So I'm tired of waiting for RadioPoppers to come back in stock and I'm tired of agonizing over the multitude of brands of radio systems (I've looked at CyberSync, Cactus, RP, PW, Elinchrom...the list goes on). I am on the verge of pulling the trigger and getting a pair of PW FlexTT5s. The Mini is only $20 cheaper than a Flex so there's not much point, might as well just get two Flexes. And that would be maybe $200 more than if I went with RP JrX or CyberSyncs. Sure, I want to save money as much as anyone else, but I think my time and frustration is worth more than the $200 I'd be saving.


But here's what got me thinking. I saw the PWs and they're the only ones who have a direct hot shoe connection. They look like they're designed from the ground up to work with Canon's Speedlites. I don't want to have to fumble with little bits and pieces of gear that get damaged or lost, not to mention that these bits are not exactly cheap either! $17 for a little adapter or $5 for a plug or cable here and there adds up quickly. And I'm not confident enough to mess around with buying and using weird little gadgets to make things play nice with each other.


I'm aware of the RF interference issues with the PWs, but for now all I have is one 430EXII and I don't plan on getting the 580 any time soon.


So someone give me a good reason not to go ahead and buy the PWs. Here's my breakdown:


PW Pros:
  • Integrated hotshoe / no need for adapters
  • ETTL + HSS
  • firmware upgrade capability



PW Cons:
  • Expensive
  • RF interference (may be resolved in the future)