Messages

1

Lighting / Re: 600ex-rt vs PocketWizard Flex TT5 Setup

« on: May 09, 2013, 10:24:08 PM »

Canon 600 EX-RT Cons:

I lost the ability to sync my flashes at 1/400 or 1/500 (Depending on the camera I was using) compared to that standard 5D3 sync speed of 1/200.

No ability to trigger a remote camera

With a 5DIII you can do high speed sync with the RT system (although not with pre-2012 bodies).

You can also fire the camera remotely with from a flash/ST-E3 with another in the hotshoe (pre-2012 bodies can remotely trigger the shutter, but a cable to the N3 socket is needed).

Hi Neuro,

Thanks for the response. I wasn't aware of the remote shutter triggering capabilities, that's something I will have to look into.

On the sync speed, I should have specified; I lose PocketWizard's proprietary HyperSync, which essentially allowed you to fire a full powered flash above your camera's rated sync speed. For me, I was able to get 1/400 on one of my bodies an 1/500 on the other, compared to the standard Canon sync speed of 1/250 or 1/200, which is a pretty big benefit to the PocketWizard system in my eyes. Because both systems can take advantage of Canon's High Speed Sync (Which I use regularly) I don't give a benefit to either solution there.

2

Lighting / Re: 600ex-rt vs PocketWizard Flex TT5 Setup

« on: May 08, 2013, 12:05:53 PM »

Sorry to bump an old thread, but I wanted to provide an update for others that may be facing a similar dilemma (Or for those that find this thread via a search engine in the future).

As I said, I purchased 3 600 EX-RT flashes to replace my 430 EX II/580 EX II + Pocket Wizard Flex TT5 setup. As of right now, I couldn't be happier. The flashes trigger every time, with the correct settings, and well over the advertised range. Here's a list of pro's and cons when compared to the PW TT5 setup based on my personal experience.

Canon 600 EX-RT Pros:
Reliable triggering
Settings are easy to change, much better menu system than previous flashes
Ability to easily control up to 5 groups (Vs 3 for the PW + AC3 setup)
Simple to set some flashes to manual and some to TTL, and control the settings of each (AC3 was inconsistent for me for this purpose)
No waiting for firmware to make the PW work with new cameras, like the 5D3.
Cheaper if you are building a radio flash solution from scratch. I got mine for $500 each and B&H.
One less piece of equipment you have to maintain, carry around, and setup by eliminating the PWs altogether.

Canon 600 EX-RT Cons:
I lost the ability to sync my flashes at 1/400 or 1/500 (Depending on the camera I was using) compared to that standard 5D3 sync speed of 1/200.
Even though the range is much greater than advertised, they still can't compete with PWs incredible range.
No ability to trigger a remote camera
No physical switches and dials to control settings like the AC3, which makes it a little slower.

All in all, I am very happy with my choice to switch to the canon 600 EX-RT. They have been extremely reliable and a much better solution for me personally, where I need whatever solution I choose to work every single time. On paper, it would seem as if the PW flex + AC3 is the perfect setup, and I would agree, but I have found that in practice, the Canon solution just works much better and much more reliably. I wish I had saved my money on the PW setup. Hope this helps someone else, and thanks again to everyone how help me with this decision.

3

Lighting / Re: 600ex-rt vs PocketWizard Flex TT5 Setup

« on: April 30, 2013, 06:47:07 PM »

Thanks everyone for the responses. I bit the bullet and I ordered 3 600 EX RTs. May pick up a fourth, I'm not sure yet.

And DWTerry: I couldn't agree with you more about the physical switches. I am really going to miss that. Problem with my AC3 experience is that half the time, flipping the switches and dials didn't do anything anyways =)

Canon: I'm even willing to pay the Canon tax for such a solution. Give me physical buttons and I'll pay $500 for that stupid controller!

4

Lighting / Re: 600ex-rt vs PocketWizard Flex TT5 Setup

« on: April 28, 2013, 09:23:10 PM »

Privatebydesign,

Thanks for your help. It sounds like you have a decent amount of experience with both systems. Is there anything you miss about the pocketwizard setup?

