Printable View
All items include UPS Shipping and comes with original box / packaging.
Payments via PayPal to : mark@markelbersonphotography.com
Like New Condition.
Cyber Commander : $100
CSRB+ CyberSync™ Receiver Plus : $50
CSRB+ CyberSync™ Receiver Plus : $50
CSRB+ CyberSync™ Receiver Plus : $50
CSRB+ CyberSync™ Receiver Plus : $50
I'll take 'em all. Paypal sent.
man...I was looking to buying some too. Early bird gets the worm!
Jayson-
I was planning on replacing (4) of my CSRBs (non-"+" versions) with these. If you
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sean Setters
Ah, the circle of life...
Gees that was quick. I don
Lots of red tape in selling your soul;)
I saw your post first thing this morning, Mark, before Sean
You know, I gave it less consideration than usual when parting with the cash. It was unusual how decisive I was. :-)
At least you have your consolation shipments en route...
I have the same story as Neuro,I saw the post this morning and while I was mulling it over Sean bought it. Only difference in my story is that the Pocketwizard
I
Quote:
Originally Posted by neuroanatomist
John
Yea it was empty, I was going to buy 1 mini and two flex's just as you did. I am in the same boat as you, only one 580ex so I was going to order another flash as well.
I was thinking of buying the same, stands, moonlights and umbrellas. My problem is ignorance, not knowing which would be the best choice. I am not in to portraits, even though family and others ask every once in a while. I would rather take a picture of tobacco worm as a human. But, I do want decent lighting when needed, I don't mind spending the money for good equipment, and I don't want to buy wrong and get junk.
That said I am glad you are looking to expand your lighting. I know you will do the research ahead of me and it will make my selections easier. [:P]
Quote:
Originally Posted by neuroanatomist
John
Yea it was empty, I was going to buy 1 mini and two flex's just as you did. I am in the same boat as you, only one 580ex so I was going to order another flash as well.
I was thinking of buying the same, stands, moonlights and umbrellas. My problem is ignorance, not knowing which would be the best choice. I am not in to portraits, even though family and others ask every once in a while. I would rather take a picture of tobacco worm as a human. But, I do want decent lighting when needed, I don't mind spending the money for good equipment, and I don't want to buy wrong and get junk.
That said I am glad you are looking to expand your lighting. I know you will do the research ahead of me and it will make my selections easier. [:P]
Quote:
Originally Posted by neuroanatomist
I bought a X1600 about a month and 1/2 ago for a catalog shoot and I have been very very happy with it. I love the 8 stops of adjustability. I will probably pick up one more in a month or so.
I currently have a Vagabon Mini with an extra battery on order. I can't wait to get that. I have seen some really great reviews on those.
I love off-camera flash--whether from speedlights or monos. However, I like having the versatility that mono's allowif you have the means to power them, the time to set them up, and the modifiers to make them sing.
Keith: I've actually been considering a DIY option for my second monolight power source. I really like the idea of the mini, but honestly, I use the weight of my Vagabond II to weigh down my stands. So the Vagabond Mini doesn't make as much sense for my needs (but I can see where it works perfectly for others).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sean Setters
DIY power source...I don't have the guts. I am interested to see how that goes for you.
A lot of my shoots lately have been outdoors with 3 580EXIIs in my 36" Softlighter on a boom arm held by an assistant so a Vagabond Mini is the trick for me. So I may even consider an AB B800 just to keep weight down. I know lots of folks have told me to stay away from ABs.
I thought about the Vagabond II, a guy local to me was selling one used, but I read some speculation that the VII would probably switch to lithium in the not to distant future. Plus I have been a little weirded out by how many people are selling the II's claiming they have only used them 2-3 times.
I also like the idea of the AB ring light powered by the Vagabond mini.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HDNitehawk
You may want to check this thread out :-)
FS: Canon Speedlite 580EX II
Quote:
Originally Posted by neuroanatomist
This is how I work.On locationI use 430EX II's with PocketWizard MiniTT1 / FlexTT5's. In the studio I use Paul C. Buff Einstein 640 Studio Flash's. I feel that for marginal price increase the Einstein's are a better value over the White Lightning units.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark Elberson
Mark, why the switch from the 580's to the 430's?
I was thinking about buying a 430, the only reason I thought about getting a 580 is to keep my flashes the same (although I do not know if that matters)since I already have a 580.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HDNitehawk
The 430EX II's are probably the best performing (right out of the box) Speedlites when used in conjunction with the PocketWizard FlexTT5 system. I'm sure you've heard all about the RF-Noise issues with 580EX II's? This isn't to say that they don't work with thePocketWizard FlexTT5 system. They just don't work as well. I mostly use this setup for shooting weddings. I don't have time to throw on a AC5 RF Soft Shield or an AC7 RF Hard Shield when on the job. Weddings move quickly and I need to be able to react equally as fast. Most importantly though, for me, is confidence in my gear. I NEED to know that everything is going to work. I can't be wondering if my 580EX II / FlexTT5 combo is out of range. I know that there are serveral members of this forum alone that succesfully use 580EX II's with FlexTT5's but for my own mental health, I feel more comfortable using 430EX II's. If I was using my Speedlites for pretty much anything other than weddings I probably wouldn't care.
