PocketWizard has just announced the addition of a new trigger to its lineup: The PocketWizard Plus X. Priced at $99 (and already in stock at B&H), the Plus X offers much of the same functionality and reliability as PocketWizard's much-beloved Plus II and Plus III, but with a simpler, no-frills interface and a gentler price. Read on for the spec list, a mini-review, and my thoughts on the new unit.
While PocketWizard's trigger systems have been the de-facto standard for years, they have been diversifying their product line (with triggers such as the Flex TT5 and MC2) and revamping their staple product offerings (Plus and Plus II) with the Plus III, which featured a redesigned form factor, a plethora of new features, and a USB interface for upgrading firmware. Even though the Plus III is the new standard by which all other triggers are measured, and despite its lower price than the Plus II of old, there has been a constant din from photographers who would like to invest in a PocketWizard system but weren't quite ready to shell out the $150+ per unit that the jump to PocketWizard would entail.
This may just be the perfect answer to those wishing for a Plus-lite of sorts, as the simple and robust operation is plenty for any photographer looking to get their lights off camera simply and affordably. You'll miss out on some bells and whistles, but the Plus X still has quite a nice spec sheet. Check out the facts straight from PocketWizard:
The PocketWizard Plus X is the perfect choice for both entry level wireless shooters and current Plus II owners. Auto-sensing Transceiver technology and large, backlit channel dial make the Plus X the simplest PocketWizard ever. It is compatible with every PocketWizard FCC-version radio marketed in the USA and virtually every popular flash and camera system. And the Plus X also works with all PocketWizard-enabled studio flash units including select Profoto, Dynalite, Norman and Photogenic flashes as well as Sekonic light meters.
• Auto-Sensing Transceiver – Easy to use. No settings to make.
• 10 Channels – 1-4 Classic plus 5-10 low-traffic channels
• Backlit Channel Dial – Easy to set channels in the dark
• Internal Antenna – Compact, more rugged design
• Auto-Relay Mode – Trigger remote camera and flashes simultaneously
• Transmit Only Mode – Positive operation in large groups
• Side View Design – Better subject view on camera
• PocketWizard reliability – PocketWizard compatibility
• Box Dimensions 1.75" x 4.75" x 5.25" (DxWxH)
• Country of Origin: USA
Definitely impressive for just $99, if I say so myself.
Mini Review
I was able to use the Plus X on one shoot, as I just received the units this week. Having been a long time PW user, I had no trouble getting them set up and rockin'. Actually, to be honest, I got the box in the mail, tore that badboy open, and threw them right on my camera. I'm a male, and as a result, clearly do not read manuals until I run into trouble. I had no problems whatsoever getting these set up, dialed in, and popping flashes. In the box, as seen below, are the manual, warranty cards, a few standard cables, a lanyard, and the unit itself.
Operation could not be more straightforward or simple. Turn the dial so the channels match, slide the unit on the hotshoe, plug one into your flash unit, and shoot away. Or if you're using them as remotes, plug them into your camera's remote port, hit the test button, and off you go. Most of the operational details are similar or the same to those of the Plus II and III, so if you're familiar with their operation, you'll have no trouble here.
The construction is the same as that of the Plus III: they have a nice weight to them when loaded with batteries and seem like some tough little cookies. I didn't drop them on purpose or anything so I can't comment on their actual durability, but if they are built the same as the Plus III (and by all accounts, they appear to be) then we can assume that they are just as strong. Though I was only using them indoors to shoot a few quick real estate photos, I didn't have a single misfire in about 550 shots. Pretty damn good, if you ask me. These are true plug and play units, and they integrated seamlessly with my Plus IIIs. While I wasn't able to check compatibility with my MC2s or Flexes and Minis, the manual states that the Plus X is backwards compatible with all of PocketWizard's products, though they do not transmit ETTL information to the flash, so they're just simple triggers.
Glamorous Action Shot via iPhoneMy one shoot wasn't really a great barometer for checking battery life, but I loaded them up with fresh Eneloops beforehand and after the shoot, the units were still showing full charge. No real issues there, I expect them to have the same battery life as my Plus IIIs, if not a little longer, due to the reduced functionality, but I am just going by my best guess there.
