Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

My Einsteins are on order and I'm trying to determine whether I want a Cyber Commander or the CST. Or both.

My concern with the CC is size. In the pictures it looks pretty large, I'm not sure I really want that on my hotshoe. Is it larger than a 4AA flash?

I really don't want to buy both but I'm leaning that way just to keep the camera manageable.

Comments?
Thanks
Fred

Edit: meant to say first - I'd opt for both the CST and CC.

The CC is nowhere near the size of most flashes (if that's what you're asking). However, size is only one consideration.

Having a CST not only gives you a smaller appendage on your hotshoe, it also gives you greater range and greater flexibility for tweaking lights while shooting. For me, it's critical that I can tweak the lights without touching the camera (I do mostly product work). I realize that's not the same for other shooters, but the flexibility gained by using the CC off-camera is still worth the price of a CST (IMHO).

Agreed that the CC and CST is a good combination. As for size, its pretty small, and will fold forward (though at a loss in range). not including the foot, it is smaller than my buisness card, including the foot, about the same (but thicker). Thickness, its about half as thick as a Pocket Wizard, certainly smaller than a speedlite in any dimention.

I already had the CST, then got my Einsteins and CC. When ordering, I expected to be using the CC on the hotshoe. But, like some others, I found that I prefer the CST on the camera, CC in my hand, or on a lanyard.

As I hold the camera with my right hand, I would be using my left to operate the CC, and it just feels awkward to me. Not a problem on a tripod, but doing product or food, it is nicer to just stand up straight and use the CC in-hand, than to hunch over, or try to use it sideways if the camera is vertical.

Another plus to having both is that should your CST fail or its battery run down, you effectively have a back up trigger with the CC.

You gotta have both. The CC is like your Sekonic meter. It's at its best as a handheld device. You'll be running to your subject to take meter readings with it. You don't want to keep removing it from and replacing it in your camera's hotshoe. I keep the CC in my pocket (because there's no lanyard connection point). The CST stays in my camera's hot shoe; its sole purpose is to fire the flashes when pictures are taken.

I made a lanyard set up for it with one of those little stroboframe hotshoe mounts and a extra d-ring from my black rapid strap.

I would really like a reasonably thick silicone case for it, though, with an integrated lanyard ring. If the case were also like the iphone 4 bumper case, raised in front enough that if you set it face down the screen is held off the table, that would be cool.

OK, you talked me in to it. I have added both the CC and CST to my order.

Now I just the Einstein V2 to start shipping and I'll be all set.
Fred

Fred, the CC is barely larger than than 3 AA batteries side-to-side, nowhere near the size of a typical flash unit. - you won't be disappointed! :)



Hey, that's a pretty good idea, BDP! The one thing that always gets me about the ergonimics is the sharp edges from the positionable shoe-mount - it digs into my palm most of the time.

That said, I really can't complain about the CC - it's affordable and super-useful.

Just had another thought, when I get my CC can I sell my Sekonic meter?

Fred

You CAN sell your Sekonic, but I wouldn't. The CC works quite decently as a meter but primarily is best as a controller and trigger. The lumisphere is much smaller than on a Sekonic light meter.

That said, for most of my shoots the CC works great for all functions but if someone's paying me good money I'm going to use the right tool for the job. What you could do is use the CC for the next month or two and see if you ever feel the need to pull out the Sekonic. If you don't let me know, I need a new dedicated meter!