Pocketwizards with my SB-800's?

Question

I have two Nikon SB-800's and wanted to shoot wireless. I know that I can use an SB-800 as a master and control output through my D300 command mode. The only thing is that it only works with my pop-up flash up. In some situations where the SB-800 is out of reach, the pop-up flash will not trigger flashes to go off. I wanted to know if I purchased a pocketwizard, would I have all the same advantages of controlling my SB-800's through my camera without using pop-up. I understand from the little that I have read that pocketwizards mount onto my D300's hotshoe. Does a pocketwizard transmitter come with a receiver to plug into the flash and if so which model? Do I need two pocket wizards or can I use one SB-800 with pocketwizard to control the second SB-800 wirelessly? I researched and many people say that the SU-800 is not as good as pocketwizards. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Your D300 uses a radio triggering scheme ... that is one of its strengths, since the remote flash does not have to be in the "line of sight" of the triggering device.

You need to call the Nikon 24/7/365 help line, 800.NIKON-UX and have them walk you through the set up.

The onboard flashes output can be reduced so it has no effect on your subject, but the radio signal will still trigger the remote flash units.

Sure you can use Pocket Wizards, but you will need a receiver for each SB800 ... a costly and unnecessary expense.