The Pro Photo Business Forum

The Photographer’s Tool Box (also known as a Pelican case)

In my last post I mentioned a recent addition to my camera bag or box – the Control TL system from Pocket Wizard. The system is made up of two separate components – the Mini TT1 and the Flex TT5. The TT1 is a transmitter only, and sells for about $200.00 while the Flex TT5 is a transceiver and sells for $220.00 give or take a couple bucks depending on where you buy. This wireless triggering system has a distinct advantage over the traditional forerunners – the Pocket Wizard Plus II and the PW Multi Max. These puppies are ETTL capable, meaning that it’s like their sitting on your hot shoe.

Currently available only for Canon, I’m told that the Nikon units are due out soon. The technology behind these little buggers is also quiet impressive, but I must admit that these are not as simple to use as plug and play USB devices we are accustomed to, or as some might have you believe. In fact it has been my experience that unless you take the time to get to know them you could end up quiet frustrated, and this is especially true if you’re shooting with a new camera model like the 7D. The biggest problem that I’ve run in to is understanding the little things that cause the units to malfunction or not function at all, things like your 580EX II won’t fire if it’s set to Master mode while atop the TT5. So if for some reason your strobes won’t fire, check that they’re NOT set to Master or Slave.

Another problem that I’ve run into is flash sync, however if you go into the PW software you can configure your units not to switch to rear curtain sync. An easy fix to be sure, but if you’re on a shoot and don’t have your laptop handy you’re out of luck. Any and all changes must be made using a computer via the PW software.

I have to take my hat off to Pocket Wizard for their customer service department though, every time I called a human answered the phone and I was transferred to a tech rep that would walk me through the problem or tell me how to work around it. Try doing that with your bank…  Anyways, it seems to me that these guys are intensely interested in this product working for their customers and they’re more then happy to give you the time of day when you’re up against a wall or just need a sympathetic shoulder to cry on. Not only that, but I was contacted by another rep who was also shooting with the 7D and he assured me there would be a firmware update out soon that addressed the issues I was having.

On the upside, the possibilities are endless. Wear I was limited to a range of approximately 35ft. using Canon’s infrared system – when set up correctly using the AC5 RF Shield in conjunction with the instructions found on PW’s website – I was able to get consistent results at 200ft., and the line of sight issues inherent in the infrared system have evaporated. I’m now free to set my lights where ever I want, and this means greater creativity. You can also use the ST-E2 transmitter atop the TT1 or TT5 for greater creative freedom. By doing so you can set your lights up in groups and adjust the lighting ratios with out touching the strobes themselves – a EUREKA! moment for sure.

Pocket Wizard is so sure that you’re going to love these little gems that they currently come with a 30-day money back guarantee. I’m really excited to press the boundaries of my new radio triggers and you can bet I’ll be posting more info on these as I break them into my toolbox.

To learn more or see some videos of this product in action visit www.pocketwizard.com

Posted by Houston Wedding Photographer | Scott Villalobos

Houston Wedding and Portrait Photographer - Scott Villalobos www.rsvpstudios.com