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Review: Phottix Strato II Multi Trigger
posted Wednesday, 01 June 2011, 20:10 (+0800), by Martin
Phottix Strato II Multi transmitter
Phottix Strato II Multi transmitter
Intro

Phottix released the Strato 4-in-1 trigger just over 12 months ago (read my review here), and have now released an updated and improved version called the Strato II Multi (also known as the Strato II Multi 5-in-1 wireless trigger).

The Strato II Multi includes all the functionality of the Strato 4-in-1, but also provides a number of improvements and additional functionality.

Thanks to Phottix for providing a pre-release Phottix Strato II Multi for review purposes.

Note that the silk-screen labelling on the pre-release version shown in the photos in this review shows "Strato Multi", but the name of the finalised version will be "Strato II Multi".


Features and Specifications

Features

The Phottix Strato II Multi is a multi-function device that can be used as:
  • wireless flash trigger
  • wired shutter release
  • wireless shutter release
and it provides the following features:
  • 4 channels
  • 4 groups (transmitter can trigger one or more groups simultaneously)
  • TTL pass-through on the transmitter
  • remote flash wake-up
  • backwards compatibility with the Strato 4-in-1 receiver
Specifications

Frequency 2.4 GHz
Range 150 metres +
Channels 4
Groups 4 groups (A, B, C, D)
Batteries 2 x AAA in receiver and transmitter,
5V DC socket for external power supply on receivers 
Max sync speed (1) 1/250 sec
Transmitter inputs hot shoe,
3.5mm socket (PC Sync)
Transmitter outputs hot shoe (TTL pass-through)
Receiver inputs socket for external 5V DC power
Receiver outputs hot shoe (for triggering flash),
3.5mm socket (PC Sync),
2.5mm socket (shutter release)
Transmitter dimensions  87 x 40 x 38 mm (LxWxH)
Receiver dimensions 85 x 40 x 36 mm (LxWxH)
Transmitter weight 60g
Receiver weight 49g
Minimum response time (2) 350us (for Canon), 800us (for Nikon)
Maximum flash trigger voltage   5V for transmitter hot-shoe
300V for receiver hot-shoe
Operating temperature -15 to +65°C
Storage temperature -30 to +85°C
Notes:
1. Dependant on camera and flash capabilities.
2. Refers to time between pressing transmitter button and flash attached to receiver being fired.


Differences Between the Strato II Multi and the Strato 4-in-1

The key differences between the Strato 4-in-1 and the new Strato II Multi are:
  • groups are now supported (receiver is assigned to one of 4 groups, A,B,C,D, transmitter can trigger one or more groups)
  • improved range (now 150m, vs the Strato 4-in-1's range is 100m)
  • power switch on transmitter
  • test button on transmitter and receiver
  • locking wheel on receiver's cold shoe
  • all vendor-specific shutter release cables now included (all Canon cables included with Canon kit, and similarly for Nikon)
Other minor changes in the Strato II Multi include:
  • status LED is on one edge (vs on the top), which provides better visibility
  • transmitter is slightly larger, due to channel buttons at one end
  • corners of transmitter and receiver slightly more rounded than Strato 4-in-1
  • buttons and switches are black (vs white on the Strato 4-in-1)
  • buttons and switches are larger
  • switches are grooved for better grip
  • better-quality PC sync cable provided
  • better-quality 3.5mm to 1/4" (6.3mm) adapter provided

Compatibility

When it is released, Phottix Strato II Multi kits will be available for both Canon and Nikon, with a Sony-compatible unit expected at a later date.

With previous remotes, multiple versions were available, each with different cables to suit different camera shutter release connectors. Phottix are taking a different approach with the Strato II Multi. The Canon version will contain all Canon cables, and the Nikon version will contain all Nikon cables.

The Strato II Multi transmitter for Canon can be used to trigger Canon and 3rd party Canon-compatible TTL flashes via the transmitter's pass-through hot-shoe. The Strato II Multi receivers can be used to trigger any regular centre-fire flashes, as well as studio strobes.

A brand-specific version of the receiver is likely to be required for remote flash wake-up functionality (ie, a Strato II Multi receiver for Canon is to be required to wake up Canon-compatible flashes).


