p.1 #1 · Pocket Wizard mini TT1 and FlexTT5 question for Canon
With all the negative stories I've heard concerning the 580exII and this combination and RF noise is there anybody out there not having any of these issues or is it almost a given that I'm going to experince the same problems if I start using this set up Thank you,
Alan
p.1 #2 · Pocket Wizard mini TT1 and FlexTT5 question for Canon
Initially I had problems but I was trying out lots of different configurations and there are a lot of thing to adjust and get wrong.
But I don't have any problems now, but I rarely have the flash more then 30 feet from the camera and I use AC-7 shields. BTW the AC-7 shield gives you more ways to attach the flash to a stand. Also I would use the mini/flex without the AC-3 control that lets you adjust the flashes from the camera. When I first got the mini/flex the AC-3 wasn't available, but once it was I got it and it was like night and day.
p.1 #3 · Pocket Wizard mini TT1 and FlexTT5 question for Canon
dan7768s wrote:
Initially I had problems but I was trying out lots of different configurations and there are a lot of thing to adjust and get wrong.
But I don't have any problems now, but I rarely have the flash more then 30 feet from the camera and I use AC-7 shields. BTW the AC-7 shield gives you more ways to attach the flash to a stand. Also I would use the mini/flex without the AC-3 control that lets you adjust the flashes from the camera. When I first got the mini/flex the AC-3 wasn't available, but once it was I got it and it was like night and day....Show more →
Thank you for the reply does the AC-7 and the AC-5 provide the same RF protection
p.1 #4 · Pocket Wizard mini TT1 and FlexTT5 question for Canon
I use them with no problems. Like dan7768s, I initially had problems but I think most of the problems that I was experiencing had more to do with me learning how to use them. My use for the radios are evenly divided between a distance of 20' and approximately 120'. At the further distance I use the AC5 soft shields. I want to get the AC7s for the mounting benefits but have no first hand knowledge of their use. I also started using the AC-3 zone controller about a year ago and I have become very attached to that piece of equipment.
p.1 #6 · Pocket Wizard mini TT1 and FlexTT5 question for Canon
Most if not all of the issues are resolved by way of following the instructions provided by PW. Some people prefer to not use the available "sock", ETTL cable, or whatever for whatever reasons.
If you already have 580EXII units I strongly suggest learning what to do BEFORE you invest in the ControlTL system. If you don't already have 580EXII's I would suggest buying 550EX units. They are GREAT off camera, cost much less, and have pretty much the same power output as the 580EXII. It's a winning combo considering if one of the 550EX falls (that can happen to off camera flash) you won't have as big of an issue with it.
p.1 #8 · Pocket Wizard mini TT1 and FlexTT5 question for Canon
I had some issues with spotty performance so I contacted PW. They informed me my camera profiles were included in the beta release of their software, not the production version. Once I loaded the beta version (which I think is now the prod version), it's been smooth sailing.
p.1 #9 · Pocket Wizard mini TT1 and FlexTT5 question for Canon
Ive used mine without problems since first learning the correct setup three years ago. I here the problem start at around 30' separation and there are solutions to correct them. I normally use the following flashes in this order Canon's 580ex2 , 580ex, 550, 550. I uses mini with the ac3 on the camera and flexes ounder the flash. The AC3 is really nice saving having a bulky flash on the camera weather Im shooting hyper speed to reduce the ambient or single in auto or manual mode plus multi flashin manual and auto modes. And it gives me 3 different ratio groups not 2 with a bg unit.
p.1 #10 · Pocket Wizard mini TT1 and FlexTT5 question for Canon
I never needed the rf shields so far but I never place a Speedlite that far away usually just out of the image since the closer the light the softer the light. I also agree the AC3 is almost a must. To be able to go from eTTL to Manual flash at the camera the be able to adjust both +/- 3 full stops in 1/3 stop increments. I just wish they would build a combo unit of the AC3 and the Mini to decrease the form factor. I would buy it even though ive both already.
p.1 #11 · Pocket Wizard mini TT1 and FlexTT5 question for Canon
cordellwillis wrote:
Most if not all of the issues are resolved by way of following the instructions provided by PW. Some people prefer to not use the available "sock", ETTL cable, or whatever for whatever reasons...
I tried the sock AND an OC-E2 cord at the same time and still had horrible range on a 580. The 550 worked just fine, though
p.1 #12 · Pocket Wizard mini TT1 and FlexTT5 question for Canon
I had a shoot Friday morning where I was outdoors in a park under telephone and power wires. I used the mini or TTL1 on mt Canon 40D. On it was the AC3 Zone Controler. I was in Av or apart urge priority mode for most of the shoot. I switched to manual mode for some shots. I wanted the background to be blurred so I mainly used a f-stop of 2.8 on both the 24-o & the 70-200 IS. I selected the closest IS setting. Everything was shot with camera in hand. I never got around to shooting with it on the tripos. I didn't take a laptop for teathered Shooting since I didn't have much time to set it up at 730 in the morning.
On one stand I had a Canon 580 EX2 in a Strobies Bracket with the 16" Beauty Dish, this was my main Speedlite.it had a Flex or TTL5 triggering it. Never failed to fire. It was set to zone A and I n ETTL mode most of the time. I adjusted the power as needed for the desired effect I was looking for.
On another stand was a Canon 580 EX. I had it on a Joe McNally TriFlash alone.i had a Zumbrella attached to it.it has had the Flex or TTL5. It was set to Zone B. It was also set to ETTL mode as desired. And the power was adjusted from the AC3. I used the FEC to control the overall power of all speedlites.
On another stand was a Canon 550EX with a Honl 8" snoot. Also had the Flex or TTL5 triggering it in Zone C. It was also in TLL Mode.
All Speedlites were in ETTL & HSS mode to allow me use shutter speeds well over 1/250 of a second. Some shot were at 1/4000 while others where at 1/8000. I never had a single missfire.or saw the signs of the second curtain closing.
I would never think of shooting this outdoors using the Canon wireless system. I never touch the speedlites once I set them up and turned everything on. I did all switching modes from ETTL to manual on the AC3 unit.
All units had the latest firmware. Import note is all units use the same firmware versions and settings to ensure flawless operation. Once I finish calling the out takes and tweak the selects I will post them for viewing. I intended ti take a setup shot with a second camera or my iPhone but failed to do it.
