Difference between revisions of "Nikon Compatibility"

From PocketWizard Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(major overhaul of top and intro paragraph)
 
(109 intermediate revisions by 9 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
This section contains compatibility information for the Nikon [[MiniTT1 and FlexTT5]] ControlTL radios.{{recommended reading|PocketWizard Utility|}}
+
This section contains TTL compatibility information for the Nikon [[MiniTT1 and FlexTT5]] ControlTL radios. These radios use TTL communication from the camera to allow you to use advanced features such as power control, TTL metering, High Speed Sync, and HyperSync. The ControlTL radios can also be used in Basic Trigger mode with any Nikon camera for manual triggering up to X-sync, even if they are not listed on the TTL compatibility charts below.
  
 +
Any Plus or MultiMAX radios are fully compatible with all Nikon cameras in manual mode. Those radios are single pin triggers and can sync a flash up to the camera's X-sync in manual mode. They can also be used to remotely trigger the camera. Models include the Plus, Plus II, Plus III/IIIe, Plus IV/IVe, MultiMAX, and MultiMAX II.
 +
 +
The Raven from Fusion TLC is TTL compatible with many Nikon cameras as well, including mirrorless cameras, and can be used with PocketWizard radios. For details on Raven compatibility, please visit the [https://fusiontlc.com/pages/camera-and-flash-compatibilities#nikon Fusion TLC website]. {{recommended reading|PocketWizard Utility|}}
 +
 +
===Current Firmware===
 +
 +
PocketWizard radios use two different [[PocketWizard Firmware | firmware protocols]]. Most radios use our Legacy firmware, which has worked well for us for the past 30 years. Some radios, including the FlexTT5 radios, can be upgraded to the E Release firmware. The MiniTT1 cannot be upgraded to the E Release, it can only use Legacy firmware. There is no cost to update the radios to the most current version of Legacy firmware. There is a small onetime charge (per radio) to upgrade the radios to the E Release protocol but any updates after that are free. You can see more information about the E Release upgrade [[PocketWizard E Release | here]]. Your radios MUST all use the same firmware version to be able to talk to each other.
 +
 +
The latest Legacy firmware available for the Nikon MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 is version {{Template:Latestnikon}}. The FlexTT5 can also be upgraded to the E Release and the most current version of that firmware is 4.112. PocketWizards can be updated and/or upgraded via the [[PocketWizard Utility]].
  
 
== Camera Compatibility ==
 
== Camera Compatibility ==
 
The MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 for Nikon are compatible with these modern Nikon Digital SLR's cameras capable of using Nikon's latest i-TTL / CLS protocol:
 
  
*D3x, D3s, D3, D2x
+
The MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 for Nikon are TTL compatible with these modern Nikon digital cameras capable of using Nikon's latest i-TTL / CLS protocol. Please see the note below if you do not see your camera listed in the chart.
*D700, D300, D300s, D200
+
*D90, D80, D40x, D40
+
*D7000, D5000, D3000
+
  
The Nikon D3100 has initial feature compatibility built into the firmware and will function well in normal sync modes however a future firmware update will be released to improve timing capabilities with Rear Curtain Sync and add other compatibility improvements.
+
{{NikonCameras}}
  
 +
{| class ="wikitable" style="background-color: #ffffcc;"
 +
|'''Compatibility with newer DSLRs and mirrorless cameras:'''
 +
In 2019, we created a new firmware protocol called the E Release. We created this new radio protocol specifically to help make the radios compatible with the mirrorless cameras, as well as to give the radios longer range and better reliability. Instead of asking you to buy all new hardware, you can upgrade the firmware in your current FlexTT5 radios by purchasing licenses and upgrading through the PocketWizard Utility. Please see the [[E Release|E Release]] Wiki page for information about the new firmware protocol and for details about how to upgrade your existing radios.
  
The MiniTT1 & FlexTT5 for Nikon are currently '''NOT''' compatible with these Nikon cameras:
+
All Nikon DSLRs and Z series cameras are compatible with the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 radios using the current Legacy firmware in [[Misc Tab#Basic Trigger|Basic Trigger Mode]] for manual triggering up to X-sync.
  
