After a long exhausting day of testing, we finally put a video out with our test results. The test was simple, but very straight foward. Dumb it down! You’ll see Mike talk, Cody model and me taking siesta’s on the side of the road. So, bare with us on this 8 part video. It’s a very dry, technical video for all the photo geeks out there.
The videos are in HD, but YouTube compression kills it. HD versions are available though.
Part 1 of 8
Notes: Introduction. PocketWizard usable range test. Range found to be 40 feet while using off shoe cord with Canon SpeedLite 580EXII, similar results expected with 580EX SpeedLite using wireless flash eTTL. Test performed by TriCoast Photography including Mike Fulton, Jordan Chan, and Cody Clinton.
Click to continue reading “PocketWizard Flex TT5 Mini TT1 vs. RadioPopper PX Video Review”
Minghao Yang: Human antenna. LOL
Sheldon: Great "in-depth" test and I learned a lot! Thanks guys......
Bill Cawley: Awesome review guys! Thanks. It's amazing what Kevin and his team have achieved in such a short time.
Robert Whetton: so what happend to the photographs you were going to show? ;)
Lawrence@Tofurious: love your work and love this video - very informative - keep it up ;D
Peter Marin: Great review and very informative, just what we all need. Here in Australia we are told the end of April is when we can expect availability. I've pre-ordered and paid in full up front already. After watching your review it's got me thinking if I did the right thing or not. I'm kind of nervous now )-: Thanks guys, great info.
Bob Davis: Hi Mike, Great job showing the differences of each system, well done. Bob
Gareth Heesom: Cool Thanks Tri Coast folks. you keep teasing us UK folks with radio poppers but we still can't get them here. they do seem awesom though
Dale: Hey guys, just curious as to why you tested the mini TT1 with the Flex TT5 and didn't use the Flex TT5 as the transmitter to see if there was a difference in performance. Also, PW mentions the use of a clamp-on magnet to reduce interference (or something like that) when using the off-camera cord...could this have made a difference in the performance of the PW system? Not sure, but thought I'd ask.
Ben: Do you guys have any idea whether using two Flex TT5 units, with one on camera as transmitter (adding antenna on camera) would give any better range? I'm also desperate for Radio Popper to get a move on with EU frequency units in time for the summer wedding season though it look unlikely :-(
ed pingol: It's an exciting time for us photographers to have all these tools to help us reach yet another level in photography. This review is greatly appreciated to help those see the differences between the 2 hot products currently out in the market. Although I do have to say that I was VERY surprise to say the least that the PW Mini would only properly operate with a distance no more than 35ft. Again, thank you TriCoast for putting this VERY informative video review together. =) //ed
Sheri Johnson: I want to thank you for sharing this. I didn't watch every single moment, but I got the general jist that the radio poppers seem to be more reliable with a lot more range.
Brian Strickland: Looks to unreliable for me!
Sharon Miller: Thanks for testing these and sharing your finds. I'm at the beginning of my exploration in lighting and thus far only own two Pocket Wizard II's. Now I will definitely try out the Radio Poppers to see if they fit me better before I decide which system I'm going to adopt.
Mike Visser photography: Thanks, this was very helpful! These things both rock, by the way. Regards, Mike
Mike Monjure: I may be missing a key point in this review, but with the PW system, I do need the Canon flash mounted on the camera for the TTL information to be intercepted as in the RP system, therefore eliminating the cost of an additional Canon flash, right?
ray: These video clips where helpful it was a pretty good comparison of both triggering products. But, I wish you would have drawn more attention to the fact that the new pocket wizards claim to sync at 500th of a second which I believe is faster than the radio poppers at 250th of a second. Also one huge problem I see with the radio popper px is that you need an on camera master flash on or a canon ST-E2. That adds a lot of weight and expense (compared to the TT1) that isn't really helping anything at 200+ feet away.
mark: thank you for the test and video..it was very informative....did you try the radio popper on a canon speedlight transmitter st-e2...i like to use one flash and the st-e2 and you know the limits of this so if i could put the radio popper on the st-e2 that would be great...on radio poppers site they say this is possible but i'm wondering if you tried this...could you send me your answer to my email....thank you
Benjie Urbina: thanks for the great review Mike, I ordered mine but haven't showed up yet, looks like a lot of people are ordering this gadget, thanks for the video.