Backwards Compatibility With Strato 4-in-1 Trigger

Note that the Strato II Multi is backwards compatible with the Strato 4-in-1 receiver, but not with the Strato 4-in-1 transmitter.
Compatibility details are as follows:
  • Strato 4-in-1 transmitter cannot trigger a Strato II Multi receiver
  • Strato II Multi transmitter can trigger a Strato 4-in-1 receiver
  • Strato 4-in-1 receivers cannot be assigned to groups (they'll trigger no matter what group the Strato II Multi transmitter is set to)

Strato II Multi Kits

When it is released, the Strato II Multi is expected to be available in the following bundles:

Strato II Multi Transmitter and Receiver for Canon
  • transmitter for Canon
  • receiver for Canon
  • 4 x AAA batteries
  • PC sync cable with 3.5mm connector and PC sync connector
  • PC sync cable with 2 x 3.5mm connector
  • 3.5mm to 1/4" (6.3mm) adapter
  • shutter release cables to suit Canon cameras
  • 2 x lanyard/straps
  • instructions
Strato II Multi Transmitter and Receiver for Nikon
  • transmitter for Nikon
  • receiver for Nikon
  • 4 x AAA batteries
  • PC sync cable with 3.5mm connector and PC sync connector
  • PC sync cable with 2 x 3.5mm connector
  • 3.5mm to 1/4" (6.3mm) adapter
  • shutter release cables to suit Nikon cameras
  • 2 x lanyard/straps
  • instructions
Strato II Multi Receiver for Canon
  • receiver for Canon
  • 2 x AAA batteries
  • PC sync cable with 3.5mm connector and PC sync connector
  • PC sync cable with 2 x 3.5mm connector
  • 3.5mm to 1/4" (6.3mm) adapter
  • lanyard/straps
  • instructions
Strato II Multi Receiver for Nikon
  • receiver for Nikon
  • 2 x AAA batteries
  • PC sync cable with 3.5mm connector and PC sync connector
  • PC sync cable with 2 x 3.5mm connector
  • 3.5mm to 1/4" (6.3mm) adapter
  • lanyard/straps
  • instructions
The contents of the Receiver kit for Canon are as shown here:

Strato II Multi receiver bundle for Canon
Strato II Multi receiver bundle for Canon

The contents of the Transmitter + Receiver kit for Canon are as shown below:

Strato II Multi transmitter + receiver bundle for Canon
Strato II Multi transmitter + receiver bundle for Canon

Note that above photo only shows the camera shutter release cable (right hand side) with an N3 connector on it. I also received a camera shutter release cable with an E3 connector on it, but this cable is not shown above.
Also not shown is the instruction manual.


Overview of the Strato II Multi Trigger

Transmitter

The Strato II Multi transmitter has the buttons, switches and other controls arranged around the outside edges. All are clearly labelled, and the switches and buttons operate with a satisfying and solid feel.

Strato II Multi transmitter, showing hot-shoe, channel switch, test button, group buttons
Strato II Multi transmitter, showing hot-shoe, channel switch, test button, group buttons

The hot-shoe on top of the transmitter provides TTL pass-through functionality, providing full TTL functionality for any device connected to it.

Strato II Multi transmitter, showing power switch, PC sync socket
Strato II Multi transmitter, showing power switch, PC sync socket

hot-shoe   group buttons
Strato II Multi transmitter, showing hot-shoe (left image), group buttons (right image)

Receiver

The receiver has the buttons and switches arranged on the sides, and has three accessory sockets on the front. These sockets allow for an external power source, the shutter release cable (when using the Strato II Multi as a wired or wireless shutter release), and a PC sync socket (labelled "Flash") for triggering a flash or strobe via a PC sync cable.

Strato II Multi receiver, showing power and group switches, and accessory sockets
Strato II Multi receiver, showing power and group switches, and accessory sockets

The hot-shoe on top of the receiver provides remote flash wake-up functionality for compatible flashes, but does not provide any remote TTL functionality.

Strato II Multi receiver, showing channel switch and test buttons
Strato II Multi receiver, showing channel switch and test buttons

The underside of the receiver allows it to be mounted in a hot-shoe mount on a light stand or tripod, either using the cold shoe mount, or using the 1/4" socket.

Strato II Multi receiver, showing cold shoe mount (now with locking wheel) and 1/4 socket
Strato II Multi receiver, showing cold shoe mount (now with locking wheel) and 1/4" socket

More photos of the Strato II Multi transmitter and receiver are available here.


Using the Strato II Multi Trigger

As mentioned in the intro to this review, the Strato II Multi trigger can be used
  • wireless flash trigger
  • wired shutter release
  • wireless shutter release
Functionally, the new Strato II Multi operates in much the same way as the Strato 4-in-1 trigger (see my Strato 4-in-1 review for more information). It is the new features and functionality of the Strato II Multi where things differ somewhat.

The key difference in functionality is the addition of groups. The Strato II Multi transmitter has four buttons on its rear, and allows one or more groups to be selected, with an LED integrated in each button indicating if that group has been enabled.
The group selection switch on the receiver allows one of four groups (A,B,C,D) to be selected, with the receiver only being triggered if the selected group is also selected on the transmitter. This allows multiple receivers to be configured in different groups, and then enabled and disabled selectively from the transmitter, providing additional flexibility and control.

The addition of a test button on both the transmitter and the receiver makes it easier to setup and test communications between a transmitter and multiple remote receivers.

