1. For some Nikon cameras, you don’t need to buy the SU-800 at all, because the body has a commander built in. The D700 and D7000 both have this, as do the D800 and D800E. Maybe others as well. In these cases, the on-body flash serves as a trigger for the external flashes. Menus on the camera let you set the levels for them all. The system works great indoors and at close range outside as well. You’re not going to send a signal 1000′ with this, but how often do you really need that anyhow?

2. As of March 2012, Canon has just released a new flash and commander which are radio-based (the 600EX-RT and ST-E3-RT). If this system ends up working well, it may turn out to be easier and more reliable than the 3rd-party triggers such as the PocketWizards.

The build quality is also poor – very cheap and vague plastic switches, and plastic hotshoes. Very disappointing.

I replaced them all with Elinchrom Skyports, which are a fraction of the price, better built, and more importantly, work every time with my speedlights and with my Quadra.

Thanks for the suggestion! When researching for the post, I did contact RadioPoppers about using the built-in IR transmitter feature on the Canon 7D. At this time, they do not offer a bracket that works for the Canon cameras in the same way as the Nikon pop-up flash bracket. Since the Canon hotshoe has two clips under each edge that disable the pop-up flash if the hotshoe is being used, you cannot use the same pop-up flash bracket they offer for Nikon. While you could probably rig something that would work, they don’t suggest it, which means we can’t really suggest it.

Thanks!
Tim

Thank you for your perspective! I didn’t want to pin the Cyber Commander as a product that is excessively difficult to work, but since we’ve had several people call or email with problems using them, I did want to consider those experiences. I definitely agree with you that some will have a better experience than others. Frequent strobe users and those who understand lighting will pick-up on the Cyber Commander much faster than a novice. Once the user understands it’s controls and operation, the Cyber Commander is one of the best options out there.

Thanks!
Tim

The ability to trigger a camera via Pocketwizard Plus II is definitely a plus. Since we don’t regularly stock the cords needed to trigger a camera from Pocketwizard, I didn’t want to push them too hard, as readers wouldn’t be able to rent them. However, I probably could have mentioned their wonderful use in just the type of situation you described. For away-from-the-camera sports shooters, they are invaluable.

Thanks!
Tim

I’d only suggest a couple tweaks, primarily that Canon Speedlight heads can be rotated on their bases, so the light itself doesn’t need to be aimed at the shooter (as a less experienced reader might infer), only the base. And I found myself wondering how the 7D’s built-in IR would get along with the devices made to bracket onto Speedlights or the IR transmitter (since I’m buying my 7D tomorrow!)

But seriously, a GREAT article, an excellent resource, a rare bookmark.

I found the product very intuitive and easy to use. I needed to look at the manual for only a couple of minutes during initial setup, and I’ve never needed to refer to the manual again.

Of course, every person will have their own perception here, so my comments are in no way meant as a criticism of this review — just another perspective from someone who had a very different experience.

I’m using them for a small in-home studio setup with a 2 umbrella speedlight setup and they work great!