Radio Speedlite System & Accessories ($$$)

After d***ing around with IR wireless, long TTL cords, and manual triggers that require you to set output on the flash itself, I'm at my wits end.

I'm ready and willing to spare no expense on a radio trigger system that 1) just works, and 2) allows me to set flash power / ratios on the camera.

I considered Canon's new EX-RT system, but that's off the table because I own two 5D2's and don't see myself letting go of them for a few years at least, even if for some reason I do get an additional 2012 or newer camera body.

TTL functionality isn't that important to me, just being able to set flash power and ratios on the camera.

So, what should I be looking at? Phottix Odin? PocketWizard MiniTT1?

I'm also looking for a good portable softbox for a speedlite and possibly a bracket for 2 speedlites, a lightstand, reflector, and reflector stand.

I currently own this abomination , which I bought based on the good reviews. It is in practice, however, an insufferable piece of junk that doesn't stay in position and must be disassembled for transport. Unless you're willing to carry it around with the reflector boom arm jutting out at a 20 degree angle from the stand.

But I digress.

Thanks in advance for your wisdom.

Phottix Odin is currently the best unit in the market, it excels at functionality, compatibility, easy of use, build quality and reliability.

There are cheaper alternatives, but they give up on some of the above to save money.
There are also more expensive alternatives like the pocket wizards, but they are simply making more money from an inferior product.

LASTOLITE make a range of modifiers, reflectors etc that are good quality and well though out.
Very expensive though.

Try out the yongnuo yn622c. They're great! Also radiopopper would be great for what you need. or of course the standard is pocket wizards.

It sound like you want either the Phottix Odins or the PW and AC3 zone controller.

With Pocketwizards you would want the 600EX-RT flashes though anyway as the previous 580EXII is not a good combination.

The Odins are more simple and very reliable but they have a few limitations with light meters etc if they may be an issue. Check my review here -
http://flashhavoc.com …-odin-ttl-trigger-review/

I put a list/guide of all the options here -
http://flashhavoc.com/​flash-trigger-guide-ttl/

Radiopopper JrX may be another option to consider.
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Thanks for all the info posted so far. I own a Sekonic L-358, and I'd like to be able to use it if for no more than actual metering. It looks like the meter has built-in support for PocketWizard, based on what I'm reading on the official Sekonic website.

So at this point I'm leaning heavily towards PocketWizard, since the notion of having to set long 2nd curtain exposures just to meter on the Phottix Odin sounds really unappealing, even if it is otherwise a better value.

That being said I do own a 580EX II, which is supposedly a headache when paired with PW's?

Hmm...

EDIT:

If I go with PW, is there any real advantage to getting FlexTT5's over the Mini's?

Radiopopper JRx........http://radiopopper.com​/the-jrx-system

You'll love the control it gives you over the flash. Continuously variable flash output from the camera. Too light, too dark, simply turn it up or down and shoot.

It works well and is priced right.

I never owned the mini because I liked the AA batteries in the TT5, so I can't say first hand, but anecdotally there may be a slight advantage to the TT5, I don't think it matters that much.

The 580EXII is much more of an issue though. Some people have had no problems, but you definitely shouldn't expect that will be the case. More often than not this is not drastic problems, just reliability/fire rate, less than 100%. Definitely not your no expense spared ultimate solution though.

Radiopopper JrX may be the way to go then. Not everyone has been 100% happy with reliability there either, but much more often than not they are well appreciated. [EDIT - as posted above just before me]
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What scares you in having a 5D Mark II paired with the new Canon 600 EX-RT system?

Nick5 wrote in post #15646239
What scares you in having a 5D Mark II paired with the new Canon 600 EX-RT system?

Canon cameras released before 2012 aren't fully compatible with the new flash system. You can't use wireless group mode and there are flash sync issues as seen here.

Thanks everyone for the input. I've decided to go with the Pocket Wizards. It's a shame that Canon couldn't have made it painless to upgrade to their own radio system. Or made the 6D worth upgrading to from the 5D2 for reasons other than flash compatibility. It seems like their plan all along was to force me to buy a 6D. But now the money I'm about to spend that could be lining their coffers will be going to Pocket Wizard instead. Anyway, hopefully my Pocket Wizard investment will bode well for other Canonistas, since I'm sure two weeks after my return window closes Canon will release a firmware update for the 5D2 LOL

My story
580EXII with 2 - 430EXIIs and an ST-2, along with Radio Popper JrStudios also tried PWs

Sold all but the 580EXII, bought 3 - YN622Cs. Works like a champ. I bought an extra YN622Cs to use as a receiver from my Elinchrom studio lights.

LostArk wrote in post #15646583
Canon cameras released before 2012 aren't fully compatible with the new flash system. You can't use wireless group mode and there are flash sync issues as seen here.

I too was concerned about the Sync Speed, HSS and Group Mode when I purchased my 600 EX-RT and ST-E3 system last summer while shooting in Radio Mode.
Regarding sync speed. The new 600EX-RT does work fine with the sync speed of camera.
Never had a problem shooting 1/250 on a 7D or 1/200 on a 5D Mark II.
High Speed Sync is available and works with no problems at all.
This has been the case for me and many others who have 2011 and older cameras. This has been confirmed by one in particular who has been traveling the country with Speedlite seminars and the benefits of the new 600 series.
Unfortunately Group Mode will not work 2011 and older cameras.