Note that the Strato II Multi does not provide any support for wireless TTL. All flashes attached to Strato II Multi receivers should be configured in manual mode. The exception is any flash attached to the transmitter's hot-shoe, as the transmitter will pass-through the TTL from the camera's hot-shoe.

If you want wireless TTL support, you either need to look at using Canon's limited-range system (using a 580EX II flash or a Canon ST-E2 as a master), or look at much more expensive (such as the Radio Popper or some of the Pocket Wizard devices that support TTL). Alternatively, wait for Phottix's yet-to-be-released TTL wireless flash trigger, called the Phottix Odin, expected later this year.


Flash Trigger Sync Speed

Maximum flash sync speed of the Strato II Multi was tested using a Canon 580EX II flash connected to the hot-shoe of a Strato II Multi receiver, and a Strato II Multi transmitter mounted on the hot-shoe of a Canon 50D camera.
Testing confirms that the Strato II Multi provides full sync with a shutter speed of 1/250 seconds, as per the specifications of the Strato II Multi.

With the shutter speed increased to 1/320 seconds, the flash provides a mostly-usable 95% coverage, which is a slight improvement over the performance of the Strato 4-in-1 (approx 90% coverage).


The Verdict

The build quality of the Phottix Strato II Multi is very good, with excellent tactile feedback on all the switches on both the receiver and transmitter.

The Strato II Multi provides all the functionality of the Strato 4-in-1, improves on some of the existing features, and adds additional useful functionality.
The Strato 4-in-1 was a great product, and the Strato II Multi is a better product. With backwards compatibility, anyone who has some Strato 4-in-1 receivers will be able to upgrade to a Strato II Multi, as well as still being able to use any Strato 4-in-1 receivers they already own.

I think the Strato II Multi is a great wireless flash trigger, with the TTL pass-through hot-shoe on the transmitter being a great feature. The use of commonly-available AAA batteries is also very useful, rather than requiring hard-to-find, more expensive batteries.
Being able to use the Strato II Multi as a wired or wireless shutter release can be useful, as it means you don't need to also carry a dedicated shutter release in your camera bag. However, the shutter release functionality of the Strato II Multi is somewhat limited, with no support for bulb mode or delayed shutter releases.

If you are looking for a wireless flash trigger, the Phottix Strato II Multi should definitely be high on your shopping list!


Availability and Price

The Strato II Multi Trigger is now available for purchase in both Canon, Nikon and Sony versions from phottixstore.com.

Phottix Strato II Multi
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Comments:
Panchee wrote at 2011-09-08 02:33

I'm still confused with the group function in this new product. What is the main difference between the channel function and group function between Strato I and Strato II ? Because as far as I know (I'm a noob in photography :)), the channel function is used to trigger flashes within the same channel, so why do you need the group function for ? Can you explain please ? Thank You...

Martin wrote at 2011-09-08 02:39

@Panchee: All receivers must be set to the same channel as the transmitter, to allow them to communicate. The Strato I and Strato II support multiple channels to allow multiple photographers to use them in close proximity without triggering each-other's receivers.

The groups as supported by the Strato II allow you to configure one or more receivers to be in different groups, and then optionally turn on/off those groups from the Strato II transmitter.
In other words, you may have multiple remote flashes, each connected to a Strato II receiver. With the receivers configured to use different groups, you can now enable/disable groups from the Strato II transmitter, thus providing you with a lot more flexibility directly from the transmitter.
Without the group support in the Strato II transmitter, you would need to go to the remote flash and either turn off the flash or the receiver if you didn't want it to trigger for one or more photos (ie, when setting up your flashes, you may want to take some test photos with only one or some of the flashes, rather than firing all remote flashes each time).

Panchee wrote at 2011-09-08 03:07

Thanks for explaining to me Martin. Greatly appreciated. I understand now :) So channel and group work together to make you able to control your flashes more completely. Thanks :)

Nick wrote at 2011-09-11 22:50

I am also having issues with my new PHOTTIX STRATO II MULTI triggers and my 580EX II. The triggers work fine when the flash is off the top of the transmitter and it even works fine when the flash in on the transmitter and turned off, but when I turn the flash on the strobes either don't fire or fire at weird times. And I can also place the units on the same or different channels, but this not change when the strobes fire. I will do some testing with my 430EX.

It's going to be hard troubleshooting something with a company 1/2 way around the world.

Martin wrote at 2011-09-11 23:36

@Nick: I haven't experienced any such issues with my Strato II Multi triggers.

Some things to check:
-ensure your flash isn't set to master or slave mode
-does the flash fire reliably when you hit the "test" button on the receiver?
-what happens when you hit the "test" button on the transmitter?

It's definitely worth doing some testing with other flashes, to see if it's an issue specific to your 580EX II flash, or if the same issue occurs with other flashes too.

Just out of interest, which camera are you using?

Nick wrote at 2011-09-12 16:07

Thanks Martin.
These tests were done on my 50D, I will also test on my 40D.

