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Review: Phottix Odin TTL Flash Trigger
posted Thursday, 15 September 2011, 10:01 (+0800), by Martin
Phottix Odin transmitter control unit
Phottix Odin transmitter control unit
with backlight on
Intro

Phottix have delivered yet another interesting and useful camera accessory - this time addressing the shortcomings of wireless TTL flash technology offered by Canon and Nikon. The Phottix Odin is a wireless TTL flash trigger that uses RF communications, thus providing more reliable triggering and longer range than the infra-red communications used by Canon and Nikon's built-in wireless flash triggering functionality.

While there are many non-TTL wireless flash triggers available, they all require the flash power to be set on each individual flash. The Phottix Odin allows multiple remote flashes to be triggered either in TTL mode, or in manual mode, but allows all parameters to be set from the Odin transmitter control unit, rather than on each individual flash.

This TTL flash trigger was initially going to be called the Phottix Helios, but the name was subsequently changed to the Phottix Odin.

Thanks to Phottix for providing a pre-release Phottix Odin for review purposes, and thanks to Steve for responding to my many questions.

Note that the photos in this review show a pre-release version of the Phottix Odin for Canon. Silk-screen labelling on the finalised version will be slightly different. Refer to the product photos at the bottom of the official Phottix Odin annoucement to see the labelling on the release version of the Odin.


Features and Specifications

Features

The Phottix Odin TTL Flash Trigger has the following features:
  • three flash groups
  • four channels
  • can use ETTL/manual mode or ratio mode
  • each flash groups can be configured for ETTL (with FEC) or manual mode
  • each flash group can have zoom set by ETTL or manually
  • high-speed sync up to 1/8000 seconds
  • second curtain sync
  • remote flash wake-up
  • compatibility with Phottix Strato 4-in-1 and Strato II Multi receivers
Specifications

Frequency 2.4 GHz
Range 100 metres +
Channels 4
Groups 3 (A, B, C)
Batteries 2 x AA in TCU and in receiver
5V DC socket for external power supply on receivers
Max sync speed (1) 1/8000 seconds
TCU dimensions 94 x 66 x 35 mm (L x W x H)
Receiver dimensions 90 x 45 x 40 mm (L x W x H)
TCU weight 105g (excluding batteries)
153g (including batteries)
Receiver weight 66g (excluding batteries)
112g (including batteries)
Operating temperature -15 to 65°C
Storage temperature -30 to 85°C
Maximum flash trigger voltage   6V for TCU
300V for receiver
TCU inputs TTL hot shoe
USB port
Receiver inputs USB port
5V DC socket for external power supply on receivers  
Receiver outputs TTL hot shoe
3.5mm socket (PC Sync)
Receiver attachment 1/4" tripod lug
cold shoe

Notes:
1. on compatible cameras and flashes


Compatibility

Initially, Phottix are only releasing a Canon EOS version of the Phottix Odin. They are intending to release a Nikon-compatible version in the next few months.

The manual specifies many TTL flashes have been tested, but Phottix cannot guarantee that all third-party TTL flashes will function properly with the Phottix Odin. They say the Odin has been designed and optimised for use with genuine Canon flashes using the ETTL II system, and issues with third-party flashes will not be supported.

The Odin firmware includes details of various Canon cameras, and Phottix will need to provide updated firmware versions with support for newer camera models.

Update (8 November 2011): Michael Muetstege has been collating a list of third-party flashes and which functions and features work with the Phottix Odin. You can read his review and list of flashes here (in Dutch), or a Google-translated English version here.
If you have any experiences with third-party flashes and the Phottix Odin, be sure to send details to Michael.


Overview of the Phottix Odin

The build quality of the Odin TCU and Odin receiver is very good - certainly much better than some other photography accessories coming out of China.
All buttons and controls being easy to use, and all switches and buttons have a solid feel to them. The screen on the TCU is very easy to read, and the backlight on the screen works very effectively.
The cables provided with the Odin are of a similarly high quality.

Transmitter Control Unit (TCU)

The Phottix Odin TCU has a large screen on the rear, with a number of buttons arranged underneath it. The screen and buttons are backlit, with the backlight turning on for 10 seconds whenever a button is pressed (see photo at top of this review to see the backlight in action).

front and rear of the Phottix Odin TCU (transmitter control unit)

The TCU has a metal shoe for attaching to the hot shoe on top of a camera, with a threaded lock nut to allow it to be tightened in place.
It also features a USB port, to allow the firmware to be updated in the TCU.

Receiver

The Odin receiver looks similar to the receivers from some of Phottix's other wireless flash triggers (such as the Strato).

two views of the Phottix Odin receiver

The hot shoe on top of the receiver has a full TTL pin-out. Also seen on the receiver is a power switch, group selection switch (A / B / C), and a channel switch (1-4), as well as a USB port (for firmware upgrades) and a 5V DC input socket (for external power), and a 3.5mm PC sync socket for triggering studio strobes. The plastic shoe on the bottom of the receiver also has a metal threaded 1/4" socket, to allow it to be attached to light stands using a standard spigot.


