I've had these triggers for about 3 months now and have very few complaints. I had previously used the Cactus v4 triggers, which had pretty spotty reliability and fairly limited range. These triggers are very reliable--I don't think I have had a misfire yet. I tested out the range of the triggers one day and they reliably triggered at approximately a quarter mile away. They were still triggering consistently, but I was no longer able to shout instructions to my children (who were carrying the flash) at that distance, so we stopped the test. Based on other things I have read, others have gotten consistent triggering at even longer distances. I also used them outside recently in snowfall with temperatures in the single digits. I didn't push the range (they were always within about 20 feet), but I still didn't have a single misfire. It's probably not recommended to use them in this way, but I had no problems.
There are a lot of things I like about these triggers. First, they use standard AAA batteries, which means it is easy to replace them on the fly as opposed to trying to find some exotic batteries in a pinch. Also, access to the battery doors is very easy--no screws need to be removed, but they seem to hold securely. Second, the multi-channel control on the transmitter is wonderful! I have two receivers (and plan to add more in the future), and it is trivial to quickly disable one of my lights from firing, whether it is to check exposure or because I just don't want that light to fire. This is a wonderful addition. Third, the TTL passthrough on the transmitter is actually quite useful. I have used it for candid shots (Where I've got remote lights flooding the room with light) where I put a TTL flash on the camera to use as a fill light. Works great when it's needed! Fourth, the shutter release function works well. I have used the shutter release in corded mode, as well as in wireless mode, and I have had no problems either way--I actually use this feature more than I thought I would.
The only downsides I have seen with these triggers are relatively minor. First, one of my triggers had a pretty tight hotshoe connection at first. I had difficulty sliding shoe-mount flashes in and out. It has since loosened up a bit. The other units didn't have that problem, so maybe it was just a fluke of manufacturing. Second, and this is really minor, I have had a problem with the power switch getting switched to the on position while in my bag. That probably has something to do with the way I was storing them. I've switched bags and don't have that problem anymore. I actually really like the power switches on these triggers.
Overall, I am very pleased with these flash triggers. I think they are an excellent value for the money and have worked reliably for me!
Update: 3/6/13
I still am really pleased with these triggers! They have held up well, even bouncing around inside camera bags for the last year+. I still find them very reliable, and I don't recall any misfires. I've thought that the new PocketWizards looked nice, but I just couldn't find any good reason to upgrade--these do everything I need for a great price. I now have two transmitters and three receivers. I'm able to set up one transmitter in my hand for a remote shutter release, and the other transmitter on-camera to trigger lights. It works really well.
To update the couple of negatives I mentioned in my original review, I no longer notice any problems with the hotshoe connection. I don't have any problems with getting flashes in and out anymore.
The second issue was that the power switch was constantly getting switched on in my bag, so that they were dead when I pulled them out of the bag. I've had the problem in basically any bag I've used, but I finally solved the issue. A bit of gaffer's tape over the power switch keeps the switch from getting accidentally switched on (or off). The tape has held up for several months now. I just peel it back when I need to flip the switch, then put it back on. I'm pretty happy with this solution. All in all, I still highly recommend these triggers. They work great for not a lot of money!
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This item: Phottix Strato II Wireless Flash Trigger Multi 5-in-1 Set for Nikon - Transmitter and Receiver (PH15653)
$109.95
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Product information
| Product Dimensions | 6.77 x 3.15 x 2.91 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 8 ounces |
| ASIN | B0056MPWZU |
| Item model number | PH15653 |
| Batteries | 2 AA batteries required. |
| Customer Reviews |
4.3 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | October 4, 2011 |
| Manufacturer | Phottix |
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Phottix Strato II Wireless Flash Trigger Multi 5-in-1 Set for Nikon - Transmitter and Receiver (PH15653)
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Tired of messing with cords(I was!)? Get these puppies !!! Seriously!
The fine folks at Phottix have Improved on their successful Strato line by apparently listening to customers(rare) ! I won't go into all the technical garb(others have done that) but I will say these units are solid,fire every time(so far)are super easy to set up and use plus they look really slick. They are simply the best in this price range and even more functions or buttons than some of the expensive competitors. That is definitely saying something. YES I did my research and I did look at Cyber Commander(Very confusing pricey),The supposed Godly Pocket Wizards(Very pricey,less functions and bells than Stratus II)plus MANY other manufacturers. On top of the new features and improvements they are backward compatible with the older Stratus units(this is great as if you are on a tight budget you can easily get the older cheaper units or used ones)!They didn't have to do that,they just did. I will update after more extensive usage. OH,Also I had a slight problem with a lightbox,speedlight set up(not receivers fault)but heres a fix for ya. As of now I am EXTREMELY satisfied!Thanks,Mako
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- Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2012
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- RephaiahReviewed in the United Arab Emirates on August 3, 2020
Excellent
Size: Nikon-SetVerified Purchase
