To all you Pocketwizard experts

[jorgemonkey]

Since Santa was good to me this year, I have the chance at picking up some Pocketwizards. Now I am trying to decide whether to get a pair of the Multimax 32 channel, or I can get 3 of the Plus II wizards.

I like the fact that the Multimax ones have 32 channels, which is why I'm leaning towards those, but I know in the future I plan on getting one more to go with my studio strobes (Yes, I know that they are all compatible.)

So if you had the chance, which would you get?

Oh, they will be used in my studio at work firing my strobes (yah! no more sync cords!!!) also they'll be used to fire my flash off camera at MTB races/rides and when I get more money I'll be firing a remote camera with them.

[JBPhoto]

Just my 2 cents, for what you'll be shooting I'd go with the Plus II's. I chose them over the MultiMax's because I don't think I'll ever be in a situation where there are more than 4 photographers competing for a frequency. I may be wrong but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. Since you'll be shooting in your studio, there are no worries about that, and MTB races probably won't be overcrowded with PW users. Aside from the additional channels, the MultiMax also gives you flash confirmation and software for creating and recording various lighting effects, which I probably don't need. So for me, the additional $107 per unit wasn't worth it. If you're buying three Plus II's, the cost savings will buy you a fourth.

[jorgemonkey]

I know for the bigger races there is a lot of photogs there. Smaller ones I doubt I'll see more than two, to least where I'm shooting at. I'm still on the fence though, so we'll see. I might even decide to get 3 of the Plus models, and I'll see if I could pick up an extra SB-800 flash to go with them

Choices, Choices

[Photo-John]

I'd go with the cheapies. I have mixed feelings about radio slave mtb photos, anyway. They're getting to be a bit too common. And at races, your photos might just end up looking like every other photographer's. I dunno. I have a set of the old Plus model. They've served me well and I've always wondered why anyone would spend so much money on the Multimaxs.

[BLS439]

I know for the bigger races there is a lot of photogs there. Smaller ones I doubt I'll see more than two, to least where I'm shooting at. I'm still on the fence though, so we'll see. I might even decide to get 3 of the Plus models, and I'll see if I could pick up an extra SB-800 flash to go with them

Choices, Choices

Even at the Otter in '06 I only saw two or three photogs with PW's. Most of the guys/gals used on camera flashes for there shots. I had set mine up on Channel 4 and never had an issue. Even at the Dew Tour and Icer Air most guys weren't using PW's.

For indoor stuff, if you get into basketball/hockey/lacrosse/etc then the Multimaxes may best serve you. The Max's are just darn expensive. Check the SS classifieds, I think there were some used Max's on sale a little while ago. Some guy wanted to trade his Max's for Plus II's - not sure why.

[jorgemonkey]

Well I haven't gotten them yet, but since I'm not paying for them (I loooove Christmas!!!) and I try to get the top of the line equipment I'm gonna go ahead and get the Multimax. That way I won't have to worry about the, "I wish I had that extra 28 channels to choose from". And chances are if after using them for a while, the resale value on them should be pretty good.

I also plan on shooting indoor hockey, and probably basketball as well, and thats where they would really come in handy.

[jorgemonkey]

Well I finally got my gift card for B&H, and of course when I go to order the Multimax ones the refurbished ones were gone

SO, I ended up getting 3 PW Plus IIs, and a demo Impact 300w monolight for $125. I'm stoked about getting the monolight also as it will give me a 3rd head for portraits (When I need a 3 light setup) and at least a backup to the other 2 that I already have.

Plus after reading the thread on using strobes indoors (with permission of course) I've got two I can use with the pocket wizards, and if needs be I'll pick up a 4th wizard and run 3 strobes

Thanks everyone for the advice, I spent many nights & days trying to figure out what would best suite my needs.

[CircleCJ]

I have fired three strobes using one PW using y adapters that I picked up at radio shack. I prefer to use one for one, but in a pinch, this works well.

[Photo-John]

I can fire two flashes using one set of PWs and the built-in infrared slave system on my two Canon 550 flashes. I use the PWs to fire the first flash, and then run the second flash as an IR slave which is triggered by the first flash. It's not as flexible as having more PocketWizards. But it works and it doesn't cost me any more money.

A note on the Multimax PWs - I shoot a lot of very long exposure with PWs. I have been fighting with flash sync and recently discovered that you can't get second-curtain sync with the PocketWizard Plus slaves. So now I am considering buying a set of Multimax PWs, even though I hate to pay for them. But I need second-curtain sync for my mountain bike photos. This has been an ongoing problem and my only options are to use faster shutter speeds (not an option in the redwoods) or buy those overpriced suckers.

[SmartWombat]

Ah interesting to know about the 2nd curtain John, thanks.