Phottix Ares Wireless Flash Trigger Set (Transmitter and Receiver)

2019-10-30T22:38:28

I first bought two of these receivers with a transmitter about 3 years ago. I now have 10 receivers (along with several transmitters) - some were bought used. The best thing about Ares I is that trigger simply works. Better than 99.9%. With most other triggers (e.g. Godox, Pocket Wizard, Neewer, Vello, etc), I have either experienced or read about frequent trigger failures. The only other systems with spotless reputation in reliability that I am aware of are Profoto and Paul C Buff, which are considerably more expensive and/or limited. No TTL. They don't shut themselves off automatically. Don't bother with any included (Maxell) batteries - ones I received were either without power or leaked and made a mess.

HO H.

2019-05-07T12:36:07

Works very well and is within my budget. I now own three of them plus one transmitter.

Jon B.

2018-05-22T12:37:24

I needed an add on to my older unit when I bought an additional strobe. This is not compatible with newer versions of the transmitter, so I stayed with the tried and true. Better range and works perfectly.

Arron A.

2017-06-14T17:19:03

Just used it on a 12 hour photo shoot last week. I was using 2 different backdrop set-ups in the same general area. I set one group on 1 and the other on 8. One was ifor individual shots and the other was for group. The triggers and receivers worked flawlessly. I wish I would have done this years ago. It made my photo shoot so much easier.

W L.

2017-06-01T13:11:46

This was recommended by the Strobist. The Ares lets me use my Nikon SB600 with my Sony A7m2. I put the Sony in manual mode, like 1/125, f/2.8, iso400, 50mm FE, then change the live view display setting effect to OFF. I have to take the Nikon flash out of standby mode so it will fire with the Sony when I hit the shutter button. The flash will not come out of standby on a half-press. I carry around the flash attached to the Phottix in one hand with the camera in the other, Lanier style, to get pictures of my dogs in the living room. Works great.

RON S.

2017-05-05T09:58:49

Works exactly as advertised. Make sure it is screwed in right as it can get loose from your shoe connection.

Zach C.

2017-01-24T07:36:21

Very impressed so far. Does exactly what it is advertised to do and it is easy to use out of the box. Has greatly simplified my ability to get my flash off camera. I can highly recommend it.

Paul S.

2017-01-18T09:29:09

Basic, simple, works great.

JAMES D.

2017-01-01T17:49:08

The Ares was easy to set up. Anyone familiar with the intended use of radio remotes can set the unit up without using the concise instructions. The inclusion of all peripherals for various use scenarios are included. Photixx includes a very nice storage/travel case which was a pleasant surprise as another more expensive option does not. I also appreciate the form factor and the ability to adjust the orientation of the trigger. II recommend this product very highly. It's as is said, a "no-brainer".

Kenneth H.

2016-11-29T02:27:17

I bought these to replace Pocket Wizards. These are far better with my speedlights because they allow the speedlight to be mounted with the hotshoe and they have threaded sockets to mount to a light stand. So far they have worked just as they are supposed to.

Mark E.

2016-11-28T07:46:25

Bought these to replace another set of triggers I had. These work great! Very pleased and the price didn't break the bank.

Marsha L.

2016-08-22T10:49:51

I am very impressed by the build quality. It weighs more than the cheap units I replaced with this, but in this case weight means sturdy. The range is fine. I tried it from200 feet with no problems. Changing channels is simple - no dip switches to mess with - just select the channel. Has not missed a flash yet.

RonD

2016-04-10T18:08:27

I LOVE the Phottix Ares! I had been using another brand that I paid aLOT more for, and it was SO unreliable. In fact, I don't recall it being problem free in a single photo shoot. I was ecstatic with this VERY simple system (just the on switch and the channel switch!) It fires reliably EVERY time- at a distance Ifsr enough that I would never need more. There's not a bunch of "other" stuff ithat it does. No bells and whistles. Nothing fancy, but that's what I wanted. Just a reliable off camera light. The only thing that kind of annoys me is that when my flash goes to sleep between shots, I have to manually "wake it up" before shooting. The shooting itself doesn't wake it up. Biut I'm so happy to have something I know is going to fire - every time - I don't mind the inconvenience. That one thing is the only thing that kept me from giving it 5 stars.

SANDY P.

2015-02-08T19:00:00

Great system for a very reasonable price. Excellent build quality. Single channel firing is great for checking individual flash setups and then use all channel to fire all flash units when your setup is complete. Recommend highly.

tCote

2014-05-02T21:00:00

Used these under real-world conditions for the first time today at a wedding. Initially had some trouble getting one to flash when more than 50' away, but replacing the batteries solved the problem (had installed the batteries that came with it...). Whether using a single channel or firing all channels all receivers and the transmitter worked flawlessly. It would be nice to have iTTL capabilities, but for the price that is not a realistic expectation. If you want a solid performer and can use manual mode on your flash units, this a very good product at a great price.

Gerald H.