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PocketWizard AC3 ZoneController for Nikon

BH #POAC3N • MFR #10056
124 reviews
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PocketWizard AC3 ZoneController for Nikon
Key Features
  • Fingertip Power Control
  • 3 Independent Zones of Flash Control
  • 6 Stops of Flash Control in 1/3rd Stops
  • PowerTracking / CLS/i-TTL & Manual
When you add the PocketWizard AC3 ZoneController for Nikon to your on-camera MiniTT1 Transmitter or FlexTT5 Transceiver, you instantly have three zones of flash control. Whether in CLS/i-TTL or Manual mode, you have control over all your flashes from your camera position. Put your flashes wherever you want, without worrying about having to access them during a shoot.
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PocketWizard AC3 Overview

When you add the PocketWizard AC3 ZoneController for Nikon to your on-camera MiniTT1 Transmitter or FlexTT5 Transceiver, you instantly have three zones of flash control. Whether in CLS/i-TTL or Manual mode, you have control over all your flashes from your camera position. Put your flashes wherever you want, without worrying about having to access them during a shoot.

Three clearly labeled dials let you increase or decrease power to three zones of flash in 1/3-stop increments with a range of up to six stops. Three switches allow you to change zones between Manual, Auto (PowerTracking / CLS/i-TTL) or OFF. Best of all, with its intuitive interface, the design is simple to use. When matched with the PowerST4 or AC9 AlienBees Adapter, you can now control Elinchrom RX, White Lightning and AlienBees flashes right from the camera's position.

All the PocketWizard radios in your system should be using the same firmware version for proper functionality. The AC3 for Nikon is compatible with any firmware version used on the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 for Nikon.

ControlTL
PocketWizard's new firmware platform taps into the full potential of your camera and flash system enabling an entirely new level of remote flash capability through our proven radio communications. ControlTL firmware is configurable and upgradeable for "future-proof" continuous improvement.
CLS/i-TTL Compatibility
Designed to work seamlessly with Nikon's CLS/i-TTL systems, the AC3 ZoneController removes operating complexity with its easy-to-use design.
Manual Power Control
With three simple dials, you can quickly adjust the power settings for three independent zones in 1/3rd stop increments with a six stop range.
ZoneControl
Control up to three zones of light, each with one or more flashes, right from the camera's position. Set them all on manual, auto, or mix the settings between zones. Need to turn a zone off? Just slide a switch and it's off.
PowerTracking
In Auto Mode, change ISO, aperture, or FEC and the lights automatically adjust their compensating power setting with PocketWizard PowerTracking. Set your AC3 ZoneController to manual and PowerTracking is turned off for absolute manual control. PowerTracking can be customized via the PocketWizard Utility.
Studio Flash Compatibility
When used in conjunction with a PowerST4 Receiver for Elinchrom RX, or a FlexTT5 paired with an AC9 AlienBees Adapter, you have remote power control over Elinchrom RX, AlienBees and White Lightning studio flash. You can also mix these Nikon CLS/i-TTL or any other PocketWizard triggered flash.
Simple Design
The AC3 weighs almost nothing and slips into the top-shoe of your on-camera MiniTT1 or FlexTT5. There are three dials and three switches, one for each zone.
Auto-Manual Switch
This switch allows you to set each zone to either Manual Power Control, Auto (PowerTracking CLS/i-TTL) or OFF. Set it to OFF and that zone will not fire.
Easy to Read Dials
Clearly labeled from +3 to -3 in 1/3 stop increments. In Auto mode, the dials act as flash exposure compensation. In manual mode, +3 on the dial is your flashes maximum power level. Adjust the dial down to control your power in 1/3 stop increments for up to six stops of control.
UPC: 893577001743

PocketWizard AC3 Specs

Compatibility
Nikon CLS/i-TTL, Elinchrom RX, AlienBees, White Lightning
Mounting
Hot shoe
Adjustments
Auto = +/- 3 stops, 1/3 stop increments
Selector switch: Off, Manual, Auto (PowerTracking, CLS/i-TTL)
Status Indicator
LED: Green status indicator
Operating Temperature
Above 5°F (-15°C) and below 120°F (50°C)
Storage Temperature
Above -22°F (-30°C) and below 185°F (85°C)
Power
Receives power from MiniTT1 Transmitter or FlexTT5 Pocket Wizard
Dimensions
2 x 1.7 x 0.9" (5 x 4.2 x 2.1 cm)
Weight
0.82 oz (23.25g)
Requirements
MiniTT1 Transmitter or FlexTT5 Transceiver with firmware version 2.100
Packaging Info
Package Weight
0.09 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
4.4 x 4.3 x 1.8"

PocketWizard AC3 Reviews

See any errors on this page?