*D1, D1x, D1h, D2h, D2hs
+
'''Compatibility details:'''
*D100
+
*D70, D70s
+
*Coolpix
+
*Film-based cameras
+
  
 +
''First Generation:'' The Nikon Z7, Z6, and Z50 cameras are TTL compatible with the Nikon FlexTT5 radios if they have been upgraded to the new E Release firmware protocol. We cannot make a version of the E Release for the MiniTT1 but you can use an upgraded FlexTT5 on the camera as the transmitter.
  
[[Misc Tab|BASIC TRIGGER MODE]]: Almost all cameras and flashes are compatible with the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 when the radios are configured for Basic Trigger Mode.  Basic Trigger Mode disables all flash power control and TTL functions of the radios.
+
''Second Generation:'' The D6, D780, Z5, Z6 II, Z7 II, and Z9 are not TTL compatible with the FlexTT5s as a transmitter. You can use a [https://pocketwizard.com/products-radios-raven/ Raven by Fusion TLC] as a transmitter with your FlexTT5s (upgraded to the E Release) as receivers for full TTL. The processor in the FlexTT5s can't compensate for timing changes in the protocol for the newer generation of cameras.  
  
 +
|}
 +
 +
Don't see your recently released camera? Click [[Beta_Firmware|here]] to see if there is Beta Firmware available.
 +
 +
<nowiki/>* These cameras do not support HyperSync or Auto-FP/HSS/FP-Sync operation:  D5500, D5300, D5200, D5100, D5000, D3300, D3200, D3100, D3000, D40x, D40
 +
 +
 +
===Non-Compatible Cameras===
 +
 +
{{Potentialnikoncompatibility}}
 +
 +
[[Misc Tab#Basic Trigger|BASIC TRIGGER MODE]]: Almost all cameras and flashes are compatible with the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 when the radios are configured for Basic Trigger Mode.  Basic Trigger Mode disables all flash power control and TTL functions of the radios.
  
 
== Speedlight Compatibility ==
 
== Speedlight Compatibility ==
Line 32: Line 48:
 
=== Nikon Speedlights as Remotes ===
 
=== Nikon Speedlights as Remotes ===
  
 +
*SB-5000
 +
*SB-910
 
*SB-900
 
*SB-900
 
*SB-800
 
*SB-800
 
*SB-700
 
*SB-700
 
*SB-600  
 
*SB-600  
*SB-400
+
*SB-500
 +
*SB-400 ''(not capable of HSS)''
  
 
=== Nikon Speedlights as On-Camera Master Flashes ===
 
=== Nikon Speedlights as On-Camera Master Flashes ===
  
 +
*SB-5000
 +
*SB-910
 
*SB-900
 
*SB-900
 
*SB-800
 
*SB-800
 +
*SB-700
 
*SU-800 Wireless Speedlight Commander  
 
*SU-800 Wireless Speedlight Commander  
  
The Nikon SB-700 flash as a MASTER is currently being researched, and may be addressed in a future firmware update.
+
''Note: The "GN" ratio mode of the SB-700 is not supported.''
  
 
+
===Non-Compatible Flashes===
The MiniTT1 & FlexTT5 for Nikon are currently '''NOT''' compatible with the following Nikon Speedlights as Master or Remote Units:
+
  
 
Any older generation Nikon Flashes as Remote Units Such as:
 
Any older generation Nikon Flashes as Remote Units Such as:
 +
 +
*SB-300
 
*SB-80DX
 
*SB-80DX
 
*SB-80
 
*SB-80
Line 58: Line 81:
  
  
[[Misc Tab|BASIC TRIGGER MODE]]: Almost all cameras and flashes are compatible with the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 when the radios are configured for Basic Trigger Mode.  Basic Trigger Mode disables all flash power control and TTL functions of the radios.
+
[[Misc Tab#Basic Trigger|BASIC TRIGGER MODE]]: Almost all cameras and flashes are compatible with the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 when the radios are configured for Basic Trigger Mode.  Basic Trigger Mode disables all flash power control and TTL functions of the radios.
 
