Best wireless release for 50D and flash combo

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Hello,

Would anyone offer any tips on the best wireless shutter release for the 50D.

I would be using it mostly in combination with the 580 flash with the possibility of expanding to a multi flash setup.

I presently use the short wire release but I need way more distance.

Thank you,

Calibre

Pocket Wizards can be configured for shutter release. You'll need two of them, one to transmit and one to receive. You will also need the special cord to hook the receiving unit to the camera. They probably have the best reliability and consistency record for any wireless photo related device. You can also use another pair to trigger a remote flash, but you will need one to transmit the flash signal, and one for each flash to receive the signal. This will get pretty expensive, as you will use 6 of them for shutter and three flash units. Plus the flash units will only work in manual mode, so you'll have to do something else for metering.

Canon also has a wireless shutter release system that is not cheap at all. There is also a low cost shutter release system available on eBay, but some have complained of bad reception, limited range, and other inconsistencies.

Canon has a wireless flash system built into the 420EX, 430EX, 550EX and 580ex flash units. Either of the 5xxEX units can be used as the master, or you can get an ST-E2 for mastering any of the others. The system uses light pulses to communicate so they are distance and line of sight limited.

There are IR ones which need line of sight or RF one which do not need line of sight. Some have intervalvometer built in too. I think they are around $30.
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What camera do I have? I rather you look at my photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinz

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Thx for the tips. Sounds like the RF one would be more versatile but not necessairly a good fit with other multi flash canon system which uses IR.

I think for now I'd go with RF as I need the ability to release the shutter at quite a distance.

Thx,

Calibre

Mine should be in today from alzo I think it is. Paid $49 so no big deal, just wanted something to focus and shoot while i'm in the picture and for some bird shots at the feeder so I set camera close and sit back and wait. I think any of these cheaper ones should do the trick for the ocasional user. Even B&H has one for about $89 or they did have anyway. Good luck to ya

http://www.alienbees.com/cybersync.html

check here for flash specific cables or hotshoe adapters if neccessary,
you will need one for the 580EX but not the 580EXII

http://www.flashzebra.com/products.shtml

David Good
Good Photoworks