Setting up my first 'strobist' set, no reason to get the PW Multimax right?

[Kadath]

All I need is a pair of the regular Pocketwizards if all I wanna do is command my 430 from the PW that I will mount in the shoe, and an adapter that goes from the PW to the 430 shoe right? There's nothing in this simple setup that would call for the Multimax? Thinking I would start with the pair of transceivers and add a sekonic with the trigger built in later, but not sure if thats a waste or not...

[b00ty]

correct. all the stuff you listed is all that you will need to get strobing. Don't forget lightstands, umbrellas, and umbrella adaptors too! Besides a few extra bells and wistles the multimax has 32 channels versus 4 on the Plus II's.

[Arseni]

Plus 2. And even any "old" pair of PWs will meet your possible "strobist" needs. Except maybe 2nd curtain sync.

Also consider Elinchron skyport.

[Kadath]

OK, thanks! I'm definitely getting the 2 series. I will probably pick up a few of the cheap portable lighting stands that he recommends and drill them for an o-ring and strap as shown, and start collecting accessories like umbrellas and home made softboxes as I go.

Little budget constrained right now but I wanted to get the 'big' item out of the way and be able to experiment with wireless off camera flash, plus this will give me just a simple remote trigger feature that the 20D doesn't have to begin with and which I've had to make do with the countdown timer a few times but that's always a hassle.

I can get a pair of the PW2s on Ebay for about $340 plus shipping so that is probably the way I'm gonna head, I've scoured the FS here and at FM recently without finding any for sale used.

[Kadath]

Also, I've searched the PW site but can't seem to find the correct adapter to take the PW to the 430EX. I know there is no synch terminal on this unit (anyone wanna bet it gets updated at PMA next month like the 580 did recently) so I need to adapt from PW to hot shoe and mount such a cable on the bottom of the 430, but I cant for the life of me figure out which cable/adapter that is.

[TMR Design]

I wouldn't pay $340 plus shipping on ebay for 2 Pocket Wizards considering that 2 brand new ones under warranty is only $370 plus shipping. For that small difference I would opt for the peace of mind and manufacturer's warranty.

[stathunter]

I wouldn't pay $340 plus shipping on ebay for 2 Pocket Wizards considering that 2 brand new ones under warranty is only $370 plus shipping. For that small difference I would opt for the peace of mind and manufacturer's warranty.

I disagree............I bought some off of ebay like this for the two for 339----they are great. There is not much to the pocket wizards.

[Kadath]

That price was for new warranteed PWs I believe...

[TMR Design]

That price was for new warranteed PWs I believe...

Ahhh ok, then go for it. I just figured for the small difference I would want the warranty and didn't know it was being offered.

[ben_r_]

I wouldn't pay $340 plus shipping on ebay for 2 Pocket Wizards considering that 2 brand new ones under warranty is only $370 plus shipping. For that small difference I would opt for the peace of mind and manufacturer's warranty.

Same here Ill second that comment. Why put yourself at even the slightest risk? Just pay the minimal difference and get them brand new from a reputable dealer.

[PacAce]

Also, I've searched the PW site but can't seem to find the correct adapter to take the PW to the 430EX. I know there is no synch terminal on this unit (anyone wanna bet it gets updated at PMA next month like the 580 did recently) so I need to adapt from PW to hot shoe and mount such a cable on the bottom of the 430, but I cant for the life of me figure out which cable/adapter that is.

What you need is something like this (hotshoe to miniphone plug):

http://flashzebra.com/wizardcables/hotshoe.shtml

[Kadath]

Thanks Pac, they are out of stock, but since I dont have my PWs yet not a big wow. Is there no official cable to do this?

[PacAce]

Thanks Pac, they are out of stock, but since I dont have my PWs yet not a big wow. Is there no official cable to do this?

Not really "official" but if you want to pay a few pennies more, you can always get one from Paramount cords (B&H sells them, too).

Or, you can do what I did and just buy a hotshoe to PC adapter and replace the PC terminal with a miniphone plug.

[Kadath]

I'll look into that, thanks again.