{"id":670,"date":"2011-07-15T10:22:11","date_gmt":"2011-07-15T18:22:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.modd3d.com\/articles\/?p=670"},"modified":"2011-07-21T13:35:25","modified_gmt":"2011-07-21T21:35:25","slug":"pocketwizard-for-nikon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.modd3d.com\/articles\/item\/pocketwizard-for-nikon","title":{"rendered":"PocketWizard for Nikon"},"content":{"rendered":"

Most of the time, if I’m shooting with a flash, I’m using it off-camera.\u00a0 Up until now I’ve been using a PC cord, which limits how far you can get from the flash and likes to fall out all the time.\u00a0 For a bit I tried a super-cheap remote flash trigger made by some company with an unpronounceable name, but it only worked about half the time.\u00a0 Finally I quit screwing around and ordered some PocketWizards.\u00a0 I’ve had a chance to play around with them a little bit now, so I’ll give you my first impressions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"A<\/a><\/p>\n


\nWhat I Got<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
FlexTT5<\/strong>
\n 
\nTransmits and receives
\n 
\nExternal antenna
\n 
\nUses AA batteries
\n 
\n\"Buy<\/a><\/td>\n		\"PocketWizard<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
MiniTT1<\/strong>
\n 
\nTransmits only
\n 
\nInternal antenna
\n 
\nUses CR2450 coin cell
\n 
\n\"Buy<\/a><\/td>\n		\"PocketWizard<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
AC3<\/strong>
\n 
\nMounts on TT5 or TT1 hot shoe
\n 
\nManual controls for 3 zones
\n 
\n\"Buy<\/a><\/td>\n		\"PocketWizard<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

The ControlTL PocketWizards have several advanced features that are specific to either Nikon or Canon cameras and flashes, so they come in two flavors.\u00a0 I shoot with a D200, so the choice was obvious.\u00a0 Don’t worry about getting locked in, though.\u00a0 All of the models will work in “trigger only” mode (which is similar in function to the Plus II or MultiMAX) so they work with any camera system .<\/p>\n

I picked up 2 TT5s for use with my SB800 flashes, and a TT1 to stick on top of the camera.\u00a0 I also got the AC3 ZoneController because I usually control the power of all my flashes manually, and it gives me power knobs to turn right on the camera, as opposed to having to dig through menus or walk over to the flashes themselves.\u00a0 I think this may be the one feature that sold me on the system.\u00a0 The lighting designer in me is quite pleased.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Unboxing<\/strong><\/p>\n

As soon as you take the lid off the boxes, you are greeted by a big note that tells you to update the firmware on all the units first thing.\u00a0 It was pretty easy.\u00a0 You can download the Pocket Wizard Utility<\/a> for free from their site, and USB cables are included.<\/p>\n

Batteries are included as well.\u00a0 This is good.\u00a0 I hate getting a new toy, then having to hunt all over the house for batteries before I can play with it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

First Test<\/strong><\/p>\n

I put a TT5 and the AC3 on my camera, and put my flash on another one.\u00a0 I turned everything on, took a picture, and the flash fired.\u00a0 Wow, that was easy.<\/p>\n

\"PocketWizard<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On to the Advanced Stuff<\/strong><\/p>\n

Next I hooked one of the units up to my computer and started digging through the utility software.\u00a0 It was pretty boring until I checked the “Advanced Mode” box.<\/p>\n

\"PocketWizard<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HyperSync is a feature that forces your flash to fire a tad bit early, allowing you to shoot at faster-than-X-Sync shutter speeds.\u00a0 I do quite a bit of outdoor flash photography and am always looking for ways to outshine the sun, so I headed right for the HyperSync\/HSS tab to check it out.<\/p>\n

The basic idea is that you can adjust the offset timing so that you get the fastest shutter speed possible without the shutter cutting off the top or bottom of the frame (the D200 has a mechanical shutter).\u00a0 I went through the HyperSync timing adjustment procedure<\/a>, and came up with the following settings:<\/p>\n