mixed brand question

[arcanej]

I'm planning on building a home studio. I have to 2x 600EX-RT and one ST-E3-RT. I'd like to get at least one Einstein E640. In terms of controlling the strobes, is it better to stick with a whole Paul C. Buff line-up and buy 2 Einsteins and the Cyber Commander? Would I lose any functionality if I control the rig with a Pocket Wizard instead?

 

[Loswr]

I've got one Einstein, three 600EX-RTs and an ST-E3-RT, plus a PW MiniTT1, two FlexTT5s and a PowerMC2 for the Einstein.

PW's are pretty expensive, but they've worked well for me. I do like the rapid control over output you get with the AC3. But the Canon RT system is easy to use, and very reliable.

If I want to use a big modifier (48" octabox), I use the Einstein. I have Lastolite boxes for the Speedlites (two 24" Ezyboxes and a 12x48" stripbox).

There are a couple of ways to blend the systems. The Einstein has a built in optical slave trigger, so as long as you're using the Speedlites in manual (no E-TTL pre flash), that works. It's also possible to put the ST-E3 atop the MiniTT1, triggering the Einstein's PowerMC2 with PW RF and the 600s with Canon RF.

 

[arcanej]

Thank you for the detailed explanation! I think I will go the PW route based on the flexibility.