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Phottix

Phottix Tetra PT04 II Flash Trigger and Receiver

Free your strobes from the camera and build off-axis lighting setups with the reliable Phottix Tetra PT04 II trigger system.

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Overview

The Phottix Tetra PT04 II is built for photographers who want to move their lights off-camera without the cost or complexity of a full TTL radio system. Strip away the automatic exposure handshaking and what remains is a clean, low-latency sync signal that fires any strobe with a compatible hot shoe or 3.5mm sync port. That simplicity is a feature in controlled studio work — one less variable in a workflow already built around manual power settings on monolights or studio packs.

The system comprises a hot shoe-mounted transmitter and a receiver unit that accepts up to several flash connections via sync cable. Build quality is functional rather than premium — lightweight plastic that keeps the camera balance neutral during a long tethered session. The LED indicator on the transmitter is a practical touch, confirming each successful trigger without requiring a test pop. Setup is measured in seconds: mount, switch on, fire. For a photographer adding a second or third light to a small studio, or taking a speedlight off a bracket for a portrait session, the PT04 II removes friction from the process without removing money from the kit budget.

Specifications

Brand
Phottix
Model
Tetra PT04 II
Type
Flash Trigger and Receiver
Connectivity
Hot shoe, 3.5mm sync cable
Features
On/off switch, LED trigger indicator
Compatibility
Universal — any flash with hot shoe or 3.5mm sync input

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Fires any sync-capable flash regardless of brand, making it easy to mix and match studio gear across a shoot.
  • The on/off switch and LED trigger indicator give you immediate feedback that the system is live without test-firing a strobe.
  • Hot shoe mount plus 3.5mm sync cable input means you can use it on virtually any camera body without adapters.
  • Affordable entry point that lets a photographer move flashes off-camera without investing in a proprietary wireless system.
  • Multiple flashes can be daisy-chained to a single receiver, reducing the number of receivers needed in a multi-light setup.

👎 Cons

  • No TTL or HSS support means exposure must be dialed in manually on every flash — slower to adapt during fast-changing shoots.
  • Basic channel system offers limited separation if working near other photographers using similar budget triggers.
  • Sync-only operation means no remote power adjustment from the camera position — you walk to the light to change output.
  • Plastic construction feels utilitarian; the hot shoe fit can be loose on some camera bodies, requiring the locking ring to be snugged down carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

The PT04 II is rated for short-to-medium range wireless triggering suitable for most studio and small venue setups. Keep transmitter and receiver within clear line-of-sight for most consistent results — walls and heavy modifiers can reduce effective range.
Yes. The PT04 II receiver supports multiple flash units connected via 3.5mm sync cable, letting you fire several heads from one receiver unit — useful when running a key and fill off the same channel.
The PT04 II is a basic sync trigger — it fires the flash but does not pass TTL or HSS signals. All power adjustments are made manually on the flash head itself.
The transmitter mounts directly to the camera's standard hot shoe. It also includes a 3.5mm sync port for cameras with a dedicated PC sync terminal. The LED indicator confirms each trigger fire.
The PT04 II works with any flash that has a standard hot shoe or 3.5mm sync input. It is not brand-locked — monolights, speedlights, and pack systems with sync ports all work provided the trigger voltage is within safe limits.

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