Pocket Wizard vs. Alien Bee/White Lightning Remote Controls

[Latinbob]

I am thinking about getting a wireless setup for my AB-400s. Has anybody used the remote controls that Alien Bee/White Lightning sells? I'm wondering if they are the better solution than the Pocket Wizards. They are about the same price. Any experience with either system? I'll be using them with a Nikon D70.

Bob

[dlew308]

Or you can try out the 4 or 16ch remote sets off ebay.

[Eldor]

The wireless Alien Bee/White Lightning remotes are not compatible with anything. There's no way to hook them to Pocket Wizards. And while you may not want to do that today, who knows about tomorrow?

I suggest instead their wired remote control which comes with 4 x 25' telephone cables and that allows you to control up to four lights completely... power and on/off/proportional modeling lights. And that wired remote DOES indeed work very well with Pocket Wizards.

If you have a Sekonic flash meter, for most models you can get a PW-compatible ratio module, so with a PW receiver connected to the AB wired remote, you can wirelessly take your flash meter readings and adjust your lights. And with the PW transmitter on your camera, you would be able to walk around the studio wirelessly. It all really works like a charm.

Very few other companies/products match this flexibility.

Cheers

[Latinbob]

Thanks for the replies so far. I meant to compare the two systems, not hook them together. Both systems are kind of big and clunky, and I am a little hesitant to get the cheap ones of eBay.

How about other wireless systems in general? Anybody using them with Alien Bees?

[Eldor]

I guess my reply wasn't clear enough... There is NOTHING else that compares with the functionality, reliablity, flexibilitiy and ease of use for Alien Bees than the COMBINATION of the AB wired remote hooked up with a Pocket Wizard system. Nothing.

[Mr. Pickles]

That is more clear. A definitive answer, with the technical detailed explanation. Good thread.

[Latinbob]

What's the name of those other wireless transmitters you were telling me about yesterday, Mr. Pickles? I always forget the name of those. The little bitty ones.

[Mr. Pickles]

Microsyncs
http://www.microsyncdigital.com/index.cfm

Wonder if anybody here has used them with the Alien Bees? They are a LOT smaller than the Pocket Wizards, cost less, and batteries last a LOT longer too. Draw back might be the range (100ft vs 300ft or something), but then again, how far are ya gonna be from them?

[Eldor]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

Draw back might be the range (100ft vs 300ft or something), but then again, how far are ya gonna be from them?

And the fact that they're not Pocket Wizard compatible. PW's are really the standard. And you can get a PW-compatible radio module in many Sekonic light meter models which then makes it possible to wirelessly trigger your lights from the meter when taking flash readings. That's a wonderful convenience in my opinion.

Another thing I don't see addressed and which may or may not be an issue is the sync speed that the radio system is capable of. For example, I didn't know until very recently that one of the improvements in the NEW Hensel radio control system (not shipping yet) will be faster sync speed. The current model is supposedly only capable of 1/160th (or 1/200th - I forget) and the new one will be capable of up to 1/250th. Of course the camera needs to be able to support that speed also, but it was news to me that the type of radio system used can affect this also. This is less of an issue for studio work but becomes more important outdoors when trying to overpower the sun.

In any case, I would STILL recomment the Alien Bee WIRED remote control, in CONJUNCTION with the wireless remote of your choice (preferably Pocket Wizards). The radio remotes cannot adjust power output of the lights or control the modeling lights. And if not wanting to climb a ladder to adjust a hair light appeals to you (as it does to me) then this makes a terrific combination. Lights can be adjusted from one central convenient location, yet meter readings and photos can be taken without wires tying you down.

Cheers!

Eldor

[Mr. Pickles]

Interesting. I learned yesterday about the sync speed deal. I understand the Sekonic advantage.

Anyway, since I don't have any AB's yet, this is good info for me. Back to the wired remote, each AB needs one, correct? And where do you put the remote? Do you leave it by the strobes, or run it (them) over to your camera position?

[Latinbob]

The AB remote controls four lights. You connect to them with a phone cord type cable.

[Mr. Pickles]

So the possible four strobes all have a cable running to the remote? Then I guess the remote is by the camera position, so thanks for getting me to have that figgered out.

I see the possible advantage of the remote use, but all these cables kind of defeats some the purpose of wireless, doesn't it?

[Eldor]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

So the possible four strobes all have a cable running to the remote? Then I guess the remote is by the camera position, so thanks for getting me to have that figgered out.

I see the possible advantage of the remote use, but all these cables kind of defeats some the purpose of wireless, doesn't it?

Not at all. The real issues are that you don't want to have to climb a ladder to adjust a hair light, and you also want to be able to move around the studio freely with your camera (and meter). It's really not a problem to have a convenient central location from which you can adjust the lights and that's where you place the wired controller. And yes, one controller can control up to four lights.

[Latinbob]

Thanks for the replies Eldor and Mr. Pickles.

My Sekonic meter doesn't have the ability to hook to the Pocket Wizards (its a L-308B), so that takes away a little of the advantage from the PWs. The sync speed does concern me somewhat, but I don't know how much of an issue that really is. Adjusting shutter speeds doesn't seem to do anything in the studio. And my "Studio" is my living room, so I don't need to climb on anything to adjust the lights. I just want to get rid of the cords.

I would agree 100% on your recommendation, Eldor, if I had a real studio. Thanks for all the information though, it has given me a lot to consider.

[Latinbob]

OK... I think I have just about decided on the Pocket Wizards. The flash sync issue is the big decider for me. My camera doesn's sync at exactly 1/180, and my meter doesn't have a 1/180 setting, so it would be a kludge to use the MicroSyncs, even though they are a lot smaller. 1/250 works well for me with all devices.

Norman Camera has the Pocket Wizards for the same price as the MicroSyncs, so the price difference is zero. Anyone have any experience with Norman Camera? They are $50 cheaper than B&H, and they get good reviews on Reseller Ratings.

[captlen]

I recently purchased the Micro sync and so far I have been very happy with it. The transmitter is small and easily slides of the camera and can easily be used trigger the lights when checking meter reader readings.* I do like the fact that is is very low profile when compared to the Pocket wizard.* If you do not need the range 300ft vs 100ft. I would pick this over the PW.

[Eldor]

Originally Posted by captlen

I recently purchased the Micro sync and so far I have been very happy with it. The transmitter is small and easily slides of the camera and can easily be used trigger the lights when checking meter reader readings. I do like the fact that is is very low profile when compared to the Pocket wizard. If you do not need the range 300ft vs 100ft. I would pick this over the PW.

Two questions: What is the highest sync speed your Microsync is capable of using? Also (guess this isn't really a question) I guess you've never experienced the convenience of being able to take wireless flash meter readings using the PW-compatible radio module in Sekonic meters. It just makes like so easy. That's one thing that I personally don't want to give up.