I'm really worried about the greatly reduced range and the speed of usability. In theory, the PW setup was absolutely perfect for me (Aside from having addition devices slapped on my flashes/camera) but it just works too inconsistendly. Are these two issues really ever issues for you in real world use?

5

Lighting / Re: 600ex-rt vs PocketWizard Flex TT5 Setup

« on: April 28, 2013, 06:13:45 AM »

One thing I forgot to ask - How quickly are you able to make changes to the remote flash units from the camera? I know you guys said it is easy and a dream to work with, but as someone that shoots primarily weddings, I really need to be able to dial in flash power (Manual or E-TTL compensation) within a second or two.

This is one thing I loved about my PW setup with the AC3 controller, as I could have multiple strobes setup at a reception and quickly change the output of my flashes or turn them off completely as I moved around the room, and you don't exactly have much time to make these changes. How is this on the 600-EX-RT? Thanks.

6

Lighting / Re: 600ex-rt vs PocketWizard Flex TT5 Setup

« on: April 24, 2013, 09:36:52 PM »

I have both the PW system and an ST-E3-RT with three 600EX-RT flashes. I use the PW setup with a PowerMC2 for an Einstein monolight. If I'm not using the monolight, the PWs stay in the case and I use the ST-E3-RT.

Since you don't list a monolight among your assets, I'd go Canon RT.

Thanks for the response. I don't currently have any monolights, though I may pick up an Einstein or two for studio/formal portrait work at weddings. So that does worry me a bit, but I also feel like I need something more reliable for weddings that the 580/430/PW setup I have now. Sounds like the 600 EX-RT fits the bill. If I do get an Einstein, is it possible to use the 600EX-RT's together with the PW system? IE: Flex on the camera, 600EX on the flex, 600EX triggering other 600EX's, and the PW triggering the Einstein?

I use multiple 580EXII, a 580EX, and 550 flashes on flexTT5 all controlled with a miniTT1/AC3. I have not have the problems some seem to have. I do not use the socks or the hard shells.

Something that I was taught seems to make the system more reliable:
1. turn everything off
2. turn on a flash, then its FlexTT5 to the proper channel
3. Repeat step 2 for each flash. Flash first, FlexTT5 second.
4. Then turn on your mini TT1
5. now, turn on your camera.

Easy way to remember: Turn things on, top to bottom.

Since some of my flashes are hidden inside a softbox, the radio trigger is required. Once I started practicing the top-to-bottom method, I've not used the socks or hard shells.

Been there, done all of that, and then some. Tried a million different tweaks. There doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason for when my AC3 decides to stop controlling things properly. And I have no idea how your 580EX II works without a sock/filter, I get about 10 feet max off of mine unless I use them (Which is why I purchased the 430EX IIs in the first place).

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

7

Lighting / 600ex-rt vs PocketWizard Flex TT5 Setup

« on: April 24, 2013, 06:17:25 PM »

Hey everyone, I'm sure this question has been asked a million times before, but I couldn't find anything specific too my scenario. I'm looking for someone that has extensive experience with both Canon's 600EX-RT and PocketWizard's Flex TT1/TT5/AC3. PW's system is unreliable at best in my experience, with the AC3 failing to control zones properly at times. I shoot primarily weddings, engagements, and couples.

Here's my current setup.
Canon 5D Mark III
Canon 7D
Canon 580 EX II
2x Canon 480 EX II (I mainly use these as the range is much longer due to no interference)
3x PocketWizard Flex TT5
PocketWizard AC3 Zone Controller

I'm looking into selling all the flashes/PocketWizards on ebay (I should get between $1100-1200 for everything) and replacing them with 3 Canon 600 EX-RTs or 2 600 EX-RTs and ST-E3-RT. What is everyone's recommendations? How are the Canon's to work with as far as convenience, control, and reliability go? I would like to get rid of the 430 EX IIs so I have a more powerful flash, but I can't use all 580EX II's due to the RF interference. Thoughts? Thanks in advance.

