MiniTT1, FlexTT5 & AC3

I had quick test with PocketWizard MiniTT1, FlexTT5 & AC3 ZoneController for Nikon. With AC3 & ControlTL  (Control the Light) you can wirelessly control remote flashes in TTL or manual mode. There is lot to digest with all the settings and PocketWizard utility software tweaking (going through all the manuals are about reading 50+ pages) but I got the wireless controlling with AC3 to work at first try. Reliable triggering, even through walls. The standard what you would expect from PW products. Turning the control wheels of AC3 was faster way to adjust power settings of remote SB-800 connected to FlexTT5 than doing it old fashioned way from camera/commander flash menu.



Getting radio transmitted CLS/i-TTL with these new products is very nice but also expensive solution as each i-TTL capable flash needs own FlexTT5 unit.
 
Then the PocketWizard's new HyperSync technology makes even the MiniTT1 interesting (in addition of smaller transmitter size than older PlusII & MultiMax units) as it allows using also studio flashes with higher x-sync speeds (over 1/250th of a second). Receiving unit can be on those cases older PW PlusII or MultiMax. This will allow more control for cutting the ambient light with big apertures and freezing the action shots. All the settings needed tweaking for getting the maximum x-sync value and controlling other settings is done with PC/Mac program called PocketWizard utility while Mini/Flex is connected to computer via mini-USB cable.

Pocketwizard Utility software

There are lots of myriad settings and user interface with three tab rows could be better but thanks to dynamic help pane on the software, it is still relatively easy to use.


After trying few hours different settings I made the AcuteB to sync with 1/400. I have read some AcuteB(2) users to get good results even with 1/600 or 1/1000 sync times but couldn't get that far with my Nikon D300. Max HyperSync you can push depens on flash model and camera used. Even with the not that user friendly settings tweaking software and some unexplained hiccups with miniTT1 and my Nikon, these new wizards feel like next evolution step of radio triggers. Interesting to see what they will invent next.


From the MiniTT1 test shoot. Model: Heli, MUA: Satu. Setup: AcuteB with disc reflector & umbrella softbox camera right. Triggered with miniTT1 using HyperSync to push the shutter time for 1/400. PW PlusII as receiver.

And big thanks to Fimeko for borrowing the units to be tested.