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Phottix 89553 Ares II Flash Trigger Remote Receiver
Phottix 89553 Ares II Flash Trigger Remote Receiver
Phottix 89553 Ares II Flash Trigger Remote Receiver
Phottix 89553 Ares II Flash Trigger Remote Receiver
Phottix 89553 Ares II Flash Trigger Remote Receiver
Phottix

Phottix 89553 Ares II Flash Trigger Remote Receiver

★★★★★3.9 (15 reviews)

Lock in reliable off-camera flash at up to 150 meters — the Phottix Ares II receiver puts four independently controllable groups in the palm of your hand.

$49.95*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Phottix Ares II receiver is purpose-built for photographers who run manual off-camera flash systems and want dependable 2.4GHz radio triggering across multiple light sources. At 150 meters of effective range and with 16 channel options plus digital ID locking, the system is capable enough for studio setups, location portrait work, event lighting rigs, and any configuration where you need absolute confidence that your transmitter is talking only to your flashes. The four groups (A–D) mean a three or four-light arrangement can be managed entirely from the camera position — adjusting ratios, killing a background light, or firing a selective subset of strobes without breaking from the shooting position.

Build quality is practical and field-ready — the receiver mounts to a standard hot shoe, the LCD is clearly legible in daylight, and button-based control keeps operation straightforward during the pressure of a session. The digital ID system (0000–9999) addresses the real-world problem of RF collisions in shared studio and event environments with a simple, effective solution. Strato II backward-compatibility on channels 1–4 means existing Phottix users can integrate the Ares II without discarding prior investment. For photographers committed to manual flash metering — whether for the precision it affords in studio work or the consistency it delivers in event lighting — the Ares II receiver is a reliable, well-featured trigger component at a price point that makes building out a multi-light kit financially practical.

Key Features

2.4 GHz radio triggering

Easy to use LCD screen

4 groups and 16 channels

Specifications

Brand
Phottix
Model
89553
Type
Flash Remote Receiver
Frequency
2.4GHz Radio
Channels
16 (Strato II compatible on channels 1–4)
Groups
4 (A–D)
Digital ID Codes
0000–9999
Range
150 meters
Display
LCD Screen
Hot Shoe
Universal
Color
Black
Weight
0.15 kg

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • 150-meter wireless range gives you genuine freedom to position flashes well off-set — behind scrims, up in rigging, or across a large venue — without RF reliability concerns at typical shooting distances.
  • Four independently addressable groups (A–D) allow sophisticated multi-light setups to be reconfigured from the camera position, eliminating the walk-and-adjust workflow that breaks creative momentum.
  • Digital ID codes (0000–9999) provide 10,000 unique lock combinations, making this receiver practical in shared studio environments or busy event venues without cross-trigger risk.
  • 16-channel selection with Strato II backward-compatibility (channels 1–4) means the Ares II slots cleanly into existing Phottix kit without requiring a full system replacement.
  • The LCD display gives clear channel and group status at a glance — readable in bright daylight conditions where LED indicators on competing triggers become hard to interpret.

👎 Cons

  • Manual-only triggering means there is no TTL pass-through — photographers whose flash workflow depends on automatic metering will need a different trigger system for those applications.
  • Receiver-only packaging requires a separate transmitter purchase to build a functional system, which adds to the total cost and means two separate items to track and charge.
  • At 0.15 kg, the receiver adds modest but nonzero weight to each flash unit — across a multi-light location kit with several receivers attached, this accumulates in a carry bag.
  • 2.4GHz operation shares spectrum with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; in heavily congested RF environments like conference centers or tech events, interference is more likely than on dedicated UHF frequencies.
  • No built-in rechargeable battery — the receiver runs on standard AAA or AA batteries (depending on unit), which means consumable battery management across a multi-receiver kit on long shoot days.

Frequently Asked Questions

This SKU is the receiver only. To trigger your flash wirelessly, you'll need a compatible Ares II transmitter (or the Strato II transmitter for channels 1–4). The receiver mounts to your flash's hot shoe; the transmitter sits on your camera's hot shoe. Budget for both pieces if you're building a new system.
Each group can be assigned a different flash unit, and the transmitter allows you to selectively fire any combination of groups independently. In a three-light portrait setup, for example, you can turn the background light (Group C) on or off from the transmitter without touching the flash itself — useful for quickly comparing lighting ratios during a session.
The ID codes act as a digital lock — only a transmitter and receiver sharing the same ID code will communicate, even on the same channel. In a busy studio or event environment where other photographers may be using Ares II systems, setting a unique ID prevents accidental triggering of your flashes. Default code is 0000; changing it takes about 30 seconds via the LCD menu.
The Ares II is a manual trigger system — it fires the flash at whatever power level you've set on the flash unit itself. There is no TTL pass-through. For photographers who prefer manual control for consistency (studio work, controlled event lighting), this is ideal. For TTL-dependent workflows like fast-moving documentary or wedding candids, you'd need a TTL-capable trigger system.
The Ares II receiver is backward-compatible with Phottix Strato II transmitters on channels 1 through 4. If you already own a Strato II transmitter, you can use this receiver without replacing your trigger. Beyond channel 4, you'll need the Ares II transmitter for full 16-channel access.

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