8

Lenses / Re: EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x Available Mid 2014?

« on: April 23, 2013, 10:32:31 PM »

...had a chance to play with the upcoming, but yet-to-be-officially-announced EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x.

Regardless, that Canon actually officially announced this before the first copies had come off the production line is unprofessional.

Except, of course, that Canon did officially announce it. See the press release here:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/2/7/canon200400mm

The EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM EXTENDER 1.4x is scheduled for launch during 2011.

Cheers,

b&

That announced the development of the lens, not the launch or release.

9

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Sigma Announces 18-35 f/1.8 DC HSM Art for APS-C

« on: April 18, 2013, 08:26:14 PM »

I was so excited when I saw this lens. Then so let down when I saw it was APS-C.

After I cooled off a bit, I still realize, this is a very impressive lens. I am so impressed with the way Sigma is going. Can't wait to see this thing tested, though I doubt I will ever buy it. My next 35mm will be the Sigma though for sure, and that's saying alot as I typically don't like buying anything non-canon.

Also, Sigma better have their patent lawyers ready. I hope they don't need them, but if Sigma keeps going the way they are, I wouldn't be surprised to see Canon copying some of this stuff and maybe even put out a firmware update that is coincidentally not compatible with these lenses.

10

EOS Bodies / Re: EOS 70D is Coming, The Future of Pro APS-C is Unknown

« on: February 02, 2013, 08:41:43 AM »

Getting back to the original story of this thread... By the time the 7D2 comes out, I think it will cost more than the 6D.  This wound some people up when I last offered this, but I think a stellar APS-C body that prevents you from needing to buy the longest glass (because of crop) is worth its weight in gold to some folks.  A $2K APS-C body, as such, is entirely possible.

I tend to support your view.

It would be astonishing if it was less than the 6D. We see with the difference between the 5D3 and the 1DX a large price increase for features which don't have a massive impact on the optimal IQ achievable (more the ability to maintain good IQ under worse/difficult conditions).

I'm getting a $2499 feeling.

I'm not even disagreeing that the 7DII may be worth more than the 6D (We will have to wait and see) but do you really think they would price it so much more than the 6D? From a marketing standpoint, wouldn't be much better to have the 6D and 7D at the same price point? In the 7D, you would have a better build quality and an absurdly fast fire rate. With the 6D, you would have better image quality and low light capabilities. I think these two cameras would be better of around the $1800 range (both of them), especially if the 70D is coming in around $1000.

11

Lenses / Re: Announcement on January 8, 2013? New Lenses [CR1]

« on: December 23, 2012, 10:41:51 PM »

if third party lenses are now being tested with IQ just as good as the "overpriced" canon lenses then why complain about canon's pricing? just go buy the third party lens and be happy.

its as if deep down inside you want the canon lens...but why? if the third party lens is just as good but cheaper....

I agree with this statement completely. Personally, I am extremely interested in the new Sigma 35mm 1.4, and my purchase will depend on how this rumor pans out. I also think the Sigma 50mm F1.4 is an excellent lens, especially considering the price. I don't think anyone is arguing over which lense gives you more for your money.

That's when you need to step back and remember not everyone has the same budget as us. Sure, I can't afford to drop $1500 on a new 50mm lens right now, but that doesn't mean others can't. Just read this thread, one said he would gladly trade in his 16-35 and $3k for a single UWA. Great for him, if he can afford it, and the new lens suits his needs. Just because I can't afford it right now doesn't mean everyone else has to make purchases bsaed on my budget.

If you absolutely need F1.2 and weathersealing, what other options are there? You can complain all you want about it being overpriced (And I agree, to an extent) but that doesn't change the fact that the people that need F1.2 and weathersealing don't have any other choice. We can happily buy the Sigma (Actually, I won't, I'm worried by the focus shift... waiting for the canon 50mm 1.4 replacement) and they can happily purchase the canon version. Everyone wins.

