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Backscatter has started shipping their Smart Control Optical TTL Flash Trigger, which allows users of Backscatter strobes to enjoy TTL automatic flash exposure with Sony and OM System/Olympus cameras. The OM System/Olympus version of the trigger is TTL compatible with both the Backscatter Hybrid Flash and Backscatter Mini Flash 2, while the Sony version of the trigger is TTL compatible with the Hybrid Flash only. Both versions of the triggers are universal, meaning they’re designed to fit in most housings. There’s also a second Sony version of the trigger that is specifically designed for Nauticam full-frame housings.

Backscatter’s TTL trigger achieves precise automatic flash exposure using Smart Control Optical TTL. The standard Smart Control (SC) mode is ideal for wide-angle scenes and larger subjects, while Smart Control Macro (SC Macro)—which is unique to the Backscatter Mini Flash 2 and Backscatter Hybrid Flash—is designed to bring an even higher level of accuracy for close-up shooting.
 

The trigger features a hot shoe connector, a USB-C port, a power switch, and a battery indicator button, while two LEDs display status and battery level. The USB-C port allows you to use the included USB-C cable and a standard charger to recharge the built-in battery, which will give you 13 hours of continuous runtime. Conveniently, the trigger automatically goes into standby mode whenever the camera is off or asleep, promising to allow you to shoot the trigger for several days without charging.

The universal triggers for Sony and OM System/Olympus, which are designed to fit into most housings, can use dual LED trigger lights if your housing has twin built-in optical ports, or a single LED trigger light if you’re using a dual fiber-optic bulkhead (purchased separately). Using the included foam blocks, you can also use the dual LED trigger lights with housings that have a clear window. If you have a Nauticam full-frame Sony housing, the Nauticam Sony trigger fits precisely into the housing.
 

The universal TTL trigger installed in a typical housing
 

The universal TTL trigger installed in an Ikelite housing via an M16 Dual Optical Bulkhead and used with a pair of Backscatter Mini Flash 2 strobes
 

The Nauticam Sony trigger directly fitted into a Nauticam full-frame Sony housing
 

In addition to its TTL capabilities, the Smart Control Optical TTL Flash Trigger can be used for manual triggering, enables burst shooting at over 30fps in manual, and supports high speed sync (HSS), allowing the use of shutter speeds beyond the camera’s maximum flash sync speed.

The trigger can be used in manual mode when shooting the Mini Flash 2, Hybrid Flash, or any other strobe capable of manual flash control. To switch to manual when using OM System/Olympus cameras, you just need to turn off the RC mode. When using Sony cameras, you need to turn on Wireless Flash mode. To make it easy to switch between manual and TTL modes on the fly, you can set up custom buttons or custom menu banks.

For HSS, the OM System/Olympus version of the trigger supports the Backscatter Mini Flash 2 and Backscatter Hybrid Flash, while the Sony version of the trigger supports the Mini Flash 2, Hybrid Flash, and HSS-enabled strobes like the Retra Flash Pro Max. HSS allows your camera to sync with flash beyond the native flash sync speed limit—up to 1/8000s.

Available now, all three versions of the Smart Control Optical TTL Flash Trigger—the universal trigger for OM System/Olympus, the universal trigger for Sony, and the Nauticam trigger for Sony—are priced at $400. Head over to Backscatter’s dedicated page on the new trigger for detailed information on different TTL systems, the benefits and limitations of TTL, setting up Backscatter strobes for TTL, camera settings for TTL, installation options, and the trigger’s advanced features.

DPG Field Editor Nicolas Remy is currently testing the new Smart Control Optical TTL Flash Trigger, so make sure to look out for his forthcoming review on DPG. You can also check out Nicolas’ full review of the Backscatter Hybrid Flash.
 

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