Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)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 SekonicL-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.
Click Here to see more reviews about:
PocketWizard PWP-TR 801-125 PLUS II Transceiver (Black)Product Description: The PocketWizard Plus II transceiver system does more than cut the cord. The PocketWizard Plus II can wirelessly trigger lights and/or cameras within a range of 1600 feet of the transceiver. Utilizing advanced wireless technologies, four 16-bit, digitally-coded channels are available for selective firing of lights, or when working in 'crowded' environments. If speed is a concern, images can be captured at a rate of up to 12 frames-per-second, which outpaces most currently-available cameras, pro or otherwise. Ultra-fast microprocessors allow for top sync speeds of 1/250th-second for focal-plane shutters and 1/500th for leaf shutters.The PocketWizard Plus II is compact, with a short, unobtrusive, rubberized antenna. The total height of the transceiver and antenna is less than 6.5", and it weighs in at 6oz including the batteries. To ensure a secure fit to your camera or bracket, the Plus II features sturdy locking rings for hot shoes. Power is supplied by 2 AA batteries, which are good for about 60 hours of playtime. An optional AC adapter allows for continuous, unlimited shoot time.
Get 23% OFF
Want to read more honest consumer review about PocketWizard PWP-TR 801-125 PLUS II Transceiver (Black) now ?
