This is a field test/review of my new PocketWizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 units. Testing was done in a method which represents that of a working photographer, therefore I haven’t tested the units with the antennas positioned in the numerous wacky positions suggested by PocketWizard at this page [link]
Testing notes: I set the flash to 2/3 stop over so that it was easily visible on the tree trunk; both units had been updated from firmware 4.10 to 4.25; all batteries were fully charged and/or new.
A busy working press/editorial photographer really doesn’t have the time to constantly adjust the positioning of the units to maximize range according to PocketWizard’s tips.
I have found both units to work perfectly well in very close range however my main reason for purchasing these was to have perfect reliability. Unfortunately this is not possible in my working environment. Hopefully there will be a simple solution soon. I still love my bunch of PocketWizard Plus II’s for remote camera triggering and simple non-ttl flash triggering however I feel pretty let down by this latest product from the PocketWizard stables.
Please note PocketWizard – I would be love to product test any new improved devices for you!
Click the “HD is off” button to watch the review in 720P high definition on Vimeo
PocketWizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 field review from Cameron Laird – Photographer on Vimeo.
#1 by Craig Ferguson at May 12th, 2009
Good review. I’d been thinking of buying these new Pocket Wizards but I guess I’ll hold off until they get things sorted out properly.
#2 by Alex K at May 12th, 2009
I have to agree with you ,the Mini’s are so disappointing, i spent $700 for a non working set in real work situation.
I my tests i was not be able to shoot successfully at 10FT is anything is in between the receiver and the transmitter.
I think you video was more informant then others, but I usually have the flash to the side on my shoots non in the frame and in line of site, so the range of infrared canon’s was more limited on a sunny day, i got the pocket wizards to replace them, but they don’t really do the job because so many times it want fire.
I imagine taking pictures at an event, you have a light for the room with the FlexTT5 at 15ft and it doesn’t fire because some one is walking true you line of site..
As a professional, even at 30ft, the unit need to be reliable every time.
I be going back to the Plus II, and i will have better control of the shoots I be getting, i don’t think i will be possible to fix it in firmware, the units should have never been put on the market in this condition.
#3 by Cameron at May 12th, 2009
Thanks for your reply Alex. It’s a real shame, I have used the Plus II’s for years and they have been a godsend. The thought of wireless radio with full TTL was something that I couldn’t refuse. I placed my order months before B&H took delivery of the units and then waited for them to be shipped to Australia. Imagine my disappointment after months of waiting and finding that the range was 20-30 times less than was promoted.
#4 by Cameron at May 12th, 2009
Thanks Craig, I would definitely hold off. Things are a bit better if you are sporting an older Canon Speedlite but getting hold of 550EX’s or similar is pretty tough. And really, should you have to buy old tech flashes to suit new tech equipment?
#5 by Craig Ferguson at May 14th, 2009
Interesting that you mention the 550ex. I’m still using one as my main speedlight. As I have the thing set to M most of the time, I’ve never seen the need to replace it with a 580ex.
#6 by Patrick Clow at May 15th, 2009
Hi. This is Patrick from PocketWizard – I’m the tech support manager. I’m sorry you had an unsatisfactory experience.
I’d like to make a few comments.
One of the easier ways to get more range out of your setup is detailed in the first photo here:
http://www.pocketwizard.com/inspirations/technology/range/
It is as doable as turning the remote flash body to better optimize for Canon’s optical system as you showed in your video. You might find that Canon’s optical range performance will be more impacted on a sunny day where the ControlTL radios would not.
When using an OC-E3 cord there are a few things to keep in mind: A) a ferrite choke is really necessary and B) letting the FlexTT5 dangle to just above the ground will impact performance dramatically. Consider using the lanyard mount and a lanyard from your Plus II to hang the FlexTT5 on the light stand.
For remote camera work, having the FlexTT5 in the shoe of the camera would have helped a lot. It would then have been in a great antenna position for reception just like the Plus IIs you demonstrated.
In Australia the legal frequency for use is 433 MHz, our CE models. Those will be out for Canon very soon. The 433 MHz models will provide you with more range that the US models you have as the noisy RF flashes put out less noise on 433 versus 340-354 (US/FCC/IC radios).
I know you are disappointed in the range versus the “up to” amount. The “up to 800 feet with E-TTL” is real with Canon’s latest flash, the 430EX II. That doesn’t help you with an existing 580. We have made great efforts to educate about the range issue with the 580s (and the old 430EX) from the launch of the product, and are continuing to do so. I am sorry that we did not reach you with those efforts sooner so you would have a better understanding of expectations.
Contact me at support@lpadesign.com if you have any more questions or comments. I hope you find this information useful.
Take care,
Patrick Clow
Tech Support Manager
#7 by Cameron at May 15th, 2009
Patrick, thanks for taking the time to respond to my video review. Whilst I have found your page on maximizing range it doesn’t really alleviate my disappointment in the product. Not only the range but also the somewhat flimsy design (especially when compared to your previous offerings). Don’t underestimate however my appreciation for you taking the time to watch my video and respond. I have purchased a 550EX and hope to have it in my hands first thing next week.
I would love if PocketWizard would allow me to swap out my US model MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 for the Aussie models when they are available. Not sure if you will but as a long time PocketWizard owner it would really be a great thing if you did!
I will report back here in the comments after testing with the 550EX and testing using some of the suggestions on the “range” page.
