Pocketr Wizard, please clarify?

Trever1t · Oct 30, 2011

I understand what a transmitter, receiver and tranceiver is. What I'm not clear on is do I need to buy one of these Amazon.com: Pocket Wizard FlexTT5 Transceiver For Nikon TTL Flashes and Digital SLR Cameras: Camera & Photo for each remote strobe or ? Can someone clarify for me?

Is there a more affordable and as versatile system? I've been using Nikon's CLS and it works great so from what I understand radio is the way to go.

Kerbouchard · Oct 30, 2011

It depends, do you really need full TTL functionality? If not, you can go with a much cheaper setup like the Cactus V5's.

If you do want TTL, you can check out the Phottix Strato's. Phottix Strato 2.4 GHz Wire/Wireless 4 in 1 Trigger Set - Studio accessories

BlairWright · Oct 30, 2011

If you are using speedlights you need a TT5 for each light. Radiopopper is an alternative to Pocket Wizards but they are not cheap either.

CLS does work well under most conditions. The only issues I have found with CLS are triggering a backlight behind a model or trying to trigger outside in bright sunlight. The radios work 100% of the time and you can get your lights close while you are really far away, like using a 300 for portraits.

BlairWright · Oct 30, 2011

Good point about TTL Kerb.

Trever1t · Oct 30, 2011

Good stuff, thanks guys. The Phottix units are a hell of a lot cheaper than the PWs and receivers can be purchased individually. Cactus units are probably the direction I will go but are apparently on backorder.

dandingo · Oct 30, 2011

I use the cactus v5 duo with a cannon 430exii speed light. Works great. Never had a miss fire. The range is outstanding too. The only down side is you have to use your flash on manual. $59 for transmitter and reciever. They ship from Hong Kong so add an extra $30 for shipping.

Cactus Wireless Flash Transceiver V5 Duo - Gadget Infinity

Tee · Oct 30, 2011

I have a FlexMini and 2 TT5's that I use on my SB-600's. I got them in a bundle deal which is why I got it. I got tired of the unrealiability of triggering with my pop-up. I have had no problems with mis-fires and have been 100ft from the flash and it worked perfectly. The batteries for the Mini can be difficult to find so I ordered a 10 pack with my purchase. The TT5's use AA. Just follow the first time instructions and check for updated firmware and you're good to go. I get the impression Pocket Wizard learned a lot from their Canon version and the Nikon version seems to be better reviewed from what I've read.

pcdebb · Oct 30, 2011

boy am I glad I just read this thread. I was about to drop over $400 for the FlexMini/TT5 setup with PW. Looks like the Strato's will do what I'm looking for

cgipson1 · Oct 30, 2011

I love my pocket wizards! Never had a failure with them! I use them with my SU-800 for flash power control, and they rock!

The TTL works very well too... great to have if you are shooting fast moving subjects.

2WheelPhoto · Oct 31, 2011

cgipson1 said:
I love my pocket wizards! Never had a failure with them! I use them with my SU-800 for flash power control, and they rock!

The TTL works very well too... great to have if you are shooting fast moving subjects.

+1, I love my pocket wizards too.

2nd best was not an option for me, and the CLS was too unreliable at any distance or in bright light.

cgipson1 · Oct 31, 2011

has anyone here used the AC3 attachment that PW makes? If so, How does it compare to using the SU-800 for flash controls?

Trever1t · Oct 31, 2011

The PWs are ~$200ea. for transceivers but why is it necessary to have each unit a tranceiver when you only need a single transmitter and a number of receivers? Isn't that an unnecessary expense built into the units? Can receivers be purchased separately?

2WheelPhoto · Oct 31, 2011

Trever1t said:
The PWs are ~$200ea. for transceivers but why is it necessary to have each unit a tranceiver when you only need a single transmitter and a number of receivers? Isn't that an unnecessary expense built into the units? Can receivers be purchased separately?

One can go TX only.

I use the TT1 "transmitter only" on the camera, not for TTL but because its tiny and cheaper.

Kerbouchard · Oct 31, 2011

Trever1t said:
The PWs are ~$200ea. for transceivers but why is it necessary to have each unit a tranceiver when you only need a single transmitter and a number of receivers? Isn't that an unnecessary expense built into the units? Can receivers be purchased separately?

It's supposed to offer you more flexibility. If you are using a transmitter and multiple reciever set up, if your transmitter dies or runs out of batteries, you are hosed. With a transiever set up, you can keep going by using one less light. From a reliability and redundancy standpoint, it makes a lot of sense, especially if you are not worried about price.

2WheelPhoto · Oct 31, 2011

Kerbouchard said:
Trever1t said:

The PWs are ~$200ea. for transceivers but why is it necessary to have each unit a tranceiver when you only need a single transmitter and a number of receivers? Isn't that an unnecessary expense built into the units? Can receivers be purchased separately?

Click to expand...

It's supposed to offer you more flexibility. If you are using a transmitter and multiple reciever set up, if your transmitter dies or runs out of batteries, you are hosed. With a transiever set up, you can keep going by using one less light. From a reliability and redundancy standpoint, it makes a lot of sense, especially if you are not worried about price.

+1, my TX only is an extra for me. Also I here tell people use the TX/RX versions as remote camera triggers, although I haven't had a need to try that with my TT5 or Pocketwizard IIs yet.