+
+
  
 
== Operational Notes ==
 
== Operational Notes ==
 +
 +
===ControlTL Remote Camera===
 +
 +
Using the default settings, remote cameras with a receiving FlexTT5 will be limited to Single Shot mode and there will be a delay between subsequent triggers. To learn more about remote camera triggering with ControlTL radios, visit our [[Remote Camera Triggering]] page.
  
 
=== Flash Exposure Compensation ===
 
=== Flash Exposure Compensation ===
  
Flash exposure compensation is controlled as part of the camera’s exposure compensation, set via the exposure compensation button near the shutter release. This compensation works in all shooting modes, including Manual. When in Manual mode, the exposure compensation will only affect the flash exposure, as the camera exposure is controlled by the settings you’ve selected manually. Note that the D2x and D3 series cameras do not have Flash Exposure Compensation on the camera body, as they don’t have a built-in flash.
+
Flash exposure compensation (FEC) is controlled as part of the camera’s exposure compensation. This is normally adjusted via the FEC button on the camera, which is indicated by a flash symbol/lightning bolt beside a "+/-" symbol. If your camera does not have an FEC button, you can also adjust it via the exposure compensation button near the shutter release, indicated by a "+/-" symbol. This compensation works in all shooting modes, including Manual. When in Manual mode, the exposure compensation will only affect the flash exposure, as the camera exposure is controlled by the settings you have selected manually.
 +
 
 +
=== Speedlight Light Pattern ===
 +
 
 +
The SB-910, SB-900, and SB-700 have a special Light Pattern Menu, which allows you to set a slightly different light output pattern. Of the three options in this menu, “STD” for Standard output must be selected. Selecting either “CW” for Center-Weighted or “EVEN” for Even output is not supported and may result in exposure errors.
  
 
=== Vibration Reduction (VR) Mode Auto-Detection ===
 
=== Vibration Reduction (VR) Mode Auto-Detection ===
  
When using VR Lenses, switching the VR Mode on or off results in the transmitting radio taking a calibration shot to adjust for the resulting  flash timing shift. This may result in a single missed frame after toggling the VR mode on or off. In rare cases, when shooting above your camera’s x-sync speed (1/250th or faster on most cameras), this calibration shot may fail, and continued dark frames may occur. If this happens, take a test shot at a shutter speed below 1/200th of a second, and then move back to your desired shutter speed. In the interest of simplicity, we recommend leaving VR-mode either on or off for the duration of your shooting session.
+
When using VR Lenses, switching the VR Mode on or off results in the transmitting radio taking a calibration shot to adjust for the resulting  flash timing shift. This may result in a single missed frame after toggling the VR mode on or off. In rare cases, when shooting above your camera’s x-sync speed (1/250th or faster on most cameras), this calibration shot may fail, and continued dark frames may occur. If this happens, take a test shot at 1/160th or 1/200th of a second, and then move back to your desired shutter speed. In the interest of simplicity, we recommend leaving VR-mode either on or off for the duration of your shooting session.
  
 
=== Pre-Flash Boost controls ===
 
=== Pre-Flash Boost controls ===
 +
[[File:preflash_boost.jpg|right]]
  
 
Modern TTL (Through The Lens) metering systems are based on a pre-flash fired an instant before the camera’s shutter opens, allowing the camera to calculate the amount of light output required for a proper exposure. Pre-Flash Boost is a feature which increases this metering pre-flash’s light output, which helps to make more accurate TTL exposure calculations at the longer distances our ControlTL radios can achieve. It also helps compensate for light lost when using a light modifier like an umbrella or soft box. By default, this feature adds approximately 2 stops of light output to these metering flashes. This light output can be controlled by the EV controls on the back of the remote flash.  The amount of pre-flash boost compensation set on the remote flashes will not affect the final exposure.  This allows you to increase the pre-flash boost beyond the default value for subjects farther away, and decrease the pre-flash boost for subjects very close to the flash.
 
Modern TTL (Through The Lens) metering systems are based on a pre-flash fired an instant before the camera’s shutter opens, allowing the camera to calculate the amount of light output required for a proper exposure. Pre-Flash Boost is a feature which increases this metering pre-flash’s light output, which helps to make more accurate TTL exposure calculations at the longer distances our ControlTL radios can achieve. It also helps compensate for light lost when using a light modifier like an umbrella or soft box. By default, this feature adds approximately 2 stops of light output to these metering flashes. This light output can be controlled by the EV controls on the back of the remote flash.  The amount of pre-flash boost compensation set on the remote flashes will not affect the final exposure.  This allows you to increase the pre-flash boost beyond the default value for subjects farther away, and decrease the pre-flash boost for subjects very close to the flash.
  
