OTS/Binder Events and Pocket Wizard - Quick Question

[TenderMomentsPhotography]

Im posting here, rather than equipment because Im specific to the group of photographers that typically attend the Binder/OTS events.
I was going to rent pocket wizards - but have decided that since Im doing a lot of the events - and well...it just wouldn't hurt - Im going to PURCHASE my pocket wizards.
That said, I found this:

PocketWizard | Plus II Transceiver Radio Slave | 801-125 | B&H

Is this the right kind to tie into most of your lights too?? I figured if it IS, then I will order this and get my light also in the group mix - so I can share with yall (that and a HUGE bag-o-batteries LOL!).

Thanks guys!

[The Loft Studios]

Yep, but you'll need two..... One as a Transmitter and one as a Receiver.
However, BE WARNED, that with any GROUP SHOOT, not just the Binders',
that others will most likely have Pocket Wizards also, and when you're dealing with ONLY four channels, the likely hood of having others fire off your flashes is VERY LIKELY!
I used Quantum Wireless Systems for years because not too many people knew of them and I NEVER had one single problem. Then I switched over to the PCB Cyber Syncs. And even though these are just as POPULAR as the Pocket Wizards and IMHO just as RELIABLE, they offer 16 Channels and I have yet to experience ANY problems at any of the Group Shoots I attend. So even though, they don't have the range of the Pocket Wizard (1600 FT), the PCB Cyber Syncs are just as effective at 350 FT. After all my studio is only 50 FT long and outdoors, the longest my Flash is away from my camera position it probably 100 FT (and that's REALLY pushing it)..... So I would say that MOST people are SAFE (range wise) with going with the PCB Cyber Syncs. And at half the price, Pocket Wizard can.....

I'll let you fill in the rest.

[kayumangi]

Originally Posted by The Loft Studios

However, BE WARNED, that with any GROUP SHOOT, not just the Binders',
that others will most likely have Pocket Wizards also, and when you're dealing with ONLY four channels, the likely hood of having others fire off your flashes is VERY LIKELY!

I think that's Shelley's point. She wants to share the love, I mean share the lights because most attendees use PW as well =)

But Shelley, Mark has a point too, I'm not sure if you read a post I made a couple of months ago, complaining about misfires. the last OTS event I attended (the DOD) pretty much everyone was using all four PW channels.

Luckily, I was running on battery packs, had I been running purely on AA I would have used a lot. Also, I was lucky that my flash guns didn't get toasted with all the misfires, I mean constant successive firing can really damage your flash gun.

[photonewb]

since it says you use Canon, I would strongly suggest getting the new TT5's for canon. This would give you channels not available to others. With only 4 channels on the PWII's, it's really easy to overlap, and it happens a lot!!!

It's nice to share, and when I first started out I purchased 1 single PW so that I could piggy back off of others myself. At this their shoots have gotten so big it's hard to find a "safe" channel anymore for very long.

[Coogie]

Look into cybersyncs from Paul Buff too. they're half the price of the pocket wizards and I've never heard anybody complain about them not firing. I'll probably get a pair or 3 one of these days.

[gmarblestone]

Radio popper JRX units are great too and have more than 4 channels... 16 i think.

G

[jgrindal]

Originally Posted by photonewb

since it says you use Canon, I would strongly suggest getting the new TT5's for canon. This would give you channels not available to others. With only 4 channels on the PWII's, it's really easy to overlap, and it happens a lot!!!

It's nice to share, and when I first started out I purchased 1 single PW so that I could piggy back off of others myself. At this their shoots have gotten so big it's hard to find a "safe" channel anymore for very long.

I would disagree with this for one specific reason - the TT5's don't work for crap. They are unreliable, overpriced and not as good a build quality as I would have expected. I had some, tried them out and returned them. I was so disappointed.

[The Philos]

20' Sync cord FTW.

