YongNuo RF-602

Ever since I've started using my flashes off-camera, I've always been on the look out for reliable trigger/receiver sets for my speedlites. Suffice to say, I have tried a lot of methods -- even utilized my on camera flash as a master and using ETTL mode.  

Here's the thing: I've never been a fan of ETTL. It's like having 2 drivers taking control of a single car. When using my flashes off-camera, even when I'm outdoors, I've always used Manual because it's something I found that I have a lot of control over. Never been fond of setting the +/-EV on my flashes and what not. I'd rather go from 1/8 to 1/4 power. I found that it made the most sense to me. 

I've tried other trigger/receiver sets but sadly, I don't have the budget for Flashwaves or Pocket Wizards so I have to make do with the inexpensive ones. My very first set of radio frequency remotes was PT-04 cactus triggers which was very unreliable. The flash would pop inexplicably and sometimes, it won't even fire at all. It's not something that I would like to depend on. 

YungNuo's new RF-602 seems to solve that problem and more. It also provides you a 'wake' function so that when you half-press your shutter, it wakes up the speedlites in case they're in idle mode. It has a lot of channels to make sure that there won't be other photographers/signal interferences to take your light. It makes you focus more on taking the shot than worry about your gear. 

The batteries are also much easier to find/replace. The trigger uses a CR-2, and the receiver uses 2 AAA batteries. Convenience is something that I find very useful. 

Probably the only downside for this set, at least for my end, is that the trigger doesn't lock in to your camera's hot shoe. There aren't any screws to secure the trigger in that area. I'm using Q-Straps and my camera's always on my hips facing the floor and when I move, the trigger always falls when it gets bumped. My solution for this one is to always remove the trigger and put it in my pocket so as not to accidentally lose it. A little inconvenience on my end but that's a little compromise I'm willing to pay since everything else works to my advantage. 

All in all, this probably is something that you would want to use for a long time, or at least until something new comes along or if you get a more expensive/reliable/sturdy set for your flashes.