EDIT: By the way, PocketWizard FlexTT5's come with the AC5 RF Soft Shieldand for anyone interested in my 580EX II's I'll include a AC7 RF Hard Shield. They actually make a terrific umbrella holder as they position the Speedlite close to the shaft.
Mark, I know about using the Pocketwizard AC9 with the AB and WL monolights from PCB. How do you trigger your Einsteins with the PW system? Not critical, but can you use E-TTL (possible with TT5 + AC9 + AB or WL monolight)? Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by neuroanatomist
I am unaware of any monolight that has TTL capabilities. In all honesty though, in a studio situation, I prefer manual settings. Get it right once and it's always right! TTL can change from shot to shot if it gets confused. Don't get me wrong, TTL is pretty darn good and usually close enough but I like the control and repeatability of manual power settings.
Despite this thread, I still use CyberSync's to trigger my Einsteins. I use a CST on cameraand CSXCV's on the monolights. When the PowerMC2 comes out I will probably buy them and ditch the CyberSync's all together. CyberSync's have NEVER let me down so far but I found the Cyber Commander to be a little cumbersome.On the other hand, I absolutely love the AC3 ZoneController. It has three dials on it and you turn them left or right to increase or decrease the flash power. It couldn't be much easier and it all happens from your camera which is awesome. The Cyber Commander is much more complex and powerfull than the AC3 but I like the AC3 more so that's what I'll use.
EDIT: John, you could always just use your FlexTT5 with the Einsteins via the sync port. You would not have power control (dumb trigger) but thatcould hold you off until the MC2's come out. For me, I already had a CST and the CSXCV's were only $29 each so it was a no brainer. One thing I LOVE about both the CSXCV's and the up and coming MC2's is that they get their power from the light itself so that many less batteries to concern myself with :-)
Batteries aren
Sorry, Mark - you
Quote:
Originally Posted by neuroanatomist
You can trigger either the Einstein's or the White Lightning's with just the FlexTT5. I think you know that but I just wanted to specifically clarify :-)
Quote:
Originally Posted by neuroanatomist
The Einstein's have "9 f/stop Power Variability (2.5WS to 640WS)" which is more range than any other mono light I have ever heard of!
Quote:
Originally Posted by neuroanatomist
I agree 100% Combining their release record with PCB's release record could be catastrophic!! It's still better than RadioPopper's record though right :-)
Quote:
Originally Posted by neuroanatomist
This sounds pretty good to me. The only caveat is if you're going to be doing much white seamless work, the Speedlites will disapoint as background lights.
Quote:
Originally Posted by neuroanatomist
With the AC3 you can even mix E-TTL and manual power control at the same time! I haven't done this but that may be cool for run-and-gun situations. 6 stops of range should be plenty too. My light power settingsare often only about 2 stops apart. How far away they are positioned as well as whether or not they have a modifier attached to them will either tighten or losen that gap even more. I usually set my key light to about 1/4 power (160 WS) which willtend give me about f/8 or f/11 @ ISO 200 depending on the modifier I am using as well as crazy fast recycle times. I'll build the rest of my setup around that starting point. If I'm shooting on white my background lights will be hotter. If I am shooting on black my kicker lights will be dialed down by a stop or two generally.
EDIT: Here are some great articles from Rob Galbraith regarding the AC3 and the MC2:
AC3 ZoneController
PowerMC2
Quote:
Originally Posted by neuroanatomist
John
Adorama did have them, I ordered 2 flex and 1 mini. Figured I better stop procrastinating, otherwise both stores would be out and I would be waiting a few months.
I downloaded the manual, all 74 pages and was going over it and came to a compatibility chart that did not show the 7D or the 1D IV. After 20 minutes of going through all the addendum's I found where one of the firmware updates included those bodies. But it sounds like, once we get these things we will have to update them?
Any way, after reading the 200 plus page owners manual of the 1D IV several times, and looking at this pocketwizard manual, I think my hobby is reading manuals and articles about photography. It seems that takes up more time than actually taking any pictures.
Mark
I have thought about your 580ex's, but I am still on the fence about which way to go.
Rick
Thanks again for the info and informative links, Mark!
Rick - manuals? What's all this about RTFM? Mine arrive from Adorama this morning, and I was just going to stick the MiniTT1 on the camera and a FlexTT5 on the flash and fire away. Silly me... [:P]
Rick, Neuro, PW recommends that the FIRST thing you do is download the PC application and update ALL your updateable PW products (i.e. anything with a usb/mini-usb/micro-usb [not sure if any of these use micro usb connectors! :) ). Other than that they DO appear to be pretty much attach-n-shoot devices!
Steve
Thanks, from the reviews I had read everyone was saying they would have to be updated. Hopefully not to difficult.
