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Things have come a long way for the industry and for Phottix
since they released their first 16-channel manual trigger for studio
strobes eight years ago. With the introduction of the Ares II Flash
Trigger, Photttix is getting back to their roots with a new budget-
friendly flexible set of manual flash triggers with plenty of bells
and whistles. (The Transmitters and Receivers are $54.95 each, or
you can purchase a kit that has both a Transmitter and Receiver
for $99.95.)
Ares II Flash Transmitters and Receivers are perfectly suited for
manual triggering of studio strobes or hot-shoe flashes. Ares II
Triggers sport 16 radio channels from which to choose: the first
four channels are compatible with the Phottix Strato Protocol.
This means Ares II Triggers can be used with any Phottix Strato
II Receiver or other Phottix products, such as Mitros+ speedlights
and the Indra series of studio lights. You also get four groups
to choose from. Pretty cool trickle-down technology in a new
affordable package!
Also new to the Ares II is the Digital ID feature that allows
users to assign their own discrete four-digit code to Ares II
Flash Transmitters and Receivers. This is particularly useful for
avoiding potentially unwanted interference from other nearby
radio triggers when working around other photographers in
crowded situations.
Phottix is also taking care of handheld light meter users like
me. Ares II Flash Transmitters are compatible with the Sekonic
L-478DR-PX light meter, making wireless meter readings with
strobes and handheld flashes a snap. n
Company: Phottix
Price: Receivers & Transmitters $54.95 each;
Kit: $99.95
Rating:
Hot: Inexpensive; manual triggering;
16 channels; 4 groups
Not: No power control, but they’re manual
triggers and only $99
Phottix Ares II
Flash Trigger
Wireless Flash Trigger System
Review by Michael Corsentino