Using the Phottix Odin

Both the Odin TCU and the Odin receiver require two AA batteries for operation.

the receiver (left) and TCU (right) both take two AA batteries

To use the Phottix Odin:
  • set both the Odin TCU and Odin receiver to the same channel (1-4)
  • attach the Odin TCU to the hot shoe of your camera
  • attach a compatible flash to the shoe on top of each of the Odin receivers
  • select a group (A / B / C) on the Odin receiver
  • set the flash to TTL mode and ensure it is not configured as a master or slave
  • turn on the Odin receiver using the power switch on the side
  • turn on the Odin transmitter by holding down the "ON/OFF" button for a few seconds
The flash mode, flash power output and flash zoom can now be set on the Odin TCU for each of the three flash groups.

plastic shoe on the Odin receiver
plastic shoe on the Odin receiver
 metal shoe on the TCU
metal shoe on the TCU

Some comments on configuring flash parameters via the Odin TCU:
  • the "OPT" button toggles between TTL/Mixed mode and Ratio mode
  • TTL/Mixed mode allows each flash group (A / B / C) to be set to TTL mode (with up to 3 stops of +ve or -ve FEC applied), or set to manual mode (with flash output set to anything between 1/128 and full power in full-stop increments)
  • Ratio mode allows a ratio to be specified between flash group A and B, from 1:8 to 8:1 (in half-stop increments), along with up to 3 stops of +ve or -ve FEC applied (in 1/3-stop increments)
  • the "SEL" button toggles through each configurable option, with the "-" and "+" buttons used to change the value
  • in TTL/Mixed mode, when setting a group (ie, hit the "SEL" button and a group flashes, indicating it is currently being configured), hitting the "MODE" button toggles between TTL, Manual and Off for that flash group
  • the "ZOOM" button allows you to configure zoom settings for each of the flash groups
  • when setting the zoom settings for a flash group, the "MODE" button toggles between TTL and Manual
  • the "TEST" button does a test fire of all flashes, with group A triggered first, group B one second later, followed by group C
  • holding down the "CLEAR" button will reset the all configuration values to defaults (except the selected channel)
  • the "HI / >>>" button toggles between standard operation, high speed sync, and second curtain sync
  • the modelling light causes all flashes attached to Odin receivers to fire continuously for 1 second (known as the modelling flash)
The photos below show the screen on the Odin TCU when setting various parameters.

group A at 1/32 manual mode, group B & C in TTL mode
group A at 1/32 manual mode,
group B & C in TTL mode
 setting flash zoom, group A set to 80mm, group B & C in TTL mode
setting flash zoom,
group A set to 80mm,
group B & C in TTL mode
 in ratio mode, A:B ratio at 1:3, -1 stop FEC
in ratio mode, A:B ratio at 1:3,
-1 stop FEC
high-speed sync enabled
high-speed sync enabled
 second curtain mode enabled
second curtain mode enabled
 roup A disabled
group A disabled

The photos below show the Odin TCU attached to the hot shoe of a Canon 50D, and an Odin receiver mounted on a light stand (using a spigot screwed into the 1/4" thread of the receiver), with a Canon 580EX II flash mounted on top of the receiver.

Phottix Odin TCU on a Canon 50D
Phottix Odin TCU on a Canon 50D
 Odin receiver on a light stand<br>with a Canon 580EX II flash
Odin receiver on a light stand
with a Canon 580EX II flash

Note that with one or more flash groups in TTL mode, you can still configure up to two stops of flash exposure compensation (FEC) on your camera (depending on camera capabilities) to adjust the overall flash exposure.


Test Results

I have been testing a pre-release version of the Odin with a Canon 50D camera, and few Canon flashes, namely a 430EX, 580EX and 580EX II.

I found the menus on the Odin TCU to be easy to navigate, and the operation of the TCU is quite intuitive. When I first received the Odin, I tried using it without reading the manual, to see how far I would get. I managed to figure out most of the functionality relatively easily, but had to resort to the manual to clarify some of the functionality, and figure out some of the less-obvious functionality.

In my testing, the Odin receivers triggered reliably every time, and I didn't encounter any mis-fires. Admittedly, my testing was relatively short-range, but I intend to do some longer-range testing in the near future.

Testing confirms that high-speed sync mode allows full flash sync at shutter speeds of upto 1/8000 seconds, and second curtain flash sync works as expected.

The accuracy of flash exposure in TTL mode will require some more testing, but initial tests indicate it seems to work quite well. I am intending to do some more testing to compare the Phottix Odin in TTL mode with a Canon ST-E2 and Canon 580EX II acting as master flash triggers, to get a better understanding of how effective the Odin's TTL mode works.

Apparently a firmware update for the Odin is available, but at the time of writing, I haven't been given access to it. This update resolves a few exposure-related issues, as well as adding compatibility with the Strato 4-in-1 and Strato II Multi receivers. I'm not sure compatibility will mean, but suspect it may allow the Odin TCU to trigger Strato and Strato II receivers (but without TTL support).

Update: I can confirm that the firmware update allows the Odin TCU to trigger Strato 4-in-1 and Strato II Multi receivers that are set to the same channel as the Odin TCU. Wireless TTL is not available for any flashes connected to Strato receivers. Any flashes connected to Strato receivers need to be set to manual mode, and the power output needs to be adjusted manually on those flashes.
Groups A, B and C on the Strato II Multi receivers correspond to the same groups on the Odin TCU, but any Strato II Multi receivers on group D will not be triggered.


Limitations

When using ratio mode, the Odin TCU will not trigger any receivers in group C, but will only trigger groups A and B. This limitation also exists with the Canon ST-E2 in ratio mode, while a 580EX II as a master trigger will trigger group C when in ratio mode.
However, with the Odin's ability to have each group in with adjustable FEC, I don't think I'll be using ratio mode all that much anyway, so I don't consider this to be an issue for me.

A focus-assist light would have been useful in the Odin TCU for low light photography, but for various reasons the TCU doesn't have focus assist light.
Note that when focussing (with a half-press of the camera's shutter button), the focus assist lights on each flash will be triggered, so depending on the location and direction of the remote flashes, this may be sufficient in low light situations.

For flash groups in manual mode, the Odin TCU only allows the power output to be adjusted from full-power to 1/128 power in full stops (the 580EX / 580EX II allows manual power output to be adjusted in 1/3 stops from full-power to 1/128 power).

Update (21 August 2012): Phottix have released an updated firmware (version 1.20) for the Odin that provides support for 1/3 stops in manual mode.
Since then, I have also written about the new firmware, and provided some animated gifs showing the new 1/3 adjustment stops.

Phottix will need to provide updated firmware for the Odin to support newer camera models. This may mean that the Odin will not be compatible with newly released cameras, depending on how quickly Phottix provide updated firmware for new cameras.