=== High Speed / FP-Sync Speed Selection ===
+
===Camera-Specific Operational Considerations===
 
+
In order to use High Speed/FP-Sync on cameras that support it, your camera must be set to use Auto FP mode via the Custom Settings Menu. On most cameras, this is Custom Setting “e1 – Flash Sync Speed”. All cameras that support HSS/FP-Sync operation have the option for 1/250th (Auto FP), which is the recommended menu setting.
+
 
+
Some cameras such as the D300, D300s and D700 have a 1/320th (Auto FP) menu option, which is not recommended for use, as it can cause sync timing issues specifically at the 1/320th shutter speed.
+
 
+
=== SB-900 Light Pattern ===
+
  
The SB-900 has a special Light Pattern Menu, which allows you to set a slightly different light output pattern. Of the three options in this menu, “STD” for Standard output must be selected. Selecting either “CW” for Center-Weighted or “EVEN” for Even output is not supported and may result in exposure errors.
+
For more information about operational considerations that may affect your camera specifically, choose the model below:
  
=== ControlTL Transmit Priority at X-sync ===
+
{{NikonCameras}}
  
ControlTL radios transmit on both ControlTL and Standard PocketWizard channels, and have a very small delay between sending these two signals. Standard Channels are used by remote Plus II, MultiMAX or remoteFlexTT5 radios configured to use them. By default, the ControlTL channel is transmitted first, then the Standard Channel. At the camera’s x-sync speed (1/250th on most cameras), there is a very limited time window to send both signals, and in some cases the second signal may be too late to allow sync with the camera’s shutter. This checkbox in the PocketWizard Utility, accessed only by enabling the utility’s “Advanced Mode”,  controls which signal is sent first at the camera’s x-sync speed, to prioritize which signal is more important for your shooting scenario. Note that this caveat only applies at the camera’s x-sync speed shutter speed – all other shutter speeds above and below X-sync are unaffected
+
<br />
 +
==Nikon Special Notes==
 +
The following special notes apply to all Nikon cameras.
  
=== Rear Curtain Sync ===
+
===FV Lock===
 +
FV Lock is not currently supported with PocketWizard radios.
  
Rear Curtain Sync works for all shutter speeds under x-sync down to 8”. Below 8” (including bulb mode), synchronization errors will occur. Front-curtain (normal) sync is unaffected at these longer speeds, including bulb-mode. Note that Rear-Curtain sync can be left enabled when above your camera’s x-sync speed – it just will not have any effect.
+
===Live View===
 +
Live View is not currently supported with PocketWizard radios.
  
=== Modes Not Supported ===
+
===Unsupported Modes===
 +
* Mirror Up mode is not fully supported at this time – test with your specific configuration before using. You may be able to use the radios in [[Misc_Tab#Basic_Trigger|Basic Trigger Mode]] for this setting.
 +
* Exposure Delay mode (set via in-camera menu) is not currently supported.
 +
* Repeater/RPT mode is not currently supported.
  
*Mirror Up mode is not fully supported at this time – test with your specific configuration before using.
+
===In-Camera Flash Control===
*Exposure Delay mode (set via in-camera menu) is not currently supported.
+
Using in-camera “Flash Control for Built In Flash” menu to control remote zones is not currently supported.
*Repeater/RPT mode is not currently supported.
+
*Using in-camera “Flash Control for Built In Flash” menu to control remote zones is not currently supported.
+
*ControlTL radios disable ALL infra-red/optical communication pulses used in Nikon’s native i-TTL system, and as such will not trigger remote flashes configured to receive these pulses. <u>A PocketWizard radio is required for each remote flash you want to trigger.</u>
+
*The SB-900 flash’s local Manual mode cannot currently be triggered by a remote FlexTT5 – it must be in TTL mode (or Master mode when on-camera) to operate on ControlTL radios. Recommend work-around is to instead put the SB-900 into TTL mode, and control the flash’s power from the camera with a Master flash or SU-800 unit.
+
  
 +
===Rear-Curtain Sync and Bulb===
 +
Rear Curtain Sync and Bulb mode cannot be used together. For more information, visit our [[Rear Curtain Sync#Operational Considerations|Rear Curtain Sync]] page.
  