The strobes do fire when I hit the test button on the receiver and the
transmitter.

Nick wrote at 2011-09-12 16:48

Now I just tested again and all worked perfectly. First I was just trying the receivers alone and watching for the green light to flash red. After I saw that all that was working I connected my strobes on the floor and tested everything and all was fine..... Not sure what was going on. I wonder if i could have had some wireless devices around the same frequency. I'll check the frequency of the devices and my other items like my wireless router, laptops, iphones, ipad...etc....

Martin wrote at 2011-09-12 18:02

@Nick: the Strato flash triggers use 2.4GHz, which is also used by 802.11b/g wifi networks and microwave ovens.
It is possible that something else was causing some noise on 2.4GHz and was causing the issues, or it could have potentially been a bad connection between the Strato transmitter and your camera.

Nick wrote at 2011-09-12 20:21

Well I believe I figured it out, but it was not easy since the issue of the strobes not firing was not constant. It looks like the issue was with my strobes and not the Phottix triggers, my camera, flash or wireless noise. My strobes have a remote photo "light" trigger (like many do) and I typically use this trigger means to fire my strobes so I don't have to use a cable.

Well it turns out that even with this option turned off on the strobes the strobes would see my TTL flash or the flash of the other strobe (sometimes) and not fire, even with the Phottix trigger and cord plugged into the strobe. It is almost like when the option is turned off it would act in reverse or it could have been a race condition as to what the strobe would see first, the signal from the Phottix or the signal from the light sensing trigger.

I put black tape over the light sensor on the strobes and they are acting like they should.

Thanks for the tips Martin.

Nick

Angelo wrote at 2011-12-29 04:35

Hello Nick,

I have an old Olympus flash model Quick Auto 310. It can be used in TTL Auto mode, Manual mode and Auto Mode. It only has two (2) center contacts on the flash shoe. Can I use this with the Strato receivers, and if so which model. I currently use a canon camera.

Sandor Oroszi wrote at 2012-01-03 04:56

A while ago I purchased the Strato Triggers for use with the Yongnuo YN560 speed lights (1 transmitter and 3 receivers), and have been MOST impresseed with the units, never having had a problem. A local supplier had incredibly good pricing on the Strato II, and coupled with the fact that I could still operate my Strato receivers with the Strato II transmitter, I bought a set +1 receiver. They ALL work very well together, AND I have the Strato transmitter as a spare for my Strato set.
I HIGHLY recommend the Strato series, and more specifically the Strato II with the Group function. Once you wrap your mind around the Grouping, you realize the power of the Strato II. Well done to Phottix on a world-class product, and thanks to Martin for a very clear and informative review.

Skip wrote at 2012-01-12 15:03

I just received a set of these for my Sony camera and found that they are in no way TTL. I thought I could at least mount the flash on top of this unit while it was mounted to my camera an have feed through TTL for that flash while the other remote one would be manual but not so. In fact the manual states on the very first entry in the instruction section this --
PLEASE NOTE: Strato Multi receivers are designed to work in Manual Exposure mode and have no TTL functions.
Aren't they supposed to be feed through TTL with a flash mounted to the transmitter.

Martin wrote at 2012-01-12 17:36

@Skip: The Stratos definitely do not do TTL over wireless. However, if you have the transmitter on your camera's hotshoe, and a flash on top of the transmitter's hotshoe, the transmitter should pass-through the TTL from the camera, allowing that flash to operate in TTL mode.

Mario wrote at 2012-02-06 13:25

I m interested in wake-up function of this receiver. I have canon eos body, but I use Nikon SB-28 flash units for some camera-trap setups. Maybe some of you who use this device know if I need to have canon-dedicated transmitter and reciever in order to have this feature and canon flashes ( I also have one 580ex ii and 430 ex ). With PC-cable I can wake up Nikon flashes ( they have standby mode ) so I think maybe only this connection ( large central conection on trigger and receiver ) is enough. Sorry if I didnt explained well all this.

Martin wrote at 2012-02-06 17:46

@Mario: I doubt that a Strato receiver for Canon will be able to wake up a Nikon flash.

I would suggest you would need to use Canon flashes, or alternatively, it may work if you use a Strato transmitter for Canon with a Strato receiver for Nikon.
update: no, that won't work - see comments below

LF wrote at 2012-02-11 16:21

I have a Nikon-shooter friend that just bought a set. I am a Canon 7D shooter. I like how the triggers work. We often shoot together. Is it possible that I purchase a Canon transmitter and both the Canon transmitter and Nikon Transmitter will trigger both/either of the Nikon or Canon receivers? (Ie: we are both shooting at a wedding and the two different transmitters will trigger the same flashes?)

Martin wrote at 2012-02-11 18:42

@LF: as far as I am aware, a Nikon transmitter can trigger Canon receivers (and vice versa), if they are set to the same channel.

I'll confirm this, and will post details here.