I would like to see the exposure compensation range for each group in TTL mode increased from 3 stops (+ve and -ve) to maybe 6 stops each way. Hopefully Phottix can implement something like that in a firmware update for the Odin.
(Note that with one or more flash groups in TTL mode on the Odin, you can configure up to two stops of flash exposure compensation on the camera. This means you can effectively get upto 5 stops of FEC in one direction, up or down, by setting 2 stops on the camera, and 3 stops on the Odin.)


Should You Buy a Phottix Odin?

Here are some reasons:
  • much better range than Canon ST-E2 or Canon 580EX as master flash trigger
  • wireless ETTL support
  • don't need line-of-sight between master and slave devices
  • can adjust zoom of remote flashes from Odin's TCU
  • even in manual mode, flash power output can be set from the Odin transmitter control unit
  • high-speed sync up to 1/8000 seconds
  • second curtain flash sync
  • uses commonly available AA batteries
  • compatibility with Phottix Strato 4-in-1 and Strato II Multi receivers
In other words, the Phottix Odin provides lots of useful functionality for strobist photographers who like to use TTL mode, as well as for those who prefer to keep their flashes in manual mode. It also addresses the shortcomings of Canon's native infra-red TTL flash triggering capabilities, as well as providing functionality that cannot be achieved by the many non-TTL wireless flash triggers currently available, such as high-speed sync and second curtain flash sync.


Would I buy a set?

Definitely.

I regularly use a Canon ST-E2 or a Canon 580EX II as a master flash trigger to trigger multiple remote Canon flashes, and often get frustrated by the short range (especially outdoors), as well as the need for line-of-sight (or reflected line-of-sight) between the ST-E2 and the remote flashes.
While high-speed sync is possible with an ST-E2 or 580EX II, second curtain flash sync is not supported.

Conversely, if I use non-TTL flash triggers (to get around the range issues of the ST-E2 / 580EX), I have to set the flash power manually on each flash, and I lose high-speed sync and second curtain sync capability.

The Phottix Odin addresses all those shortcomings, and hence gives me a lot more flexibility and functionality for off-camera flash photography.


Availability and Price

As of 20 September, the Phottix Odin for Canon is now available in Phottix's online store, in the following bundles:
  • Odin TCU + Odin receiver for Canon (USD$350)
    • Phottix Odin TCU
    • Phottix Odin receiver
    • PC sync cable with 3.5mm connector and PC sync connector
    • PC sync cable with 2 x 3.5mm connector
    • 3.5mm to 1/4" (6.3mm) adaptor
    • lanyard for receiver
    • USB cable
    • 4 x AA batteries
    • instructions CD

  • additional Odin receiver for Canon (USD$145)
    • Phottix Odin receiver
    • PC sync cable with 3.5mm connector and PC sync connector
    • PC sync cable with 2 x 3.5mm connector
    • 3.5mm to 1/4" (6.3mm) adaptor
    • lanyard for receiver
    • USB cable
    • 2 x AA batteries
    • instructions CD

Phottix Odin TTL Flash Trigger


Update (18 June 2012): the Nikon version of the Phottix Odin is now available in Phottix's online store, in the following bundles: Update (21 August 2012): Phottix have released an updated firmware for the Odin that provides support for 1/3 stops in manual mode.

Update (17 September 2012): the Sony version of the Phottix Odin is now available: Update (21 December 2013): You can now buy the Odin TCU by itself - perfect if you want to use it to control some Mitros+ TTL flashes and don't need any Odin receivers.
Related Stories (automatically generated):
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Comments:
lee wrote at 2011-09-16 02:58

In other reviews and spec sheets it's indicated that there is an af assist light on the tcu. Could you just confirm that there is no af assist light on the final version Martin?

Martin wrote at 2011-09-16 03:03

@Lee: some earlier marketing material showed a focus assist light on the TCU.

However, I believe it was removed from the final product due to reliability issues. Hopefully we'll see a focus assist light in a future version of the Odin!

Note that the focus assist lights of all flashes connected to Odin receivers will still fire, and a button on the Odin TCU can be used to trigger the modeling light on all connected flashes too.

lee wrote at 2011-09-16 09:09

Did this prove to be much of a hindrance in practice? I'm thinking about placing a flash bracket with a 580 on it as obviously there's no pass thru hotshoe, I suppose the focus assist light on there would work... With off camera flash I'm wondering how practical the auto assist light was? Hmm also I'm probably asking a ridiculous question here but would it be possible to use the auto assist on the flash bracket with the 58 set not to fire?

Another biggy, I wonder if you were using the Odin to adjust power manually, could you then switch to the Strato with its pass thru and use on camera ettl if needed?

Michael Muetstege wrote at 2011-09-16 16:26

When you go to the external flash options on the camera, can you change the settings of the Odin in the menu of the camera? I can with my Yongnuo ST-E2 transmitter.
"When using ratio mode, the Odin TCU will not trigger any receivers in group C, but will only trigger groups A and B"
Whem I use my Yongnuo ST-E2 I can put my camera on mode A:B C. In this mode I have a ratio between A and B and I can control the flash exposure compensation of group C separately (this is with a Canon 5D MKII. Maybe this allows you the same function on de Odin?
I wonder if you can put a ST-E2 on one of the receivers and trigger some flashes nearby. This way you can save money on receivers.
Love your review...I order a set for my own en put a dutch review on my site

Greetings Michael

Martin wrote at 2011-09-16 17:45

@Lee: I haven't found the lack of a focus assist light to be too much of an issue.
Last night, I was shooting a family indoors, and it was pretty dark, but my 50D + 24-70mm focussed without any issues in those conditions. If you are regularly shooting in very dark conditions, then it could potentially be more of an issue. Maybe a small LED torch to assist focussing would be an option.
I'll have to do some testing to see if it's possible to get the Odin to trigger a 580EX flash just for focus assist, but not fire that 580EX. I suspect it's not possible unless you're prepared to open up the 580EX and do some modifications to it (ie, disable the flash itself).
Your last suggestion won't work, as the Odin doesn't actually set the flash power on the remote flashes until it fires them. Also, a Strato transmitter will not trigger Odin receivers (the compatibility is only in the reverse direction - an Odin transmitter can trigger Strato receivers).

