Slaved flashes w/ Pocket Wizards

[Rumjungle]

I'm looking to set up a very portable 2-3 light system using affordable flashes and Pocket Wizards. I've settled on the Pocket Wizard Plus II x 3 or 4, but can't decide on the flash heads. I would like something that easily interfaces with the remotes. Does that mean they need to have PC terminals? If not, would they require shoe adapters? Here's what I would like from the flashes:

• Manual (at least to 1/16)
• Swivel heads
• Zoom

Any suggestions? Anyone currently using a similar setup? Thanks in advance.

[JustinL]

depends on your budget mostly.

If no budget, go for the 580EX's.
Vari-Power 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8th, 1/16th, 1/32nd, 1/64th & 1/128th (in 1/3 stop increments)

I've seen some people running Nikon Flashes since they have the PC terminals... and this shouldn't matter anyway on the brand since if you run Pocket Wizards you'll have to run the flashes at Manual.

If you have a budget to work with, there's the Sigma option (Super 500 model)
Variable Power 1/1, 1/2, 1/4th, 1/8th, 1/16th, 1/32nd, 1/64th & 1/128th

I think for the Canon or Sigma option, you'll need this cord:
http://www.paramountcords.com/prodde...?prod=pw-mhsf1

Hope this helps

[stupot]

if you really want cheap then perhaps take a look at vivitar 283's and 285's, both variable. i take it you got the idea from the strobist website, but just in case you haven't seen it heres the link - http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03...tart-here.html

lots of valuable information regarding portable flash setups.

[Rumjungle]

Well, I'm looking for affordable so 2-3 more 580EX's are out. If I could afford that, I'd go for some Alien Bees.

I'm just curious which lower priced flash heads would be best suited for use with Pocket Wizards - taking into account manual adjustability and cost to interface. The 580EX doesn't have a sync port so I'm guessing it'll have to be done by shoe adapters...but those are $45!

[FlashZebra]

With the Pocket Wizards you will loose all E-TTL automation, so forget casting all that cash for a Canon 580EX.

Look at the Sunpak 383. It has relatively high power, a PC cord, several manual power settings, and it costs about $70.00 new (about 1/6 the cost of a Canon 580EX that will require a $50.00 adapter to use).

When using pocket wizards (or other radio slaves, or even optical slaves) that negate all E-TTL function, I do not understand the drive to cast all that cash toward a Canon 580EX.

Enjoy! Lon

[Rumjungle]

Exactly. I only need manual anyway. I already have the Sunpak 383's earmarked but they don't zoom and only go to 1/16th. That's why I was asking for other suggestions something that might be better but still affordable. I guess I can just use light modifiers on them instead, but those also add to the cost.

[Carzee]

I'm into it already. Shot army big band in a base carpark under the stars last night. Very quick, rushed even. No time to do setup checks. So I just threw light at them and chimped. I used the 70-200 for about 3 shots then switched to the 35 f1.4 when I realised they didn't mind me going in close.
Used 3 flash units, all on stands, 2 chest height, 1 low down behind the band for streaks thru the legs. Luckily they were not wearing their hats. The carpark lights were tungsten, their stands had small fluros on them. Mixed light PP coming up!

I use two Nikon SB-28 and one SB-24. Got them off ebay. If I sold them I'd make money, they were a real bargain and minty too. I have wired up extra power to the SB-28s using Quantum bits off ebay (cheap) and RadioShack batt packs for C type batts (cheap). This gives FAST recycles.

The PW Plus work great. I loaded them with those new Lithiums last month when I got them. I freely admit, I still have my L plates on with this new gear.

[FlashZebra]

Originally Posted by Rumjungle

Exactly. I only need manual anyway. I already have the Sunpak 383's earmarked but they don't zoom and only go to 1/16th. That's why I was asking for other suggestions something that might be better but still affordable. I guess I can just use light modifiers on them instead, but those also add to the cost.

The Nikon SB-26 is a nice unit that has everything you need, and it also has a built in optical slave (has a PC outlet). But a used one off ebay will cost you a lot more than a new Sunpak 383.

A used Vivitar 285 would also be close (has a PC outlet), but it it has only full, 1/2, 1/4, & 1/16 power (1/8 is missing). It also has the power controls on the front of the flash which would likely to be slightly harder to use with a umbrella or softbox. They go for about $40.00 to $60.00 on ebay (no longer available new).

Enjoy! Lon

[Rumjungle]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I guess I'll take a stab at finding some Nikon flashes. If not, I'll give the Sunpaks a shot.

BTW, Stupot, I ordered up some of those free colored filters. Thanks for the link.