Strobe Nation

PocketWizard has release two new controller for wireless flash system. The FlexTT5 and MiniTT1 support the full function of Canon’s ETTLII flash system. Nikon TTL flash system will be supported later during Q2, 2009. The price for the MiniTT1 will be $199 and the FlexTT5 will be $219.

Features from the new Pocketwizard Flex TT5 and MiniTT1 are TTL compatible with Canon E-TTL II. The maximum range will be 800 feet (240 meters). You can mount both Flex TT5 and MiniTT1 directly onto any camera hot shoe. You will be able to shoot at a maximum of 8 fps for E-TTL II & normal triggering. You can configure and upgrade firmware through a USB interface.

The MiniTT1 and Flex TT5 are compatible using E-TTLII Canon flash system for the following cameras. Canon 1Ds MKIII, MKII, 1D MKIII, MKII, 1DMKII N, 5D, 5D MKII, 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D, Rebel XT/350D, XTI/400D, XS/1000D, XSi/450D. The following Canon flash the MiniTT1 and Flex TT5 are compatible is 580EX, 580EXII, 430EX and 430EX II.

No with the new PocketWizard’s you can use the 430EX and 430EX II to act as a master flash. Back when you can only do this with the 580EX flash now you can set as master and trigger other Canon flash using the PocketWizard and 430EX unit.

The new design offers a low profile. The design is wider and does not spread upwards like the older design. This is the most compact design for PocketWizard to date. In addition the new Pocketwizard has 52 wireless channels and 20 ControlTL channels for the new protocol. The MiniTT1 measures at 2.8in,length x 1.9in,width and 1.3in, height and weights 2.3oz with a battery installed.

With the new PocketWizard, MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 you can still use your old PocketWizard but just not in TTL mode. Wireless remote TTL, for example, is possible only with the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5. That said, HyperSync works with a MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 at the camera and any PocketWizard connected to a studio strobe or similar flash. While the list of reasons to purchase an older PocketWizard just got a lot shorter with the introduction of the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5, the overall interoperability of the new units with existing ones means your Plus IIs, MultiMAXes and even Pluses, MAXes and Classics are still useful. In fact, we’re betting the MiniTT1 transmitter will be bought up in large numbers by photographers solely because of its compactness, even if they intend to operate it exclusively with existing PocketWizard receivers.

One of the new features from the new PocketWizard’s is the HyperSync. It can increase the shutter sync speed while simultaneously not sacrificing strobe brightness or have the black band at the lower part of the frame. The HyperSync mode is used best when you want to minimize ambient light and increase strobe efficiency.

The PocketWizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 are available in stores now. Release date for this new product was March 1, 2009.

Some new feature upgrades, changes and differences between the SB900 and the SB800 speedlight strobes. The first impression almost all Nikon shooters is “it’s huge!” The Nikon SB900 Speedlight price is $430.00. The SB900 compare to the SB800 is about 20% larger in size. The new SB900 pair with the Nikon D3 will be a great combo.

After using this flash without any doubt get the SB-900 is you’re heavy using flash lighting. This speedlight is great for wedding and event photographers. The user interface has been improved for better control on the flash. The SB900 can easily be setup for wireless use much quicker and easier than the SB800.

The SB900 gives more range and zoom further than the SB800. It can zoom up to 200mm. Most importantly you can change the “shape” of the light to add more control and concentrate to distribute the lighting evenly. The SB900 has faster recycle time, average time on a battery pack is 1 second or 2-3 seconds on fresh AA batteries.

With the new SB900 firmware updating is allow with certain camera bodies. The SB900 has a clever system which can tell certain, bodies (D3, D3x, D700 and D90) which white balance to set to. The photographers that will most benefit from this new speedlight will be heavy flash users such as wedding, event and photojournalism photography.

In conclusion this is the best flash ever made from Nikon. It works perfect with my D700 and D3 and is a must for professionals who are depended on flash photography. Great power and range at 200mm and has better control than the old SB800 speedlight. Best of all you can turn the flash head 180 degrees in both directions!