@Michael: The Yongnuo ST-E2 works a little differently from the Odin, so I suspect your suggestion won't work. As far the camera is concerned, when you have a Yongnuo ST-E2 on the hotshoe, the camera recognises it as an ST-E2.
When you have an Odin TCU on the camera, it is recognised as a single flash, and the Odin groups are handled internally by the Odin TCU. (That's my understanding of how it works - I'll do some testing to confirm this.)
I tried putting a Canon ST-E2 on an Odin receiver a couple of weeks ago, but the flashes it triggered via infrared were over-exposing. I'm intending to do some more testing, but suspect it won't be a feasible option.

Lee wrote at 2011-09-17 08:10

Thanks Martin. Seems a shame the AF assist light was dropped but understandable I suppose. So what do you think Martyn, if you were given this or the Pockedwizard controltl with AC3 for the same price, which would you opt for? Or would you be swayed by the Pixel King at half the price?

richard wrote at 2011-09-17 11:11

I regularly shoot low light weddings and an AF asset light is essential. I use an st-e2 on camera and a radio trigger connected to the PC socket.

I have been patiently waiting for the Odins to be released but with no AF Assist light they will have little use for me.

The most frustrating thing about them is that they could have been the ultimate TTL radio triggers, but they are just like all the other stuff coming out of China, a great concept but missing some essential feature.

Nithin wrote at 2011-09-17 11:52

Will these even controls the power settings of monolights like alien bees or elinchroms?

Martin wrote at 2011-09-18 02:51

@Lee: It would be nice to have the AF assist light, but I believe it had to be dropped for technical reasons. I think Phottix wanted to be able to release the Odin with everything being fully functional, rather than release it with a sub-standard AF assist light.

I think it would be a tough choice between an Odin and a PocketWizard with AC3 - and I would definitely need to do some more research into the PocketWizard option. The thing that puts me off the PocketWizard is the interference issues they can have with the Canon 580EX / 580EX II flashes that affects the range and reliability of the triggering.

The Pixel King is interesting - as it has a focus assist light (although its effectiveness is dubious), but doesn't appear to support ratio mode (and note that the ETTL pass-through functionality on the transmitter was removed during beta testing).
The build quality of the Pixel doesn't seem to be anywhere near that of the Phottix Odin.

@Richard: I agree, it's a shame the Odin doesn't have a focus assist light, but hopefully we'll see it on a future version from Phottix.

@Nithin: as far as I'm aware, the Alien Bees and Elinchroms don't support TTL, so no, there's no way you could use an Odin to control the power output of them.

Shawn wrote at 2011-09-18 02:21

I hope you're pricing is what it will be starting the 20th instead of the higher pricing showing up on eBay currently.

Martin wrote at 2011-09-18 02:54

@Shawn: the pricing mentioned in the last paragraph of my review is what I've been told by Phottix. I believe the pricing of the units currently on eBay is inflated because they're not officially available from Phottix yet.
(The photos currently being used for the eBay sales are for the pre-release beta version, and not for the release version of the Odin.)

Nithin wrote at 2011-09-18 03:10

Martin, what I was looking is, if Odin can adjust the power output levels in manual mode itself for elinchromes or alien bees..

eg, through the skport transmitter, one can control the power output levels of Elinchrome's monolights.

Martin wrote at 2011-09-18 20:16

@Nithin: The Odin doesn't have any built-in functionality for adjusting power levels of Alien Bees or Elinchroms monolights.

Rolando wrote at 2011-09-18 21:14

Thanks for all these info it's surely a big help to make a decision whether to drop another credit card burden for this one. I am a nikon and canon user , my SU800 operates almost the same as the Odin (base on your review) i can live with all its limitation except for one thing that it can't fire flash on high speed frame like 6fps or so , my low price cactus v4 can do that but ofcourse without ttl , so would you please include this on your next review of odin , how well it can fire flash on multiple fps depending with the limitation of flash ( i have the 430exII and 1st series 580) . And like the rest of canonian around the world i hope this will be around $250.00 for the set of Rx & Tx . Thanks a lot , best regards.

Martin wrote at 2011-09-19 00:08

@Rolando: Some quick tests confirm the Odin can certainly keep up at 6.3 fps that my Canon 50D is capable of, reliably firing flashes for each shot.
Note that you are likely to run into recycle limitations with your flash(es), depending on the power output that you are using for each shot.
I did some testing with the flashes set to 1/128 power, and the flashes could easily recycle fast enough to keep shooting at 6.3 fps.
With the flash output increased to 1/8 power, my 580EX II could only manage about 4 shots at 6.3 fps before it started missing shots due to longer recycle times. An external battery pack would certainly help, but you would still need to ensure you don't overheat the flash head (Canon's 580EX II user manual indicates no more than 20 continuous flashes, followed by a rest time of 10 minutes).

@Lee: I did some more testing to see if it's possible to get the Odin to trigger a 580EX just for focus assist (ie, with a 580EX on a flash bracket or similar).
By putting the 580EX into master mode, I could configure the 580EX not to fire itself, and the Odin TCU still triggered the focus assist on the 580EX.
Note that the pre-flash on the 580EX still fired, and could potentially affect the exposure that is determined by the camera, but that's easily prevented with a bit of gaffer tape over the front of the 580EX.

Mike wrote at 2011-09-21 17:24

The biggest drawback I see is for flash groups in manual mode, the Odin TCU only allows the power output to be adjusted from full-power to 1/128 power in full stops . Hopefully this can be fixed by a firmware update to allow power output to be adjusted in 1/3 stops

Martin wrote at 2011-09-21 17:27

@Mike: I agree, it is a drawback, and I hope Phottix can address it in a firmware update too.

