There is something I have been thing about for quite some time. What are the benefits of using three-floor flashes TTL setup against three flashes setup using Pocket Wizards.
When I say three flashes I mean two stationary (dance floor) slave lights and one master on the camera.
TTL setup for Canon would be:
2x 430 EX canon flasher as slaves and one master 580 EX
Price
2x 340EX = $480
1x 580EX = $400
Total = 880
Quality of work:
TTL setup will be more accurate because TTL algorithm will calculate dependencies between focal lens length and distance to the flash automatically but only when flashes will fire. The problem with TTL setup is that the flashes will communicate through ultra red beam and if there is any obstruction between master flash and slaves the slaves will fail to fire. One way to deal with that is to shoot your camera over everyone’s had. Lets say standing on the chair, but over all highly unreliable. What if you wont to shoot from the floor level?
Pocket wizard setup:
To go with that setup you will need same setup as above plus Pocket wizards and light meter which in case of canon lights would be Sekonic the only that can trigger flash-lights and measure their light in given point.
Price

2x 340EX = $ 480
1x 580EX = $400
Sekonic L-758 DR $499
Pocket wizards
1x transmitter/receiver $295 master
2x receiver $189 slave
total $2052


The way to work with second setup is to place flashes on top of the dance floor and split the dance area into sections, lets say tennis court like than using your light meter trigger your lights and measurer the light in giving points, than you have to remember the measurements and then use them accordingly to the position on the floor and effect you wont accomplish. A lot of hassle but you don’t have to worry about flashes not firing. One effect that is extremely rewarding is the backlight effect, which you can’t accomplish with the other setup. This setup will give you more artistic freedom/possibilities but it will put your technical skill to test.


As always I will ask you to forgive me my poor English

I did try to provide you only with basic info and nothing more in hope that you will share your personal experiences and I will be able to learn more from you.

Which setup is superior?

Fell free to post images as examples of the techniques you use. I have chosen not to post any of mine, just for the sake of conversation. I didn't won't to suggest any favorites.


Thank you

Adam

2x Vivitar 285= $180 (new)
3x Pocketwizard Transceivers= $566.85

total= 746.85

optional: whatever flash you would like for your flash on camera/ or taken off by a sync cord. Frankly, I would try not using on camera flash and just going of the two flashes you have set up around the room for some of the shots.

You do not really need a light meter. You can take your digital camera and figure out the lighting from the back of the camera.

You can do the pocketwizard setup for about the same price as the canon flashes... but the pocketwizards allow you to do a lot more with the light. You do not have to have a flash on camera to fire them, which is a major plus. I actually just got my pocket wizards last week so it will be the first time using it on a dance floor.


I vote for pocketwizards!

If you were going to use the PW setup, I would recommend getting some Vivitar 285 flashes, instead of dropping the big bucks on the Canon models. You're not effectively using the TTL with the PW setup, so why spend the extra cash on them?

As well, for your receivers and transmitter, just get the PW PlusII tranceivers. They are about $180 each, and function as both a transmitter and a receiver.


3 x Vivitar 285 = $270
3 x PlusII Transceiver = $540
Cables and Miscellaneous = $100
total $910

Nice... we think alike, and respond at the same time.

Great minds thinks alike....






And fools seldom differ. haha.

I can’t tell you one way or the other is the definitive answer. I use both radio triggered 285s and light triggered Canon 580s, sometimes simultaneously. As you pointed out, the Canon sensor needs line-of-sight, and it’s often a problem. Also a pain when you move the lights and you need to adjust the head to point the right way and have the sensor point back at you. But then again, it’s also a pain to manually adjust your 285 light output. (You can change the f, but that may mess up your ambient.)

My radio set-up is a Quantum 4i velcroed on top of the on-camera flash and plugged in to the PC terminal. The PC terminal connections are often coming loose on either the transmitter or receivers.

I will use radio, light triggered, or both simultaneously in different situations. For the reception, I often use the on camera TTL flash with remote lights. I almost always bounce the on-camera flash, and the remotes provide highlights, hair light, background, or whatever effect. It is a little unpredictable at times but the lighting can be cool.

If you purchase the Canon flashes and radio triggers you have the option to play with BOTH triggering options to find what you like. I am considering trying going strictly radio triggered to give it a try. But, I can’t imagine not having a on camera flash at the reception.

I know a photographer who uses CHEAP ac powered strobes at receptions to provide background light. I think it’s this… http://www.briteklight.com/as66pc.html
(You’d need this holder http://www.briteklight.com/eumho.html along with it.) Britek isn't the best, but for reception fill light, that combo costs only $20!

The reason why I have chosen pocket wizards for my setup is because you can trigger them with Seconic light meter which allows easier and more accurate light measurements. I am not aware of any other radio triggering device that have that option. About the cheep power strobes... I think that you would have to use them with an umbrella or soft box which presents a problem allot brides wouldn't wont them on the floor simply because they are way to big and don't look good.

I vote for a light meter as well. You can save a few extra $$ and go with L-358. It will still do what you're describing.

20 minute video for light meter usage.

Sekonic 358 with built in radio transmitter is great!

Pocket Wizards (especially MultiMax for using Sekonic's quad triggering) is even greater!

Since I got my 358, I sold two of my three Polaris.

And I love to be independent from cables, cords and lines of sight!

I really enjoy the freedom, a lightstand, a flash, Sekonic's 358 and a set of Pocket Wizards btw. Sekonic RR-32 gave me.

I also have a Canon IR-Trigger ST-E2, but I think I used it twice... It's no good in daylight.

Mario


Related link:

http://www.opensourcephoto.net/forum/index...t=0#entry160663

Ricardo thank you for posting the link to the video. It was very educational.

+1 Ricardo. Great thread.
Linda