Godox XPro TTL/HSS flash trigger review: an object lesson in wireless RF trigger-nometry

The Godox XPro TTL/HSS flash trigger is powerful, versatile and available in dedicated Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Micro Four Thirds and Pentax options

Godox XPro TTL/HSS
(Image: © Matthew Richards)

Digital Camera World Verdict

I’ve been using the Godox XPro TTL/HSS flash trigger since I bought it back in 2021. I’ve always found it to be completely reliable, over its mighty RF triggering range of up to 100m. I love that it’s so versatile, supporting a wealth of flash modes and functions, as well as feeling really solid and well built. The illuminated LCD screen and controls work well, although they arguably look a bit dated. All in all, it’s an excellent flash trigger that’s a steal at the price.

Pros

  • +

    Powerful reach up to 100m

  • +

    Solid build quality

  • +

    Great value for money

Cons

  • -

    Dated interface

  • -

    Dodgy battery gauge

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I feel the Godox XPro TTL/HSS flash trigger is a little reminiscent of the pro-grade Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT in its look and feel, which is no bad thing. Having bought and extensively used various Canon Speedlites and Nikon Speedlights, I’ve been a convert to Godox since testing and reviewing the Godox VING V860III TTL back in 2021. I went straight out and bought two of these flashes, complete with the XPro trigger, and have never looked back.

I’ve since been equally impressed by the round-headed Godox V1 and Godox V1Pro, even more so by the newer Godox V100 with its color touchscreen control panel. Touchscreen control is also featured on the updated Godox X3 (Xnano) flash trigger but the relatively old-school XPro is still a keeper as far as I’m concerned, and one of the best wireless flash triggers on the market.

I’m not always a fan of touchscreens, as I find it all too easy to adjust settings accidentally. For me, the backlit mono LCD screen and companion pushbuttons of the XPro work a treat. (Image credit: Matthew Richards)

Godox XPro TTL/HSS: Specifications

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Dedication options

Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Micro Four Thirds, Pentax

Wireless range

100m

Wireless TTL

Yes

Remote flash control

Yes

High Speed Sync

Yes

Flash groups

16

Godox XPro TTL/HSS: Price

In its various dedicated versions for Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Micro Four Thirds and Pentax cameras (make sure you buy the right one), the XPro trigger costs around $69 / £66 / AU$138. That’s outrageously good value for such a full-featured, dedicated trigger that supports so many flash modes and functions.

Godox XPro TTL/HSS: Design & Handling

For the last few years, Nikon has been my go-to camera brand so, naturally, I invested in the Nikon-dedicated XPro N version of the trigger, which I use with a similarly Nikon-dedicated pair of Godox VING V860III TTL flashes. Unlike the latest Godox V100 that has a color touchscreen, my flashes have a conventional set of control buttons and a mono LCD display, which matches the style and layout of the XPro trigger to a tee.

The mono screen and context-sensitive function buttons of the trigger marry well with the interface of my Godox V860III flashguns. (Image credit: Matthew Richards)

The 2.4GHz ’X’ wireless system isn’t just limited to the XPro trigger and like-minded Godox flashguns. You can add Godox X1R hot-shoe receivers to other brands of flashguns, and the trigger is also directly compatible with the Lencarta WaveSync 2.4Ghz and XTR16 receivers, in addition to the Godox AD, VING, Lencarta ATOM and Lencarta Flash ranges. So for example, I could use my two V860III TTL Godox flashes with the trigger, plus an own-brand Nikon Speedlight SB-700 mounted in the Nikon-dedicated version of the Godox X1R receiver, which costs about $40 / £36 / AU$69.

The ‘N’ in the product code on the back of the trigger signifies that it’s the Nikon dedicated version. (Image credit: Matthew Richards)

For using multiple flashes, as well as ensuring that someone else isn’t triggering your flashguns, you can assign flashes in up to 16 separate groups, in as many as 32 different channels. And while it’s a wireless trigger, that’s not the whole story. Physical connection ports include a sync socket on the side and a USB-C port. The first makes it possible to fire flashes from a wired connection or even to trigger your camera while leaving the hotshoe vacant. The USB-C port enables firmware updates if and when needed.

Sure, it’s a wireless trigger but the Godox does feature a 2.5mm sync socket and a USB-C port, hidden behind a weather-resistant rubber flap on the left-hand side. (Image credit: Matthew Richards)

Although its not a new-fangled touchscreen, the mono LCD is much larger than the ones often featured in wireless triggers. That makes it much easier to see and to read all the displayed information. I also like that it’s easy to read in the dark, thanks to a blue backlight.

Large numbers, text and symbols plus backlit blue illumination make the screen very easy to read, even in complete darkness. (Image credit: Matthew Richards)

Just to the left of the LCD screen are five ‘Group’ buttons for easy access. These enable you to control numerous groups and keep a ready reckoning of what’s going on via the screen. Down below are the main control buttons. There include dedicated flash mode, menu, TCM and flash test buttons, placed around a rotary dial with a Set button at its center. Immediately below the screen is a row of four context-sensitive function buttons, which mimic the controls of my V860III flash and many other conventionally styled flashguns from a variety of manufacturers. At the bottom right of the front panel is a multi-color status lamp.

A red AF-assist lamp is built into the base unit of the trigger, which can be useful when using a DSLR but not a mirrorless camera. (Image credit: Matthew Richards)

All in all, the control system is fairly intuitive but you might need to take an occasional glimpse at the user guide until you’ve learned all the ropes. For example, there are two on/off buttons on the right hand side of the trigger. The labelling doesn’t make their actions entirely obvious but, as it turns out, one is the main on/off button and the other is for activating or deactivating the red AF assist lamp that’s built into the base of the trigger.

