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.

Wireless flash is becoming more popular in our photography work these days. Off camera lighting gives better lighting on the subjects and provides more control lighting conditions. Our thoughts on the new Alien Bee Cybersync can be found on this article below.

We ordered a battery power CST trigger transmitter $59.95 and CSR receiver for some testing. The receiver is small about 2 inches long, the cables provided with the receiver is good quality and a good vinyl feel and very flexible. Batteries are included with the receiver and 1/8 mini to PC cable used to connect directly to a flash. The receiver can also be used as a repeater if need for long distance. The Cybersynce has 16 selectable frequencies on a 2.4 GHz band. Once the receiver is powered on the unit stays on for about 1 hour after use on idle. There is no off button to turn the receiver off but the Cybersync uses very little power running on two AA batteries. The build quality of the Cybersynce receiver is good, the plastic is strong and antenna is part of the mold. After some intense testing I was able to fire 100% at about 50 feet distance. I normally do not need to long range and the Cybersync fits well into my budget than a Pocket Wizard.

The Cybersync transmitter is small! This thing is tiny and fit onto the hot shoe perfectly without any place. There is not locking mechanism like the Pocket Wizard has where you can screen a dial down to secure it onto the hot shoe. But the Cybersync fits snugly on to the hot shoe and will not fall off. The Cybersync transmitter is also on 16 selectable frequencies. The build quality is also similar to the receiver, very strong plastic and antenna is part of the plastic molding. The Cybersynce transmitter trigger voltage is 3v, so it is safe to use on any camera with built in hot shoe.

In conclusion, this unit does it all. I am not a big fan of using bulking wireless units such as Pocket Wizards and the price is just a fraction of what a Pocket wizard costs. This unit is definitely a great improvement over the Cactus V2 poverty wizard from Ebay. Highly recommend great for amateur and pro photographers.