Thanks again Patrick!
#8 by Cameron at May 27th, 2009
Patrick,
I have seen the update on Rob Galbraith’s site (link) and I am pretty impressed with the design. I must ask however – will you be sending them to all the people who purchased before you changed your specifications on your website? Would be great to know! Thanks in advance, I’m sure my readers would love to know.
#9 by Phil at June 18th, 2009
Hi there
I can comment on th 550ex, since I have 2 of them.
Unfortunately I must say, there is nearly no difference compared to the 580ex’.
Similar limited range and quite erratic as well. Sometimes it works, but most of the times it doesn’t. I have shot several events and I cannot recommend it for important or commercial work. they are just very unreliable and to be honest: hopeless.
I looked for some help among collegues and on the internet: everybody (with one exception) is very, very frustrated and returns them or considers to do so. In my case, I had them too long, and can’t return them. which is terrible, since I spent 800$ for a non working system.
among others I found this discussion:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1032&thread=32004049&page=1
I intend to do some further testing, before testing there, but as it looks now, my verdict will be devastating.
I wonder, what the people at pw are up too. I suppose this whole flex launch must be very damaging for their reputation.
at least i am a frustrated customer
#10 by Gerard Bonus at June 27th, 2009
Thank you very much for this report, it is corroborated in another very in-depth review as well.
I too would prefer PW but the shielding solutions are severe, I am in the EU so my problems should be less, and the RP’s 900mHz frequency may have its own restrictions ~ we’ll have to wait and see.
I cancelled my PW order which was due as I type, but postponed another month ~ in recessionary times I don’t have the brass to experiment.
Many Thanks and I hope PW do a free exchange for you.
#11 by Erik M at July 7th, 2009
@Gerard:
I would be very careful with the assumption, that you will have less problems in europe. my flextt5 don’t even work in a range sub 15feet, so there are must be many more problems than just the noise issue of the flashes.
I have a 5dII with 3 different canon flash models, and will i may bring them to fire occasionally, usually they just don’t work. I did test many different channels and settings, the just don’t work. Especially the 550ex work very bad, they fire in maybe 1 of 10.
I tried to return them, but was to late. It’s really bad, since testing takes time and you trust pw that they solve the problem. but then you get punished for keeping them. I have non working flextt5′s now, spent a lot of money and am angry.
In my eyes, pw does owe us not only such a noise-unit but also working flex’s, a big apology for letting us alpa-testing and a zonecontroller as a little comensation for all the trouble. of course only, if they ever bring them to work finally.
@phil: I agree pw has destroyed their good reputation within a few months
#12 by Tony at July 10th, 2009
Your review is my EXACT experience with these things. I was pretty excited (as most people) at the possibilities PW had publicized, however they were a real letdown and unusable for professional work. The misfires and inconsistent exposures would make me look like some sort of weirdo if I had attempted to use these with a paying client. Glad to see I’m not the only one, but I certainly hope that PW can get their act together on these.
#13 by Mei Lewis at July 15th, 2009
This is a superb video!
It’s not fancy, it simply shows _exactly_ what you need to know. Very useful, I was considering buying one of these and now I won’t because they’re simply unreliable.
Good on you sport!
#14 by Randy at August 8th, 2009
Today I bought a set of the Australia frequency pocket wizards. (433 mhz)
I have just done a quick test with one of my 580exII mounted directly to the tt5 on a light stand. I was getting consistent results up to 35 meters (105feet), it seemed to start misfiring from there.
I plan on doing some more tests over the next few days.
#15 by Luke at August 16th, 2009
You covered everything I could think of.. well done on providing an unbiased review on these 2 new products from PW.
I am just getting started in photography myself this year, and thought I’d buy a Mini & 2 Flex’s considering Pocketwizard’s solid reputation (not to mention all the hype from fellow photographers spruiking about their endless capabilities and compact design).
I was EXTREMELY disappointed though with this product.. I was told the Flex would attach to my Nikon SB-24 and 580exII speedlites but it couldn’t connect with the SB-24.
That is only 1 reason why I dislike these products though..
I dislike it because of its false claims on range, when clearly everybody is having major problems with its very limited range.
Also for the price you pay they are very breakable and flimsy-looking, and just generally don’t seem to be worth the inflated price as opposed to the arguably superior and cheaper PlusII’s.
And also what is the go with the watch battery on the Mini??
Talk about a lack of convenience!
So say if I’m out of battery on an important photo-shoot far far away or god forbid, shooting a wedding! what am I supposed to do? Go visit the local watch store?? Um don’t think so!
I was considering keeping the Flex as a transmitter (to keep TTL) and returning the other Flex and Mini back in exchange for 2 more reliable PW PlusII’s.. however I have now decided on just returning them all for PW PlusII’s.. I don’t think having one of these little PITA’s on hand is worth the hassle!
#16 by Marcus at August 28th, 2009
Hi
It seems that you are out of luck with PW if you shoot Nikon. The new smaller units will not work with Nikon yet (VERY disappointing!) and for some reason they simply postponed developing Nikon ones in favour of Canon – despite Nikon being the better camera manufacturer (;-)
I also think the pricing here (NZ) is disgusting – over $1000 for 2 units – so I have a couple of US Plus II units now – and sod the legality or otherwise of the frequency! Why on earth they cannot have a single frequency worldwide I have no idea.
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