Nikon and PW TT5

<p>Recently got a couple of TT5's for Nikon from Calumet Amsterdam.</p>

<p><br />Although the TT5 is quite a bit bigger then the Mini TT1, it's not much bigger then a SB400. I chose it over the MiniTT for its capacity to steer several flashes over different channels. It thus allows when using a SU800 (or according to PW the AC3 Zonecontroller) to set and steer different settings seperately when using multiple flashes and thus keep full advantage of the CLS.</p>

<p>It also allows trigger flash and camera's through separate ports (I'm quoting the brochure here) and uses cheapo easy availible AA batteries vs the more rare and expensive CR2450 battery in the MiniTT</p>

<p>The price difference between the TT5 and the MiniTT was 10 Euros, while the AC3, hopefully be availible in January, will probably cost an additional 80 Euros</p>

<p>Due to the weather and short daylight time I have not had the possibilty for serious testing yet. But I did some testing inside to check the items and the software update I performed<br /> <br />First impressions:<br />Updating the software is fairly easy, though selecting the various options a bit confusing as I don't know yet which ones i really will need. And with the replicate button it's easy when having to do it with several items<br /><br />Hotshoe foot is really a flimsy plastic thingie. I can imagine that if you mount a heavy flash like the SB900 or Canon 580EX on top of a TT5 and all that weight on the camera with only the plastic hotshoe foot it will break almost instantly. But repairing apparently is easy <a href="http://ancientcityphoto.com/blog/200...-nikon-repair/" target="_blank">http://ancientcityphoto.com/blog/200...-nikon-repair/</a></p>

<p>But when using the SU800 its weight (as that of judging by the pictures theAC3 ZoneController) is minimal compared to the above mentioned set up. So IMHO chances for that kind of misfortune are much lower for my set up. And when mounting the TT5 on a lampstand the weight and flimsy hotshoe foot problem vanishes as you can mount it directly on the stand without having to use the hot shoe mount, after which all the weight is put directed in the lampstand.</p>

<p>Operating is very easy. Flash (SB800 and SB400) works as it should, no overexposure, no full load dumps, no eratic flashes due to radio interfence.</p>

<p>Did a few tests with a SU800 on TTL, worked flawlessly. SB400 (originally not CLS) now also be used as if with CLS, under- or overcompensation can be dialed in on the SU800 as if using a SB800, and the output will be reduced or augmented accordingly.</p>

<p>Setting the flashes in manual mode with different ratios when using several flash units with the SU800 and the TT5 also works flawlessly. It even allows using the SB400 to be used as a CLS commanded flash (with reduced manual output when desired) Nice, as its small size makes it perfect to tuck away in a corner and give a small light accent</p>

<p>Also PW signal transmits without a hitch from one room to another (although you shouldn't forget to put the antenna up), even when the doors are closed and the rooms are not adjoining.</p>

<p>And as a bonus Nikon shooters won't suffer from the radio interference problems as their Canon collegues do, who had (? <a href="http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1025&thread=37124378" target="_blank">http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1025&thread=37124378</a> ) to live through those problems following the introduction of the TT5 for Canon a couple of years ago</p>

<p>Also posted in the Nikon Forum</p>

<p>HTH</p>

<p>Didn't know they were out yet. Thanks for the heads up!</p>

I have had mine a few days, 2xflex and 1xmini. The flex's are huge, I wouldn't want one on my camera so I'm glad I went for the mini though I'm not too impressed with the strength or rigidity with a heavy flash on it. No issues so far aside from wake-up; sometimes the first shot doesn't fire the flashes but I'm sure this can be easily sorted in the huge amount of software options.

 

As expected you need a flash or SU800 on the transmitter to control the remote flashes unless you want everything firing in TTL, the commander menu on the cameras with popup flashes will not do anything so the zonecontroller is pretty much a must buy when it arrives in Jan unless you want to waste a flash or £250 on the SU800 and deal with the extra weight.

 

I have to say I'm annoyed at having to spend what will be £620 just to do what CLS already does but with reliable radio.

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<p>As expected you need a flash or SU800 on the transmitter to control the remote flashes unless you want everything firing in TTL</p>

</blockquote>

<p>What you need is a PocketWizard AC3 Zone Controller . It lets you control up to 3 separate groups of flashes in 1/3rd stop increments over a 6 range for each group i neither manual or TTL mode. Very handy. </p>

<p>Yup the zonecontroller is pretty much a must have with this system and really I'd like to see PW build this in to the mini rather than having a tower of plastic pods on my camera and an extra £70 outlay. It's so fundamental to the system</p>