Need some input as to which handheld radios to purchase. There are times when my wife and I are out shooting and get seperated and need to communicate.
We're open to suggestions/recommendations. Thankd
I use a pretty low price set of Motorola Talkabouts. Make sure you get a set that allows you to use ear pieces and microphones (the kind that you see Secret Service use). It allows for very unobtrusive communication. I use it in some large wedding / event work where I have a second photographer and/or assistant.
I give one to the DJ or event coordinator so they can tell me if something big is about to happen. I can also tell the other team members where I want them and what I want them to shoot, or if I need a piece of gear from our bags.
They only run about $75-80 for a pair. I picked up some older earbuds/mics on Ebay that work just fine as well.
I don't use them all the time but it beats having to run from the groom's room to the bride's room or look around for your colleagues.
I like the ones that take AA batteries since I always have a bunch of Powerex batteries around a shoot that I can use. They generally last all day on one set if you're not using them much. The range is great outside (if you're on two hilltops they're supposed to go 3 miles) but around a hotel or other semi-large venue they'll work fine.
Michael is right. The Motorola GMRS/FRS radios are built better. The are also available through Amazon. Search on Motorola GMRS 2 way radios, or Motorola Talkabout.
One note however, I have a couple of sets made by another manufacturer and have experienced short life on the rechargeable batteries.
rprouty wrote:
Need some input as to which handheld radios to purchase. There are times when my wife and I are out shooting and get seperated and need to communicate.
We're open to suggestions/recommendations. Thankd
Rod
I hear you brother... My wife and I do that on a regular basis and I don't think any radios would help.
Sorry, couldn't resist.
If it's just the two of you, what about just using bluetooth earpieces? Depending on your carrier, you probably wouldn't have to pay for airtime and the earpieces could be used other times as well. Just a thought......
There are some advantages to the licensed pro radios, but for the 99% case- the money you save can be better put elsewhere.
I have 4 Moto Talkaboutss, and have been a long time moto fan in the world of 2-way equipment. But my next set of radios will likely be a Maxon, Standard, Icom or Cobra. Why? They share the same 2 pin connector format for pro headset / earpieces / lapel mikes / helmets making those accessories easier to find.
The one pin three conductor moto talkabout jack is harder to find in the pro accessory market. The other advantage of the 2 pin is the slightly larger form-factor of the connector itself gives you something to gaffer tape down if necessary.
Motorola CP200's with lithium ion batteries are EXCELLENT. Also, consider the Temple Transducer headsets so you can use them in quiet environments (or loud) environments...
