PocketWizard PWP-TR 801-125 PLUS II Transceiver - Black
by Pocket Wizard
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List Price: Our Price: $169.00 You Save: $51.00 (23%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $143.00 (click here) Category: Digital Camera See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of PocketWizard PWP-TR 801-125 PLUS II Transceiver - Black
Customer Review: when IR won't work... this is the solution!
Summary: 5 Stars
I normally use IR so that I can set my flashes to TTL mode and not have to worry about balancing my lighting. But IR is a line of sight system and doesn't work for every situation. The Pocket Wizard is a great solution to that problem. because it is a radio transmitter, I can put my flashes anywhere I want including around corners. I have been using them for a few months now and they have always performed the way I want them to. The only draw backs that I can think of, is that they are constructed out of plastic, so they feel a little cheap. But I have dropped one before on the pavement and it survived so I think they can take some abuse. Also you need to set your flashes to manual mode which takes a little longer to balance the lighting just right for portraits. if you are shooting Canon (I shoot Nikon), Pocket Wizard has a set that can support TTL mode. I am waiting for the Nikon version to come out. but when IR doesn't do the job, there is nothing better than the Pocket Wizards!Customer Review: Cheap built quality
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought four of these units, after struggling with the calumet radio triggers (I need the additional range provide by the PWs). I would have given PW a five star rating except for the fact of the built quality. The hot shoe mount is very poorly design and the quality and feel of the material is like what another reviewer mentioned (like a cheap 10 dollar toy). I wish the thumbscrew wheel had a larger diameter and I struggle to really get a "secure mount to the camera hot shoe without breaking the unit. I have a buddy who is also a professional photographer and he has already broken the flimsy mount on one of his PW. I wish they would address this problem because there is no doubt they are making a killing, charging 200 bucks for a radio, when you can go out and buy a Sony AM/FM radio for 15 bucks. In their defense, never had problem firing the trigger. I am an architectural photographer and I typically fire the units 900 -1000 times a week.
Customer Review: Great product, but make sure you have the right cable.
Summary: 4 Stars
Some basics: you will use this product most often with studio strobe lights and possibly to trigger your camera remotely (I haven't done that).
I own two Pocket Wizzard transceivers that I use with my 3-light Alien Bees strobe light set up. I attach one to the flash shoe on my Nikon D2Xs and another using the Hildozine Caddy attached to the light stand on one of my strobes. The caddy attaches very firmly and holds the Pocket Wizzard very well.
The only thing to remember is you must have a cable to attach the Pocket Wizzard to the strobe light. Alien Bees use a small plug, and I mistakenly bought a cable and adapter that was the wrong size, which delayed my use of the Pocket Wizzard. The other strobes are fired automatically when they sense the strobe fired by the Pocket Wizzard (at least on the Alien Bees strobes it works that way).
I would rate this a 5-star if the cable wasn't an issue.
Customer Review: Great operation limited by poor quality and high cost
Summary: 3 Stars
I've used a pair of PocketWizard units with a Canon 40D body & Canon Speedlite 580EX II setup. I love the simple but capable function of these units, from connection options to their many uses/functions!
I absolutely despise the build quality!!! For over $150 each, these should be built like tanks. The plastic feels and looks rather cheap, but worst of all, the 'locking nut' does not turn easily and it is somewhat difficult to know when the unit is secure.
None of this is a show-stopper - the unit works great as advertised. The trouble is the price/quality ratio. If these were at or below about $50, I'd say they're worth it. At over $150, they're a ripoff. After designing products like this for a living, I've learned that they've likely got less than $15 in parts for these units.
I may have to go in to business underselling these guys with a superior product. Any takers? :)
Customer Review: perfect wireless at steep price
Summary: 4 Stars
All setup (including unpacking) took like 2-3 minutes or so, perfect; I bought 2 Pocket Wizard units, and was ready to go instantly. Drawback: the price of this gadget is insane, what a ripoff, apparently no competition on the market..
I also setup my Sekonic L-758DR meter (which has built-in Wizard-compatible module) to fire the flash remotely and measure the output, again setup was trivial, works great and is very convenient. Overall, Pocket Wizard system is very helpful, and although quite expensive it is worth to have around. Would buy it again. No more camera-to-strobe sync cord, no more tedius positioning flashmeter to the scene (or asking subject or assistant to hold the meter) and then manually firing the strobe, often climbing the stepladder to reach the strobe fire button.
5 stars for functionality/convenience, 3 stars for price = 4 stars.