Is anyone here using this new trigger who has any feedback on its performance? It looks promising, but I would like to know if it works with the Canon ETTL-compatible version of the Sigma EF 500 DG Super flash unit and if there is a PDF manual available somewhere.
Thanks.
I've heard good things from the preliminary testing.
Consider though that it is only about 30% cheaper than Pocketwizard FlexTT5 units which have pretty much the same capabilities but which also have the ability to control receivers for Elinchrom and Alien Bees/White Lightning studio strobes. Also you lose on camera flash which for Canon means you also lose focus assist.
Thanks for the info. From what I can see, it looks like the PW system costs about 45% more for a transmitter and two receivers, but you also have to get the additional AC3 unit to have similar power control to the Odin, and with that occupying the transmitter shoe, you lose on-camera flash anyway, right? (well, unless you get an EX2 to control ratios - I have the 580ex) I would normally have flash on a bracket anyway, and don't use studio strobes. I also like that the Odin has an easy-to-read back-lit LCD display that looks more intuitive to me. Now, if the PW works with the Sigma flash and Odin does not, then I might need to reconsider PW. I guess having one device as either receiver or transmitter would be really nice for having an extra receiver that could double as a backup transmitter in case of a transmitter failure.
What I really need to know is which of these devices will work with the above mentioned Sigma flash, especially the Odin, which is new and not as well documented by user experience. I have used the Yongnuo RF-602 manual triggers with good success for outdoor portraits, but would really like to use ETTL with power control from the camera location, plus have the option for high speed sync.
I'm guessing you're going to be plowing new ground. Problem with 3rd party flashes are they had to reverse engineer Canon ETTL protocol. Occasionally Canon changes something and it stops working. Add to that Photix had to do the same reverse engineering and the tolerances might stack against you. What the heck - it's only money right?
Everything is good except they removed the AF assist LED for whatever reason, it was on the prototype. PW RF issues, RadioPopper works but require ST-E2/flash, Pixel King doesn't support E-TTL ratio..Odin was so close to perfection. I was ready to sell my PW Multimax for it.
BrianZ wrote:
..but would really like to use ETTL with power control from the camera location, plus have the option for high speed sync.
You would be relying on two reversed engineered technologies with the possible ever changing Canon technology. A lot of unknowns to rely on. I place my bet with PW.
I think the "ever-changing" part is one reason why phottix included USB ports on their devices for firmware updates. Does PW not rely on any reverse-engineering in order to have ETTL compatibility? By the way, since I first posted, I have found two reports of compatibility issues with Sigma flashes tested with the Odin. I've had a lot of good use from my sigma flashes, but ether way I go, it may be time to replace them with Canons if I want to replace my manual mode triggers with ETTL and HSS.
Still, I like the Odin interface, but whether it proves to be reliable remains to be seen. I read that Odin can use modeling light for focus assist, so not totally without an option. I'm not in a big rush, so will be following this issue for a while. In the mean time, no ground plowed, no money spent.
BrianZ wrote:
I think the "ever-changing" part is one reason why phottix included USB ports on their devices for firmware updates. Does PW not rely on any reverse-engineering in order to have ETTL compatibility? ... In the mean time, no ground plowed, no money spent.
Yes they do. As a a matter of fact the FlexTT5 units were instrumental in discovering there may be a design flaw with the 580 EXII that Canon quietly ignores until the flash dies - which they then fix at your expense. As I understand, it was the earliest strobes that were flakey. PW has periodic updates to add features and fix issues with their newer units. With a product like this I think your decision to wait and let things settle is wise.
