Difference between Sekonic 558R, 758, 758D, 758DR...??

[engelfoto]

Hello all, have a basic question for those of you familiar with the 558 and 758light meters...

I am trying to make the decision between them and would like to hear if some folks have a preference, or know of a situation in which one would be way better than the other.

For example, Sekonic describes the 558R as:

Radio Transmitter Built-in Wireless triggering and measuring of flash up to 100 ft. away.

While the 758DR is:

Wireless Selective Quad-Triggering Wireless triggering and measuring of flash up to 100 ft. away (PocketWizard compatible)

Does this mean the 558 is not Pocket Wizard compatible? What is the difference between the 558R having "built in radio transmitter" and the 758DR being having "wireless selective quad-triggering". Do I have to buy extra stuff to make it actually wireless?

This is just one area where the descriptions appear different.

Does anybody have the real skinny?

Let's hear your thoughts on this and other things that are different between the two.

 

[fwp]

I don't know what "quad triggering" is but I do know that the 558 I have does work with my pocket wizards.

 

[cmichael]

The complete user manuals are on the Sekonic web site. Here are the links for the 558R and 758DR, this will probably have the information you are looking for.

I just received my 558R from Dead Link Removedthis week. They had the cheapest price that I could find ($399). There is an error on their website, if you add it to your cart the price goes up to $459. I called them and they gave me the $399 price. It is a very nice meter. I do not have a pocket wizard receiver, so I can not comment on that topic.

 

[John Koehrer]

Not having used the 700 series, could it be that it allows you to select specific flash units to fire?

 

[nate_ross]

I have a 558. The "R" only means it comes with the pocketwizard module, which I got for mine anyway, for $20.

I can turn lights "on and off" from my meter, so if i want to meter the background light without the main and fill firing, I can do that. Look at an image of the 558, and you'll see the buttons on the front have a, b, c, and d markings on them. That's what those letters mean.

Only reason I can see to buy the 758 is if you are really anal about dynamic range. I'm sure it works, and like anything else sekonic makes, works very well, but I don't feel the need at all to upgrade to the 758. Though if I didn't have a meter at all, I'd at least consider it.