Radio Slave Triggers - PocketWizard Review - Part 1
If you remember a while ago, I was full of pain about my crappy you-get-what-you-pay-for radio slaves. When they worked, it was a match made in heaven. Sadly, they did not always work.
Long story short. I made a change. In this two posts series, I will first detail how and why I came to select Pocketwizard as my radio system and then share my first impressions after using it for more than a month.
What Matters When Selecting a Radio System?
I set out to get a set of new remotes which will not fail me at critical missions. I decided on the following criteria as selection tool. Now those are very specific to my needs so you may want to give different weights or add/cross some items to/from that list.
1. Reliability - This is trivial, however worth mentioning. I mean no point in spending any money is I will still have to fight the same issues as I had with the "cheap triggers. It has to be 100% reliable.
2. Backup - It is important to me to have a backup in case something fails. This allows me to keep shooting and not lose a mission. Of course, the easiest way to back up is have duplicate an entire set, however, I am leaning towards one of the systems that uses transceivers (PW, Atlas). This way I only need 3 units to assure I have proper backup. (otherwise, I'll need 4 units - 2 transmitters, and 2 receivers).
3. Price - I am just starting on my pro career, the blog is providing some income, yet it is not like my pockets are endless. I would need to find a good sweetspot where I am getting satisfactory results on one hand, yet not investing more that I need to on the other. I will need 1 transmitter and 2 receivers (not including backups) so unit price is definitely in the calculations.
4. Range - Currently, I mostly photograph studio and on location portraits. So I don't feel range is very critical With current jobs (and what seems like most future jobs) anything at 50 meters and beyond will do.
5. TTL/ Advanced functions - I mostly work with manual hotshoe flashes outdoors (I side with David Hobby on the Hobby--McNally range). And just recently started using second hand kinda-old profoto monoblocks too. The only time I used TTL till now was when the Slaves did a no-pop on me and I needed some way to pop my SB800 without adding light from my on camera flash. (Only later I learned that the D300 has a master mode where you can control the flash "manually"). So TTL is really no biggie for me.
I did a lot of questioning and spec diving before selecting a new slave system, however, if you are planning to buy bases on this analysis, keep in mind that most of it was internet and specs reading. Only the winning pocket wizards actually got any hands on experience. Also, I only included the models which I thought of buying. I am sure that there are at least a hundred more.
So, What Are The Options?
Burned with my previous triggers, I only went for the mid to high end while doing my analysis. I am sure that there are reasonable to great options on a lower budget, but I wanted something with track record and a name behind it.
The TTL Warship - FlexTT5/MiniTT1 Pocketwizards ($229/$199) - sadly those are not available for Nikon yet, so I did not even consider them. Yet they are here for the comparison. If I shot cannon, I would have needed 2 FlexTT5 and 1 MiniTT1 to be properly backed up (a total of $657).
The range is about 240 meters. I don't really list having TTL at high priority, so no extra points for that. If I shot Canon...
The Potent TTL Underdog - Radio Popper - As far as I know those were the first TTL-enabled radio slaves. The relevant kit for me was the JrX kit that enables to control the flash power from the camera. This is a nice and useful feature. For me this is better than TTL.
I would need two full JrX kits - two receivers and two transmitters ($318). The range is about 100 meters to 600 meters depending on conditions. good enough.
The Never Discussed - Elinchrom Skyport SPEED - I've seen it in action and loved it. It is small and sweet. The price tag is nice too - $242.95 for a 2Rx/1Tx set (I would need an extra Tx unit to be covered - a total of $335.45).
They have 60m range indoors. Those are the only type that has an external tiltable antenna, it feels stronger than it looks, so I am not concerned there.
The very good look-alike - Phottix Atlas - not much to say it is an extremely well build (or so the rumors say) dup of the PocketWizard it can host a flash on the camera unit. And three sell for $356.14. Nice.
Sadly those were not available when I made my choice. Since they are compatible with PWs, but two thirds cheaper, they would have been my first choice.
Lastly, my choice - The Classic - Pocket Wizard II Transceiver - Those were definitely not the cheapest option. But, they have a very solid track record for being 100 reliable.
The system is "transceiver based" so each unit can functions as either transmitter or reviver - that means I needed three units which will set me back 507 big ones.
Conclusion
As you probably know by now,0I went with the PWs. There were not the cheapest option. (and definitely not the cheapest if you buy 3, which I needed).
If I had not gone through the nightmare I had with the previous cheaper slaves,
I may have selected the JrXs. It was a hard race between the price/features on the Jrx side Vs. years of solidness on the PW side. Solid won.
It was not easy for me to depart with half a grand, but the more I shoot, the more I understand that eventually you buy the good stuff. So if you can afford it you may as well get it first, and forgo the middle range step.
In the next post, I'll share my impressions on the units (which are not surprisingly quite good).
If you have any experience with those triggers, sound off on the comments.
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Comments
RF602s
Thanks for the write-up, its nice to see all the higher end options in one place.