kevin: Hmm, I like the fact that you are testing this , but I think there are a few inconsistencies in your testing. The Pocket Wizard can change frequencies, you can see this right on their spec page. Also , I think the main reason that the pocket wizards did better in the range dept was a simple fact of all wireless communication, the higher the antennae the better your reception. The Radio popper was a foot higher up by design, being on top of the 580 ex II. I would like to see a comparision with a Flex TT5 on top of the Camera. Overall I feel that the review is biased towards the radio popper. Also saying that a product firmware being updateable is a negative is ridiculous, it future proofs the device. webpage showing frequencies can change. http://www.pocketwizard.com/products/transmitter_receiver/36/TT1-C/spec/
kevin: Additionally, Putting a receiver on the ground is the worst thing you can do, as I already mentioned, the higher the antennae the better the reception. One more thing that shows bias is that you used only default channel on the Pocket wizard settings, when the Radio popper has automatic channel switch to find the best channel... again, alot of things could have done to make this a less biased "review"
Jordan: Kevin, I'm not sure if you've actually tried using the Pocket Wizard devices. By adding the additional steps as you've described really forces the device to work within a contained and stable environment. We tested the device the way we would have shot in an actual variable environment. Actually this test was geared towards the pocket wizards. Adding the off camera cable is no something I wanted to do, but since that's what's recommended in the manual, we did. As for a ferrite clamp, they might consider adding that to the package, because I don't want to spend any more money on attachments just to make this thing work. BTW, I used the default channel because it was the only one I got to work without having to lug my laptop out to the middle of the street to change to something other than 1 or 2. Are you starting to see where all these extra steps and parts add up? I want something that works in real life situations, not just in a lab with pure optimum conditions. I don't want to spend any more money on magnets and extra cables just to get something to work. If I had a choice between legacy IR system of the 580s or the PW system, I would have been done with the shoot with the IR before I could even get all the parts out to shoot. On top of that, I have to turn the antenna to face the transmitter. Almost like line of sight. That makes it worthless to me. PW said I should have tested it indoors. So the signal can bounce. I don't know if you've noticed, but we are outdoor shooters. We do shoot indoors, and in the studio we do use PW Plus units reliably. But outdoors, its all about e-ttl. I can't limit my shooting conditions to locations where I can bounce signals. I don't really know how else to make it a biased review. I felt we were more biased in favor of the Pocket Wizards, really pushing to make it work beyond the out of box experience that was promised. If we did not already have an off camera cable from years ago, we would have had to spend another $70 for that cable. The best thing for you to do, is to buy your own units and test see for yourself. In fact, I encourage anyone and everyone that feels that our findings are biased to go purchase a set, do the test, and show us how you got it to work. If you have any problems with it, let me know and I can probably trouble-shoot your issue for you. Yea, I'm that familiar with these units now. Here is the bottom line. The RadioPopper works utilizing the the Canon e-TTL system, which is what I'm familiar with. It doesn't rewrite code, or take control of my flashes. It's just a e-ttl signal transmitter. This system works the way I shoot. It works no matter where I place the flash. It works on the ground, behind walls, in large fields, narrow alleyways, even across a pool. Never tested it in a pool... but you're more than welcome to try it with your unit :)
Jordan: Ray, the 1/500th of a sec is for studio strobes. Not e-TTL flashes. However, PW does claim 1/8000th of a sec with these mini/flex units using the 430/580s. So the test would not be correct with with the PX units. But, future release of the Radiopopper Jr units claim 1/8000th of a sec with Alienbee strobes. I'm excited for those.
Drket: I have one TT1 and two TT5 and I have same thing happening as described here. It happens indoors to. The thing goes even worse when using two receivers/flashes. The percentage of misfire and full flash discharge skyrockets. It is one 100% useless system. It is so funny to test this system, simply because Canon proprietary IR remote system works better. I feel like I have a car with four wheels and I have placed two additional wheels in the middle and now for some strange reason I have wheels that suppose to move the car actually spinning in the air. Funny indeed. Do not purchase Pocket Wizards for now. And sorry for bad English.