However, because you can apply an over-all FEC via your camera, you can still (kinda) achieve 1/3 stops by setting the power in full stops on the Odin TCU, then going up or down 1/3 or 2/3 of a stop with the camera's FEC.

Rolando wrote at 2011-09-22 00:26

Hi Martin, thanks for your reply. So Odin is capable of quick charge from its 2X 2AA batteries , my Nikon SU-800 and Canon ST-E2 both IR signal uses CR123A and 2cr5 respectively , expensive batteries though, they said the main reason for this is so it can keep up with quick charge after each shot and this justify it when i had the chance to use the Yongnuo ST-E2 which i notice takes atleast 1.5 to 2 seconds to recycle for the next shot , this Yongnuo uses 2X 2AA battery which is the same with the Odin , i understand that 2AA battery marketing wise are more attractive for any potential buyer and unless there are other more reasons, i don't see why they have to use this in Odin which is loaded with many stuff inside.
The more i read about odin the more i am convince that this is almost a design that base on Nikon SU-800 technology with a new and better RF signal , even all the letters display in LCD are identical . I doubt they can make some firmware update to change the FEC from full stops to 1/3 - 2/3 increment , they probably can on the next generation. I've order the Odin kit from Phottix website and tomorrow i will receive the Pixel King ... so we'll see how the two compare in practicality. Thanks again

Adam wrote at 2011-10-16 02:28

Having unreliable results from sigma 500dg super. Not a phottix. Problem I know . What 3rd party flashes have people got good results from?

Adam wrote at 2011-10-17 11:08

Something weird. At 1/200th I get 2 different exposures depending on wether I have hss switched on or not. 5d with both 580 and 430ex.anyone else replicate this?

Adam wrote at 2011-10-18 01:07

The above problem only occurs when manual is selected on the TCU.

Adam wrote at 2011-10-18 01:18

When using the strato if you set the flash to ettl rather than manual you get full power but the flash will then give hss. Also works with an old vivitar 283.

Michael Muetstege wrote at 2011-10-20 15:40

Hi Martin, I have tested the odin my self. I want to make a list of compatible flashes. I tested the Canon 430EX 580EXII Metz 44AF-1 Nissin DI866MKII I really like to know if the Canon 580EX (firts version) 100% compatible is with the odin.

Adam wrote at 2011-10-21 01:07

I have the first 580 ex and it works with the odin. The point I made above about underexposure with the 5d when hss is selected at 1/200th is a Canon problem which is replicated with the flash o n the camera. This isn't a phottix bug but its worth doing a Google search if you have either of the 5d bodies.

Lee wrote at 2011-10-22 09:21

Michael, how's that compatibility list coming on? I tried it with the YN565EX and no luck, but obviously works a charm with the 580exii and 430...

Blaise wrote at 2011-10-24 17:27

Hi,

Like Richard I'm a wedding photographer and the autofocus light is absolutely essential. I've tried all sorts of triggers without the autofocus light and it just does not work in party low light situations. I now have a manual trigger on the PC port and a 580 ex II just sitting on top of my camera in Master / Flash off mode only for the auto focus light !

So no AF light is a show stopper.

Martin wrote at 2011-10-26 03:38

@Adam: if using manual mode, then yes, turning on HSS causes a loss of about 1.5 stops of flash power. Syl Arena did a lot of testing with HSS, and wrote about the power reduction when using HSS in his book titled Speedliter's Handbook (page 299, for anyone who has a copy of his book).

@Michael: Yes, the 580EX certainly works fine with the Odin.

@Blaise: Rather than using a 580EX just for the focus assist light, you might be better off considering a Canon ST-E2, as it's considerably smaller and lighter than a 580EX.

Stefan wrote at 2011-10-31 09:37

@Martin: thanks for the great review. I really gives a good overview about Odin's capabilites.

Having just full stop power adjustments in manual mode is a substantial drawback in my opinion as the workaround with on camera FEC only affects the ambient light (assuming corrections are made by adapting the shutter speed as you typically won't want to change the DOF). I hope Odin will bring a firmware update for that.

As my main usage will be manual mode for all triggered flashes, could someone please confirm that high speed sync and second curtain sync fully work in manual mode and don't require ETTL to be selected?

A neat feature for the future would be added support for stroboscopic flash like supported by the 580EX and 580EX-II.

Martin wrote at 2011-11-01 08:52

@Stefan: I can confirm that high-speed sync and second-curtain sync work with flash groups on the Odin TCU configured in manual mode.

Note that the flashes themselves need to be in ETTL mode, as the Odin receiver uses ETTL to communicate with the flashes.

BrianZ wrote at 2011-11-04 18:37

Great review, Martin, thank you! Most thorough one I have read yet.
I am disappointed to read that Adam's Sigma EF 500 DG Super flash did not work with the Odin. I have two of these and was hoping to use them. Adam, if you see this, I'm curious to know what kind of issues you saw with the Sigma 500 DG Super, and if you can verify that it is working properly with Canon ETTL without the Odin. And did you try more than one Sigma 500 DG Super flash unit?
Thanks.

Adam wrote at 2011-11-06 03:33

I think the problem comes from the fact that the sigma needs to be in c0 sl mode when used with any trigger (im quite happy to be proved wrong here). This means the ir trigger is activated and I think this is the root of the problem. The head also zooms like mad when adjusting focal length. I could have a faulty unit BUT it worked like a dream when controlled from a 580 ex. I haven't tried masking off the ir receiver which is a suggestion I ve come across.

