing problems for their FlexTT5 triggers. As far as I know, those flashes work fine with standard PocketWizards and most other popular triggers.

Additionally, the Cybersyncs operate on a different frequency band than the PW's.

I've been using 580EX's with Cybersyncs for about a year with no problems, although I shoot mostly indoors so I've never tested range. Doubt you'll have a problem, though.

Whether or not they are "noisy" has only affected the performance of the TT system pocket wizards. We have had no issues with Cyber Syncs with 430EX or EXII's.

Thanks so much for your quick and helpful responses! That is very good to know--I wish that review had been a little more clear.

Thanks again,
Gideon