With two ¼-20 mounting points, the AC7 can be mounted both vertically and horizontally on light stands, clamps, brackets or simply handheld. The back of the flash remains open for complete access to the LCD and flash controls and there is access to the remote power port. The flash head can be rotated when using the AC7 shield due to a small cut-away in the side of the shield.
When used with an umbrella, the AC7’s lay-flat design places the flash more in the center of the umbrella than usual and produces a symmetrical light shape for incredibly even light dispersion. Most of the popular diffusers, grids, snoots and reflectors can still be used with the AC7 shield in place.
RF Interference
The body of the AC7 shield is made with a material that effectively blocks RF interference (EMI) from clouding the FlexTT5 antenna. To block noise traveling through connections in the hot shoe, an electronic filter has been added to a hot shoe built into the AC7. Combined, the AC7 shield allows the FlexTT5 to receive transmissions at distances 300 to 500% farther than before and well within the range of most off-camera lighting needs.
For photographers who want to take advantage of the unique capabilities of the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 Radios when using the Canon 580EX, 580EX II and 430EX flashes, the AC7 shield provides a solution for working ranges that meet or exceed those typical of off-camera flash photography. The Canon 550EX, 270EX and newer 430EX II emit relatively low EMI and work well with the FlexTT5 without shielding. PocketWizard is committed to exploring other solutions to maximize the performance of the ControlTL system.