Michael Muetstege wrote at 2011-11-06 19:48

@Lee I tested a lot of flashes and discovered that only Nissin does work with the Odin. Some Metz flashes do fire, but it is not stable. I know that Metz is gonna test them self to see how things working, maybe they update there flashes with firmware....You can see my test table om my website (sorry only in Dutch).
I've heard that the Canon 420EX is not compatible, but I want to know what is working and what is not. So if people can help me complete my test table, be my guest. (http://members.casema.nl/mmuetstege/Odin.html)

AE wrote at 2011-11-07 10:03

Is it possible in any way to use the stroboscopic mode with the Odin? Of what i've seen I think not but doesn't hurt to ask. :)

Thanks!

Martin wrote at 2011-11-07 17:48

@AE: stroboscopic mode doesn't work with the Odin. Stroboscopic mode requires a 580EX / 580EX II as the master flash trigger.

Tom wrote at 2011-11-08 14:31

Do Eneloop batteries work ok?

Michael Muetstege wrote at 2011-11-08 18:26

@ Martin: I wonder if the Pocketwizard TT1/TT5 does support Stroboscopic mode?
My Nissin DI866 MKII does not and my Yongnuo ST-E2 does not, only my Canon 580EX II does support Stroboscopic mode.

lee wrote at 2011-11-09 04:52

Thanks Michael, that's very helpful, I used google translate which did a pretty good job and it was a good read. Looks like the Nissin is the best non-Canon option, shame the Yongnuo YN-565 doesn't work, it would've been a nice cost effrective option.

Martin wrote at 2011-11-09 06:26

@Tom: They certainly should - I can't think of any reasons why Sanyo Eneloop rechargeable batteries wouldn't work in the Odin.

@Michael: according to this discussion, you need to use a PocketWizard Multimax as master device in order to be able to use stroboscopic mode.
You also need to be using a flash that supports it (ie, 580EX / 580EX II).

Carlos Rodrigues wrote at 2011-12-18 19:47

I wonder if there is any release date for the Nikon version

Chris K. wrote at 2012-02-11 19:44

I have the Flex TT5 and Mini TT1 for Canon, but when I set the flash to Manual mode it will fire it but the distance reading does not work so it's useless, do the Odins have this problem? I mean if i set the flash to manual mode will I have a distance scale that works? thanks;)

Martin wrote at 2012-02-12 23:30

@Chris K: With the Odin, you can configure the remote flash zoom to either be controlled by TTL, or you can set it manually from the Odin TCU, with separate configuration possible for each group of flashes.

Chris K. wrote at 2012-02-13 06:09

Ok thanks, but I was not talking about the zoom, I want to set the flash to Manual mode and have a proper flash to subject distant scale reading, something that the pocket wizards don't do with canon but it works fine with Nikon.

Ben Wade wrote at 2012-02-16 15:31

I've just purchased the odin over the Flex TT5 due to the issue with RF noise problems using the EX 580II. When my flash is set to full power, using the test pilot to test my flash I find the power very intense and this is not replicated when using the Odin TTL manual on full 1/1. Is there reason for this? Its just I want to shoot some HSS in sunlight with a shallow depth of field say F2.8.

Jim Bennet wrote at 2012-03-02 20:55

Hi guys,
Sorry for what may be a dumb question, but when you say this and that third party flash isn't
compatible, do you mean it is completely dead and unrecognized? For example, in one of his videos, Michael Zelbel has the Odin in the hotshoe and is using two 580ex2' s and two YN 560's for a studio shot and they all fire for a great catalog shot. You can clearly see what each flash is, and he also provides a written diagram that names each flash and the power.
So, will the Odin still fire other flashes as a dumb trigger where all settings must be set only on the flash itself?
Thanks

Martin wrote at 2012-03-02 21:29

@Jim: I couldn't find the video you're referring to - I could only find a video from Michael Zelbel where he's using all Canon flashes.

In response to your question, the Odin receivers *might* work in ETTL mode with Canon-compatible flashes, but Phottix have clearly stated that they are not interested in hearing about any issues, as it's not something they officially support.

However, the Odin receivers should be able to trigger almost any flash in manual mode - where the receiver is purely providing a trigger signal, with no ETTL. If that's all you want, you would be better off with the significantly cheaper Strato or Strato II receiver, as the Odin TCU is capable of triggering those receivers.

Jim Bennett wrote at 2012-03-02 22:17

Hi Martin,
Thanks for the quick response.
Here is the link for the video I mentioned. Michael Zelbel does a lot of videos under Smoking Strobes.
btw, thanks for all the info you've put out, you've been very helpful and my Phottix Odins were ordered yesterday as I'm sure they will be better than my canon ste2.
Will be interested in your assessment of the video.
Again, what I am interested in is this. I will have an Odin in the hotshoe, I have a few fully compatible Canon flashes, and if I can add, say a cheaper yn560 or two, and only have to physically set the one or two flash power on the yn's and it will still fire, then that wouldn't be too bad. Not ideal, but on occasion when I want an extra cheap flash or two, I could throw them into the mix.
thanks
Jim

Martin wrote at 2012-03-02 22:40

@Jim: I've had a look at the video you mention.

Neither of the YN560 flashes used by Michael have any a trigger attached to them, so they are probably being triggered optically.

In fact, in the comments on the video, Michael confirms that they are being triggered optically, where he says "The Yonguos are in optical slave mode. The particular mode is S2 (the mode which ignores TTL pre flashes). This way I can conveniently dial my main lights up and down from camera via the TTL protocol (even though I don't use TTL metering here), while the Yonguos just do their job, totally unimpressed by any of the TTL stuff".

Jim Bennet wrote at 2012-03-03 00:13

Thanks for clearing that all up for me. Now my last question is, are you saying that if I set my compatible canon flashes up as mains, maybe like he did in the video, and I want to use possibly a yn560 for background behind a bush our something where the optical won't see the main flashes that the Stratos will fire the yn560 , but only with settings that I have to physically put into the flash? No power control from the Odin our any of the other things that the Stratos do? Sorry for bothering you, you've been a big help. Thanks again, Jim

Martin wrote at 2012-03-03 00:37

@Jim: No worries - glad to clarify it for you.

