I can't. I have a few of the Radiopopper JrX (2 receivers and one transmitter) and they will wind up being sold soon to help purchase the PocketWizard gear. I'm just not happy with them overall.
Get the PocketWizards.
I can't. I have a few of the Radiopopper JrX (2 receivers and one transmitter) and they will wind up being sold soon to help purchase the PocketWizard gear. I'm just not happy with them overall.
Get the PocketWizards.
Originally Posted by Graydon
What didn't you like about the JrXs?
So, I have a question. It sounds like the PWs (or any wireless trigger) negate one of the advantages of a 580EX II over a 430EX II, which is the ability to trigger other flashes as a master. Is that correct? If so, and there aren't really other legitimate reasons to get a 580EX II, I think my first flash will be a 430EX II instead. I've been wanting a flash, but was kind of waiting until I could afford the big one.
Also, if the 430EX II being less RF noisy is less problematic when using the PW stuff, that is actually an advantage, and by being able to buy the cheaper flashes, it negates some of the extra cost of the PW system.
Can a PW also remotely fire the camera?
You seem to have more than one question. []
It sounds like the PWs (or any wireless trigger) negate one of the advantages of a 580EX II over a 430EX II, which is the ability to trigger other flashes as a master. Is that correct?
Sort of but not really. The Speedlite master/slave system uses optical signals. The problem with this is that if you have bright ambient light or the strobe light path is obstructed, then you may not get the desired triggering to take place. With any radio frequency (RF) solution such as the PW, you solve this problem. Obstructions are very common--e.g., shooting with an umbrella, or using a hair light. However, my understanding is that with the 580 attached to the PW, you now control the lighting ratios of any additional slave units in manual mode. If you only have 430s on PWs, then there is no way to adjust ratios except by adjusting each flash unit (not sure if there's a remote controller available from PW). So there are still advantages to the 580EX II.
If so, and there aren't really other legitimate reasons to get a 580EX II, I think my first flash will be a 430EX II instead. I've been wanting a flash, but was kind of waiting until I could afford the big one.
If you want to use PWs, definitely start with a 430EX II. That's my impression. The 580EX II has other advantages, though: (1) It has a larger guide number, so is significantly brighter; (2) it has a larger AF assist beam and therefore works for 1-series bodies across all AF points; (3) it has more flexible positioning of the flash head; (4) it has the ability to connect to a portable external battery.
</div>Also, if the 430EX II being less RF noisy is less problematic when using the PW stuff, that is actually an advantage, and by being able to buy the cheaper flashes, it negates some of the extra cost of the PW system.
Can a PW also remotely fire the camera?
<div style="clear: both;"]
Yes. You would need to put the FlexTT5 on the camera as a receiver, and hold a transmitter (a MiniTT1 or second FlexTT5) to trigger. If you need to trigger a strobe in this setup, then a third PW is needed. Again, that's my understanding.
Some of the trigger systems depend on a camera-mounted flash, but not the old PWs and not the new PW system (in basic mode). To have the camera perform E-TTL operation with multiple flash groups, you'll (temporarily) need an on-camera (aka on PW on camera) 580 to manipulate multiple zones. Unfortunately the in-camera zone controls on newer cameras is not available to the PW system. PW is developing a "Zone Controller" which provides a direct control for three zones of light (most likely within the confines of Canon's zone system, namely that the C group is intended as a background group and should not be illuminating the subject). I for one can't wait for this option.
As someone else already pointed out, there are some legitimate reasons to get the 580. If you need the power, you need the power and there's no substitute (well, two PWs and two 430s...). Last winter, I took some pictures of our indoor Christmas village, and used Rosco 58 gel to create a moonlit look. With a 580 on a stand 4' above the village, I didn't have enough power, and had to fly a second flash to get the shot. I also happen to be addicted to the option for the external battery pack.
We're a Canon/Profoto family: five cameras, sixteen lenses, fifteen Profoto lights, too many modifiers.
With the PocketWizard ZoneController "C" group will be an actual independent variable ratio third group; unlike how "C" group currently works with the Canon solution - where the ratio cannot be directly varied.
PocketWizard has told us that the ZoneController will support E-TTL. If that's the case, the PW system will be dependent on Canon's metering, so wouldn't the C group be tied to Canon's logic (at least in TTL mode)? I can understand that it'd work as you describe when in manual mode.
We're a Canon/Profoto family: five cameras, sixteen lenses, fifteen Profoto lights, too many modifiers.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote