As regular blog readers will know, I have been using the PocketWizard Flex and Mini units for a while now. However, there is something on the horizon that promises to make them even easier to use - the ZoneController.
Essentially, the ZoneController fits on top of a Mini TT1 and gives you easy access to control three zones of light (groups in Canon speak). Instead of having to put a Speedlite on the Mini to provide manual power settings and ratio control, the ZoneController simply has three dials - one for each Zone. Spin the dial to choose a power level and away you go. Simple, quick and easy to use, and it frees up a master unit to go out into the groups!
Back last year we heard that pocketwizards, those wizards of pocket sized radio transmitters, had a new product or two that was going to revlutionise wireless photography.
For years we've been stuck with line-of-sight, limited range IR systems in the Canon Speedlites, that while they work very well, can leave you wanting a little bit more.
The other option was PocketWizard Plus transmitters that gave you range but no ETTL control. That's all changed now though.
A few months back I got a call from the UK distributors of PocketWizard and they asked if I'd be interested in helping them do some beta testing with the Flex and Mini units. They wanted someone that knew the Canon flash system intimately so they could get some feedback on how the CE (or European) versions were working. Of course I said yes, and off I went with some units to play with. It didn't take long. While I had a couple of early sample teething troubles with the units, I fell in love with them. The freedom from line-of-sight, the ability to use flash at much greater range, and crucially for the way I work, the ability to still control wireless flashguns manually from a master gun on the camer, was revolutionary.
Obviouly they also offer full ETTL II control over radio as well, and you can make use of the Hyper Sync technology for high speed sync flash over radio as well. What's not to like?
My feedback went back to the manufacturers, and now, we have the final units. They are production level and I can't wait to get out using them.
Over the coming weeks and months you'll see a few posts about these because I want to do some training videos showing you how to make the most of them and why, if you are interested in wireless flash, you should seriously consider them.
For now, here's an unboxing video for you jut to whet the appetite.
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