Gil jackson: I tried them for about 3 weeks, did all kinds of tests to get them to work properly. Finally I took them on an event job, coupled with a few Elinchroms outfitted with Pocket Wizard Plus IIs. Had the Flex TT5 on my 5DII, with no flash mounted on it and I still only got about 30" of distance. I returned them to the store and they fully refunded me for them. They are aware of the problems with them. What really shocks me is that they were not aware of the problem with the flash mounted on a Flex or a Mini on a 5DII. One would think that the MAC group would make their vendors aware of that before they sell them to a user of a 5DII.
Mark: This was an awesome video series. Many of the problems you demonstrated with your PW setup -- pre-flash only or no flash, sporadic flash dumps that blow everything out -- I have with my first generation radio poppers. Is there a significant performance/reliability difference between the first and PX generation of Poppers?
Photography Podcast #57. Photography & HDR with Trey Ratcliff:: [...] Tri Coast Photography did tests in both of them. A great video review. [...]
Official Blog of Jeffrey Scott French» Blog Archive » Radio Poppers vs Pocket Wizards: [...] the link to the post on their blog and here is the link to the first of the 8 videos on You [...]
Steve: Hey guys that's a great review, I watched it start to finish, thanks for the info. How long was the whole thing? I read over on Neil Van Niekerks blog ( http://www.planetneil.com/tangents/2009/04/14/review-pocketwizard-minitt1-flextt5/ ) when he was reviewing the pocket wizards they misfired when he was using a softbox because the internal baffle reduces the pre flash. Any idea if this is the same with radio poppers? (I'm going to buy them anyway when a european version comes out).
Jeff: I'm still using 550EX flashes on 5DII, am I missing any significant features using Radio Poppers and not having E-TTL II?
Bryant Altizer: Thank you for these videos. I really appreciate the visual review and testing of both systems. I'm getting ready to buy the radiopopper px, and enter the off-camera flash world. I own a 580EX, and I know I need another flash. I was planning to buy a 580EXII, but I need to make sure there's not some limitation between the 2 different flashes. I don't think there would be a problem, but could you email me if you know there is a problem? Thanks in advance, and I look forward to your response. Bryant
Pro Photography Podcast #58. Wild Wedding Roundtable:: [...] Tri coast photography reviews of Pocket Wizard and Radio Poppers. [...]
Dave: didn't think much about her reaction... would you? i do not know, it's pretty neat...
Dusty: Jordan, Im curious. Through all my reading..may not be much to some but its all that I have time for, people say to keep the flash off the camera axis. This doesnt look possible with the radio popper as you have to have the master hooked up just to get the IR code to transmit. Doest that limit what you can do with light which from my understanding is what you are all about? Im a NEWBE when it comes to off camera lighting or any lighting for that matter. Im trying to learn and wanting to get into shoot more with lights. All the insight is much appreciated. Dusty
Houston Wedding Photographer Scott Villalobos: Thanks guys for this series of videos. I was just about to purchase the Pocket Wizards when I saw this. Now I think I'll wait until they work out the bugs. Thanks!
Pocket Wizzard Flex Control TL vs Radio Poppers PX Review: [...] own informed decision based on the latest reviews and info. There’s a great bunch of great review videos over on Tri Coasts blog. I’ll embed their summery below, but you can find all eight test videos via the link. They [...]
Petr: I would suggest to use flex tt5 on both ends. I think the problem is not on the receiver side but in the transmitter.
Radiopoppers in the UK in August? – Victor Tse Photography: [...] tape! With the recent coverage over the performance of PocketWizard Flex TT5 Mini TT1 (check out Tricoast Photo’s test against the Radiopoppers) the Radiopoppers look like they’ll make it as the [...]
Brianne: I'm so glad I came across this. I have been leaning toward buying pocket wizards because that it what I'm most comfortable with. I don't have an experience with Radio Poppers and they have always intimidated me a little bit with all the sliders and controls. But this informative review really has me interested in checking them out.
sonic fast food: Thanks!!! Nice post!
Radio Poppers vs Pocket Wizards: [...] the link to the post on their blog and here is the link to the first of the 8 videos on You [...]
Jeff: Great review. I'm curious after months (being Jan '10 now) of firmware updates for PW's if this review has changed any. Unfortunately I haven't found much information on people getting the RP's to work with Metz 58's so I am leaning to the PW's.
