mattlowery

<p>Hi - I would also recommend the Photek Softlighter II for a fast and portable solution.<br>

<br>

However, Creative Light has very decent softboxes that are also very affordable. They also have nice umbrellas, including one with a diffuser similar to the Photek product. Again, very affordable.</p>

<p>Ex: <a href="http://www.adorama.com/CRL100812.html">http://www.adorama.com/CRL100812.html</a></p>

<p>Creative Light also makes decent speed rings.</p>

<p>Also, no intended offense to <a href="http://www.photo.net/photodb/user?user_id=1825795">Phillip Marco Vallentin</a>. If I could go back and edit my post, I would write "no experience <em>with the product</em>." I'm sure he has <em >plenty</em> of experience.</p>

<p>Example</p><div></div>

<p>Adam -<br />I hope you will think twice before following grossly biased opinion based on no experience. That is really very annoying.</p>

<p>I use Profoto packs/heads as well as the new D1 monoblocs. My experience with the D1 units has been nothing but stellar and they definitely stand up to the Profoto reputation. Profoto knows what they are doing. An Elinchrom head is a nice thing, but you are not wasting your money with Profoto.</p>

<p>I rarely use the D1 standard (flat) glass, but I can tell you that with only the flat glass the units are compatible with zoom reflectors, softlight reflectors, and especially umbrellas. However, except for the umbrella case, I believe they work best with the optional glass dome mentioned above.</p>

<p>The domes produce gorgeous and even light in all of my softboxes. They also work very well with zoom reflectors. I have noticed a slightly reduced zoom range compared to a D4 head, but it has never caused an issue for me.</p>

<p>The seven stop range is great, as are the 300 w modeling lamps. The output and color consistency are good enough for product work on film, imo.</p>

<p>As to your original question...</p>

<p>I am using both PocketWizards and Air transceivers together in a hybrid setup for most situations because I REALLY like radio triggering from my meter. I found a flash shoe with a 1/4" screw mount and mounted that to a spare PocketWizard so that the Air remote attaches to it, with a short 1/8" cable between them. This can be kept handy or turned on and set aside - all it does is copy PocketWizard triggers to the Air side. You can then A) put a PocketWizard on your camera and trigger both PocketWizard and Air devices together (D1's mixed with a D4 pack or ComPacts) –or- B) put another Air transceiver on your camera and trigger Air devices but have the option to use PocketWizard meters, etc.</p>

<p>I have found that where I can sync using Air at 1/250 sec. with a DSLR, I need to slow down to 1/200 sec. when shooting through PocketWizard to Air. This means than mixed devices might be slightly out of sync, so be aware of that...generally it shouldn't be a problem.</p>

<p>I am starting to shoot product and still life on a 4x5 camera with my D1’s and they are superb lights that beyond just portraiture and location apps.</p>

<p>Hope this helps! If too late for you, someone else then. cheers</p>