Pocket Wizard vs MicroSync

[captlen]

I am going to be purchasing a radio trigger system for my studio lights. Does anyone have feed back, pros and cons, on the pocket wizard vs the smaller microsync?

[Blinky]

When I went shopping for a radio slave to use in my studio, essentially a PC cord replacement, I looked at the Microsync. I didn't look at PWs because I just didn't need all that range and control.
The Microsync is a nice compact design but at $300US for a single setup, I couldn't justify the cost against the Chinese YHDC-B variety on eBay. They are functionally identical (going by the specs).

I bought a YHDC-B for about $60 (the unit was about $30, the shipping was like $25—but that's another story). I haven't regretted it. The design is clunky compared to the Microsync but it hasn't been a handicap. The receiver uses (2) AAs and the Transmitter uses a 23A, it's good to have spares.

If asthetics are worth $250 to you, get the Microsync. If you need range outside of 75' or remote control of PW compatible strobe equipment, get PW... if you just want to ditch that stinking PC cord, get a YHCD-B.

That's just my opinion anyway. If I had money to burn I'd by PWs.

Chip

[JohnC]

I have never tried the MicroSync, so can't comment about it directly. But I have both a set of PocketWizard MultiMax units and two of the "ebay" triggers (one AC powered the other battery powered). For firing strobes in a studio enviroment I really don't have a preference between the three. The $30 triggers work fine and I've never had them fail (though I had to replace the battery in one of the transmitters once).

The Pocket Wizard gives a lot more options (multi channel, longer range, delayed flash, camera control, built into some strobes/meters etc.). But is often over-kill if you just need to fire a strobe that is within 70 feet or so of your camera.

[adenpro]

MicroSyncs do the job well if you are not looking for any bells or whistles. Not as much range as PWs but for the size, cost and battery life - it's a bargain. I shoot mostly in a studio (which is a converted barn) and have rarely had any range or mis-fire issues.

[NFG]

I have a set of microsyncs (1 tx, 2 rx) that I use exclusively outdoors, and they've never failed me. Had some issues with an errant blob of solder when I got it, but I think it's probably a rarity (and it wasn't hard to fix).

I'd buy them again if I was faced with that choice.

[kgphoto]

Do you shoot on location professionally? If so, get the PW. Otherwise, especially in your own studio, the cheapies work fine. Heck, one radio and the rest "peanuts" work even better.

[Nikonfreak]

I use the PW pretty much exclusively. They're pricier, but I've never found anything better when working on location IMO.

In house, it wouldn't matter much at all so long as they're reliable. The Micros work fine.

Julio

[highbarger]

I purchased an inexpensive set from B&H that I'm happy with so far... there is only one battery to deal with as the receiver plugs in line with the monolight's power cord. Craig

[rastarocket]

I have these

Gadget Infinity :: Digital Camera :: Flash Trigger :: 4-Channel Wireless Flash Trigger V2

They work very nice. fo in home stuff. havent tried to max out the range yet but they workked fine at 30ft.

The only problem ihave had with them is there a little slow when i go up to my cameras max sync speed there will some times be a little black bar on the very bottom of the frame. doesnt happen all the time though

there very cheap too. i ve been thinking of moving up to pocket wizards soon i just cant decide

[Brooks]

Buy the pocketwizards once and you'll never regret it. I've used the older Pocketwizard II's for over 6 years and they fire every time and at any distance you could want. They work just as well outside in bright light as they do in the studio. I regularly have them on 8 hours a day and the batteries last for weeks, if not months, at a time. There's a reason Pocketwizards are the standard in the industry.

[felix.reichardt]

Originally Posted by highbarger

I purchased an inexpensive set from B&H that I'm happy with so far... there is only one battery to deal with as the receiver plugs in line with the monolight's power cord. Craig

Second this. I have similar 4 channel one. I was really sceptical about the quality but they work really well so far. I got a set of 3 for all my studio lights. Disadvantage is that you cannot setup each of them on a different channel and fire them seperately AND as groups (all together). That's what the better and more expensive units can do.

[Gbee]

A third vote ....

Very neat and more capable than expected for the price etc. A bit delicate though and I have some units taped together. Once the batteries go in the lids won't close on two of them, in my case.

Functionally, they work and with about 30m outdoors too, no obstructions, will fire behind walls even at closer range ~ overall, well pleased.

Originally Posted by felix.reichardt

Second this. I have similar 4 channel one. I was really sceptical about the quality but they work really well so far. I got a set of 3 for all my studio lights. Disadvantage is that you cannot setup each of them on a different channel and fire them seperately AND as groups (all together). That's what the better and more expensive units can do.

[deluco]

Also take a look at the Alien Bee's radio slaves at $40 per unit

AlienBees: Remote Controls, Wired and Wireless Remotes for your Flash Units

A friend of mine has them and they work fine.