[danm]

Originally Posted by The Loft Studios

Yep, but you'll need two..... One as a Transmitter and one as a Receiver.
However, BE WARNED, that with any GROUP SHOOT, not just the Binders',
that others will most likely have Pocket Wizards also, and when you're dealing with ONLY four channels, the likely hood of having others fire off your flashes is VERY LIKELY!
I used Quantum Wireless Systems for years because not too many people knew of them and I NEVER had one single problem. Then I switched over to the PCB Cyber Syncs. And even though these are just as POPULAR as the Pocket Wizards and IMHO just as RELIABLE, they offer 16 Channels and I have yet to experience ANY problems at any of the Group Shoots I attend. So even though, they don't have the range of the Pocket Wizard (1600 FT), the PCB Cyber Syncs are just as effective at 350 FT. After all my studio is only 50 FT long and outdoors, the longest my Flash is away from my camera position it probably 100 FT (and that's REALLY pushing it)..... So I would say that MOST people are SAFE (range wise) with going with the PCB Cyber Syncs. And at half the price, Pocket Wizard can.....

I'll let you fill in the rest.

^this. the cybersyncs are a great product set

[danm]

hmmm...

[TenderMomentsPhotography]

Originally Posted by kayumangi

I think that's Shelley's point. She wants to share the love, I mean share the lights because most attendees use PW as well =)

But Shelley, Mark has a point too, I'm not sure if you read a post I made a couple of months ago, complaining about misfires. the last OTS event I attended (the DOD) pretty much everyone was using all four PW channels.

Luckily, I was running on battery packs, had I been running purely on AA I would have used a lot. Also, I was lucky that my flash guns didn't get toasted with all the misfires, I mean constant successive firing can really damage your flash gun.

Yes - I want to tie in. I figured if I got the transmitter this check (Friday) and then the reciever next check (next friday) then I will have both for the Alice Shoot and will be able to also share my lighting:)
I dont have any real fancy lighting set up - mind you - but I have my flash I can put on a stand with a umbrella.
Yeah - This event I plan to bring tons of batteries to help share with others and also plan to move around more. I stayed with one group last time because I was kinda shy but this time I plan to move around more so Im not constantly on someones frequency! Haha!
You all are fantastic and I do appreciate what I learn about lighting while doing these!

[The Loft Studios]

In no way am I trying to talk you out of the PW's, but no matter where you go, your lights while "constantly" be triggered by someone else on that same channel. Remember, PW's can trigger up to 1600' (that's more that a quarter of a mile) and there's only four channels and up to 20 photographers at some of the Binder's shoots as well as any Group Shoot. PW's are GREAT devices, but not for the Group Shoot enthusiast. You will need a Wireless System that not too many people use or one that has many channels if you want to NOT go crazy at a Group Shoot. Again, for Group Shoots, I would recommend:
•Cyber Syncs
•Quantum 4i or Free Wire
•Elinchrom Sky Port
•Micro Sync

It's not about sharing your lights, it's about trying to get a decent shot off before someone else fires your lights..... LOL.

Good Luck!

[TenderMomentsPhotography]

I think part of my problem is I need to learn how to better use my lights. Im not great with using it as I dont understand how positioning and such works! LOL!

[richardsfault]

Shame on PW for being cheapskates as far as only having 4 channels, especially since the earlier versions had more.

I don't see how additional channels would add much to the cost.

As others have mentioned, PW's may be best when working alone and the others better for group events or multiple studios in a small area.

Another group shoot caveat is that optical triggering is also prone to false triggers should two or more sets be in the same room. This means that every light will need a wired or wireless connection.

[ronocnikral]

if you do elect to go with the pw plus iis, i got mine off of ebay using the bing cashback. they rang in at like $130 w/ shipping and everything after the cashback. not bad for new. and yes, they are the US version. they sell used for about the same.

if you ever have a misfire w/ the plus ii's, change the battery and you are back at it.