On the lower budget side, i use a set of RF602s from YN, and they are very very reliable, worked me through quite a few scenarios with no misfires on their part, at decent ranges too :)
I also work in a sort of wireless black hole, where my Tv remote, wireless internet cellphone, etc all fail miserably and lose signal constantly. The RF602s are the only ones that don't.
Darn cheap too!
The kink is the annoying CR2 battery in the Tx, and that you need a toothpick to change channels.
RE: RF602s
I'm gonna second Laurian on this one. I've had two other breeds of YN triggers, and so far the 602s have not had one single misfire (either a pop due to radio noise or a non-poop when i took a shot). I wish the receivers still had an angling swivel on them (great for getting your flash almost entirely on the umbrella's axis) like the older models, but I'll take these (so far) 100% reliable triggers any day. Good range too, more than I'll likely ever need.
Previous YN triggers have been disappointments, to say the least, and some of the other models they have are quoted to work for only something like 6 meters, which is terrible. The 602s, though, are working out very nicely.
I'll keep using Ebay
I'll keep using Ebay triggers. Ten bucks a piece and three of the four I have have survived not only 65,000+ shutter fires but my lazy, punk rock packing style. Pocket Wizards are 100% total marketing. It's hundred year old technology. You could hack one together for two bucks at Radio Shack if you had the skills. It's a two dollar black box that sends a dumb radio signal to another two dollar black box. Unless it was made on Mars and exported there is ZERO justification for the price other than that they've figured out what the market will bear.
Cheap Triggers
I've been extremely happy with my Cowboystudio (find them on Amazon or google for their website) wireless triggers. Enough so that I can't wait to get a second receiver so I can fire multiple flashes. They cheap, but they just plain work. the ONLY time I've had issues with them not firing is when the batteries were dead (for some reason, I don't think PocketWizards can even fire with dead batteries lol) ...
Of course, these don't have any of the more "fancy" options like power control, TTL, etc ... they fire flashes remotely and that's it ... but they do a darn good job at it ... their customer service is friendly and great, too (I had an issue with an umbrella I bought with them, and they replaced it quickly ... without even asking for the old one back!). My only complaint is that I wish the receiver was a little smaller, but they have other lines of transmitters/receivers that have come out since I purchased mine. If you use a sync cable from the receiver to flash, it's a moot issue anyway (unfortunately, my Sigma flash can only be triggered via optical or hotshoe)
Alien Bees CyberSync
I have a set of the Alien Bees CyberSync trigger. I have never had a single misfire in the entire time I've owned them. I actually have access to use PocketWizzards as much as I want through my school, and have tried them. I don't use them though, they're just way to big on the camera end. It makes it much harder to communicate with my subjects/models when I'm doing portraiture.
Money compleatly aside, I would still choose the AlienBees. I think they are a better product.
---Alexander Moore
http://AMooreMedia.com
RF602
I got the RF602's and they work great I have 2 transmitters and 5 receivers. Just incase I need a back or the batteries died cause I forgot to turn it off, which has happened once =). Overall a good set and I am really happy with them. Yeah the one thing to nit pick is changing the channels ar RY posted you need a toothpick to move them.
Paul C Buff Cyber Commander
I use The Cyber Commander from Paul C Buff, knowing full well that my next piece of major kit will be a trio of Einstein strobes. I've been using the Cyber Commander for months with my SB-800, 600, and 80DX with great success. The initial setup seems hard, but isn't, and the real sweet deal will be when I can control up to 16 studio lights independently from the camera.
The range is great; see youtube for proof but I've never maxed them out myself. The price is supurb for 100% reliability and having a graphical display sitting atop the camera is far better than trying to memorize all the settings for your lights. (Also it looks impressive.)
As mentioned, this is a "grow-into" piece of my kit since I can't control the power of my current strobes, but with that being said, they still do everything PocketWizards will do in a day's work, and it was far cheaper. Check them out before your 14 return period is expired :-)
Can you control flash power
Can you control flash power of your speedlights with the commander?
Not speedlights
You can't control speedlights, for these it only works like any other radio trigger. It's still awesome though and the other thing I forgot to mention is it's 2AAs for the receiver and 2 AAAs for the transmitter. No hard-to-find/expensive batteries.
re: all kinds of triggers
@Laurian, RY, Wilson,Greg Thanks for the 602 tip, this may be true. But, being the kinda guy that I am it is hard for me to go for low end again after having a bad experience.
@Jesse, I keep seeing those cowboy studio being all over the place with all kinds of photography related accessories. mainly backdrops, swivels and stands, it is good to know that they manage to be cheap, quality and have god customer service (usually it is 2 out of three :) will definitely consider them for upcoming purchases.
@Alexander, Theorem I love Paul C Buff things. Sadly only from hearing about them. he has no distributor where I live. Probably a good option for US folks though.
@UDIJW You've seen this site?