Suren wrote at 2012-04-02 07:28

Please advise any body knows the phottix agent/contact person in Abudhabi. I'm looking for Phottix strato II.

Martin wrote at 2012-04-02 16:44

@Suren: looks like phottixstore.com doesn't list any specific resellers in Abudhabi, so I'd suggest you buy from phottixstore.com directly.

Adrian wrote at 2012-05-11 12:42

Hi guys, just a quick question from me, want to upgrade from RF-602 which were ok but don't let me shoot faster than 1/160 with my 5D classic, any chance Strato II Multi will go up to 1/200 with my body. Tried Hahnel triggers before and 1/200 is available but no grouping there. Thanks a lot

Martin wrote at 2012-05-11 16:34

@Adrian: yes, the Strato II Multi should be able to go upto 1/200 with your 5D classic.

The Strato II Multi specifications indicate it supports a max sync speed of 1/250, depending on the camera and flash(es) that you're using it with.
As you are aware, your 5D classic is limited to 1/200, so the Stratos should be able to sync upto your camera's max sync speed.

Adrian wrote at 2012-05-11 17:18

Thanks a lot Martin, I'm aware of 5Dc limitations however it'd be great to know for sure, I was a bit dissapointed with RF602s. Just to mention they synced at 1/250 with my friend's 50D, obviously better support for newer cameras.
Thanks again and hopefully someone else might share their experience :-)

Bill wrote at 2012-05-17 14:57

Hey everyone. Has anyone used these triggers with the Yongnuo 468,467,462 or the Vivitar 285HV? Don't want to spend a fortune on lights right now. All these are suppose to have TTL compatibility. Thanks

Sparda wrote at 2012-06-04 23:31

"Martin wrote at 2012-02-11 07:42
@LF: as far as I am aware, a Nikon transmitter can trigger Canon receivers (and vice versa), if they are set to the same channel.
I'll confirm this, and will post details here."

Hi! Any update on this?

Martin wrote at 2012-06-06 05:18

@Sparda: Yes, there are definitely some updates on this.

In response to some of the queries, Phottix did some compatibility testing, and published the results in this blog post.

Paul wrote at 2012-11-24 05:05

Hello, I've tried to use 1 receiver on the camera with my flash in manual mode while connected to the camera with the cable as a shutter release. When I press the transmitter it does fire the camera but the flash fires early. Is it not possible to use these triggers in this combination or would I need to purchase an extra transmitter/receiver? I use an SB910 sat on the receiver in my camera's hotshoe whilst using the transmitter to remotely fir the camera. Any help here would be greatly appreciated.

Martin wrote at 2012-11-24 10:00

@Paul: If you want to be able to trigger your camera and your flash, you will need an additional transmitter.
Then you'll need one transmitter and receiver to operate as a remote shutter release, and another transmitter and receiver (configured on a different channel) to operate as a remote flash trigger.

This is because the camera itself needs to trigger the flash via a transmitter on its hotshoe, to ensure the flash is triggered at the correct time. The timing of the flash is very important in relation to the camera's shutter.

With a single transmitter triggering both your camera and a remote flash, the flash will fire immediately, while the camera will take a little bit of time to figure out the exposure/etc before its shutter operates.

José Antonio wrote at 2013-01-18 08:33

Referring to the last subject, How should be placed both transmitters and receivers?
You say: "the camera needs to trigger the flash via transmitter on its hotshoe"
Well, and the other transmitter and receiver to release the camera, which is its place?
Thanks in advance.

Martin wrote at 2013-01-21 15:52

@José: You need to use one transmitter and receiver as a remote shutter release, with the receiver connected to your camera's remote shutter release socket.

Another transmitter and receiver (configured on a different channel) can then be used to operate as a remote flash trigger. The transmitter needs to be placed on the camera's hotshoe, and the receiver connected to a remote flash (either via the hotshoe, or via a PC sync cable).

Christine wrote at 2013-02-09 15:14

Hi, i need help with my phottix strato ii. i mounted my 580ex ii on the receiver but the flash only triggers once. if i press the shutter button again to take pictures the flash wont trigger. pls help just a newbie here thanks

Martin wrote at 2013-02-09 21:15

@Christine: Does the flash trigger reliably when you hit the "test" button on the Strato receiver?
If not, then it's either a connection issue between the Strato receiver and the flash, or the batteries in your flash need charging / replacing.

Does the flash trigger reliably when you hit the "test" button on the Strato transmitter, and does the LED on the Strato receiver flash red when you hit the "test" button on the Strato transmitter?
If not, then it's likely to either be a connection issue between the Strato receiver and the flash, or you have the Strato transmitter and receiver configured to use different channels.

Chris wrote at 2013-02-16 06:54

Has anyone had issues with the Stratos II's not waking up 580EXII flashes the way they are supposed to? I have used them for a while as remote lights with not issues, but when I had a 580EXII as part of a studio setup, I frequently had to push the test of other button to get the flash to wake up after time out. I had this issue with 2 separate transmitters, but possibly the same receiver. Changing batteries didn't help.