== Differences from Canon MiniTT1/FlexTT5 Firmware Version 5.200 ==
+
===Remote Infrared Control===
 +
ControlTL radios disable ALL infra-red/optical communication pulses used in Nikon’s native i-TTL system, and will not trigger remote flashes configured to receive these pulses. A PocketWizard radio is required for each remote flash you want to trigger.
  
For customers in a mixed Canon / Nikon ControlTL environment, these are the main differences between using Nikon ControlTL radios in comparison to the Canon units.
+
<br />
  
*Rear Curtain Sync is enabled and disabled on the camera body in the Nikon system, and is controlled by the camera. Canon ControlTL’s Rear Curtain Sync in comparison is set via the PocketWizard Utility.
+
{{CustomerService}}
*ControlTL for Nikon does not have [[Force TTL Master Mode]]. Instead, when using an on-camera SB-800 or SB-900, the Master setting of the on-camera flash determines if remote flashes will fire. When either of these flashes are in non-master mode, only the on camera flash will fire. When the on-camera flash is set to Master mode, the remote flashes will fire according to the zone configurations set on the back of the Master on-camera flash.
+
*HyperSync offsets have been specifically optimized for each compatible camera, and should provide a better out-of-the-box HyperSync experience. The HyperSync offset in the PocketWizard Utility now has a default setting of “0”, with the full range of timing adjustments being -2000us, and +200us. This allows for adjustment in both directions if current optimizations do not perfectly match the characteristics of your specific camera’s shutter.
+
*[[Pre-Flash Boost]] is controlled locally at the flash via its Flash Exposure Compensation controls, instead of via the PocketWizard Utility settings in the Canon system.
+
*The wake/sleep operation of Nikon cameras is significantly different from the Canon system, and as such affects the Nikon MiniTT1’s battery life.  A CR2450 coin cell in the Nikon MiniTT1 should yield about 30-50 hours of camera-awake time.
+

Latest revision as of 11:17, 30 July 2023

This section contains TTL compatibility information for the Nikon MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 ControlTL radios. These radios use TTL communication from the camera to allow you to use advanced features such as power control, TTL metering, High Speed Sync, and HyperSync. The ControlTL radios can also be used in Basic Trigger mode with any Nikon camera for manual triggering up to X-sync, even if they are not listed on the TTL compatibility charts below.

Any Plus or MultiMAX radios are fully compatible with all Nikon cameras in manual mode. Those radios are single pin triggers and can sync a flash up to the camera's X-sync in manual mode. They can also be used to remotely trigger the camera. Models include the Plus, Plus II, Plus III/IIIe, Plus IV/IVe, MultiMAX, and MultiMAX II.

The Raven from Fusion TLC is TTL compatible with many Nikon cameras as well, including mirrorless cameras, and can be used with PocketWizard radios. For details on Raven compatibility, please visit the Fusion TLC website.

Next recommended reading: PocketWizard Utility

Current Firmware

PocketWizard radios use two different firmware protocols. Most radios use our Legacy firmware, which has worked well for us for the past 30 years. Some radios, including the FlexTT5 radios, can be upgraded to the E Release firmware. The MiniTT1 cannot be upgraded to the E Release, it can only use Legacy firmware. There is no cost to update the radios to the most current version of Legacy firmware. There is a small onetime charge (per radio) to upgrade the radios to the E Release protocol but any updates after that are free. You can see more information about the E Release upgrade here. Your radios MUST all use the same firmware version to be able to talk to each other.

The latest Legacy firmware available for the Nikon MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 is version 3.909. The FlexTT5 can also be upgraded to the E Release and the most current version of that firmware is 4.112. PocketWizards can be updated and/or upgraded via the PocketWizard Utility.