@UDIJW You've seen this site? http://paulcbuff.eu.com/
Also, was 2.4Ghz frequency not a factor in your choice? It's the "new" digital international standard and from my experience in RC hobby a huge leap forward from the old wireless communication.
If I recall correctly the Cowboystudio ones are actually just rebranded eBay ones from Asia. I see Cowboystudio call theirs the NPT-04 as opposed to PT-04, I haven't been able to find any real differences between them apart from looks/logo though.
Btw, here is a hands-on review of 3 different systems: http://commercialprphotographer.blogspot.com/2010/05/wireless-trigger-re...
AU site
Hi Chris,
Sadly with the elevated price (compared to US ) + all the additional shipping, taxes and other costs, that would have been way way too much for me, sometime I just wish I lived in the US.
I've got Radio Popper JRX's.
I've got Radio Popper JRX's. Occasionally the transmitter seems to get out of sync with the receiver. I've found that I usually have to remove the battery and put it back in to get it to work again. Based on that I won't say the Radio Popper JRX's are 100% reliable, but they haven't really burned me, just frustrated me on occasion.
freewire?
Any reason the Quantum products were not considered?
Thanks to everyone for their experiences!
transmitter/hot shoe?
Has anyone run across a (cheapie preferred) set that puts the transmitter between the camera hotshoe and the speedlight? (Canon user)
Mini TT1
I bought one of the Mini TT1 units because I was going for a higher sync speed. I like it but have two issues with it. The biggie is that it has expensive non rechargable batteries and then there is the fact I haven't figured out how to have it go into a sleep mode. My son tends to forget to turn it off and when I go to use it the battery is dead. If I had to do it over again I'd stick with PWIIs.
Radio Poppers JrX
They are the best for the price!
I have not been disappointed & they have never failed me.
A friend & I tested them he walked about 2 blocks & they were still popping with no problem the flash went off everytime and there are plenty of trees & houses in the way.
Hands down I'm glad I chose them.
Another upside is they use normal CR123A batteries you can get @ any store if you need to.
You won't be sorry either.
Morris Co.
I purchased the Morris Co. transmitter and receivers because I couldn't justify the PW's at purchase time, (not much income at the time). I haven't had the need to trigger anything from 100's of feet away (yet), and they have not failed me once. Surprisingly, I have not heard of anyone else owning these and there is not much information on them. I guess you don't need much when all you do is turn them on and fire away. I've thought of getting PW's, but I think I'll just get another Morris receiver instead.
Why not 2.4ghz?
Hey rui, wondering why you did not look into any of the 2.4ghz ones out there. They are much more reliable than the oldd 433mhx one of your PWs. You also have a ton of cheaper choices out there. they work fine up to I think 100 ft (30M approx). Did you see any issues with the 2.4ghz options out in the market?
Flash Waves
I went through a similar process a couple of years ago. In the end I settled for a set of Flash Waves. I’ve had no problems apart from replacing the original battery in the transmitter last week. Range is good, they are small and they just work.
I tried the poverty wizards;
I tried the poverty wizards; I modded them with antennas; I held my mouth a certain way when pushing the shutter; I yelled at my dog; I wore a tinfoil helmet so martians couldn't interfere, etc., and finally frustrated enough, I went with PW +II (5). They have NEVER failed to work - ever - in the 3 years I have had them. I don't mind walking a few feet to change flash settings.
I have a friend that uses the AB cybersynchs and he says they are very reliable too. They are also more compact.
Phottix Atlas
I've been using these for almost a month and they work fine. Got three, have two flashes, an old 430 EZ and a 580 EX II ( also have a 420EX but it does not work on manual so it's out...) and this works great indoors and outdoors. Close, far away, does not matter, they just work. Have droped them already and they keep going. Treat them roughly placing them on ground, wet places a.s.o. just wipe them clean and they're ready to go.
stuff like this
I have the Cowboystudio syncs and I like them, they dont have great range so I bought the Paul C Buff CS system. It cost me close to 200 bucks with shipping. Then I went to the beach and lost the transmitter, thats 60 bucks gone. I guess the lesson learned is that if you pay for the more expensive ones, you will lose out more when something happens. And in this world of photography, we allllll know that bad things happen. So yeah, Im sticking with the 604's. I found the antena mod that will give me a range of about 200 feet or more, thats more than I need. so there is honestly no reason to buy PW's.
Thats for on-location shooting.
For a studio, Im picking up a few Einsteins from alien bees, they just rock. Along with that I will be getting the cyber commander system. The receivers are only like 20 bucks for the Einsteins which cant be beat. So yeah, I will have the E-ttl technology that I want, when its necessary for range. But for things like on-location shoots, there is absolutely no need to buy PWs.
Weird the author lists all
Weird the author lists all these knock-offs but didn't list any of the Alien Bees receivers? As far as i know, there's no other transmitter that can show you the temp/power output/light meter on a lcd screen and let you adjust up to 5 receivers wirelessly as well as have it average your scene and adjust the light correspondingly as you can with the AB CyberCommander...
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