question

can i use my existing Plus-X and Plus III in addition to the one Flex and mini I own?
Asked by: Anonymous
You can use the AC3 to turn a Zone on or off with a Plus III, if you are using a QuadZone Triggering Channel. You will not be able to adjust power. The PlusX does not have Zones.
Answered by: PocketWizard Expert
Date published: 2020-01-16

question

Is this needs separate transmiter?
Asked by: Anonymous
You would also need the MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 on the camera, yes.
Answered by: Christina S.
Date published: 2018-08-28

question

Is AC3 supposed to set shutter speed 1/60? I set auto ISO ans minimum shutter speed at 1/200 but it with AC3 the shutter speed is limited at 1/60. Is this normal? I am using Nikon D810, SB800 and SB600. Thank you.
Asked by: Anonymous
Setting your camera at 1/60th should not be the limit. To make sure you're setting up your system correctly you need to be mounting the AC3 onto either a MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 then slide both parts onto the camera. Set up remote Speedlights on FlexTT5 radios normally. Power on the flash, then the FlexTT5. Set all Speedlights on remote FlexTT5 radios to normal i-TTL Mode. Do not use Manual or REMOTE / MASTER on your remote Speedlights. The AC3 will use i-TTL commands to control manual power levels when the AC3 Mode Switch is set to M (Manual). Use the FlexTT5 Zone Switch to assign Zone A, B, or C to the Speedlight. On the AC3, set the Mode Switches to M (Manual) or A (Auto) for the zones in use. Adjust flash output power with the Power Dials (+/-). The AC3 ZoneController enhances the ControlTL capabilities of your MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 radios by allowing you to control the flash output power manually from the cameras position or use i-TTL, it does not impose restrictions on sync speeds.
Answered by: Heather S.
Date published: 2018-08-28

question

Can a Yongnuo 685 Speedlight for Nikon be used with the AC3 Zone Controller for Nikon?
Asked by: Kathie
The Yongnuo flashes are not officially TTL compatible but you can certainly test it, it will not harm your equipment to experiment. If it does not work for your planned usage needs, the product can probably be returned to B&H following the terms and conditions on their Return Policy.
Answered by: PocketWizard Expert
Date published: 2019-01-09

question

Will this control power output on any speed light or just Nikon speed lights that are commander capable?
Asked by: Anonymous
The zone controller can only control the power of Nikon brand flashes (or Elinchrom and Paul Buff studio lights with an additional ST4 unit).
Answered by: Yos O.
Date published: 2018-08-28

question

Will this Controller attached to a MiniTT1 work if I have Pocket Wizard Plus III on Einstein lights and want to control them from the camera?
Asked by: Anna B.
To control Einsteins you need the Pocket Wizard MC2, which plugs into the top of the Einstein. By control I presume you mean to control strobe output manually, or in A mode (on the AC3), to use the Nikon iTTL to produce correct exposure. Also, I'd not use the mini TTL..it does not have enough power to transmit reliably or at distance. I mount my AC3 on a FlexTTL - in my experience.
Answered by: Jerome R.
Date published: 2018-08-28

question

excuse methe B&H sell the AC3 ZoneController is fcc or ce?
Asked by: Anonymous
The Pocket Wizard AC3 Zone Controller for Nikon and Canon that are sold by B&H are only FCC compliant, and do not meet the CE European air wave regulations.
Answered by: Julio I.
Date published: 2018-08-28

question

I need some advice before purchasing the Pocket Wizzard AC3 ZoneController for Nikon as well as the FlexTT5 Transceivers and MiniTT1 Transmitters1. I understand that I will have to connect the AC3 unit to a mini TT1 Transmitter or FlexTT5 Transceiver before I attach the AC3 to my camera's hot shoe. Is this correct?2. I want to be able to control 3 remote Nikon SB-910 speed-lights. By definition, the FlexTT5 is a transceiver so it can transmit and receive signals. The MiniTT1 is a transmitter and it can only transmit signals. I now assume that I must attach my SB-910 speed-lights to the FlexTT5 Transceiver to control my remote flash output from my AC3. Or can I use the MiniTT1 with my SB-910 and control my flash output from the AC3?The reason I ask is because the MiniTT1 is cheaper than the FlexTT5. :)3. Can the AC3, FlexTT5 and MiniTT1 setup I described above work with all nikon camera models? I have a d3s and d700 and I also have a nikon Df and plan to purchase the Nikon d500 from b&h.4. The SB-910 can work with shutter speeds up to 1/8000. And from what I read in a previous Q&A post, the Pocket Wizzard AC3, Flextt5 and MiniTT1 will not impose restrictions on my cameras sync speeds. In other words, I can use the highest shutter speed my camera will allow?Thank you
Asked by: Wayne M.
Hi Wayne, I have quite the same system you do. Four off camera speed lights controlled by AC3 and Flex TT5.1. That's correct, you will need to attach a TT5 flex to your camera hot shoe and the AC3 on top of it to be able to control your slaves.I decided to go all TT5 on my system even dough Mini TT1 would do the job as the manufacture describes it. The reason was very simple, if one of my radios stopped working I would always be able to replace with the same model since I own 5 TT5 Flex3. Yes, I do own a D810 + TT5 and 3 SB900 and 2 SB800 and they work flawlessly 4. I didn't try that yet I hope I could Help SLR
Answered by: Silvio R.
Date published: 2018-08-28
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