The two switches on the right-hand side of the trigger shown in this picture are for power on/off (left) and AF-assist lamp on/off (right). (Image credit: Matthew Richards)

Another feature that might be new to you is the TCM mode, the button for which I mentioned earlier. This is a Godox trick mode that uses TTL flash metering to get into the right ballpark for the power output setting that’s required for the flash. It then translates the automatic value into a manual setting, which you can use as a base for making adjustments. Manual power adjustments for each group of linked flashguns is available in one-third stop increments, while Auto TTL flash metering compensation is also available in the same increments, to a maximum of +/-3 stops.

The ‘TCM’ feature enables you to capture an Auto TTL flash metered power level and convert it into a manual setting. (Image credit: Matthew Richards)

Other features that are available depending on flashguns and camera systems include HSS (High Speed Sync), for using flash at shutter speeds that exceed the sync value, often up to 1/8000 sec. You might also have access to controlling the modelling lamp in studio flash heads, and the programmable strobe (multi-flash) output of flashguns. The latter is useful if you want to fire a number of flashes during a long exposure.

The battery compartment accommodates two AA batteries – you can use alkaline or rechargeable cells. (Image credit: Matthew Richards)

Custom functions include the likes of sleep and standby timers, and whether or not a confirmation beep is sounded. Everything I need and want is covered, but, to be super-picky, there are a couple of points that could be improved upon.

Firstly, I like that the trigger has a battery level indicator and that the two AA batteries have an expected lifespan of around 200 hours. I’m not so keen that the level indicator is based on alkaline cells. I’m much more likely to use some of the best NiMH rechargeable batteries. Due to the lower 1.2V output of these cells, compared with 1.5V for throwaway alkaline batteries, the indicator shows minimal charge or none at all, even when inserting freshly charged NiMH batteries.

Godox XPro TTL/HSS

As shown here, a freshly charged pair of NiMH AA batteries doesn’t illuminate a single bar on the battery level indicator display (top right). (Image credit: Matthew Richards)

The other minor frustration is that while the hotshoe has a sturdy metal foot, its locking mechanism is based on a screw-action ring rather than a lever. I find the latter quicker and easier to use.

The rotary locking mechanism for clamping the trigger into a hotshoe works well enough but I’d prefer to see a locking lever, for greater ease of use. (Image credit: Matthew Richards)

Godox XPro TTL/HSS: Performance

I’m not going to pretend that the Godox XPro TTL/HSS flash trigger is entirely straightforward and simple to use. It’s a very sophisticated bit of kit that supports many and varied flash modes, where available in different flashguns and camera systems. These can include Auto TTL flash metering complete with flash exposure compensation, high-speed sync, programmable stroboscopic repeat mode and manual flash modes. And that’s before you get into the business of controlling individual, multiple or groups of flashguns remotely, off-camera.

I’ve always found the trigger to be absolutely reliable over the four years that I’ve been using it. (Image credit: Matthew Richards)

What I will say is that while some of the finer points of the trigger can take a little working out, the learning curve is smooth and not at all steep. The 2.4GHz radio frequency connectivity really does work over distances of up to 100m, as well as being able to transmit through or around obstacles, unlike infrared flash triggering. Over the last four years with extensive use, I’ve found triggering to be absolutely reliable both indoors and outdoors, which I certainly can’t say for infrared triggering.

I also love that the trigger has excellent stamina, based on its two AA batteries. The only slight niggle from a performance standpoint is that, as with a red AF-assist lamp in a flashgun as well as in this flash trigger, it’s fine for use with DSLRs but of no use for mirrorless cameras.

The group display makes it easy to keep tabs on auto and manual power settings for multiple groups of flashguns. (Image credit: Matthew Richards)

Godox XPro TTL/HSS: Verdict

I like that the Godox XPro TTL/HSS flash trigger is powerful, with a wireless range of up to 100m, and that it’s so versatile with support for TTL (Through The Lens) flash metering, HSS (High Speed Sync) and various other flash modes supported by compatible flashguns and camera systems. It feels solid, sturdy and very well made, although the interface looks a little dated and can be a bit confusing in places, and the battery level indicator doesn’t really work with NiMH batteries. Ultimately though, it’s an excellent flash trigger that’s great value for money.

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Features

★★★★★

The trigger supports a wide range of flash modes and functions, where available depending on flash and camera models.

Design

★★★★☆

The design is robust and has a high-quality feel to it but some might prefer a newer style of design with a color touchscreen.

Performance

★★★★★

The range of up to 100m is pretty epic and I’ve always found the trigger to be consistently reliable.

Value

★★★★★

It’s amazing value for money at the price, following suit with a range of excellent Godox flashguns.

(Image credit: Matthew Richards)

Alternatives

Godox X3 (Xnano)

The Godox X3 (Xnano) flash trigger is a recent addition to the Godox line, available in Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm and MFT dedicated options. It’s main claim to fame is its intuitive color touchscreen control system, and it costs around $89 / £82.

Image

The Hahnel Viper TTL trigger is available in dedicated Canon, Fujifilm, MFT, Nikon and Sony options. It’s directly compatible with Hahnel Modus flashguns, and dedicated receivers are also available for each mount option. The trigger costs around $99 / £89.

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Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 


His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 


In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.

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