Never used flash in my life.

So please, please forgive me for being so vauge here.
Id like to start useing a remote flash, IE a flash that is not attached to the camera but is still triggered.
Im looking at getting a pocket wizard but two questions-
How will i know if a particular flash will work with my pocket wizard?
and, do i need to buy something eles to attach to the flash to work in conjunction with the pocket wizard, or will compatable flashes already have what i need?

Thank you.

bdpAKAknox wrote in post #3549508
So please, please forgive me for being so vauge here.
Id like to start useing a remote flash, IE a flash that is not attached to the camera but is still triggered.
Im looking at getting a pocket wizard but two questions-
How will i know if a particular flash will work with my pocket wizard?
and, do i need to buy something eles to attach to the flash to work in conjunction with the pocket wizard, or will compatable flashes already have what i need?

Thank you.

All you need is the pocket wizard's transmitter and receiver. Any flash can be triggered with a pocket wizard. If you are going to be using more than one light you must have a receiver for each flash unit. The transmitter goes on your camera and the receiver connects to the flash via pc cord. You will need a stand for your flash unit unless your going to be holding it or someone else holding it for you. If you are going to be using a canon dedicated flash or similar unit, you'll need an adapter for the flash since canon 580ex or 430ex do not have a pc cord attchment. Most of your cheaper units do and will work fine. there is the Vivitar 283 and 285 which are fine units for the price. Hope that helps. I'm sure you're going to get plenty of replies on this that will make things even clearer. Have fun!

See this link
http://strobist.blogsp​ot.com …-pc-cords-and-pocket.html

I use the canon 550ex and with the canon flashes, you need to buy an adapter (I use the one from paramount). Now remember, you can't use ettl with the canon flash and using the pocketwizards, which is ok once you get the hang of it. i love my pocketwizards as I can place them just about anywhere and they will always trigger my flash. But, you can probably get away with a cheaper flash vivitar for example since you dont need the ettl. You will need one pocket wizard for your camera and one for each of your flash units.

pacific wrote in post #3549860
See this link
http://strobist.blogsp​ot.com …-pc-cords-and-pocket.html

I use the canon 550ex and with the canon flashes, you need to buy an adapter (I use the one from paramount). Now remember, you can't use ettl with the canon flash and using the pocketwizards, which is ok once you get the hang of it. i love my pocketwizards as I can place them just about anywhere and they will always trigger my flash. But, you can probably get away with a cheaper flash vivitar for example since you dont need the ettl. You will need one pocket wizard for your camera and one for each of your flash units.

That video in the link was quite helpful.
Ill be starting off with just a PC cable for now. Just like in the video im useing an XT, so i just need to find a flash with the PC cord connector, and a hotshoe PC cord adapter to sit on my camera correct? (and a stand for the flash obviously)

Thank you for your help guys

Up in the EOS Flash sticky there is this thread which gives you the basics in terms of triggering options. If you still have questions after reading it, feel free to ask.