Phottix Answers Wishes by Building-In Wireless into Mitros Speedlight

Remember the Phottix Mitros speedlight? I loved this flash, and I wasn't the only one. Despite some complaints regarding the interface, generally there was only one other disappointment: no built in wireless receiver for their Odin transmitters. Phottix has now built them in, wiping aside the only place of complaint and making the Mitros+ instantly a speedlight you should seriously consider.

The Mitros+ is basically the same in functionality and use as the original Mitros, except now it comes with a built-in Odin transmitter and receiver (as well as a Strato receiver if you use those). Therefore rather than review the entire flash again, let's focus on the new aspects of the flash.

If you were concerned about trusting anything other than PocketWizard, stop. In a side-by-side test, with a PocketWizard Plus III, I can promise you right now that the Phottix performed just as well as the PocketWizard, if not better. It has astounding range, accurately and reliably firing over water or land. I managed to get the distance out to about 913 feet, which is far beyond what you will ever need to shoot (most of you anyway). In the same test, PocketWizard did not do as well (which I will cover in a later article).

What's more, the Odin is a great triggering system. It has a large LCD that lets you see exactly what group is powered to what level. You can do all the same things with PocketWizard, but it's not in the most user-friendly manner. Having one screen to manage all flashes and groups (as well as the power to each of them) is extremely simple, and simple means fast. The less time I spend fiddling with my wireless settings, the better. I would much rather focus on my shoot.

Main Mitros+ Features:
GN: 58 TTL Flash
Built-in: Phottix Odin Transmitter and Receiver, and Strato Receiver
Optical Slave
Canon-compatible Master/Slave IR Triggering Modes
ETTL I/II, Manual and Multi Stroboscopic Modes
High Speed Sync and Second Curtain Sync
AF Assist Light
Flash Zoom: 24-105mm
External Battery Port, 3.5mm Sync Port
Quick Flash Mode

As mentioned, the built-in Phottix Odin and Strato II Receiver functions mean the Mitros+ can be used with many existing Phottix flash triggers. The Odin Transmitter in the Mitros+ operates similarly to the Phottix Odin TCU. You have three groups at your disposal, A, B and C, and four channels to use. You control the TTL EV adjustments of ± 3 in 1/3 stops and manual power from full power to 1/128 in 1/3 stops. The Mitros+ can also be triggered by existing Phottix Strato II Multi transmitters.

All this means you get TTL, Manual and Multi Stroboscopic modes, a rotating and elevating flash head, high speed sync, second curtain sync, external battery port, 3.5mm sync port and custom functions. It's a huge package that contains basically everything a photographer on-location would need.

One thing to note is that the Mitros+ doesn't feel any heavier than the original. The battery also lasts just as long. With the addition of the wireless into the Mitros body, we are getting zero downsides in exchange for a great upside. It's really hard to ask for more from any manufacturer.

The Mitros+ can trigger Phottix Odin or Strato II Multi receivers and Atlas II transceivers in Rx mode. These
receivers can trigger flashes or studio lights. Triggering studio lights or non-compatible flashes will limit some functions, such as power control or HSS.

If you're wondering if you can use Nikon or Canon triggering systems with the Mitros, the answer is yes. The light-based Master/Slave triggering systems of Canon and Nikon are supported by the appropriate Mitros+ compatible versions.

The Mitros+ TTL Transceiver Flash for Canon will start to ship during October 2013. It will make its grand
debut at PhotoPlus in New York City, October 26-28. The Nikon version is expected to be released by the
end of 2013 for about $450. With the same 2-year-warranty that Phottix offers on the Phottix Mitros.

What I liked:
Built-in wireless receiver!
Recycle Rate
Functions, including HSS and ETTL
Connectivity with Odin system
Flash power
Build quality

What could use improvement:
No PC sync port (but seriously, we should all stop using PC)
Still somewhat jankey UI, but you get used to it

For years photographers have been waiting for someone to make a fully compatible and reliable speedlight and radio trigger system, and Phottix has finally delivered. By incorporating the Odin into a Mitros, Phottix is allowing me to carry less gear, reduce my setup time and overall make my life easier and less expensive. It’s hard to ask a company to do more than that. For the full review on the rest that Mitros has to offer, make sure you read the original Mitros review.