No fail operation each and every time.

I have to admit the Elinchrom EL-Skyport competitor units have more advantageous specifications on paper compared to these PocketWizard Plus II units. There are a few other wireless units out there but only two of these brands can compete if you want serious no-fail gear. Heres the comparison:



POCKETWIZARD PLUS II



1. 16-bit / 344.04MHz

2. Sync up to 1/500s

3. 4 Channels

4. 1600+ foot range

5. AA battery or AC

6. Transceiver (auto-sensing no need to purchase different units)

7. Flexible rubber antenna (no swivel)



ELINCHROM EL-SKYPORT



1. 40-bit / 2.4GHz

2. Sync up to 1/1000s

3. 8 Channels

4. 50 meter range indoor / 120 meter range outdoor (394 foot range)

5. CR2430 3.0V battery or AC

6. Receiver or Transmitter models are separate

7. Flexible 360 degree swivel antenna



The PocketWizards are even bulkier than the Skyports which are flat. The antenna of the PocketWizard looks fragile and doesn't hide or swivel down when being kept. In fact the plastic build and feel of the PocketWizard feels like a cheap radio control toy for kids.



And to add more to the above it's almost twice as expensive than the Skyport.



So why did I still get the PocketWizard unit? The PocketWizard MultiMax transceiver is more versatile and more advanced in features than the above two models which is what I am aiming to grab to control the other PocketWizard units. I'm investing and banking on the fact that PocketWizard will try to strike a deal with other manufacturers for wireless flash trigger.



They started with Mamiya Corporation and equipped their Sekonic's current light meters with the technology including my Sekonic L-758Cine flash meter that I've installed a PocketWizard wireless module.



And unlike the Elinchrom EL-Skyport RX model (which is a custom tailored version that plugs into their own RX lighting setup) The PocketWizard technology exists in various lighting brands including Dyna-Lite Norman Profoto and Photogenic.



Nikon did once use PocketWizard in their D1X way back in 2002 until they started their own Creative Lighting System (CLS) which does not simply rely on triggering a flash alone but measures meters and communicates the information back to the camera. It would be best to know each capability and limitation especially depending on the scale of your project intent and creativity.



The PocketWizard has been around for a longer time and they have rock-solid reliability. It sticks out from the camera hot shoe like a sore thumb and for a good reason that enables great communication with other units over a long distance.



Conclusion:



You obviously have to evaluate your needs and how you plan to build your system.



If you are on a budget and would like equal reliability over shorter and more normal triggering distances I would suggest Elinchrom EL-Skyport. In fact I would suggest investing on RX models and be able to control Elinchrom's own lights via their downloadable EL-Skyport software.



However if you want to stick with the proven technology and reliability of PocketWizard then building a system around this wireless set up will be an equally good investment down the line especially as they try to expand with other professional brands of photographic devices.



The advantages of Elinchrom shine when you are building a system around their own brand. Outside of this PocketWizard has been the recognized leader...at least for now.More detail ...

Portable and Useful

A very helpful photography tool for setting white balance & compensation exposures. Glad I got it. The compact size (the cards fit in my Tamrac 515 camera case) and ease of wearing around my neck on the provided lanyard means I carry the cards with me anywhere I take my camera; without inconvenience bulk or a lot of extra weight. It's a great product design. Glad I bought the set - it's useful to have the white and black as well as the 18% grey cards.More detail ...

Great kit at a great price!

I'm very satisfied with this lighting kit. It arrived quicker than I expected and the set up was a breeze. Everything worked perfectly.



The stands are lightweight easy to adjust and more sturdy than I expected. The umbrellas are good quality the lights are bright and the carrying case is well constructed so everything fits nicely.



It really is a great kit for those just starting out like myself.More detail ...

Great Quality Product

I recently purchased this reflector because i was using a 31" that was too small for my work. I wish i would of just purchased this one from the beginning i would of saved some money that way. Also this one is better then my smaller one because my smaller one has kind of like glitter or some shinny stuff that comes off and gets all over everything but this material doesn't shed any particles. Good product.More detail ...

Solid stand - not so compact

This is a solid medium weight stand. It does what it's supposed to do and is better for lights/flashes/etc that are on the medium weight side(or if you have softboxes). Frankly I prefer my Manfrotto 001B which is a super-light-weight 6 foot stand and folds down much smaller. So in the end... as a studio stand great. As a portable stand not bad but you can buy lighter. Build quality is fine and none of the hardware seems cheap. A previous review said this stand was "air cushioned" but it really isn't. It might have that effect in the right conditions but I own some true "air cushioned" stands and this one is not. For the price you won't complain.More detail ...

Simple yet effective

This seemingly simple piece of molded plastic was recommended to me by a professional photographer. Basically it's the shape of an open box that slides firmly onto the flash. It is small and sturdy enough to stash in your camera bag without worrying about damage. When used the light disperses more evenly and is less harsh on the subject being photographed.



The white box is for general use. Also available are the green Omni-bounce for florescent lighting and the gold Omni-bounce for a warming effect.



PROS:

Inexpensive solution for better flash photography.

A quality product that works.



CONS:

NoneMore detail ...

Simple yet effective

This seemingly simple piece of molded plastic was recommended to me by a professional photographer. Basically it's the shape of an open box that slides firmly onto the flash. It is small and sturdy enough to stash in your camera bag without worrying about damage. When used the light disperses more evenly and is less harsh on the subject being photographed.



The white box is for general use. Also available are the green Omni-bounce for florescent lighting and the gold Omni-bounce for a warming effect.



PROS:

Inexpensive solution for better flash photography.

A quality product that works.



CONS:

NoneMore detail ...

Simple yet effective

This seemingly simple piece of molded plastic was recommended to me by a professional photographer. Basically it's the shape of an open box that slides firmly onto the flash. It is small and sturdy enough to stash in your camera bag without worrying about damage. When used the light disperses more evenly and is less harsh on the subject being photographed.



The white box is for general use. Also available are the green Omni-bounce for florescent lighting and the gold Omni-bounce for a warming effect.



PROS:

Inexpensive solution for better flash photography.

A quality product that works.



CONS:

NoneMore detail ...

A dramatic eye catching photo can mean dramatic profits. Getting a well exposed photo is extremely important. Photographers often turn to a flash to help light the scene. The problem is that flash can cause harsh reflections or glare spots or create deep shadows that distract viewers. This little portable universal external flash diffuser will prevent those problems when using a flash. Simply put the unit over the camera's flash point and shoot. The light will be softened and your photos will be well exposed without the harsh glare spots.More detail ...