Remote Flash: Wireless of Firefly

[Pipster]

This has been asked before, but wireless technology has obviously improved over time and I'd imagine there are now more people out there now with experience of using wireless remote flash underground...

Has anybody any experience or comments, such as line of sight / distance / robustness / reliability / etc, of using the following underground:

Cactus Wireless Flash Transceiver
http://www.gadgetinfinity.com/cactus-wireless-flash-transceiver-v5-duo.html
http://www.cactus-image.com/

Yongnuo RF-603
http://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-RF-603-C1-Wireless-Transceiver/dp/B0050E7OSM

PocketWizard Mini / Flex / Plus II / Plus III
Beyond my budget!

or is the infrared triggered Firefly3 still the best option?

The Cactus or Yongnou look like a cheapest options.

PS. I'm using a Canon 450D.

 

[Rob]

You're right, it has been covered well on here...

My answer previously was the RF-602, and it still is... 

 

[JeremyG]

I have three Pocket Wizard Flexes the Mini and an AC3 zone controller but I ain't taking them underground! Like you I am interested in a low cost, reliable alternative and need to do some research.

 

[footleg]

Personally I use the Cactus v4 model, and it has proved dependable with every camera I've tried it on. Other models that friends use regularly have proved to not behave reliably on my camera.

The Cactus v5 model is somewhat more expensive, but claims a longer range. However a friend who has some found the larger size of the units made them a bit of a pain on small compact cameras and also found the battery compartment door tended to come open rather too easily.

I don't expect to get massive range from the Cactus v4, but use it to trigger flashes closest to the camera. I use firefly 2 slaves on the more distant flashes.

 

[Pipster]

Thanks all for the feedback - I've done a lot of internet reading and will make a purchase soon. As with most things that a pro's and con's with either of the options...

 

[mrodoc]

I bought 2 units for just under 25 pounds. This does mean I have duplicated a trigger unit but they seem to work well and will fire from 30 metres away on testing underground. They were bought from an outfit in Hong Kong on ebay.

 

[The Old Ruminator]

Love my Firefly 3. Did 100 shots yesterday with no problems. Picks up trigger light well and seems robust. Only time will tell.

I guess it could be improved with a longer co ax cable. The unit has tape on it to keep out the damp.