Camera Compatibility

The MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 for Nikon are TTL compatible with these modern Nikon digital cameras capable of using Nikon's latest i-TTL / CLS protocol. Please see the note below if you do not see your camera listed in the chart.

Currently Supported Cameras
Nikon D5 Nikon D850 Nikon D7500 Nikon Df
Nikon D4S Nikon D810 Nikon D7200
Nikon D4 Nikon D800 Nikon D7100
Nikon D3x Nikon D800E Nikon D7000
Nikon D3s Nikon D750 Nikon D5500*
Nikon D3 Nikon D700 Nikon D5300*
Nikon D2x Nikon D610 Nikon D5200*
Nikon D600 Nikon D5100*
Nikon D500 Nikon D5000*
Nikon D300s Nikon D3300*
Nikon D300 Nikon D3200*
Nikon D200 Nikon D3100*
Nikon D3000*
Compatibility with newer DSLRs and mirrorless cameras:

In 2019, we created a new firmware protocol called the E Release. We created this new radio protocol specifically to help make the radios compatible with the mirrorless cameras, as well as to give the radios longer range and better reliability. Instead of asking you to buy all new hardware, you can upgrade the firmware in your current FlexTT5 radios by purchasing licenses and upgrading through the PocketWizard Utility. Please see the E Release Wiki page for information about the new firmware protocol and for details about how to upgrade your existing radios.

All Nikon DSLRs and Z series cameras are compatible with the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 radios using the current Legacy firmware in Basic Trigger Mode for manual triggering up to X-sync.

Compatibility details:

First Generation: The Nikon Z7, Z6, and Z50 cameras are TTL compatible with the Nikon FlexTT5 radios if they have been upgraded to the new E Release firmware protocol. We cannot make a version of the E Release for the MiniTT1 but you can use an upgraded FlexTT5 on the camera as the transmitter.

Second Generation: The D6, D780, Z5, Z6 II, Z7 II, and Z9 are not TTL compatible with the FlexTT5s as a transmitter. You can use a Raven by Fusion TLC as a transmitter with your FlexTT5s (upgraded to the E Release) as receivers for full TTL. The processor in the FlexTT5s can't compensate for timing changes in the protocol for the newer generation of cameras.

Don't see your recently released camera? Click here to see if there is Beta Firmware available.

* These cameras do not support HyperSync or Auto-FP/HSS/FP-Sync operation: D5500, D5300, D5200, D5100, D5000, D3300, D3200, D3100, D3000, D40x, D40


Non-Compatible Cameras

Incompatible Pre-2009 Cameras
D2Xs D1H D70
D2Hs D1 D60
D2H D100 D50
D1X D70s

BASIC TRIGGER MODE: Almost all cameras and flashes are compatible with the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 when the radios are configured for Basic Trigger Mode. Basic Trigger Mode disables all flash power control and TTL functions of the radios.

Speedlight Compatibility

The MiniTT1 & FlexTT5 for Nikon are compatible with the following modern Nikon Speedlights as Remote flashes and Nikon On-Camera Master flashes: (Other flashes may work in Basic Trigger Mode without CLS / i-TTL.)

Nikon Speedlights as Remotes

  • SB-5000
  • SB-910
  • SB-900
  • SB-800
  • SB-700
  • SB-600
  • SB-500
  • SB-400 (not capable of HSS)

Nikon Speedlights as On-Camera Master Flashes

  • SB-5000
  • SB-910
  • SB-900
  • SB-800
  • SB-700
  • SU-800 Wireless Speedlight Commander

Note: The "GN" ratio mode of the SB-700 is not supported.

Non-Compatible Flashes

Any older generation Nikon Flashes as Remote Units Such as:

  • SB-300
  • SB-80DX
  • SB-80
  • SB-28DX
  • SB-28
  • SB-50
  • any other Speedlight not listed above


BASIC TRIGGER MODE: Almost all cameras and flashes are compatible with the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 when the radios are configured for Basic Trigger Mode. Basic Trigger Mode disables all flash power control and TTL functions of the radios.

Operational Notes

ControlTL Remote Camera

Using the default settings, remote cameras with a receiving FlexTT5 will be limited to Single Shot mode and there will be a delay between subsequent triggers. To learn more about remote camera triggering with ControlTL radios, visit our Remote Camera Triggering page.

