Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

+1 to what TS said about getting a TT1 instead of a MultiMax. I have the Nikon version of the TT1, and it works great in a configuration similar to what you've described.

Thanks again for the quick reply.

I need the MultiMAX because we will also be using the lighting equipment already within the school's giant studio, and we'll need a way to remotely trigger those lights, so a camera-specific trigger like the TT's would not work.

Those were just the answers I was looking for, thank you! I will be giving you a call once I receive my loan :)

-Justin

As you said, the TT5 is specific to Canon or Nikon. However, since you're buying this gear for yourself, it shouldn't matter. A TT5 is essentially a MultiMax on steroids. In addition to supporting wireless TTL, it can control and fire an Einstein via a PowerMC2, while simultaneously triggering any other PW receiver. If it were me, I would scrap at least one of the MultiMax units in favor of a TT5.....assuming it's cool with the school. If they won't let you do that, then you might want to drop the PowerMC2.

I would read up on this. The Canon 580EX II emits a lot of "noise" which can and DOES interfere with PocketWizards. If you spend some time searching on the Internet, you can see it's prevalent with the Flex and Mini stuff, but I can personally promise you it's a problem with the Plus IIs (which is not so prevalent in searching there Internet, but it's there). I don't own the MultiMax, but it might be safe to assume this could be an issue. I don't get anywhere near the range PW advertises. If I put their RF sock on my flash the range goes up, but it's still nowhere near the 1600ft range. I get maybe 300 feet clear line of sight in ideal conditions. Throw a wall or structure in between my receivers and I get maybe 50 or less. I believe the 430Ex II does not have this problem, nor does the Nikon SB 900 (won't work ETTL) which can be used in manual only, nor do a a number of other Canon compatible aftermarket flashes.

Alternatively, other triggers work better with Canon flashes, like Radio Popper, or these super cheap FM jobbies I got from Cowboy Studio.

Anyhow, I'd check into this and see if it's going to be a problem for you because I HATE my Canon 580EX II/PocketWizard combo. Biggest waste of money I ever spent.

I won't agree or disagree with the above comments as far as compatability with TT and 580EXII's, other than to say it is often reported and addressed by PW. It sounds like the OP must have PW remotes. If not, I would go Cyber Commander/CyberSync, hands down. (and not just because I work here :))

The reason I suggest TT1/TT5 is because PW products are required (or all but required), and different features are available. The transmitter can still be used with E640's without the 580, and still benefit from the added features and not suffer from 580 noise. MultiMAX will allow for grouping more lights, intervolometer, and other sundry functions. If Richey Ritch was my dad, I would get one of everything. Otherwise, I think the TT system has more features that are usable in everyday settings for most photographers (among PW products)

My point was to state that the TT1/TT5 are what you read about the most when it comes to noise problems with the 580EX II, but that it is not the only PW product that it interferes with. I have several 580EX II strobes and PW Plus II transceivers and RF noise IS an issue, and a major one. Something to be aware of when getting the Multi Max.

Even with the little RF sock they sell, a longer cord, etc.....I still don't get good range. With the RF sock on, I get maybe double the crappy range I get without it on. The best I can hope for with a wall or other object in the way is about 25ft when using their RF shield. Using the same PW transceiver on my White Lightnings I've gotten an easy 600ft with objects in the way. I would get the PW stuff, just not that particular strobe or you *could* be unhappy with the PW/580EX II combo.

I've used my PWs with a Nikon SB900 and some sort of Nissin or something like that with no probs.

Based on what I've read from Justin; the equipment list the school is suggesting; and my experience using PWs, PCB triggers and a variety of lighting equipment including the Quantums suggested by the school and Einsteins, here is the equipment I would acquire;

Cyber Commander and modules for Einsteins.
Einsteins
Pocket Wizard ControlTL MiniTT1 and AC3.
Pocket Wizard ControlTL modules for Einsteins.

With the MiniTT1 and AC3 you will be able to control the Einstein power setting remotely and also trigger any PW equipped lights the school has in its studios.

With the Cyber Commander and modules you will be able to remotely control the Einsteins, as well as control ratios, power for all the Einsteins once the ratio is established etc.

The 580EXII when sitting on the MiniTT1 on the camera does not cause an RFI problem.
The MiniTT1 will fire the Einsteins with PW modules as well as other lights with PW triggers.

Once you are familiar with your equipment you will be the envy of your class mates because you will have substantially more control over the Einsteins than they will have over other lighting options.

As for Camera, I'd get the 5DII unless money is really tight because it offers a full frame sensor.

Incidentally, I have all the stuff described and use it to make money. I sold my Quantums. They are too limiting.

For commercial work I use Einsteins. For Events I use 580EXIIs and Nissin Di566. (They are TTL equivalents to 580EXII and don't have the RFI problem with FlexTT5s for off camera TTL.

Enjoy your learning opportunity but don't let them force you to buy obsolete equipment.

My first studio strobes were Speedtrons back in the 70s. The Einstein 640 with its IGBT control is much nicer. And with a VML its easy to carry around even with an octabox for street photography.

Thanks for the replies and advice! I put my order in today after talking with David (Tech Support) on the phone. Here is what I ordered:

2x Einstein E640's
2x Vagabond Mini's
2x PowerMC2's

And various accessories for the lights. I decided not to go with the Cyber Commander because I know that some of the curriculum is based around the PocketWizard equipment and the PW brand and products are well-regarded as well. So I will also be buying a MulitMAX and a TT5 so I can control 4 lights.

@dmward: I may get the AC3 after I learn how to use the lights effectively. I also have a 480EX that I will couple with my 580EX II for on-location shoots where the E640's are not feasible. Would you recommend selling the 480 for another 580, or are they pretty good together? I will be using a 5D Mk II in case that matters.

Get the MiniTT1 and AC3 it is much more powerful with the MC2 and the Einstein.
It will fire PW as standard triggers and let you control the Einsteins remotely.

Talk to someone at Pocket Wizard. I find it hard to believe there is any real benefit for the MultiMax as a trigger compared to the Mini.