Used PocketWizard AC3 Zone Controller for Canon DSLR Cameras

2020-03-17T17:48:59

Functionality is 2nd to none as a command module that independently controls individual lighting units in a larger array. Build quality seems a bit light and fragile .

ROBERT T.

2020-02-04T07:35:13

Used w Canon speed lights

TIM P.

2017-10-05T08:59:07

I've had three of these over the last few years, and all of them exhibit the same problem. They work fine when new, but after I've used them for a while the connection between the AC3 and my TT5s becomes sporadic. When I change the dials, the changes aren't picked up and transmitted unless I push down on the corner of the unit. Even then, it doesn't always see the change. I'll occasionally have to remove the AC3 and put it back on to make it work. All three units have the same issue.

Peter C.

2017-06-07T14:29:36

Works great, simple to use. Good quality product.

Leonardo V.

2016-12-05T11:31:29

seems I can't just use this without another purchase for my Elinchrom 600RX studio lights, for which, it seems, I'd need a Power ST4 receiver to attach to those lights. Ugh!

Stuart G.

2015-08-27T21:00:00

The AC3 is just the tool to allow photographers to balance and adjust the output of remote flash/strobes. When mounted on a radio transmitter (I use the Pocket Wizard Mini-TT1), the AC# allows you to control up to three lighting zones. You can have as many light sources as you wish in each zone. The AC3 transmit your adjustments to each light source mounted on an appropriate receiving unit (I use Pocket Wizard Flex TT5's) With the use of Pocket Wizard's AC9 unit on each light source, the Ac3 will even control the settings of Alien Bee light units. The AC3 removes the necessity of going to each lighting unit or group and manually adjusting the settings, returning to the camera position and retesting. You can manage all of that from the camera position, shooting the image and adjusting the lights with the AC3 as needed. A major time saver and stress reliever.

RANDY B.

2014-05-26T21:00:00

Used on the miniTT1 on nikon d7100 works as expected

THOMAS F.

2013-12-11T19:00:00

Takes a bit getting used too but once you get a system in place for setting up your zones, being able to adjust the power right from the camera with a few clicks is such a time saver. It also allows you to keep the connection between you and your subjects without breaking to adjust each light.

JESSE R.

2013-12-01T19:00:00

Nothing to beat. It simply the best to manege the light source in 360. However, I'm only received 3 out of 5 items from the shippment...

Gerald L.

2013-08-05T21:00:00

The AC3 is a great addition to a TT5 or Mini TT1 setup. I bought one almost 2 years ago, and just bought a second one as a backup. While they are generally very reliable, and work well as long as you follow the instructions, my first one did have an issue with the connectors which is being repaired right now. I'm guessing it was just a one-off issue though, as I've never heard of anyone else having that problem. Fortunately, they have a two year warranty, so the repair should be covered. Overall I couldn't do what I do as efficiently without it.

Peter

2013-05-27T21:00:00

This is a very easy plug and play controller that gives you remote exposure adjustment control in both TTL and manual from the camera. A must have! Works great.

PierreS

2013-05-20T21:00:00

I now own two of these. They are both always attached to my two camera bodies when I'm out shooting sessions in the field. The AC3 makes it quick and simple to adjust the flash power of 3 independent flash groups. It's nice to be able to quickly dial in the power to match the scene and the mood when shooting outdoors, where conditions are constantly changing. It makes the photographers life so much easier.

Ryan S.

2013-04-29T21:00:00

The AC3 is a must have if you use PocketWizard's FlexTT5, MiniTT1 system. It provides complete control over your zones and the mode that your remote flashes fire plus Flash Compensation. It frees up the use of a Speedlight being used in Master mode. Although I use Sekonic L-478DR lightmeter to set my remote flashes power level when in manual flash mode, I find the AC3 to be a perfect complement. I can turn on and off groups from my camera position and if I want a group to operate in iTTL, than I just switch the AC3's group to A mode instead of M. Then the camera controls that group in iTTL mode with Flash Compensation dialed in by the AC3. Works perfect!