Curtis Copeland: Great insight and info. Thanks for sharing. Curtis
Jason youn: My question is the similar Jeff's. Now that v5.0 is out, do they work better? Also have you guys used the RF bags that are now shipping with the wizards? I do agree with your statement about more steps really adding up, but its nice having one thing my camera bag that can work with my speedlites, my strobes, and my light meter all at the same time.
FogartyFOTO - Las Vegas Wedding Photography: Have u guys tested the Poppers in an urban setting typical for wedding Photographers, like in a hotel or casino or in a busy urban setting? I have and I'm Sad to report, they are very unreliable. LOVE 'em when they work. Embarrassing & wrse than sells when they don't. They work great in my house, when talking with RadioPopper tech support. They are VERY unreliable in real world shooting situations here in Vegas. I've shot w my 1 PX trnsmtr & 2 PX rcvrs about 8 times since buying them. Reliability plummets when in an urban setting like when in and around the casinos. My guess is it's all the conflicting radio signals comming from the casino's security & a/v systems. Last night is a good example of my experience with them. We started in a small dark restaurant off The Strip. I put up two Canon 430s w suction cups. The poppers were nearly flawless in that confined dark off-Strip location. I bet the Canon IR system would have worked just as well. We then went out in front of Ceasars Palace and they jet fell apart. 50% reliability at best, plummeting eventually to zero. Would not link up. Fresh batteries in everything. Multiple system resets. Tight visual seal b/w the Popper & 430. Right now I'm very disappointed in and frustrated w my Poppers. They get in the way, slow everything way down, make me look bad in front of my clents, kill the buzz & flow & creative process. Yet their promise is so good.
FogartyFOTO - Las Vegas Wedding Photographer: Very comprehensive & fair test. I'm glad that you guys encourage questions & observations from your viewers. I've got one of each ;-) My observation is that I find the RPs to be worse than useless when in the real world environment of urban hotels and casinos. It's probably because the Vegas Strip is pulsing with so many different radio frequencies from all the security & audio visual and other systems. I own 1 PX transmitter, & 2 PX receivers, for Canon. I've used them about 8 times since buying them. Mine work flawlessly in a radio-quiet environment (my house), just like TriCoast got theirs to work on a broad suburban street. But they become very unreliable when I use them in or near hotels and casinos in Las Vegas. Vegas has 6,000-10,000 weddings every month. If I am experiencing these problems with my RPs, hundreds of other photographers who shoot in Vegas will also. For example last night, I began shooting in a small dark restaurant off The Strip - the kind of environment where Canon's IR triggers actually work well. The RPs worked flawlessly. We then crossed over to Ceasar's Palace and things began to fall apart quickly. My master flash (580exII, channel 1, group A) lost sync with my slave flashes (channel 1, group B) at least 50% of the time. The 580 ex II dropped out of eTTL mode to TTL mode over and over, where it produced a full dump blowout @ the slave flashes, if it fired them at all. I spent as much time fidgeting with my RPs just trying to get them to sync as I did creating photos. There is a tight visual seal between the 2 RP receivers and my 2 Canon 430ex flashes. My batteries were fresh and strong on all 3 flashes & RPs. Forcing a reset on all three RPs didn't help. Getting really close (3 feet) helped re-establish sync. But then stepping back to 15 feet broke the link again. I have had this same experience every time I've used my RPs. Great in a radio-free environment. God-awful in the environment where weddings actually happen, i.e. hotels and casinos (at least in Vegas). I cannot overemphasize how frustrating it is to repeatedly break out of the creative mode to play tech support with my RPs in the field. It wastes the clients' time. It makes me look like I am completely unfamiliar with my equipment and photography. It completely gets in the way of creating great photos. Short of manually changing the channels on the RPs, does anyone have any suggestions on how to get RPs to work in an urban environment? I would change channels, but to which one? Should I painfully reset all my systems to all 16 channels one at a time as I move from one environment to another, while my clients watch and wait? There's got to be a better way.
dave: interesting...i have pocket wizard...they SUCK with a capital S....i am going to radio poppers...pocket wizard with canon is poor...inconsistent exposures, terrible lights...never should have bought them...oh and loose the dog dude...lol
dave: oh yeah...my question...why the hell would you want to take a photograph at 4 hundred and sixy feet...