I have a D800 and need to buy a pocket wizard to use with a off brand strobe.
I would love some recommendations, please.
Thanks!

Kelly,

That is sort of wide open. It depends on your non-Nikon strobe, its capabilities, what you hope to accomplish, and your budget.

If you just want the camera to trigger manual flash, then the Plus II radios are enough. If you want CTL (PocketWizard's CLS), then you need the Flex units and probably a Mini with AC3. The CTL units might not be compatible with your strobe though.

There's the new Plus III units as well, but I don't have any of them.

So tell us more and we can give you better suggestions.

Scott Chapin
Powder Springs, GA, USA
Nikonians Team Member

Hi Kelly,

Scott covered the choices well but left out the MultiMax transceivers that provide more capability than the Plus III's but are about twice the price.
Between the Plus II, Plus III, and the MultiMax, the Plus III has the most bang for the buck.

Could you tell us more about your requirements?
Good Luck and Enjoy your Nikons!

Best Regards,
Marty

Yes, I wanted to see what was needed before I mentioned the MultiMax. I also see that B&H no longer sells the Plus II? Maybe they have been obsoleted.

Scott Chapin
Powder Springs, GA, USA
Nikonians Team Member

Thank you both.

I am still learning flash photography.

This is the strobe I have-
http://www.ebay.com/itm/300W-Photography-Photo-Studio-300Watt-Lighting-Strobe-Flash-Light-/160907030852?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:3160

I was using this pocket wizard-
http://www.amazon.com/Promaster-Studio-Flash-Receiver-Transmitter/dp/B002MUGG9U

I bought this pocket wizard over a year ago used and I'm pretty sure is not working anymore.

I basically need it to tell the strobe to fire while I shoot in manual.

Since I do most of my photography using natural light, I don't use a flash or strobe often and didn't want to invest a lot right now.

Thanks again for you help!!

Kelly

Kelly

Pocket Wizard is a brand name of wireless triggers/flash controllers. So your responses have been based on the Pocket Wizard product line, which are arguably the best, but pricey. I think you are looking for a recommendation for a generic wireless trigger.

Places We Have Been

www.peppermill-multimedia.com

Yes Luke, you are correct, that is what I meant.

Like I said, this is all new to me.

Thanks again

Kelly,

Luke is correct. You show the Promaster receiver, so I assume you have the transmitter. I'm also sure you have changed out the batteries on both just in case. Have you tried the radios in different locations/ positions to rule out interference?

My suggestion would be to invest in PocketWizard Plus III transceivers. They are reliable and of high quality. You also have options/ capabilities that you can grow with.

OTOH, if you can afford a FlexTTL and MiniTTL, they will get the job done and give you a whole lot more capabilities if you have or intend to get a Speedlight or two.

Scott Chapin
Powder Springs, GA, USA
Nikonians Team Member

Yes, I do have the transmitter that goes with it. I have changed the batteries in the receiver, it seems to work fine. Its the transmitter that I think is not working. I can't find a picture of it online, I assume it came with the receiver (I got both of them used from a friend).
The transmitter, does not take batteries, that I know of. There are no screws on it or a place to put batteries. The test button no longer sets off the strobe, however, when I take pictures, the strobe will still fire, but the pic's are dark as if the strobe didn't fire. I hope that makes sense.
Thanks for your help

Maybe you need to slip a dime in the seam of the transmitter and pop open the case like a car's key fob.

George
My Nikonian Galleries

I was going to say exactly that. What has me puzzled, is why it is triggering. Maybe the battery is strong enough to trigger, but not strong enough to sync?

Scott Chapin
Powder Springs, GA, USA
Nikonians Team Member

>The transmitter, does not take batteries, that I know of.

The Promaster site indicates the transmitter uses one 23A battery. I suspect it is time for a fresh one.

Places We Have Been

www.peppermill-multimedia.com

You guys are great!

Thank you for telling me I just need to change a battery (that I didn't know was there)

You saved me money too!

Thanks again!!!

Hi Scott,

I couldn't find the Plus II's listed at several other Retailers either, though they are still on PW's site. Given that they were priced higher than the newer and significantly more capable Plus III's I am not surprised.
Good Luck and Enjoy your Nikons!

Best Regards,
Marty

I hadn't checked pricing. That's good to know!

Scott Chapin
Powder Springs, GA, USA
Nikonians Team Member

Thanks again for your help.

I tried using a dime to pry it open and I can see the battery inside, but I'm afraid I am going to break it. It is not opening very easily. I'm going to take it to the camera store tomorrow.

I'm very excited that the problem was only the battery.

Thanks!!

Keep us posted. We like happy endings.

Scott Chapin
Powder Springs, GA, USA
Nikonians Team Member

If it helps Photography Life has just issued this Pocket Wizard announcement.

http://photographylife.com/pocketwizard-plusx-transceiver-announced#comments

Richard

Visit my Nikonians gallery

Yes, I just got an email for an evening webinar (2 showings) this Wednesday. Usually they hold them during workday hours. They have s new Plus X

Scott Chapin
Powder Springs, GA, USA
Nikonians Team Member

I'm so glad I posted my question on here and you guys suggested a battery change!!

I was unable to pry it open so I took it to the camera store.

Turns out, there was a screw under the manufacturers sticker. (I'm feeling silly for not figuring this out on my own!) It still had the original battery.

Now that it has been replaced, everything is working great!


Thanks again for all your help!

Glad it's resolved!

Scott Chapin
Powder Springs, GA, USA
Nikonians Team Member