That's correct - you can either trigger YN560s optically, or via a Strato or Strato II receiver. The Strato receivers are not TTL-capable, and only support triggering, ie, you need to set the flash power manually on the YN560 flashes themselves.

Jim wrote at 2012-03-09 20:05

Hello again, Marty. Thanks again for your help with my question. Could I trouble you with one more?
I am waiting for my Odin and receivers to be delivered any day now. I also have a Canon ste2. Do you know if there is any way to use it at the same time as the Odin for the rare occasion when I shoot in almost dark, for focusing? I know it would be a bit weird, but have you heard of anyone doing it, maybe with a cord or something?
Thanks

Martin wrote at 2012-03-10 07:40

@Jim: I can confirm that the ST-E2's focus assist light works when it is connected to an Odin receiver. Similarly, the focus assist light on a 430EX/580EX flash also works when it's connected to an Odin receiver.

This means you could have an Odin transmitter on your camera's hotshoe, and an Odin receiver and ST-E2 on a flash bracket attached to the camera.

Chris wrote at 2012-03-20 00:18

Many thanks for the information you have. I have radiopopper PX and Jrx, but since they cannot do 2nd curtain i am so frustated.these are my question:
1. Does Phottix Odin do 2nd curtain very well i mean 2nd curtain off camera with multiple flash? ( 2 or 3 flash )
2. Can Phottix Odin trigger jrx receiver or px receiver?
3. Does Phottix Odin support studio flash.?
your reply will be very appreciated. And thank you so much.

Martin wrote at 2012-03-20 01:08

@Chris: in response to your questions:

1. Yes, the Odin supports second curtain sync for multiple off-camera flashes.
2. No, the Odin cannot trigger RadioPopper receivers.
3. Yes, the Odin can be used to trigger studio flashes, but only via a PC sync cable, so you will not have TTL functionality.

CMC wrote at 2012-03-21 21:28

Can I use an Odin transmitter in the hot shoe to trigger my 580 EX 11 in manual mode and use HSS plus a Strato II on an Einstein. Will the ODin fire the flashes and strobes in HSS? What power output can I expect from the Einstein using the HSS from the Odin transmitter? Does the Odin have some kind of HyperSync or is the HSS at a much lower power level?

Preetham wrote at 2012-03-23 13:34

I wanted to know if the distance scale reading on the speedlite shows like when the flash is on the camera body, hence helping to see how far to position the flash and power up or down accordingly.

Martin wrote at 2012-03-23 22:37

@CMC: HSS will only work if you have a compatible flash connected to an Odin receiver, and the flash is in ETTL mode.
An Odin TCU is not capable of triggering Strato II receivers in HSS, as the Strato II receivers do not support ETTL mode.
I don't have any studio strobes to test the Odin with, but I have read that the Odins can be used to trigger studio strobes in HSS mode, and results will vary, depending on the strobes and camera used.

d steelman wrote at 2012-04-08 05:59

When you change the flash power settings from the Odin Tx do the changes register on the flash unit or only on the Tx? In other words, if I have a 580 EX set at 1/2 power, and I change the power to 1/16 on the Tx, does the display on the 580 EX change to 1/16? Or does it only change on the Tx?

Martin wrote at 2012-04-24 07:54

@d steelman: when changing flash power settings on the Odin TCU, the changes are not displayed on the flash unit. Any flash connected to an Odin receiver needs to be in ETTL mode to allow the Odin receiver to talk to it.

As a result, the flash display shows that the flash is in ETTL mode, and it shows the zoom setting (which is either set by the Odin TCU based on the camera's lens, or can be manually set on the Odin TCU).

Martin wrote at 2012-04-24 07:59

@Preetham: yes, the distance scale on the flash shows the distance between the camera and the subject, not the distance between the flash and the subject.

Chris K. wrote at 2012-04-30 08:14

Hi nice review, I was going to buy the ST-E3 but might get this, I have a question as I can't find anywhere on line, I know the Odin can be used in manual mode, but can you also set the flash to manual mode or only ETTL? also in manual mode does the flash give you a flash to subject distant or is it figure it out yourself? thanks;)

Martin wrote at 2012-04-30 08:17

@Chris: You can use the Odins in manual mode in two ways:

1. Set the flash to ETTL mode, and set the power output manually in 1-stop increments on the Odin TCU
or
2. Set the flash to manual mode, and set the power output manually on the flash itself

(I always use the first method, as it is so much easier than the second method!)

I haven't checked out the behaviour of the flash distance scale when in manual mode, but in TTL mode, the scale shows the distance between the camera and the subject.

Chris K. wrote at 2012-04-30 08:38

Great Martin thanks, but if the flash is in ETTL and the Odin in manual and adjust the power output from the odin, does the flash still give you a flash to subject distance? or would you have to have the flash in manual and adjust from the flash to give you a flash to subject distance? one more thing would the Odin work with the new 600 EX RT flash? now I know not in RT but like it would with the 580 EX II, thanks;)

Chris K. wrote at 2012-04-30 08:41

Whoops sorry Martin just saw you haven't checked out the behavior distant scale in M mode, but when you mean TTL distant scale do you also mean when the Odin is in Manual mode it has a distant scale on the Flash? thanks;)

Jimi Adhityajaya wrote at 2012-08-18 15:57

is it possible to control the manual power levels of studio strobes (like elinchrom, alien bees, etc) via this trigger commander?
in manual mode, Studio Strobes power output can be set from the Odin transmitter control unit? is that true? i mean like Speedlite did in manual mode, the power can be adjust from odin commander. Need your advice

Martin wrote at 2012-08-21 08:34

@Jimi: the Odin receiver can be used to trigger studio strobes, but typically only via a PC sync cable, without any support for setting the power output remotely via the Odin TCU.

