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Microstock Photography Forum - General => Photography Equipment => Lighting => Topic started by: .shock on June 14, 2008, 18:57

Title: Pocket-Wizard Plus II and wireles nikon flashes
Post by: .shock on June 14, 2008, 18:57
Hi,

I have sb-600 and sb-800


Now, wish to buy Pocket-Wizard Plus II to triger SB flashes. First of all wish to know can I wireless triger sb-800 and sb-600 with this Pocket-Wizard remote with only one pocket wizard attached on camera without aditional slave/receiver pocket wizards on flashes.

This is pocket wizard
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=441353&is=REG

So, this is scenario. Pocket wizard attached on camera, two flashes on wireless mode. It will works or will this wizard trigger flashes?

Camera is Nikon d300

Regards,
Benis
Title: Re: Pocket-Wizard Plus II and wireles nikon flashes
Post by: nickp37 on June 14, 2008, 19:56
As far as I know, pocket wizards only communicate with other pocket wizards. So you would need a pair to do anything with them. To trigger two flashes with PWs, you could either:
-use three PW. one on camera and one per flash
-use two pocket wizards and trigger the other flash as an optical slave
or
-use two pocket wizards and wire both flashes to  the recieving PW.

Visit http://www.strobist.com (http://www.strobist.com) for lots of information on using small flashes with (or without) pocket wizards.
Title: Re: Pocket-Wizard Plus II and wireles nikon flashes
Post by: Pixart on June 14, 2008, 20:14
Can't SB-800 command the 600?  I most likely need to splurge for pocket wizzard soon too.  I use my speedlights right now with the D200 as commander.  Is there a reason why you don't use the camera as commander?

I have same two speedlights... and my studio strobes radio triggering system just quit - I've been using a backup safe-synch with my strobes for a couple months,  but it looks like I'll have to get a cheapo radio trigger again or splurge on a pocket wizzards setup.  Noone stocks them in my market, so I have to do my research and they can bring it in for me or I'll order from Toronto.

So - I'm very interested in the response you get!  Thanks for asking a good question for me.
Title: Re: Pocket-Wizard Plus II and wireles nikon flashes
Post by: chumley on June 15, 2008, 13:43
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Title: Re: Pocket-Wizard Plus II and wireles nikon flashes
Post by: leaf on June 15, 2008, 14:10
yeah i have used these lots too.

they are built like childrens toys and i was surprised when i got them the first time that they looked so cheap.  That said, they work VERY well.  I had used a radio trigger from hensel (which is supposed to be good quality) and a couple other brands, and they mis-fired a little too often.  VERY frustrating when trying to take pictures of a baby and the baby FINALLY smiles.  Pocket wizards on the other hand, have very rarely or never mis-fired, so you DO get what you pay for. 

Pocket wizards are quality radio set-ups, and you won´t regret getting them.  I would much rather spend the extra $$ on them than buy cheap radio controllers and have them break in a year and mis-fire all their life.

And pixart - you should check out getting them at BHPHOTO online.
Title: Re: Pocket-Wizard Plus II and wireles nikon flashes
Post by: Pixart on June 15, 2008, 14:23
Thanks Leaf.  I'm still not entirely sure what I need.  It is two purchases right - a receiver and a transmitter?

The last couple big purchases I made were actually cheaper coming from Vistek than B&H if you can believe it.  They pay freight over a certain amount and no Fedex brokerage fees etc., with the good dollar right now the price is very good to shop in Canada for most things, mostly because of the difference in shipping - (if the store's importing fees have gone down on new inventory that is).
Title: Re: Pocket-Wizard Plus II and wireles nikon flashes
Post by: chumley on June 15, 2008, 19:11
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Title: Re: Pocket-Wizard Plus II and wireles nikon flashes
Post by: leaf on June 16, 2008, 17:13
you will also need a cord like this
paramount cord miniphone to hot shoe (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/421306-REG/Paramount_PMMHSF1_Miniphone_to_Female_Hot.html)

if you are wanting to connect the pocket wizard to a canon flash
Title: Re: Pocket-Wizard Plus II and wireles nikon flashes
Post by: kosmikkreeper on June 16, 2008, 20:56
You might want to check out RadioPoppers (http://radiopopper.com/products/view/radiopopper_p1). They were tested on strobist.com and seem pretty good.