Do PocketWizard Plus III triggers require a sync cable for off-camera flash?
Asked 4/21/2015
5 views
2 answers
0
I'm familiar with simple hot-shoe radio triggers that slide directly under a remote speedlight with no extra cable. When I looked at PocketWizard Plus III setups, many examples showed the receiver connected to the flash with a sync cable. For off-camera flash use, especially at weddings, does a PocketWizard Plus III always need a cable, or are there PocketWizard models/accessories that mount directly to the flash hot shoe without a cable?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
11y ago
2 Answers
1
Back in 2013 PocketWizard announced a hot shoe cable for the first time which somewhat addresses your concern. It is the HSFM3 and can be found here.
PocketWizard also offers the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 with both mount directly to the hot shoe.
I assume that the reason that PocketWizard prefers PC Sync connectivity vs Hot Shoe is that adding additional height to the hot shoe can get a bit top heavy and cumbersome especially when mounted directly on a camera vs a light stand. It may have something to do with the radios they are using, and overall design decisions as well. I think that at one time PC Sync ports were common in virtually all flash/speedlight/speedlite units, where as today they seem to be not included in lower end models.
Originally by user4892. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4892
11y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The PocketWizard Plus III is often used with a sync cable, especially when connecting to flashes via a PC sync port. That’s why many setups show a cable between the receiver and the flash.
If you want a PocketWizard setup that mounts directly to a speedlight hot shoe without a separate cable, PocketWizard does offer options for that. The MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 are designed to mount directly via the hot shoe, and PocketWizard also introduced a hot-shoe cable/accessory option for some setups.
So the short answer is: no, PocketWizards do not always require a cable, but the Plus III commonly does unless you use the appropriate accessory or choose a different PocketWizard model made for direct hot-shoe mounting.
One reason PocketWizard often used sync connections is that they can be more universal, while direct hot-shoe mounting adds height and can feel awkward depending on how the flash is mounted.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI11y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
How can I trigger a Canon 430EX II off-camera with CyberSyncs on a 5D Mark II?
Can a radio flash trigger work from a Pentax hot shoe without a sync cable?
Can PocketWizard Plus III triggers remotely adjust AlienBees B800 power?
Can a PocketWizard MiniTT1 use HyperSync with an on-camera flash in its hot shoe?
Can any non-TTL wireless trigger fire a manual flash from another brand?