AlienBees CyberSync: No Thanks
AlienBees finally started shipping their much-anticipated CyberSync Strobe Radio Triggers. Fortunately, I happen to be one of the first people who got their grubby hands on this product. Unfortunately, I’m also one of the first ones to express disappointment on this not-so-well-thought-out-designed product.
This isn’t actually the first strobe radio trigger that was slapped with an AlienBees brand. That title belonged to the recently-discontinued RFT1TX/RX Radio Flash Trigger/Receive. AB contracted an overseas manufacturer for the RFT1TX/RX, but due to spotty quality control, Paul Buff decided to create his own here in the United States.
What’s in the Package?
The package is simple enough: you get a radio transmitter that attaches to the hotshoe of your camera, and a receiver that attaches to your strobe. You set the frequency on the receiver and transmitter–making sure they are on the same channel. You power on the devices, and you’re ready!
So…Does it Work?
Yes. It works. In my short time with the product, I had no problems with misfires. I fired the trigger about 50 times and the strobe where the receiver is attached to fired 50 times as well. Compare that with your cheap triggers bought from eBay that will misfire once every 25 attempts on the average.
Update June 3rd: In my first real session with the product, it has misfired twice in about 20 shots. Now I’m more disappointed.
What’s the Problem, Then?
A lot more than I like to write down, really. My first issue is the build quality of the product: for something that’s “Made in the USA”, the build quality is abysmal. Its build quality is not that much better than the cheap radio triggers that you buy from eBay.
One thing that makes CyberSync better, though…is the replaceable battery on the transmitter. Is it a big deal, though? I’ve had my eBay radio trigger for years now and the transmitter still runs fine.
Take a close look at the receiver. This thing is held together by ONE screw. This is why I can do this on the thing.
Jeezus, are screws that expensive here?
And the frequency channel switch. My goodness, just look at it.
The other thing that annoys me is the design of the receiver. I mean, you would think that AB would design it in such a way you can mount it on the strobe itself, rather than have it…just dangling there…
Oh, and one more thing: the transmitter very difficult to mount on the hot shoe; the spring of the metal part that touches the camera hot shoe is too damn stiff. Update: Somebody in some intarwebs forum pointed out that the CyberSync does not have a hot shoe screw lock…compared to most eBay triggers that has one!
This Costs How Much?
Costs $120 + shipping. Considering it doesn’t offer that much, I think it’s overpriced. It probably had something to do with the fact that it’s made in the US.
Conclusion
It works…albeit not much better than the “generic” radio triggers sold on eBay. Maybe that’s all that matters. That being said, I think it’s quite overpriced. It’s not built that good to command such a price, considering it doesn’t have one feature that separates it from the el-cheapo eBay triggers. In my opinion, there’s two things Paul Buff can do: reduce the price, or go back to the drawing board.
Save a bit more for a pair of PocketWizards. At least with that product, you can actually see and feel quality written all over it. And, yes, I have used PocketWizards.
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June 5th, 2008 01:00
Thanks for the post. Can you tell us a little bit about the range, or compare them to any other slaves?
June 5th, 2008 03:33
casey, the range is not much of an issue. unlike Infrared-based (IR) triggers like the Nikon SU-800, RF-based triggers goes much further and is virtually unaffected by obstructions like walls.
that said, when I tested CyberSync I was as far as ~30 feet away and it triggered my strobe without problems……which isn’t saying much because my el-cheapo eBay triggers doesn’t have problems triggering at that distance, either.
June 19th, 2008 01:30
I bought th radio poppers for my SB800’s.
It is misfiring 3 out 15. I am a part timer in this, so my budget was a concern.
I am somewhat dissapointed
Ken
June 19th, 2008 02:21
Ken:
Sorry to hear that. Radio Poppers is a different product, though.
Thanks for stopping by.
June 19th, 2008 09:22
Thanks a lot for the review. Very unimpressive that they didn’t bump the quality over the eBay triggers (just paid 10 bucks for a set of the 16 channel version).
I’d just like to add that the build quality of the PW’s are laughable too, considering the price.
June 19th, 2008 09:45
lowcrust:
Actually, IMO, the PW quality is “OK.” Not great…but not crappy.
This trigger, OTOH…has really crappy quality.
thanks for your visit.
July 1st, 2008 08:28
Thanks for the post, I can cross this off my list now and replace it with skyports… they seem like the best alternative solution to pocket wizards.
July 3rd, 2008 04:50
Sheeze… I was hoping these would be the mid range $, solid build, 100% reliable radio trigger I have been searching for (I gave up on that flee bay rubbish).
I am waiting for some other reviews - plus I would want the battery receiver version anyway, so want to see the build on it but not good for an early review
. I agree they are top of the $ range and a better price point would be in the $40-$50 range.
July 15th, 2008 06:18
I just got a set with the battery powered receiver, build quality is a bit on the low end, but functionality wise it’s great… product description says the transmitter will work for 2 years without change battery, and the battery powered receiver works for 200 hours, and rechargeable battery can be used.
For a student like me who don’t want to spend twice as much for a pocketwizard set, or settle for a cheap chinese knock-off it’s a work of wonder.
July 18th, 2008 06:40
Any updates on this?
August 6th, 2008 10:02
I have the trigger and new battery powered receivers. Works up to around 400 feet outdoors with an unobstructed line of sight. I don’t like how the receiver stays on for an hour when the test button is pressed. So, I remove the battery to prevent accidental activation of the test button in the storage bag.
For the price, I love the product. It works as advertised. Highly recommended.
August 6th, 2008 19:30
^^^^ Good for you, AB probably tweaked the design for the (newer) battery-powered receivers.
August 19th, 2008 09:20
FYI
You can replace the battery in the transmitter of the Gadget Infinity Cactus(ebay) triggers.
September 22nd, 2008 01:00
Hye guy’s,
Who care about 400 feet ??!!! 99.99999% we shoot 5meter from strobe.
What is important and no one talk about is what about speed synchro ?? 60,125,250,500 ???
If test is good…….so it could be a could product, more expensive that asia one but more reliable….and that’s we all want.
About the look………Mr Buff..please hire an italian graphist.