pocketwizard v ST-E2

[Mr G]

I have the canon ST-E2 infrared system, 580 ex11 and a 430 ex11 off which I am reasonably happy with..I have just recently looked at the PocketWizard MiniTT1 Transmitter and two FlexTT5 Transceivers...I am assuming this will work in unison with my 2 flashes that I have ...I know some of the advantages but just wondering if the cost (expensive) is worth the change ..
I am sure there is a few that have the system

 

[Tugster]

I have the canon ST-E2 infrared system, 580 ex11 and a 430 ex11 off which I am reasonably happy with..I have just recently looked at the PocketWizard MiniTT1 Transmitter and two FlexTT5 Transceivers...I am assuming this will work in unison with my 2 flashes that I have ...I know some of the advantages but just wondering if the cost (expensive) is worth the change ..
I am sure there is a few that have the system

Im also looking at the tt1/tt5 combination, I will be monitoring this thread closely for any advice from owners of the tt1/tt5 combination..

There are a few videos online explaining their use and they sound like something that would be of use to me.

Time will tell. Im not selling my PW Plus II'S just yet though

 

[HoppyUK]

I have the canon ST-E2 infrared system, 580 ex11 and a 430 ex11 off which I am reasonably happy with..I have just recently looked at the PocketWizard MiniTT1 Transmitter and two FlexTT5 Transceivers...I am assuming this will work in unison with my 2 flashes that I have ...I know some of the advantages but just wondering if the cost (expensive) is worth the change ..
I am sure there is a few that have the system

PW Flex is a brilliant concept, but they have not been immune from teething problems, mainly RF interference on the US frequency versions severely affecting range. That seems to be sorted now, one way or another, but everything you need to know is on www.robgalbraith.com

The question is really, what do you want to do that you can't do now? Basically they are radio versions of the ST-E2, so have (potentially) massive range, and their HyperSync and Optimised High Speed Sync features are unique and pretty cool.

Also look at Radio Popper (no HyperSync or OHSS) and also check out the Yongnuo ST-E2 clone which looks very promising on paper and is much cheaper.

Edit: forgot to say, PWs also do remote E-TTL second-curtain sync which is not possible with any other control system.

 

[Denis99]

Thought I'd share my experiences with you about the TT1 & TT5.

I've got to say that I'm very pleased with them overall, but there's a bit of a learning curve involved with them.

I had a bit of a bad start with them initially, straight out of the box one of the units (turned out to be the TT5) was faulty. Rang Damien Lovegrove who I bought them off, and was promised that someone from PW UK service would ring me within the hour - and they did.

They offered me advice to try and resolve, but I had tried all the possible solutions from online help etc.

Return TT1 and TT5 to PW UK - they found that the TT5 was faulty from the box - well it does happen, and the customer service was very good, and a new TT5 was sent to me.

~~

So now they work like they should - excellent.

I've played with them in both Manual and ETTL and since bought the AC3, which I would highly recommend , whether you use Manual or ETTL.

I prefer to use them in Manual and use the Sekonic L358 to calculate the flash exposure settings.

In Manual - if you select a shutter speed of say, 1/500th then the PW's automatically select HSS without you having to do anything.

Using the AC3 allows you to review your images and make minor adjustments on the fly (based on your LCD review etc).

ETTL works, but I just find that the exposure is inconsistent (nothing to do with the performance of the PW's), so tend to stick to manual most of the time.

~~

I did have a pair of RF 602's which forum members recommended to me, and it was useful - as this confirmed that I did want to carryon with off camera flash.

The whole set up is expensive - but I do think it has made OCF easier , even if it means learning a bit of new technology.

I'm reasonable sure that I understand how it works now, after some frustrating moments.

 

[Mr G]

The question is really, what do you want to do that you can't do now? Basically they are radio versions of the ST-E2, so have (potentially) massive range, and their HyperSync and Optimised High Speed Sync features are unique and pretty cool.

Exactly that Hoppy if you aint in view of the infrared on the ST-E2 then it wont fire which has caught me out a couple of times...
Thanks for the link will have a look later...

Thanks also Dennis for sharing your experience with them sounds like you are liking them..
Just wish they were a bit cheaper it looks like its gonna cost just over £500

 

[Denis99]

Yep, cheap they are not.

I imagine the price will come down over time though - might fall in say 6 months, can't see them ever being very cheap to purchase though.

It will get quite expensive the more flashes you add as well.

A flash (580 EX II) + TT5 for every flash, and in my case some reasonable battery power to make them recycle a bit quicker.

Trying to stay with one OCF for the moment - good if you have friends with the same manufacturer though - I have a friend with Canon gear similar to mine and it works well for both of us, without too much expense.