Does Pocketwizard have ST-E2-like Flash Ratio control?

[Ken Fong]

I have a basic flash setup with an ST-E2 which triggers 2 remote flashes (420EX, 550EX) and I enjoy the automated flash ratio control (set it and forget it). However, I am considering a switch to a Pocketwizard setup (mainly because of the prospect of wireless flash metering from a Sekonic L558). If the ST-E2 system is replaced by Pocketwizard PLUS, will I still have the automated flash ratio control as with the ST-E2? What would such a setup look like?

thanks in advance,
Ken

[scottbergerphoto]

The Pocket Wizards only give you flash fire. You need to have the flashes in Manual Mode (or Auto Mode if the flashes have their own thyristors). You control the ratios by using a flash meter and the manual settings on the flash. In addition you need to get a Hot shoe to PocketWizard miniplug cord from www.paramountcords.com and a Pocket Wizard Receiver for each flash. Canon flashes don't have traditional optical slave triggers.
Scott

[Ken Fong]

Thanks for the info Scott.
During the downtime, I was able to consider some alternatives to having to buy so many PW receivers if I switch to something like Alien Bees. I figure with 3 of these monolights (1 main, 1 fill, 1 background), I would only need 1 transmitter for the camera, and 1 receiver for only one of the monolights (the main). (Also, I don't plan on firing the exposure from the light meter.)
- Is it safe to assume that the slave trippers on the other monolights will handle the rest?
- Do these slave trippers fire virtually at the same time (in other words, is the lag insignificant)?
- Can the background light, if farther away, detect it with no problems?

Finally, I was wondering why Pocketwizards are so popular and more expensive than say the Bowens transceivers. Is it because PW is embedded into more 3rd party products?

thanks again