Normally when I get something new, I take it out of the box throw the manual aside and take off using it. I find thats the best way to find out what I don
Thanks, Steve. They certainly do recommend updating first - there's a bright yellow sticker in the box I just opened that says just that... I'm downloading the PW Utility right now.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HDNitehawk
I am also pondering getting a 580EX II vs. a second 430EX II. Rick, if it helps in your decision, I ran across this range table in a post by Rob Galbraith:
http://www.robgalbraith.com/data/1/r...n_rf_table.jpg:
The 80' range of the 580EX II is the main concern, especially since that's under 'ideal conditions' (many forum users report getting only 30-50' depending on conditions). Of course, there are many ways to extend that - the sock and hotshoe sheild that are included with the FlexTT5, the hard shield Mark linked, tweaking the positioning of the flash relative to the FlexTT5 antenna, or spearating them with an OC-E3. I suppose in a studio environment it wouldn't be a concern - at least, any studio environment I'd be likely to create at home, with limited space. But for outdoor use it could be an issue - I'd rather spend my time fiddling with the lights and modifiers and not the RF triggers.
So, for me, I'm leaning toward a second 430EX II. The other factor is that while the 580EX II is obviously more powerful than a 430EX II, for outdoor use I expect even the 580EX II will have a hard time overpowering the sun, especially through a modifier, and a second Einstein 640 is only a few bucks more than a 580EX II.
More thinking ahead...I'd certainly be interested in hearing which direction you're leaning, and why...
John
I had thought about adding two new 430ex. Then I started researching which softbox I wanted to buy, of course what I found out is that even the small boxes will loose an F stop or two with the 580 and from what I can tell is if the box gets to large then you have to go to the bigger lights. For that reason this morning I was thinking about buying another 580 II because of its additional power to pair with this:
[View:http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/13259-REG/Chimera_1740_Maxi_Softbox_White.html]
But, I am not really buying this to use in the house. So limiting range to 50' is a factor. I have some ideas I wanted to try and need several hundred feet of range. For those ideas I thought I would have to add a moonlight or strobe any way.
At first my thinking was keep it all the same since I already have 1 580ex they would be able to produce equal light. But really thinking about it what would that matter. So far I have ordered an umbrella and am going to get a soft box to start. The light from the two wouldn't be even any way with modifiers. For that matter in most situations I wouldn't want the flashes to be the same. So I guess my logic was flawed.
I was leaning toward adding another 580ex II, but after reading your post and mulling it over, I think it would be more logical to buy a 430ex. I could still use the softbox for close in work with the 580ex.
Now I am leaning towardadding the430ex II, and keeping my 1 580ex II and it could give me a little more diversity. I am asuming that using both flashes together wont confuse the PW's.
This "soft box" is very efficient. It is shallow and wiith the silver insert you don't lose much. Nice round(ish) catch lights too. I found it is most efficient with the flash zoom set to 35mm.
www.bhphotovideo.com/.../Photek_SL_4000_Umbrella_Softlighter_II.html
EDIT:
Turns out they have a newer one that is more geared for flashes.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/690335-REG/Photek_HSD_4000K_Softlighter_Hot_Shoe_Diffuser.htm l
Kieth
Thanks for the link. It looks like that would be very portable.
John
Thinking about this some more, why couldn't a person just use a off camera cable to move the 580ex II further away from the PW. Somthing like this:[View:http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...era_Shoe.html] I know it adds one other item to the equation, but wouldn't most of your RF interference be right next to the flash and positioning it even a short distance away might be enough to counter act the ineterference.
Rick
As I understand it, using the OC3 cord will not provide a lot of "help". The 580 EX II is very, very noisy! PW has identified 2-3 sources who are capable of performing an internal modification which drastically improves the range of the ControlTL devices. Rob Galbraith has an article here: Extending the range of the PocketWizard FlexTT5 and 580EXII which describes his results with the various methods.
Steve
That is good info.
2 Maximum to 580EX II (stock): 100ft (30.5m)
3 Maximum to 580EX II (RF modified): 340ft (103.6m), 3.4X
4 Maximum to 580EX II (stock) when wrapped in an AC5: 520ft (158.5m), 5.2X
5 Maximum to 580EX II (stock) inside an AC7: 540ft (164.6m), 5.4X
6 Maximum to 430EX II (stock): 650ft (198.1m), 6.5X
7 Maximum to 550EX (stock): 710ft (216.4m), 7.1X
It looks like with the AC5 wrap it can extend it out to 520
Yeah, I haven
I went ahead and took the plunge, and ordered 1 430ex II to give it a try. I will get 1 more if it works out. The miniTT1 and one of the FlexTT5
Quote:
Originally Posted by HDNitehawk
Indeed it does! I ordered an AC3 Zone Controller as well.
I've decided just to add another 430EX II for the time being, then once the PowerMC2 is available, I'll pick up an Einstein 640. I'm looking at a pair of Manfrotto 1051BAC stands for the Speedlites and a Manfrotto 1005 for the monolight. Modifiers will likely include a pair of 45" umbrellas (Eclipse or similar), and from PCB a 45" octabox with grid, a high output beauty dish, and a reflector with a set of honeycomb grids. Also a Manfrotto background support system and some backdrops, and a couple of Justin clamps for some additional flexibility.