12

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: UPGRADING 7D to FF Please help!!!

« on: December 20, 2012, 01:54:25 AM »

Woah! Thank you all for the wonderful feedback and personal opinions.

It has always been my priority to upgrade lenses before the body but I truly feel that the 7D images
are very usable and I love the camera for various reasons but the time has come to get the bigger brother.

And as for glass, I would of course enjoy the L glasses, however I still have to justify and have sufficient
income in order to purchase them. Unfortunately, I have moved to Brazil and the lens renting community here just blows compared to the US and Canada, therefore, haven't had the best chance to try out new gears and electronics in general. Tax here is just absurd and makes me want to puke.

All in all, I'm very convinced switching to the 5d mk iii and start up with some basic primes.

I'd not feel bad using a 5DmkII for fashion or weddings, but... the 6D is probably better - can't say, have never seen one.  If you have the $$ go for the 5DmkIII, but really.. I'd rather put the money into lighting than camera bodies.

I currently own the 580EX and not very comfortable or well acquainted with flash per say, but does the 600EX make a heck of a difference compared to it's predecessor?

Thank you all once again!
Cheers

I was in the same boat as you. Went from a 7D to a 5DIII. I've rented the 5DII and 5DIII several times before making my purchase. The 7D is such an amazing camera, with it's only drawback being the sensor, that I knew anything less than the 5DIII would feel like a downgrade. I feel like you may regret your decision if you buy anything less. Then again, I don't know if you are keeping or selling your 7D (I kept mine).

As for the 600RT, it depends on what your goal is. If you know you will be using wireless off camera flash, then it may make sense to get the radio flash. I don't have any experience with it though, as I used my 580 EX IIs and 2 430EX IIs with pocketwizard flex TT5s, and that's a fairly expensive and sometime finicky setup. So it really just depends on how you want to use your flash.

(PS. Wireless off camera flash is the way to go. Just sayin'. Once you start seeing how great your lighting can look with modifiers and the freedom to move your flash wherever you want without tripping over cords, you will soon have a case of lighting equipment upgraditis as well)

13

Lenses / Re: Buy Canon 24-70l II today or wait for Newer version with IS?

« on: December 20, 2012, 12:35:41 AM »

This is going to come off as rude, but I don't know how else to word it; the rumor stated within the next 18 months. If you can seriously put off a purchase for 18 months, then you don't NEED either of these lenses. Why don't you buy the extremely affordable 24-105L F4 IS lens? A year and a half is far too long for any professional or semi-professional to go without a normal lens. Sell it in a year or two at a minimal loss (Hey, you got to use it for 2 years, right?) and then make your decision. You may decide the cheaper 24-105 is all you actually need, especially if you are just a hobbyist. Like neuro said, it's silly to make purchasing decisions based on rumors, and even sillier when the rumor is 18 months away.

14

Lenses / Re: EF 24-70 f/2.8L IS Exists as a Working Prototype [CR2]

« on: December 20, 2012, 12:01:26 AM »

I really don't see this being priced too much higher than the current 24-70 2.8. I think Canon would hurt themselves more by pricing it so high. My personal prediction is for this lens to come in around $2499 while the current 24-70 drops to between $1899 and $1999.

Hey, I could be very wrong, but there's not way I'll be picking one up at that price. I'll be waiting a couple years for it to become a bit more reasonable (And even then, I'll probably go with the cheaper non-is version)

15

Lenses / Re: Canon EF 35 f/2 IS Resolution Test

« on: December 15, 2012, 09:15:09 PM »

I like lensrental reviews. It's easy to understand for an ave Joe like me.

I can't believe I'm saying this... the new Sigma looks better than the Canon and now test shows is out perform the big boy....WOW. Where is 50mm f.1ish Sigma?

As for the Sigma 50 1.ish, have you checked out the Sigma 50mm 1.4 EX? Great performing lens at a great price. Used to have major focus issues (Never experienced it myself, but I've only borrowed the lens a handful of times) but apart from that, it may be what you are looking for.