POCKET WIZARD

alexam

alexam

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Malcolm
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I have been looking at the pocket wizard TT1 ad Flex TT5, which looks to be worth considering. However, in order for this equipment to be used efficiently, without interference, there is now a 'soft shield' sock to be used over the flash unit, which costs approx £25.

Does anyone know if the pocket wizard manufacturers are trying to correct the interference that their equipment suffers in the units themselves, without having to cover the units with a sock so that it works efficiently?

It also seems unfair that additional equipment (sock) has to be purchased for the units to work correctly. Any comments on this would be helpful :thumbs:
 
Thanks Christian,
I have read up on various comments and looked at the various videos, including the comparison of Radio Popper PX. My query was in any update since the launch of the sock. So what/where have you heard more that is different today?

............... just seen the following on PW site :-

The RF noise issue with Canon flashes has been a challenge for many PocketWizard users. To date, we’ve developed two solutions, the AC5 RF Soft Shield and the soon-to-be-released AC7 RF Hard Shield. Both of these work as physical barriers between the flash and the PocketWizard receiver. But both of these are additional “things” you need to deal with and most photographers want to deal with less, not more.
For those of you that identify with less, there is a third solution now available: internal modifications to your 580EX II Speedlite. It filters the RF noise closest to the source - on the inside. Once this service is performed, there is no need to use external shielding solutions. PocketWizard is not providing this service, but has solicited the help of some top repair centers to perform the work. It is not something anyone should try to do themselves as there are potentially lethal voltages present inside the flash.

One quote for the 580EXII was $120, so it's not low cost alteration. I don't think many will be interested as the problem seems to be with distant flash rather than the more usual 10-20 ft distance and the sock can cover longer distances.

It's just that looking at new equipment that needs additional screening, seems an afterthought by PW, even though the problems are caused by the flash units. I wonder if Canon are looking at this problem as well?
 
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probably just me - I am not keen about PW TT1/Flex, the prefalsh triggers off other lightcell flashes.TTL does come handy but IMO not missed much if without. you have to read light meter in multi light on location setup anyway.
I ended up with 5 PW instead - a mix of multi max and PW2+
 
Mike Jackson said:
I thought the interference issue was with the US frequencies not the UK ones.
Click to expand...

^^^ Looks to be the case. UK users on here are happy.

The problem is caused by PW's insistence on making the new triggers reverse compatible with the frequencies of their older versions. Seems like that was a mistake, given the problems they've had.

But there are solutions, even for US users. The various RF screens, or getting the flashes modded ($75 from Michael Bass Designs), or use the 430EXII which isn't affected.
 
Hi Mike,

as I understand it the RF from the Canon 580EXII is the problem. PW should have checked this out before launching the Flex TT5 and TT1, but they did not discover the problem until later. They have since produced the 'sock' to screen the RF, but that does look a bit Heath Robinson and is only an issue on longer distances. Apparently the 580 is OK at shorter distances

Not so good for a manufacture the size of PW and it must have spoilt some sales. However, the Radio Popper PX is saying that they have solved the problem, but their system looks a bit of a messy set up with all the sticky bits and velcro to add to the equipment, for a fairly high price.

I do like the idea of a instant set up and TTL with the PW, but am tempted to hold my breath in case an updated version is issued and if they sort it out, they have a winner..
 
I have used the TT1 and Flex units with 580EX 11 and 430EX11 with a 5DMk11 for quite a few months now without any issue that you mentioned.

These PW are a superb bit of kit, oh and also started using them on a Mamyia 645 early days but so far no issues here either.
 
Thanks Les,

wish you were a bit closer as I would love to get together with someone using this kit and have a chat about it. Very tempted to spend more dosh, but should hold back.
 
For sure, PW have made some blunders, but non-US users seem pretty well sorted now.

And Canon users are particularly well served with the unique benefits of HyperSync (your 7D will run to 1/400sec), optimised high speed sync (which Nikon users don't get), and optimsed second curtain sync. The AC3 zone controller is a nice bonus.

Lots of info here http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=7-9884-9903 and tests on the US frequency range problem/solutions here http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=7-10050-10598
 
Hi Richard,

thanks for the info. I have been reading up on this PW system a fair bit and it really looks great and incredibly simple to use TTL. I have so far just used the triggers that you also use. Have you tried the PW out at all? Can you PM a phone number for me to call you?

Malcolm
 
alexam said:
Hi Richard,

thanks for the info. I have been reading up on this PW system a fair bit and it really looks great and incredibly simple to use TTL. I have so far just used the triggers that you also use. Have you tried the PW out at all? Can you PM a phone number for me to call you?

Malcolm
Click to expand...

I don't own PWs Malcolm, so can't really say much more. I know a bit about them because I was thinking about getting a set, but the truth is I don't actually need them - I get by with the on-board Canon system and a handful of RF-602 triggers, cord etc. The other thing is that the benefits of HyperSync and optimised HSS are camera dependent and are minimal on my 5D2. If I had a 7D, it might be different.

Bottom line for me is, after inital misgivings, if I needed the unique cool stuff that the PWs can do, I wouldn't hesitate now :)
 
The UK one's do have radio interference noise problems but not quite as bad as the US one's which use a different frequency

my old 430EX was hopeless with the PW Mini's range was no more than 30ft which is appalling for such an expensive bit of kit

I sold my 430ex for the mk2 version and boy what a difference range is 300-400ft and they work real good
 
Thanks Chris,

nice to hear you are happy with the PW. My 580 EXii and 430EXii should be OK then
 
Like Richard says you can use really fast shutter speeds in High speed sync mode, used it only a couple of time both around 1/1250 sec.

They are an expensive purchase and you do right to check things out. If there is a company near you and I think there is in Birmingham - The Flash Centre you can hire them, won't cost a lot, a one day hire on a Friday gives you the weekend as well, think it costs around £30 but not 100% sure
 
Thanks Issey,

good idea. I will contact the Flash centre and try it out.
 
In my experience TFC are really useful, so they may let you try some of their hire ones out in the shop.
 
I have a TT1 and 2 TT5s with a 580ex2 and a 430ex2 with no problems. The interference issue only seems to be with the US frequency. I did a lot of research before investing my money in them and don't regret it.
 
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