As far as I'm concerned, at this price point, these units are a no-brainer if you are looking for legendary PocketWizard reliability, cross-platform capability, and support. While you may be able to get away with purchasing cheaper asian units from a no-name distributor on eBay, at this price, why not just get the real deal? They'll be guaranteed to work, have an excellent support system in place, and will work with basically every lighting system under the sun. Many studio systems have PW compatibility built in and anywhere you go, you'll be able to find PocketWizards. Roughly $200 to get into the professional standard triggering system is an absolute no-brainer. While it is known that PocketWizard's Flex units had some teething problems when first released, I couldn't find a single hiccup with the Plus X units that I tested. I'm fully confident that PocketWizard has done their homework here and these things are ready for serious use out of the box.
The new units are already available at B&H Photo Video for $99. I don't have any confirmation of a shipping time as of right now, but I will be sure to updated the post as soon as more information is released. I'd be willing to bet that they are ready to ship, as test units have been shipping for awhile and it appears that all the kinks have been worked out at this point. Stay tuned for more info there, and a more in-depth review as we get to use these on more shoots and explore more of their features.
I have PW Plus II's , III's and the Flex units.
I have asked PW that their next unit should be a TT1 (as far the design goes) and no TTL buit in.
The format of the TT1 is ideal for an on camera rock solid transmitter. You can mount your flash on it without worries but having to go through menus on the flash to set it as a Master when it's on camera and on top of the TT1 AND problems with the VR on my Nikon lenses, is frustrating.
I'm into looks... and that shit is ugly.
Sorry for the Newbish question. I have used the earlier model PW's and those sync up to 1/200th of a second before that black bar appears. Using Einstein's or other ABees, will you be able to sync faster than 1/200th of a second with these? If not, how do you accomodate for the slower sync speed outside yet still requiring fill lights, or punch etc.?
Do you mean slower sync speed or faster sync speed? slower would mean 1/160th, 1/125th...which isn't a problem. If you want a FASTER syncspeed, above the x-sync (native maximal sync speed) of your camera, you have to tricks. And it is possible with an Alienbee, 'cause of the slow flash duration. Take a look at something called Hypersync (Pocketwizard) or Supersync (Yongnuo/Pixel King). But those triggers above aren't capable of Hypersync. Only the bigger models from Pocketwizard are. Or you use a Yongnuo YN-622C (which currently only works with Canon, which explain the "C" in the name). But there will be a Nikon Version in the future. The Pixel King are the current alternative if you're using Nikon and you don't have the money for the Pocketwizard set.
Pretty cutting edge. Five years ago. Call me when PW does something interesting.
5 years ago PW was on top.. but they lost it 2 years ago.
the YN 622C are bit for bit better. and a pair cost 75 euro here in germany.
...or at least releases a dumb trigger under $50.
Amen! Did you tried the Yongnuo YN-622C?. Is just for Canon now but the Nikon version is coming soon.
Is funny how polarized are the comments about this product.
Pros:
- Looks very cool. Aerodynamic design. ;-)
- 500ft range
- Backward compatible with old models
- No misfires
- For some people Price: $99 each
Cons:
- Dumb manual trigger
- No TTL
- No High Speed Sync
- No Power control from your camera
- NO TTL Pass-thru. You can't use on camera flash as fill when working
with off-camera flash, unless you put a bar or taped into the camera
- For most people Price: $99 each.
The way the cable is rolled in the last picture... ><
Came that way from the factory. Never bothered to unroll it, since it just runs from my trigger to the camera. Trust me, I know how to coil a cable haha
Didn't mean to imply you didn't know how. =]
Wish cables didn't have to be packaged that way though. Sucks getting a cable that comes with kinks from the factory, right?
I hate to be on the negative side. I am a PW user. But $99 for a dumb trigger just doesn't make sense any more. Especially when there are so many other viable options. The only thing you're paying for is brand loyalty. And you can only ride that wave for so long. Do any Adobe Creative Suite users out there remember Quark Express? No? High price + stagnant innovation = a leg up for the competition.
what a joke this is.for half the money i get a YN 622C.the YN 622C offers TTL, manual control, a hot shoe to use a on camera flash and highspeed sync. the build quality is great too.these PW are just overpriced crap.
only people who read "POCKET WIZARD" and know not much will buy this.pocket wizard is not was it was 2 years ago.