Flash Exposure Compensation

Flash exposure compensation (FEC) is controlled as part of the camera’s exposure compensation. This is normally adjusted via the FEC button on the camera, which is indicated by a flash symbol/lightning bolt beside a "+/-" symbol. If your camera does not have an FEC button, you can also adjust it via the exposure compensation button near the shutter release, indicated by a "+/-" symbol. This compensation works in all shooting modes, including Manual. When in Manual mode, the exposure compensation will only affect the flash exposure, as the camera exposure is controlled by the settings you have selected manually.

Speedlight Light Pattern

The SB-910, SB-900, and SB-700 have a special Light Pattern Menu, which allows you to set a slightly different light output pattern. Of the three options in this menu, “STD” for Standard output must be selected. Selecting either “CW” for Center-Weighted or “EVEN” for Even output is not supported and may result in exposure errors.

Vibration Reduction (VR) Mode Auto-Detection

When using VR Lenses, switching the VR Mode on or off results in the transmitting radio taking a calibration shot to adjust for the resulting flash timing shift. This may result in a single missed frame after toggling the VR mode on or off. In rare cases, when shooting above your camera’s x-sync speed (1/250th or faster on most cameras), this calibration shot may fail, and continued dark frames may occur. If this happens, take a test shot at 1/160th or 1/200th of a second, and then move back to your desired shutter speed. In the interest of simplicity, we recommend leaving VR-mode either on or off for the duration of your shooting session.

Pre-Flash Boost controls

Preflash boost.jpg

Modern TTL (Through The Lens) metering systems are based on a pre-flash fired an instant before the camera’s shutter opens, allowing the camera to calculate the amount of light output required for a proper exposure. Pre-Flash Boost is a feature which increases this metering pre-flash’s light output, which helps to make more accurate TTL exposure calculations at the longer distances our ControlTL radios can achieve. It also helps compensate for light lost when using a light modifier like an umbrella or soft box. By default, this feature adds approximately 2 stops of light output to these metering flashes. This light output can be controlled by the EV controls on the back of the remote flash. The amount of pre-flash boost compensation set on the remote flashes will not affect the final exposure. This allows you to increase the pre-flash boost beyond the default value for subjects farther away, and decrease the pre-flash boost for subjects very close to the flash.

Camera-Specific Operational Considerations

For more information about operational considerations that may affect your camera specifically, choose the model below:

Currently Supported Cameras
Nikon D5 Nikon D850 Nikon D7500 Nikon Df
Nikon D4S Nikon D810 Nikon D7200
Nikon D4 Nikon D800 Nikon D7100
Nikon D3x Nikon D800E Nikon D7000
Nikon D3s Nikon D750 Nikon D5500*
Nikon D3 Nikon D700 Nikon D5300*
Nikon D2x Nikon D610 Nikon D5200*
Nikon D600 Nikon D5100*
Nikon D500 Nikon D5000*
Nikon D300s Nikon D3300*
Nikon D300 Nikon D3200*
Nikon D200 Nikon D3100*
Nikon D3000*


Nikon Special Notes

The following special notes apply to all Nikon cameras.

FV Lock

FV Lock is not currently supported with PocketWizard radios.

Live View

Live View is not currently supported with PocketWizard radios.

Unsupported Modes

  • Mirror Up mode is not fully supported at this time – test with your specific configuration before using. You may be able to use the radios in Basic Trigger Mode for this setting.
  • Exposure Delay mode (set via in-camera menu) is not currently supported.
  • Repeater/RPT mode is not currently supported.

In-Camera Flash Control

Using in-camera “Flash Control for Built In Flash” menu to control remote zones is not currently supported.

Rear-Curtain Sync and Bulb

Rear Curtain Sync and Bulb mode cannot be used together. For more information, visit our Rear Curtain Sync page.

Remote Infrared Control

ControlTL radios disable ALL infra-red/optical communication pulses used in Nikon’s native i-TTL system, and will not trigger remote flashes configured to receive these pulses. A PocketWizard radio is required for each remote flash you want to trigger.


Do you need personalized customer service?
If you need more information or personalized assistance, please contact us via our Inquiries Page.