If you haven’t heard the latest in the world of wireless radio slaves, both RadioPopper and PocketWizard have released new units that will open up off-camera creativity to new levels of creativity.
RadioPopper
RadioPoppers were made to extend the range of the your off-camera flashes by utilizing radio transmitters to pass the TTL information from the mater to the slave unit. The new X System is a ground-up redesign of the original P system Poppers. The new units are smaller and offer an even greater amount of control. Additionally, the units can be used for wireless highspeed sync at shutterspeeds up to 1/8000 of a second. The PX transmitters have an incredible range of 1700′ and can operate on 64 different channels on 16 different frequencies. There is also a JrX system that is even smaller than the PX transmitter and receiver.
The PX Transmitter and receiver run $249 each while the JrX can be purchased for about $60 each, or $100 for a pair. Currently, only the Canon speedlite system is supported but the Nikon versions should be available soon.
For a complete hands-on review, check out PixSylated.com
PocketWizard
Not to be outdone, PocketWizard is looking to regain their prominence as king of the wireless triggering systems by introducing their new TT wireless systems, the TT5 and the MiniTT1. Just like the poppers, these units are made to control your off camera flash with the advantage of TTL adjustments. The beauty of the TT systems is that they are hotshoe based systems. The transmitter sits atop of the camera on the hotshoe and receives the TTL information. It then relays that info to the flash which actually sits in a hotshoe on top of the receiver. Both units are small and powerful and work with all of the existing Plus or MultiMax PocketWizard unit. And just like the RadioPopper, the units now enable the use of highspeed sync speeds up to 1/8000 of a second.
Apparently the Nikon wireless system is more complex than Canon’s because the TT units are currently only available for the Canon Speedlite system. The Nikon version is expected to be released sometime in the 2nd Quarter of the year (Apr. – June). The TT units sell for around $200 a piece.
If you would like a first look account of the new units, check out the article over at Strobist.
I have yet to use either company’s units but if I had to choose, I would probably be leaning towards the PocketWizards. I really like the concept of the hotshoe mount as opposed to the velcro and foam attachments that are required by the RadioPoppers. I also like the fact that the PocketWizard units can interface with older units and will work with just about any flash unit, including large studio systems.
Highspeed Sync
photo by Scott Baldwin
What I really like from both units is the ability to utilize highspeed sync modes. The highspeed sync allows you to utilize faster than normal shutter speeds without shutter interference in the frame What this means is that you can shoot in daylight situations with your flash and use large apertures for reduced depth of field (you have to be using a camera and flash that actually supports highspeed sync operation).
If you have used any of the units, I invite you to drop me a comment and let me know what you think.
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