PocketWizard AC9 AlienBees Adapter for Nikon
The AC9 AlienBees Adaptor from PocketWizard is an interface for various flash heads and packs (manufactured by Paul C. Buff) that allows you to control virtually all functions of the light with optional PocketWizard accessories.
Note: The AC9 AlienBees Adapter requires a receiving FlexTT5, a transmitting PocketWizard ControlTL radio, and a compatible Paul C. Buff flash with a Remote terminal. A transmitting ControlTL radio like a MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 is required for full functionality. See specs for compatible flash heads.
- Add the optional AC3 ZoneController to control up to three zones of light independently. Control output in 1/3 stop increments while combining auto and manual modes if needed. The optional AC3 also allows use of PowerTracking. With this feature, when you change ISO or aperture, the lights automatically adjust their power setting.
| Mount | Hot shoe |
| Sync Voltage | 3.3V DC (all pins) - safe for all cameras |
| Construction | High impact plastic |
| Power | Powered by FlexTT5 Transceiver (optional) |
| Operating Temperature |
Above 5°F (-15°C) and below 120°F (50°) Storage: Above 22°F (-30°C) and below 185°F (85°) |
| Dimensions | 1.9" x 1.6" x 1.0" (4.7 x 4.0 x 2.5 cm) |
| Weight | 0.81 ounces (22.96g) |
| Compatibility |
|
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 14 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
93%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Lightweight (9)
- Attaches securely (4)
- Easy to use (4)
- Durable (3)
- Packs small / compresses (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Family photos (4)
- General purpose (4)
- Weddings (4)
- Indoors (3)
- Outdoor events / games (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro photographer (8), Pro photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (14)
Most Liked Positive Review
The AC9 AlienBees Adaptor
AC9 AlienBees Adapter
Power Control for AlienBees and White Lightning Flashes
The AC9 AlienBees Adapter paired with a FlexTT5™ Transceiver enables remote power control of AlienBees or White Lightning fla...Read complete review
AC9 AlienBees Adapter
Power Control for AlienBees and White Lightning Flashes
The AC9 AlienBees Adapter paired with a FlexTT5™ Transceiver enables remote power control of AlienBees or White Lightning flash. With a MiniTT1™ Transmitter or FlexTT5™ Transceiver on your camera, you can now adjust the power settings on your AlienBees or White Lightning flashes from the camera's position. Add the AC3 ZoneController and you can control three different groups of lights in 1/3-stop increments with a six-stop range. Utilize PocketWizard's unique features such as HyperSync™ and Optimized Rear Curtain Sync for maximum control of your lighting.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Want to really control the light?
Full control of your lights; but takes some real tweaking and understanding of your camera, flash and f/stops. Works best with an AC3 but they don't tell you that. If you have ...Read complete review
Full control of your lights; but takes some real tweaking and understanding of your camera, flash and f/stops. Works best with an AC3 but they don't tell you that. If you have all Flex, Mini, AC9 and AC3, the system works great. Not for novices, for sure.
Reviewed by 14 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-14
Pros
- Attaches Securely
- High Speed Sync
- Lightweight
- Small
Cons
Best Uses
- Off camera flash
- Outdoors
Comments about PocketWizard AC9 AlienBees Adapter for Nikon:
Used with B1600 and PW FlexTT5 and MiniTT1 with the AC3 controller. I'm able to sync at 1/8000th of a second with a D700!!! Just awesome, high speed sync with a 640 WS light... shooting 1/8000th at f2.8 straight into 1 pm sun ! Just awesome and the ability to control power from the camera with the AC3 is great !
A little pricey for such a little piece of gear but well worth it !
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Securely
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Long-Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors
- Portraits
Comments about PocketWizard AC9 AlienBees Adapter for Nikon:
This tiny device, combined with my Zone Controller AC3 allow me to actually adjust the power of my bee from my camera! No more reaching up to adjust the bee manually -- sometimes lowering the stand just to reach it. The cost of this device is very easily justified by the time saved, and convenience you get.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Securely
- Lightweight
- Simple
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about PocketWizard AC9 AlienBees Adapter for Nikon:
simple, effective, and fairly priced
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Securely
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Portraits
- Special Events
Comments about PocketWizard AC9 AlienBees Adapter for Nikon:
It works like it said it will.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Portraits
- Special Events
Comments about PocketWizard AC9 AlienBees Adapter for Nikon:
I use it with a FlexTT5 and AB800, I can now riase my light as high as I want and still able to adjust the strobe's power from my camera bacause of the AC9, I love it,no more back and forth.