Martin wrote at 2013-02-17 15:17

@Chris: I haven't had any issues with the Strato II waking up 580EX II flashes, with a half-press of the camera shutter button waking up my 580EX II flash every time.

I'd suggest you check the connection between the Strato II receiver and the flashes hotshoe, as a bad connection on some of the pins would be sufficient to prevent the flash wakeup functionality from working, even though the receiver may be triggering the flash successfully.

(Only the centre pin on the Strato II receiver's hotshoe is used to trigger the flash, while the other pins are used for the flash wakeup functionality.)

Heath wrote at 2013-03-26 16:34

I'm having issues with my recently purchased Strato II Multi. I bought the Multi in a pinch because I was out of state and had forgotten some parts to the triggers I usually use. Briefly looked through the manual and used the setup for a 3-hour shoot. Worked great and I really like the units.

Now... when I get back home. I can't get the Strato trigger to fire the speed lite I used at the shoot. The LED in the trigger just stays solid green. If I hit the transmitters test button, then the flash will fire. But when the shutter is triggered, nothing. Both cameras in manual mode (Canon 1D, and XSi). Plus the TTL isn't working either. I've cleaned the contacts in both cameras hot shoes and nothing changes.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Martin wrote at 2013-03-26 16:43

@Heath: It sounds like the Strato II transmitter is communicating with the receiver OK, as you can trigger the flash when you hit the transmitter's test button.

However, it looks like you have some connectivity issues between the camera and the transmitter.

Are you shooting in liveview mode? If so, then Canon DSLR cameras will fail to trigger a flash if a third-party device is mounted on the camera's hotshoe. The workaround is to either disable silent shooting mode, or don't use liveview mode (see my post on Triggering Flashes while using Liveview for more details).

Re TTL, it only will work for flashes connected to the transmitter's hotshoe - it doesn't work for any flashes attached to Strato II receivers.

gregory wrote at 2013-05-24 00:33

want to sue these as both a shutter release AND a flash trigger, at the same time .. how do i do that .. have two transmitters, three receivers, no combo i use seems to work ...

thoughts?

Martin wrote at 2013-05-24 08:17

@gregory: Yes, it is certainly possible to use two sets - one as a shutter release, and one as a flash trigger.

What is working and what is not working when you attempt this?

You will need to use one transmitter and receiver to operate as a remote shutter release, and another transmitter and receiver (configured on a different channel) to operate as a remote flash trigger.

I suggest you test the configuration to verify each Strato II set works independently as expected - ie, one set correctly operates as a remote shutter release, and the other correctly operates as a remote flash trigger - before attempting to use them simultaneously.

Martin wrote at 2013-05-27 21:22

It turns out greogry was stacking the Strato II receiver for the remote shutter release in the camera's hotshoe, and that was causing the issues for him.

Joey Allen wrote at 2013-06-15 03:10

Although I have successfully been using the Strato IIs and found them reliable in function, the plastic surrounding the hot shoes and the internal mounts have cracked or snapped off with every trigger I own and several of the receivers over the course of 1 to 1.5 years. I would call them reliable but not built to last. I can happily provide photos of each broken unit.

They should make more durable mounts than the cheap crappy plastic they use.

Martin wrote at 2013-06-16 20:15

@Joey: I haven't heard of any similar issues from anyone else - and would be interested in seeing some photos of the cracking that you are describing.

If you are cracking the plastic around the hot shoes and the internal mounts on every trigger you own, then could it possibly be due to the way you are handling the triggers?

bradles wrote at 2013-06-29 23:57

If I get a Canon set of Stratos II transmitter and receivers for my 5Dii camera, will they fire both Canon and Nikon Flashes at the same time. I have 2x Nikon SB-26, a Canon 550EX and a Canon 540EZ and was wondering if I can fire them all at once with just the Canon version of the Stratos II transmitter and receivers. Or will I need to buy a Canon Transmitter and Canon receivers for the Canon flashes; and Nikon receivers for the Nikon flashes?

Has anyone else done this?

Martin wrote at 2013-06-30 12:05

@bradles: Phottix have published some more details about compatibility in this blogpost.

To answer your specific questions:
* you can fire all your flashes at once with just the Canon version of the Strato II
* any Strato II transmitter can trigger Canon and Nikon versions of the Strato II receivers
* any Strato II receiver can trigger either a Canon or Nikon flash
* if using a Strato II receiver for Canon to trigger a Nikon flash (or vice versa), you will lose the flash wake-up functionality

J. Alan Moll wrote at 2013-07-15 04:41

Does this mean that a 600EX-RT put in the hot shoe of a Canon Stratos ll Tx could control other 600's in radio mode while the Stratos ll Rx's could control EX 580's in manual mode? The 600's could do key and fill lite duties while the 580's covered BG, hair and accent lightes? This would be great for the transitional period moving from IR to RT! Alan

Martin wrote at 2013-07-31 14:50

@J Alan Moll: yes, it does mean exactly that.

