Which Strobist kit

[rna1627]

I am a noob with a 30D and I want to buy the Strobist PW2 kit from MPEX then get a 430ex. Please give me your input to why or why not to go this route. Thank you in advance, Rich

[tim]

Post a link to the package contents.

[angryhampster]

Get skyports or cybersyncs instead of pocketwizards. They do the same thing just as well (assuming you're not REALLY far away) and cost half as much.

[rna1627]

Here is the link to MPEX and the kit I am looking at is the PW 2

http://www.mpex.com/page.htm?PG=Strobist%20Kits

[eric gautier]

Post a link to the package contents.

Here is the link to MPEX and the kit I am looking at is the PW 2

http://www.mpex.com/page.htm?PG=Strobist%20Kits

..taken from the site.

Pro Strobist Wireless Kit (PW1) (http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,6632.html)
For the Professional Strobist. Additional elements include the most reliable Wireless system on the market, a safe carry system, super compact light stands, and extra umbrella.
$660
Pro Strobist Wireless Kit (PW2) (http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,6621.html)
Same as below, but does not come with Vivitar Flash and Pocket Wizard to Vivitar Sync Cord. If you camera has a PC sync outlet, no additional cords are required. If it does not, you will want to add a Paramount Hot shoe to Pocket Wizard cable (http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,3261.html) to your order.
$570

For: Any camera with a standard hot shoe and/or PC socket!

Includes:
1 - Vivitar 285HV Shoe Mount Flash (http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,4616.htm)
1 - LumoPro LP604 Lightstand (http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,4729.html)
2 - Pocket Wizard Plus II Tranceivers (http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,124.htm)
1 - Pocket Wizard to Vivitar Sync Cord (http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,1402.htm)
1 - Hildozine Pocket Wizard Caddy (http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,6564.htm)
1 - Westcott 43” Compact Umbrella - Optical White w/Removable Black Cover (http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,4635.htm)
1 - Westcott 43” Compact Umbrella - Soft Silver (http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,4634.htm)
1 - Rosco Pro Color Correction Gel Pack (http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,5881.htm)
1 - DIY Grid, Barndoor, Snoot kit (http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,5880.htm)
1 - CTA Ni-MH 2700mAh AA 4-pack Battery w/Rapid Charger (http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,799.htm)
1 - Bongo Elastic Ties (10 pack) (http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,454.htm)
1 - Umbrella Swivel (http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,4721.html)
1 – Bogen AW3279 Compact Light Kit bag (http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,2715.htm)
1 – RoadWired RAPS Advanced Protection System (http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,3778.htm)
1 - Nano Gaffer Tape roll 1"x8yds (http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,6382.htm)

[tim]

Ok few thoughts:
- CTA digital batteries (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=572814) are absolutely useless. Even in a CP-E4 they don't work well. Check out that thread.
- Pocket wizards are the best in the business, but they're expensive. Skyports (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/505381-REG/Elinchrom_EL_19360_EL_Skyport_Universal_Radio_Slav e.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114) are half the price and work just as well, though the range is 80m instead of 1000m (not really important). The only downside is if you knock them in the hotshoe you might have to reseat the transmitter as they don't screw on at all, they use friction to hold them there.

Other than that the kit looks good. If you get another PW and one of these (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/421306-REG/Paramount_PMMHSF1_Miniphone_to_Female_Hot.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114) you'll be able to use the 430EX in manual off-camera as well.

[grewbek]

For my vote, I would (and did) go with the CyberSyncs instead of the PWs, purely based on cost. Unless you're a pro (I'm not), or ever intend to be (I don't), I don't know that I'd spend that kind of money. From everything I've read, the PWs are also big, which the Cybersync's aren't, and the Cybersyncs are just flat out reliable. I haven't used them beyond about 50 yards at this point, but haven't had a singel misfire. Just my $0.02, but save the money and spend it on another strobe or piece of glass

[da_teacher]

You could probably build your own kit for cheaper than that...but it'll take ordering from a few different sites to get it down.

[sayn3ver]

watch out, mpex has been out of stock on a lot of items including the 8ft light stands amoung other things, i'd call and chat with them. Great people, even upgraded shipping for me for free after a misunderstanding/delay of my order.

yes, you might be able to get some of the stuff cheaper else where, but its nice to support a shop that really has helped out the strobist movement.

[trailblazer]

ok, so im trying not to hijack but if this kit is too expensive, can you all suggest an alternative kit to get?

[da_teacher]

ok, so im trying not to hijack but if this kit is too expensive, can you all suggest an alternative kit to get?

Build your own.