Wish PW would build the AC9 and AC3 function unto the next TTs
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Pack
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about PocketWizard AC9 AlienBees Adapter for Nikon:
Finally I can use the hypersync with the AllienBees B800 and control the power remotely from my minitt1. Another great product from Pocketwizard.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Pack
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about PocketWizard AC9 AlienBees Adapter for Nikon:
AC9 AlienBees Adapter
Power Control for AlienBees and White Lightning Flashes
The AC9 AlienBees Adapter paired with a FlexTT5™ Transceiver enables remote power control of AlienBees or White Lightning flash. With a MiniTT1™ Transmitter or FlexTT5™ Transceiver on your camera, you can now adjust the power settings on your AlienBees or White Lightning flashes from the camera's position. Add the AC3 ZoneController and you can control three different groups of lights in 1/3-stop increments with a six-stop range. Utilize PocketWizard's unique features such as HyperSync™ and Optimized Rear Curtain Sync for maximum control of your lighting.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Convenient
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Add-on for receiver
Best Uses
- Everything
Comments about PocketWizard AC9 AlienBees Adapter for Nikon:
Ok, you don't NEED this, but it makes life a lot easier. There are so many video's on the pocketwizard website that can explain this product better than I can but if you want to be able to adjsut your AB's from your camera, and with ease, you need to pickup this product.
The thing I found really interesting, and a reason why PocketWizard is such a great company, is that they even include the 1/8" dummy plug for your lights. You need this plug to disable the optical slave on your bees. It's small things like this that make a company stand out.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Pack
- Lightweight
Cons
- Unreliable
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about PocketWizard AC9 AlienBees Adapter for Nikon:
Like anything this is great when it works. I am only using it on my ABR800 and it seems to be very temperamental. But when it does work it is wonderful. I love using a ringflash outdoors midday!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Weddings/Events
Comments about PocketWizard AC9 AlienBees Adapter for Nikon:
I got the AC9 three times. The first two times never worked - I believe was a software problem, because i followed all the instruction and tricks on the net (use the veta version ..etc)that, by the way was a very poor support from the company in this issue. Now I bought it again and with the new Firmware version 3 work just perfect. I guess I'm persistent! Just because I love PW products.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Powerful
Cons
- Initial Attachment Issues
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Outdoors
Comments about PocketWizard AC9 AlienBees Adapter for Nikon:
My main lights are Alien Bee AB1600 and when deciding which radio trigger system to go for it came down to the PCB Cybersyncs, and the PocketWizard systems. Once I learned how it all worked and that the PWs allowed full manual control over ABs and my Nikon speedlights, it was no contest. My favourite use of the PW system is with an AC9 on a FlexTT5 controlled by a MiniTT1 with AC3 Zone Controller in Hypersync mode. I can reliably shoot at f/16 at 1/2500s on 1/4 power and up to 1/1000s at full power on the AB1600s. Something that was unheard of until these were created.
The only issue I had with these was with the connection to the FlexTT5 and it's a bit picky. At first I thought they were faulty but it turned out the contacts needed some coercing to fit correctly to make everything work. This has only happened to me once though and since then have been reliable.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Bad setup instructions
- Pricey poor value
Best Uses
- Special Events
Comments about PocketWizard AC9 AlienBees Adapter for Nikon:
Full control of your lights; but takes some real tweaking and understanding of your camera, flash and f/stops. Works best with an AC3 but they don't tell you that. If you have all Flex, Mini, AC9 and AC3, the system works great. Not for novices, for sure.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Studio lighting
Comments about PocketWizard AC9 AlienBees Adapter for Nikon:
The AC9 did not work at first. I was very disappointed. After research on the net I found these instructions [@]After updating to version 2-build 123 it works fine and the AC3 adjusts exposure up and down. Be sure to assign what Alien Bees flash unit you have under the sync timing tab
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about PocketWizard AC9 AlienBees Adapter for Nikon:
You must use the new Beta version on the firmware in order to use this but it works great... Nice not to have to go back and forth to the light to change exposure! One thing I wish (easy fix though) is that the plug they give you to stop the slave from triggering is a bit long. but other than that it's great!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-14
- RJ-14 Connector Cord
- Mini Sync Adapter Plug
- Phono Sync Adapter Plug
- Lanyard
- Touch-fastener
- Quick Guide
- 1 Year Manufacturer's Warranty
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