CraigB

2013-03-18T21:00:00

4 out of 5 because I think the stack on top of another stack is a clunky design. It seems to work well enough with Canon 580EXII and 600EXRT speedlights and FlexTT5/TT1 (and I don't use the RF shields). It can be a little flaky to get everythng working well all at once though. 3 flashes, 3 TT5 and the camera+TT1 never seems to follow the same flow to get working. Make everything work and THEN add the AC3 finally. I followed the PocketWizard tutorials, videos and FAQs and about the best advice I cann give is always start from the top down when you're powering up and if all else repeatedly fails it's probably the battery or you have the devices to close together.

MARK M.

2013-01-16T19:00:00

put this on my mini tt1 and it worked as promised out of the box. It made it easy to adjust the flashes right on the camera. The size is a little small for my hands.

STEVE J.

2012-12-12T19:00:00

Great addition to Mini tt1. Adjusts your flash output instantly from your camera when paired with a Flex tt5. Be careful not to drop it. I broke one!

STEPHEN L.

2012-09-07T21:00:00

When you are using multiple flashes it is so much simplier to just spin a dial on top of the camera than to try adjusting on each flash or putting them all up or down. If you have more than two flashes / pocket wizards this is a must buy.

JOE H.

2012-08-12T21:00:00

Just a terriffic product and easy to use and light weight!

Steve H.

2012-05-13T21:00:00

We shoot alot of equine sports and portraits, to be able to control the lights from the camera is so very nice, to get a person to stay in postition for a long time is alot to ask, try doing it with a person and horse. To be able to make all the adjustments right from the camera is great.

MONTY T.

2012-04-29T21:00:00

works well with the pocket wizard ttl group

DENNIS B.

2012-04-24T21:00:00

Add this to the flex and mini and you have a set that gives you controll that one could only dream of before. I operate 3 SB-800's from the camera with accuracy and reliablity that hasn't faild once! You gotta have this to reap all this system has to offer. You won't be sorry!

Ronald W.

2012-04-02T21:00:00

I bought this along with a tt1 and 2 tt5's and I love it! As a neophyte it makes playing with the flash values off camera very easy. I am very excited about the possibilities with these products.

SHAYNE C.

2012-03-04T19:00:00

This is great if you do portraits and strobist stuff. The average photo guy or gal will not find it useful. It only works with pocket wizard remotes. Works really well for it's intended purpose, which is for controlling 3 zones of flashes that are on pocket wizard flextt5'S.

CHARLES T.

2012-03-04T19:00:00

The tt5's were garbage with tons of RF Noise and they would not consistantyly fire. Too bad because this AC3 unit was an amazing little unit and worked simply. :(

TODD A.

2012-02-15T19:00:00

This product was very easy to use and master the controls, very straight forward operation. With most of my PW items the plastic construction worries me for longevity. I haven't had any problems yet but the wear and tear of near every day use is starting to show...

RANDY L.

2012-02-05T19:00:00

Off camera flash with speedlights is something i've been wanting to do for awhile. Bought the Flex TT5, Mini TT1 and the AC3, yes expensive but you wont be buying anything else after you get these. Sure you can buy the cheap ones to get your flash off the camera but having the high speed sync and ETTL available is amazing! Make sure to do the update on all of them before using them and check out Mark Wallace on youtube to learn about them. If it wasn't for Mark Wallace and his videos I would still be reading the manuals instead of using them! Thanks

Mark B.

2012-01-09T19:00:00

If you use the TT1 or TT5's you definitely want to add this -- so simple and saves you so much time.

Robert B.

2011-11-20T19:00:00

Much easier to use than the Nikon command unit and far more reliable.

Lightwiz

2011-11-20T19:00:00

This worth is weight in gold. Control 3 zones all at once without leaving your position is just great. Sitting on top of a MiniTT1 and comanding FlexTT5's is as easy as it gets.

KEITH C.

2011-11-13T19:00:00

This is an absolute must when you buy into the flex/mini system. I worked without it for awhile since I only had one light to work from. I then bought it so I could change modes/ power straight from the camera. It has saved me tons of time just not having to move from the position I am shooting from.

JOEL C.