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.

Background

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.