Taiwanese female in traditional Shanghai style qipao dress in an old Chinese temple. Shot using the new Phottix Strato II Multi wireless flash trigger.

Phottix made a big entry into the field of wireless flash triggers last year with the release of the Phottix Atlas and Phottix Strato. One year on and the Strato has undergone a makeover, boosting it’s features and specifications to bring you a better wireless flash trigger. The new Phottix Strato II Multi 5-in-1 Wireless Trigger, like its predecessor offers a TTL passthrough, 4 separate channels, a 1/250 shutter sync and the ability to function as a remote shutter. This new updated version goes further, boosting the range to 150m, offering 4 groups (A, B, C, D) in addition to the 4 channels, a slight physical redesign for better handling, and backwards compatibility.

Specifications

Model Strato II Multi
Frequency 2.4GHz worldwide
Range 150m
Channels 4
Groups A, B, C, D
Batteries 2 x AAA (transmitter and receiver). Also 5V DC external power port.
Flash Wake-up Yes
Max Sync Speed 1/250
Remote Shutter Release Yes
Transmitter Hotshoe TTL pass-through
Transmitter input 3.5mm
Receiver output 3.5mm, 2.5mm
Attachment 1/4 tripod lug, cold shoe (receiver)

Phottix Strato II Multi transmitter and receiver.

The Phottix Strato II Multi ships with all the various cords, adapters and connectors you need to get started. Along with the transmitter and receiver, the package contains AAA batteries (I recommend picking up some rechargeable AAA batteries like the Eneloop), cords for connecting via PC or to your camera’s remote shutter release connector and a carrying strap.

In Use

If you’ve previously used the Strato, then the controls will be largely familiar to you. The power and channel switches are better designed on this second generation unit, and like the original Strato, you can connect your speedlights either directly onto the Strato receiver via the cold shoe or through your flash’s PC sync port. The receiver has a 1/4″ tripod lug that allows you to mount it on a tripod or light stand, or you can slide it onto a Stroboframe shoe.

Connecting the Strato II Multi to a 580EX II via PC cable.

Backwards Compatibility

This is a biggie. As David Hobby recently pointed out on Strobist, it’s quite common for flash trigger manufacturers to re-engineer each successive model of trigger so that you have to go and buy a complete new set each time a new release rolls around as there is no backwards compatibility. Well, I can happily point out that Phottix don’t do this. The Strato II Multi will quite happily fire flashes that are connected to the original, first generation Strato receivers. This is great for photographers as it means your older gear won’t simply gather dust as you build up your system, and your bank balance will be that much healthier. Also, based on when I received my set of Phottix Strato II Multii’s to test, it’s evident that Phottix already had the intention to offer backwards compatibility prior to the post on Strobist.

Strato At Work

The photograph that opens this post comes from a recent test shoot that I specifically arranged in order to test the new Phottix gear. Using the Phottix Strato II Multi on a rainy day outdoors and they performed reliably. There were no misfires that I noticed, and no interference from any other radio devices or other flash triggers. And yes, they got a bit wet in the rain but it didn’t seem to affect them negatively although it’s never a good idea to get electronic gear wet.

I also used them on a commercial job with one of my local clients (and before anyone asks, I also had a different set of flash triggers on hand just in case). I can’t show you any of those photos now because the client hasn’t used them yet but I can tell you that shooting approximately 500 images over a two hour period in a gym was no problem for the Phottix Strato II Multi. They fired with 100% reliability each and every time I pressed the shutter button.

Top - the Strato connected as a remote shutter release. Bottom - the Strato and flash on a light stand.

Conclusion

All in all, the Phottix Strato II Multi 5-in-1 Wireless Trigger offers a good series of improvements over the already impressive Strato. If you are shopping for your first set of wireless flash triggers, then picking up a set should be a no brainer. If you already have the original Strato, then getting this one as well will expand your remote flash abilities while still allowing use of your old gear.