Note that I don't have any 600EX-RT flashes to test this with, so I cannot confirm, but it should work in the way you have described.

Ben wrote at 2013-09-04 17:23

Hi, just brought the transmitter and receiver for canon. They work perfectly when used as a remote flash trigger. But when I use it for a wireless shutter release they don't work! I've used the correct cable supplied, plugged into the cable release on the camera (40D) and then into the corresponding socket on the stratto. But no joy! reading the manual gives no clues as it says consult your camera's manual for remote shutter release! Any clues? Cheers.

Martin wrote at 2013-09-07 20:44

@Ben: What happens when you try to use the Strato II receiver as a wired shutter release? Does that work?

There are multiple sockets on the receiver that will accept the shutter release cable. Do you have it plugged into the socket labelled "SR"?

When you try to use it as a wireless shutter release, does the receiver's status LED go green when you half-press the transmitter's button, and does it go red when you do a full press of the transmitter's shutter button?

William Johns wrote at 2013-10-05 03:51

I also have two Phottix Strato II transmitters with cracked cases. I use these for weddings and find that they barely last an entire season. I only have a Nikon SB-700 speedlight on top of the transmitters but even that is too much over time for the plastic used in the casing. Great triggers that need more robust cases.

Udo wrote at 2013-11-06 21:26

I have an Phottix Strato II Multi (receiver and transmitter). Unfortunately the wake-up function doesn't work with my Metz 44 AF-1. I tried everything but there is no chance...Are there any tipps for me...

Martin wrote at 2013-11-06 21:40

@Udo: You will need a matching brand-specific version of the Strato receiver to use TTL-specific functionality such as wake-up functionality - ie, you need a Strato II Multi receiver for Canon in order to be wake up a Canon-compatible flash - or a Strato II Multi receiver for Nikon in order to be able to wake up a Nikon-compatible flash.

However, third-party companies such as Metz have implemented their TTL functionality by reverse-engineering the protocol - and don't always manage to get complete functionality.

If you have the Metz on a camera hot shoe, can the camera wake it up?
If you have the Metz on the Strato II Multi transmitter's hot shoe, can the camera wake it up?

Radu wrote at 2014-01-14 06:18

I have 4 Strato 2 transmitters, all of them have cracked cases. However, writing to Phottix's support got me 4 new plastic cases with coldshoe already installed, and I just had to replace the old cracked case with the new one. 10 minutes job for each one. Or you can arrange to send the over to Phottix for a repair.
The good thing is that I noticed that the new case has an improved design, with a (seemingly) reinforced edge. Hope it does the trick.

eddy wrote at 2014-01-25 20:17

Can strato II trigger aster receiver?

Martin wrote at 2014-01-25 23:05

@eddy: no, the Strato II cannot trigger the Aster receiver, as the Strato II uses 2.4 GHz for signalling, while the Aster uses 433 MHz.

Barry Curtis wrote at 2014-11-16 20:00

Purchased the Strato II transmitter and receiver for canon 6D. I have a set of Bowens Gemini 200W lights and the strato will not fire these. I have attached the receiver to a Canon 430 flash transmitter to camera hotshoe and work fine. Connected flash to transmitter and fired with both Bowens lights on slave and fire fine. Connect receiver via cable to Bowen light, transmitter on camera no flash. The green light on the transmitter goes green on half depression of shutter use test button and red light flashes on transmitter and receiver but no flash. Also tried with Canon 7D same result.
Cheers Barry

Martin wrote at 2014-11-16 20:30

@Barry: As far as I'm aware, the Strato receiver should be able to trigger the Bowens lights via a sync cable.

Just to check the obvious...but make sure you have plugged the sync cable into the "flash" socket on the Strato receiver, and into the sync socket on the Bowens lights?

Do you have any other way to confirm that the sync input on your Bowens lights is working correctly?

Barry wrote at 2014-11-18 04:50

Hi Martin
Thanks for your reply. I have had the sync cable plugged into the flash on the receiver and the adapter into the sync socket of the Bowens light. As the Canon 6D does not have a sync socket I used the Strato supplied sync lead with the adapter and plugged this into the Canon 7D and Bowen light and the flash fired first time. I think this may be a fault in the receiver connection to the light as everything else appears to work fine.

Martin wrote at 2014-11-18 22:17

@Barry: It does sound like it might be a problem with the sync output connection on the Strato receiver. To confirm, if you have any other flashes/lights with a sync input, try connecting the Strato receiver to them via a sync cable, and see if the Strato can successfully trigger it.

