How the Canon ST-E3-RT Differs From PocketWizard Flex + Mini and Phottix Odins

Canon recently announced their new ST-E3-RT radio trigger and therefore also announced their entry into the radio transmission game in the strobist world. Now, PocketWizard Flex and Minis have been the darlings of many strobists: and rightfully so. They’re consistent, provide TTL metering and are super reliable. However, I’ve been a user of the Phottix Odins for many months now. And to be honest, I can’t imagine myself with anything else.

But when Canon announced the ST-E3-RT (or ste3rt), I was a bit confused about the differences in the triggers. Here’s an explanation for you all.

Comparison Chart

Update: Canon’s 600 EX RT Flashes DO work with high speed Sync with the 1DmkIV cameras as long as you have the most recent Firmware upgrade 1.1.1 in your camera.

The ST-E3-RT- More Info

The ST-E3-RT has a two way radio communication system. At the moment of writing this article, it is only meant to be used with Canon’s 600 EX RT flash with a built in radio communication device. It cannot trigger older flashes and it is only possible of communication through radio vs infrared TTL. It can control 15 different flashes in up to five groups at 98.4 feet away.

The biggest achievement is the fact that you won’t need external receivers at all now with it if you choose to only go with Canon’s flashes. All you’ll need to do is mount the flash in its stand and then place it on a light stand.

Plus high speed sync is capable from it, but only with the new 1D x and 5D Mk III. On the plus side, it does have stroboscopic functionality: something that you’ll otherwise need a Multi-Max or TTL cord to do.

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Tagged as: canon, flex, mini, odin, phottix, pocketwizard, radio, st-e3-rt, ste3rt, trigger

http://www.facebook.com/byazrov Vladimir Byazrov

I don’t see Canon winning here, especially with prices difference that you decided not to mention.
- ChrisGampat
  
  Prices on the Odins vary greatly. Same essentially with PocketWizards.
Chris Gampat

No it’s not. Read the Odin review, they Odins murder the pixel kings.
genenyc

I think Canon made a mistake not offering infrared support/backwards compatibility with the older EX series flashes (430/550/580). Yes these devices all still work very nicely, just don’t play nicely with the latest gadgets out there. Price is also a big factor in all this. Sounds like the Odin is the most practical solution from a cost/capabilities standpoint.
- ChrisGampat
  
  I completely agree with you. Since you’re in NYC, if you’d like to try my Odins, I’ll let you. shoot me an email at chrisgampat[at]thephoblographer[dot]com
- Max
  
  It does work if you use a 600EX as commander. The ST E3 doesnt…
ChrisGampat

No, they’re not. Read the Odin review. The Odins murder the Kings.
http://www.stevehale.net/ Steve Hale

Using the Canon RT system would be much easier on a busy wedding day for me, one less thing to worry about but that range looks a bit low, a bit of a deal breaker for me, well that and the price!
Ric C

One huge positive with the Odins is the ability to use older Canon flashes. I am able to now completely control my 420EX directly from the controller (this is a flash with pretty much no controls on the back). This saved me from having to buy another newer canon flash and opens the door for cheaper used Canon flashes. It is fantastic to be able to control the zoom from the unit and the HSS is awesome on them too!!
t_linn

Kudos to Canon for rating the system for worst-case rather than best-case scenarios, but don’t assume that your pre-2012 bodies won’t work with this new wireless system. The Canon manual is very conservative in describing compatibility with older (pre-2012) bodies, perhaps because there is variation from model to model. Syl Arena (and others) have tested HSS out to 1/8000 on the 5DII. It worked flawlessly. I’ve seen other tests with a T2i that worked but not past 1/1000. YMMV.

In those same tests, range extended past 100 meters in two different tests w/ no misfires at all. According to the author of one post, this was much more reliable performance than he got from his PW Flex system. The third tester, with the T2i, found the range to barely exceed the rated 30 meters. He was testing in the parking garage of a train station in an urban center so plenty of sources of RF interference.
http://www.facebook.com/dwdallam Doug Dallam

You forgot the Flex system doesn’t really work consistently using the 580EX II flash. I know. I own 3 580EX IIs and 4 Flex TT5′s and the AC3 Controller. I’ve had all 3 of my 580EX II’s repaired and upgraded with the RF internal coating from Pocket Wizard, and I’m still not able to shoot without black frames, sync problems, inconsistent exposures, misfires, etc.
- Wes Craft
  
  I had the same experience as Doug. The wizard Flex and Mini system is absolutely useless with Canon. Not worth the excruciating pain and missed shots. I shoot with manual off camera flash and Pocketwizard Plus III now but have been eyeing these 600 flashes.
tPhoto

FYI

600 EX RT Flashes DO work with high speed Sync with the 1DmkIV cameras as long as you have the most recent Firmware upgrade 1.1.1 in your camera.

I own 6 600RT flashes and 2 MK IV and 2 5DmkIII They work well so far with HSS

My only complaint so far is even though I have the Custom Function set to charge the Thrysistor on,y from the External Power Pack ( Turbo 3 ) in order to preserve the AA’s it does not seen to work that way as I an going through batteries faster than before ..
http://profile.yahoo.com/66RC24WIV7WATGUHK7OSX3YGOQ NA

Correction: The Flex holds AAs but the PocketWizard MiniTT1 uses a CR2450 disc battery.

I too have had a dreadful time using this system with my 580EX II flash.

I have a number of inexpensive Hahnel triggers/receivers that work consistently well. I prefer to use them when I don’t need TTL or HSS. (which is most of the time) They have a good range and are a step up from the usual Ebay clone triggers.

To be honest I regret shelling out the money for the PWs.
To get any sort of reliability I have to use the little adapter and ridiculous sleeve to block the RF noise.
I’m looking at flogging them on Craigslist and take a chance on the Phottix gear. Have to do some more reading first. Would love to hear owners’ opinions here as well.