It's too late to bite the china triggers market cake. Phottix, Pixel, YN have TTL trigger for the same price. Sad thing for PW, all of works fine.
:)
I have two sets of those Cowboy Studio triggers on Amazon. I paid a grand total of $42 for four receivers and two transmitters (one on each camera body). They fire without issue every time, and cost less than half of ONE single PW trigger (which is useless without at least another one).
I ordered a pair of Cactus triggers when I first entered the wireless flash endeavor. I got two... TWO correct fires out of those triggers in the several photo shoots I tried them on, otherwise, ALL misfires. Embarrassed like crazy in front of my clients as a result. I ditched them and ordered PW III's and have never had a SINGLE misfire since I got them in December. We can talk about brand loyalty all we want, but I have learned in photography that you get what you pay for. PW's are worth the money from my experience.
Your misconception that since the Cactus triggers suck (and they do) then anything cheaper than PWs suck, is quite simply not true.
Never said anything cheaper sucks. PWs are the de facto industry standard for a reason: they work. I chose to get PWs next because I knew they would work, and I didn't want to spend my money on a less assured option. I am a college student, and can't afford risks like that.
You're missing the point. I don't use PWs and I've never had a SINGLE misfire.
I get what you're trying to say; PWs are the Ferrari of wireless triggers. However, you could have also bought Phottix, Pixel Kings or Yongnuo, and realized they work reliably too. You don't have to take my word for it; ask anyone who knows. Your misconceptions are unfortunate. You'd save a bundle for books and beer.
The only better aspect of these pw trigger is the build quality(compared to the cheaper ettl hss ones). Who cares if it is american, german, chinese or japanese build. Pretty weak title for fstoppers, I was expecting a cheaper trigger from pw that would be able to compete with the phottix oding and pixel king ettl/hss triggers. This new pw only makes my head shake
I care as I hope my expenditures with companies that make things in America help to keep American's employed. Unless you're OK with American wages at what amounts to poverty levels in most scenarios I expect the American made products to cost more. I do wish more items were made here despite the price differential.
By the way, I am not wealthy. I strongly feel the American consumer needs to send a Made in America message to all these corporate chieftains across the United States. It stands to reason if the consumers' primary goal is to spend as little money as possible that corporate America will use that as an excuse to go off shore. And, shudder the factory here in the process.
The build origin is important because companies live and die by where we spend our money. As photographers, we should all care about the intellectual property of innovators. Chinese manufacturers have a history of not innovating, but copying technology and design, and then undercutting the innovators, be they American, German, Japanese, or somewhere else. It is important.
I don't do it blindly, but I'm proud to spend my money with domestic companies when there is a good domestic option in the marketplace. And when there isn't, I'll choose a country of origin that doesn't so blatantly disregard intellectual property, as does China.
Pocketwizard is just trying to get back in the game thinking that the reputation built years ago will be enough.
I think they should open their eyes and realise that it's maybe too late.
There are other players in the game, better and mor reliable now such as the Phottix Odin.
Mike, have you ever used or tested the flash trigger system put out by Calumet? It's a 2.4 ghz, 4-channel system with a smaller physical profile than the pocket wizard. Plus the price point for additional receivers is much lower. Would be interested if you or anyone else out there have used them.
I have not. The only systems I have used are PocketWizard, Cactus, Nikon CLS, and Cybersync, though PocketWizard is what I have been using personally since I started shooting with flashes off camera.
I payed the same price for both my Pixel King's transmitter and receiver. AND they support TTL, TTL passthrough, and have high speed sync up to 1/8000 on studio strobes.
Never had a misfire, work perfectly.
Too little...too late PocketWizard.
So, judging by this comment section, the only way that PocketWizard could still be declared the de facto standard is because the rest of the vote is so split. (I'm a happy CyberSync user.)
I simply dont understand why it is so BIG?
she ain't pretty but for 99 bucks, i don't know, maybe i'd buy. i still love my plus ii's with all of my heart.