Barry Curtis wrote at 2014-11-22 22:05

Hi Martin
I did not have another sync cable but contacted the manufacturer who also thought it may be the cable and sent me a new one. Tried this and works perfectly. Many thanks for all you help.

Cheers Barry.

Greg Nesbit Photography wrote at 2015-11-11 06:17

Hi Martin,
I love these Phottix units and have been using happily with both speed lights and my studio strobes (Alien Bees). So today I wanted to test the remote trigger cable and put the receiver tethered to my 6D and hand-held the trigger and it worked great, could push button half-way to auto focus for self portraits just like the manual said. So then I wanted to pop my studio strobes and put a receiver on the Alien Bee per usual and did a self portrait, BUT the image came out black. Tried manual focus, and even took receiver off the hot shoe, still no image. Stymied. Please help.

Martin wrote at 2015-11-14 23:07

@Greg: If your photo is coming out black, then either the Stratos are not triggering your studio strobes, or your shutter speed is faster than the max sync speed (or you still have the lens cap on your lens ;).

Alva wrote at 2016-08-24 20:11

Hi Martin,
I see there haven't been posted questions here some time now, but I am desperately seeking for some help...
I have a canon 5DMIII. If I use the transmitter and receiver without a 600ex-rt mounted on the transmitter, all is fine. As soon as I mount my speedlite on the transmitter everything stops working: the remote speedlite won't fire, the receiver doesn't blink red that it's getting a signal, the mounted speedlite doesn't flash. The only thing that still works is the testbutton which triggers the remote speedlite on the receeiver. All batteries are charged, I tried triggering the mounted speedlite on the transmitter using a cable connected to the transmitter, no results. What the H is going on here? I hope you have a clue....

Martin wrote at 2016-08-24 20:20

@Alva: That sounds strange. There are definitely people that are successfully using a 600EX-RT in a Strato II transmitter's pass-through shoe, but I don't have any 600EX-RT flashes to do any testing myself.
It sounds like either there's an issue with the pass-through shoe on your Strato II transmitter, or the 600EX-RT isn't being mounted properly on the shoe and is shorting it out, or there's an issue with the 600EX-RT's shoe connector.

If you have the gear, try using other devices on the Strato II transmitter's pass-through shoe, and use your 600EX-RT on a camera hot-shoe or on another hot-shoe, to confirm they're all working as expected.

If that doesn't identify the cause of the issue, then I'd suggest you contact Phottix support for assistance.

Alva wrote at 2016-08-24 20:48

Thanks for replying this fast.. Much appreciated! I have 3 600's and 3 receivers so I tried different speedlites and receivers to test if it was the connector on one of those, but they all gave the same result. I just ordered a new set (trans. and rec.) to check if it might be the transmitter. At first I thought it could be a setting in my camera. If you have any thoughts on that, I'd like to know. If not, I'll wait for the new set. Thanks again!

Martin wrote at 2016-08-24 20:54

@Alva: just a thought - are you using your camera in liveview mode?
If so, then the camera's hot shoe won't trigger a flash trigger via the camera's hot-shoe, and won't trigger a flash via the PC Sync socket.

Check out an earlier blog post on triggering flashes while using liveview for more info.

Paul Fryer wrote at 2017-01-05 05:19

Hi Martin, I use a Canon 7D mk1. I purchased a Strato 11 Multi about 2years ago as a wireless shutter release and am over the moon with it. I have just got the use of a set of Bowens Gemini GM400s and would like to use the above as a wireless flash trigger.

Using the transmitter set to the required channel and number on the camera do you connect the receiver to the nearest flash using the 6.3mm adapter and let it hang which would fire this flash and set the second flash to trigger from the first via: the slave cell.

As you will probably gather I have never used studio flash before.

Best regards
Paul Fryer.

Martin wrote at 2018-12-12 17:25

Hi Martin,Would a Canon Strato 11 trigger trigger a sony Strato 11 receiver.

Regards Martin

Martin wrote at 2018-12-12 21:23

@Martin: Yes, as mentioned in this Phottix blog post:

Will a Strato or Strato II Multi Transmitter for Canon trigger a Strato or Strato II Multi receiver for Nikon/Sony ?

Answer: Yes. The Canon/Nikon/Sony designation refers only to the hot shoe on each receiver and possible functions (wake-up) related to that hot shoe. You can use a Strato II Multi for Canon transmitter and trigger Nikon or Sony flashes on Strato receivers for those units – but you will lose any flash wake-up functions as (in most cases) that is a dedicated camera system function.

Philip wrote at 2022-10-05 04:37

Hello @Marty. I have a canon EOS 6Dmkii. I mounted the stratto ii transmitter on the camera hotshoe. I found that I’m not able to control the settings of a 600ex rt speedlight connected to a stratto ii receiver. When I tried to access the external flash menu on my 6D mkii I got the “incompatible flash or flash power off” message. Is this an incompatibility problem? Any insight will be helpful. Many thanks.

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