PocketWizard AC9 AlienBees Adapter for Nikon

This device works, but there are some interactions between the AlienBees and the AC9, and AC3, that are not obvious. I'm using the AC9 with a Nikon D800. Initially, when I tried to control the AlineBees with this adapter it did not work, meaning I would not get the AC9 to change the power on the AlienBees. I enabled "Modeling Light Autotrack" and it still did not work. After experimenting, I found that you need to depress half press the shutter to so that the camera can send the control information to the AC9, which in turn will send it to the AlienBees. From the documentation, I thought the half press was not needed, but it is. After I realize that, the modeling light power on the AlienBees started to track with the AC9. It appears that the control information is sent out when the camera's meter is active. When it's not active, the half press is needed.However, after that issue was resolved, I found that while the increasing the power, via the AC3, worked consistently, decreasing the power did not work consistently. I found that when I reduced the power, via the AC3, sometimes, the modeling light would stop tracking. I need to depress the shutter button, but not take a photo, to make the tracking work again. This only happens when I’m decreasing the power. Also, depressing the shutting button doesn’t always work to make the tracking work again, when going from a higher to lower power. Sometimes, I find I have to hit the “Test” button on the Flex or mini to dump the power, then the power tracking works again. Essentially, it seems the power needs to be dumped when going from a higher to a lower power to make power tracking work again. But going from a lower to higher power appears to always work.It appears that like the AlienBees need their power dumped when lowering the power to make everything work correctly. Thus, using the AC3 and the AC9 are not as simple and automatic when lower the power. But with that said, I would still recommend this adapter.

I bought the PW system with the intent of using them mainly for strobes....spent hours on the PW website learning and watching videos...I wanted to get some studio strobes and have been working with the Alien Bees at the photo club...Bees are a solid, good enry level strobe, that won't bust your budget, but, they do not have all the "digital" capabilities that some of the more expensive higher end systems....e.g. Norman's, Einsteins, Photonic, etc...the one thing I didn't like was the running back and forth to adjust the manual Bee's light power..in most system you still ahve to pay for the sync modules...with my system now..it was just another $60 or so to have it digital..However, with the TT5 and a AC9 controller, I essential have a fully digital system, controlled by the top of the camera through the TT1 with a AC3 controller...Is the PW system expensive ? Yes, does it work Darn Right !!!The TT5 allows me now to combine my Bees with SB900, 910, 600's in the studio and outdoor environment....i have 4 TT5's and I now have a fully indepdent system, and while the Nikon CLS system is great when you have line of sight...the PW system works via radio control.Great product....

product works fine but the system is flawed. i did invest in four TT5 pocket wizards and even after 32 software updates, for Nikon, I could never rely on them. I have a studio and teach work shops, also never liked it not being compatible with my Canon friends and having to pull out my standard pocket wizards. main frustration was with TTL, the main reason to buy these units. worked 90% of the time, which to me isnt good enough. all other triggers, even the $60 cheap units, work 97-99% of the time. As a professional I got so frustrated with these units that I sold them all and switch to the $99 Pocket Wizard units and only shoot manual power. I know once i set up the lights its going to work and now i can focus on my shot and not worry about it.

When the AC9's are properly functioning, they are wonderful. It is so much more convenient to be able to remotely and separately adjust your lighting from the camera position. However, I have had various intermittent issues with them. To be fair, I'm still trying to figure out whether the problem is with me or the AC9's or the Alien Bees, but at times the lights won't respond to the Mini or a TTL5. At other times, the lights start firing off in a stroboscopic fashion, and continue until I shut them down. The last two outings have not produced these anomalies, so I suspect the problem lay somewhere in my connections or start up sequence (You must heed PocketWizard's instructions on the order of starting up the lights and the various transmitters and receivers.), but it concerns me enough that I cannot go with a full 5-star rating. For now, all appears to be well.

First of all, there is a need to update the firmware of both TT1 and TT5 radios tothe Beta firmware 2.123 (to date) found at "Advanced Mode" of the Pocket Wizard Utility.I got this information from PW tech support when I had trouble triggering my AB1600 witha D90 + TT1 + TT5 + AC9 (2.100 updated) set-up. They said that this detail was not notedon the Quick Guide/Manual.Once I had the 2.123 update everything ran the way PW claims this baby should.It's almost like having a big brother for my SB-900 where I have control of my Alien Beeright on my camera. You can't believe how much time you can save and how convenient thisfeature is.A definite must have for Nikon + Alien Bee owners

Useful when it works I use the mini and flex system but they don't always fire. after a year now I use it sparingly on camera bounce flash is still more reliable. I've never used any other system but after so many other rave reviews for pocket wizards I bought these.

I wasn't sure these would work on my 10-plus-year-old White Lightning Ultra 1200s, so I only ordered one. I very quickly ordered two more. These little beauties allow me, in conjunction with Flex TT5s and the AC3 Zone Adapter, to control my Ultras from my camera instead of rushing back and forth from one strobe to another adjusting power levels.