The only exception would potentially be studio strobes that emulate Canon's TTL, thus fooling the Odin receiver into thinking it's connected to a Canon flash, and thus allowing the Odin to set the power level.

adam wrote at 2012-09-11 13:50

Hello again Martin. I've read that the stratos don't pass through hss information. I guess it could be my misunderstanding of the term but i can expose a full frame in a lightless room using only a flash attached to a strato triggered by the tcu at speeds far exceeding 1/200 (5d) - i've run it up to 1/2000th tonight. If there was no pass through, surely i'd be seeing a narrow band exposed or nothing at all? i've tested this with a 580 and an old vivtar 283.

Martin wrote at 2012-09-11 21:17

@adam: The Strato and Strato II receivers do not pass HSS info to the attached flashes, and I don't think your camera is really syncing at speeds faster than 1/200.

With an Odin TCU connected to a DSLR, and the Odin's HSS mode off, the camera will force the shutter speed to the maximum flash sync speed (1/250 for my Canon 50D body), as it detects the Odin TCU as an ETTL flash device.
With the camera in manual mode, it will allow you to set a faster shutter speed, but when you take a photo, it reverts the shutter speed back to the maximum flash sync speed.

Check the EXIF information on your photos, and you'll probably find the shutter speed the camera used was your camera's maximum sync speed, rather than the faster shutter speed you thought you were using.

With the Odin TCU's HSS mode turned on, the camera will allow shutter speeds faster than the maximum flash sync speed, but due to the way the camera's shutter works, you will only get full sync at the camera's maximum flash sync speed.
With my Canon 50D, I can get full sync at 1/250, a very small band of light at 1/320, and darkness at anything faster.

I've tested this with my Odin TCU (firmware version 1.20) on my Canon 50D, with both a Strato receiver, and a Strato II receiver, using a 580EX II connected to the receivers.

Martin wrote at 2012-09-23 18:41

I have done some further testing, and have reproduced your results with the following:
* Canon 50D body
* Canon 35mm f/2 lens (I have lent out my 50mm f/1.8 lens)
* Canon 430EX mark I flash
* Odin TCU with 1.20 firmware
* Strato I receiver
* Strato II receiver

I set my camera to ISO400, f/6.3, 1/1000 sec shutter speed, and the Odin TCU group A set to manual, 1/1 power, and high-speed sync enabled on the TCU (to allow the camera to use shutter speeds higher than 1/250 sec), I saw the following results:
* flash on Odin receiver: full sync (as expected, due to HSS)
* flash on Strato II receiver or Strato I receiver, flash in manual mode:
-- flash set to 1/1 power: full sync (same results as you)
-- flash set to 1/2 power: ~20% sync
-- flash set to 1/4 power: ~10% sync
-- flash set to 1/8 power: ~5% sync

The reason you can get full sync at higher shutter speeds is because you're firing the flash at full power.
When fired at full power, the duration of the flash pulse is long enough to get flash exposure across the full frame, albeit uneven, as the shutter curtain moves across the camera sensor.

There's a pretty good explanation of what's happening in this blog post:
http://neilvn.com/tangents/2009/06/23/going-higher-than-max-sync/.

Amaury wrote at 2012-09-25 07:50

I have this unit myself and i really like it. But how would you rate this unit against the yongnuo 622c? thanks

Martin wrote at 2012-09-26 08:03

@Amaury: I'm not very familiar with the Yongnuo 622C, but from what I have read, they look very interesting, with similar functionality to the Odin.
The 622C is limited by the flash control menu in Canon bodies, while the Odin TCU provides easier access to settings and information about your flash groups.
However, the Yongnuo 622C is a transceiver, provides pass-through TTL functionality to the hotshoe on a transmitter, and has a focus assist light.

It depends what functionality and features you need and want in a TTL flash trigger - spending a bit more money on the Odins provides you with a more flexible and easier-to-use controller that has upgradeable firmware, while the cheaper 622Cs provide you with similar functionality, but it's a little harder to configure through the camera's menu, and the firmware cannot be upgraded.

The recently announced Phottix Strato TTL trigger may be a closer competitor to the Yongnuo 622C than the Phottix Odin.

Note that the Yongnuo 622C is only available for Canon, while the Odin is also available for Nikon and Sony.

Ronnie Chan wrote at 2012-11-29 00:32

How fast this Odin can sync with mono light ?

Mikl wrote at 2013-01-27 15:52

Is Odin compatible with Nissin MG8000?

Martin wrote at 2013-01-27 15:58

@Mikl: Phottix's official response is that "the Odin has been designed and optimised for use with genuine Canon flashes using the ETTL II system, and issues with third-party flashes will not be supported".

However, Michael Muetstege has been collecting compatibility info for third-party flashes with the Phottix Odin. However, the Nissin MG8000 isn't listed on his website as either working or not working.

Dalibor wrote at 2013-06-02 19:47

Hello, I would like to ask if HSS and ETTL II is possible via 3.5mm output from receiver. I want to fire two 580 EX using one ODIN receiver (1. hot shoe and 2. 3.5mm output) I suppose that I need to buy next ODIN receiver.

Martin wrote at 2013-06-03 15:04

@Dalibor: No, the Odin receiver can't do HSS or ETTL II via the 3.5mm output. It can only do dumb triggering via the 3.5mm output, as HSS and ETTL II require additional signalling connections via the additional contacts on the receiver's hotshoe.

If you want to trigger two 580EX flashes using HSS and/or ETTL II, you will need two Odin receivers.

Daniel wrote at 2013-11-26 21:53

Hello. One question: will Odin triger work in 1/8000 sync with Strato recievers? Cheers!

Martin wrote at 2013-11-26 21:57

@Daniel: No, the Strato receivers have a maximum sync speed of 1/250 seconds, and the Stratos do not support TTL, so high-speed-sync (HSS) isn't an option.

1/8000 second sync speeds are only possible if using an Odin receiver, and with HSS enabled.

Daniel wrote at 2013-11-26 22:02

Thank you for the quick reply. Much appreciated.
Kind regards.

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