I mainly shoot weddings and would like to add some off-camera lighting.
I shoot on Canon 5D and 20D cameras and have 420EX canon flashes.

I am considering the Canon STE 2 transmitter as well as Pocketwizard transceivers.
I viewed Gino Lucadamo's video trailer and noticed he uses the STE 2 transmitter.
It seems that it would very useful when you're on location and moving around a lot.
(Anyone selling Gino's DVDs?)

I have also read a lot about the dependability of Pocketwizards.
Will the pw's work with the 420EX flashes? What connection/wires would I need?
I also have old Vivitar 283's lying around, could I possibly use a mix of these strobes together?

I'm buying the photoflex multiclamps to secure the strobes on lightstands.
I've tried researching on-line but don't seem to find the answers I'm looking for.

Any ideas? Thank you!

The 420 will technically work with pocket wizards, but you'll have no control over the power level, since it has no manual controls on it, so they'll always fire at full power, which will eat up your batteries. The st-e2 will allow you to use the 420ex e-ttl capabilities off camera. Good luck!

Thank you Phil and Erik for your insight!

It looks like I'll have to put 580's on my wishlist and pick-up a STE 2 for the time being.
Do you usually mount your flashes on stands? Any light modifiers on the flashes?
Have you had any experience using the STE 2 on a quick wedding shoot with an assistant off to your side handholding a flash?

Gino uses this method on his "Wedding Mechanics" trailer.
http://www.digitalweddingpro.com/trailer/d...ol2_trailer.wmv
I guess I better just buy his video!

When using Pocketwizards and Canon 580 flashes, will it utilize TTL or do you have to meter and set your lighting to distance ratios?

What challenges do you have when placing multiple strobes around a reception? (backlighting?)
How should you set up lights?

I'll vote for the ST-E2. That's all I shoot and it's great. Not super reliable in the sunlight, but it gets by for the most part. Allows total control of your flash direct from the camera - plus your ETTL does it's thing. It's by far the most quick and easy way to get the job done. With PW's, your assistant needs to dial your flash up and down and in fast moving situations, having ETTL think for you is a real life saver.

There's a time and a place for each STE2 and PW, but I'd suggest the ST first, then get the PW down the line as budget allows.

I bought a STE 2 and some other goodies from B&H last night.
I'll have a little time to practice before my next wedding on July 7th. I'm excited to put it to use!

I appreciate your help Kevin! I checked out your website- Fantastic photography! I'm wondering if your using the STE 2 in many of the images. Very beautiful work!