This might be the most fun $45 I've ever spent on camera stuff.

Last month, Godox launched its first-ever camera: the Godox C100 "transparent viewfinder camera". Over half of its tiny 104 x 71.7 x 19.1mm frame is taken up by an "intelligent transparent display" that's basically a see-through LCD screen with a UI that shows your image frame, battery and shooting mode.

Basically, it's like taking pictures with a credit card that has a hole in it. And it is ludicrously good fun – definitely one of the best screen-free digital cameras you can buy right now.

I took it for an outing recently to put together a quick video, so below is a whistle-stop guided tour of the camera with some samples. (Yes, I know that my hands are shaky. I had mild dehydration and sunstroke from running around in the 90°F heat so I could post this video as soon as possible.)

So, you aim through the giant optical finder and do your best to frame your composition – which isn't quite as hit-and-miss as you might expect.

We've seen cameras like this before – namely the Canon Ivy Rec and the Instax Pal, both of which have fairly clumsy optical finders that give a vague approximation of your image frame (given that they are so far away from the camera itself) and, crucially, no feedback as to where your fingertips are!

The G100 is much more accurate, given that the camera is positioned literally just above the finder. In addition, it can be set to shoot 16:9, 4:3, 3:2 or 1:1 images – essentially cropping down the base 1920 x 1080 image each time.

Changing the aspect ratio superimposes a different frame on the display, to help you compose your shots. I haven't experimented too much with this, yet, as it seemed better to shoot "full frame" 16:9 and just crop later on.

Image quality is surprisingly good, given that this is just a 2MP camera with a tiny sensor. It's certainly better than other sub-$50 screen-free cameras like the Kodak Charmera, where images feel very lo-fi and crunchy.

You still wouldn't exactly shoot a wedding on this, but take a look below – with a touch of editing, the images are perfectly respectable:

The C100 also shoots 1080p video, which as you can see above registers all the jitters of sunstroked hands – so I'll do a couple more tests now that I'm not cooked by the heat. The audio is still pretty blown out and the image quality isn't remotely going to rival your camera or phone, though.

But I think the C100's coolest party trick is the fact that it also doubles as a light meter, which is a stroke of genius and might make this an essential pickup for film photographers. This week I'm going to test its accuracy against my trusty Sekonic meter to see how it performs. Either way, it's a cool little bonus feature to have.

Of course, as noted in my original story, the elephant in the room is that the Godox C100 takes "a great deal of inspiration" from the Escura InstantSnap – an almost identically functioning camera that debuted at CP+ 2025.

Escura's camera is only 1.3MP (with correspondingly inferior image quality), only shoots 480p video and doesn't have a light meter – but still, it's important to note that it likely served as the blueprint for Godox's device.

I'll have my full Godox C100 review up very soon, but in short I had low expectations for this camera – and yet it's been the most fun I've had taking pictures in forever. I also think that this is a brilliant camera for kids, as it's tiny, loads of fun and also cultivates patience, as you have to wait to get home to see what you shot. Not bad for 30 bucks!

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The Godox RS100Bi is a continuous LED (Light Emitting Diode) video light designed to illuminate your video or photography subjects while on location. Its compact design enables you to fit it easily into your camera backpack, and its built-in USB-C chargeable battery means that you don’t need to carry a chunky V-mount battery (as I had to when I tested the Godox ML150Bi).

Godox released a very similar-looking RS100R version at the same time as the RS100Bi. The key difference between the two lights is that the Godox RS100Bi emits light in degrees Kelvin (K), with a color temperature range of a very warm 2800K to a cooler 6500K. The RS100R is an RGB LED, so it has much more control over color. The RS100R can emit a wider range of CCT values than the RS100Bi, between 1800K and 10,000K. It can also mix RGB LED bulbs to produce a rainbow of creative colors. This extra color output means the RS100R has 14 animated video effects, whereas the color restrictions on the RS100Bi limit it to 11 animated effects.

So on paper, it would appear to be a no-brainer to buy the RS100R instead of the RS100Bi. But hold on a tick – it all depends on your needs as a videographer/photographer. If you need creative color output (beyond a typical CCT range), the RS100R should be the model for you. But if you need a brighter LED with a longer reach, then the RS100Bi will meet your requirements. I’ll delve into the key differences between the two models in the Design and Handling section so that you can make an informed choice between the RS100Bi and the RS100R, both of which aim to be among the best LED video lights.

Godox RS100Bi: Specifications

Godox RS100Bi: Price

The Godox RS100Bi retails for an official price of $229 / £209. It’s a fair bit cheaper than its sister light – the RS100R, which costs $319/£289. As well as being cheaper, the RS100Bi is much brighter than its more expensive sibling, with the RS100Bi emitting 28,600 lux compared to the 15,900 lux from the RS100R.

So if you need a portable LED with a long reach, then the RS100Bi offers good value for money. However, if you need a light capable of producing more creative colors, then the RS100R might be worth the extra cost. As an RGB light, the RS100R can produce a wider range of color temperatures, plus it can cast thousands of atmospheric colors on your subjects. This extra color control gives the RS100R more effective animated lightning effects, such as a red, yellow, and blue cop car effect – something that is absent on the cheaper RS100Bi model that I am testing for this review.

So, if you need more creative color control, can compromise on a weaker lux output, and have more money to spend, go for the RS100R. If you’re on a tighter budget, don’t need to produce colors beyond a 2800-6500 Kelvin range, and want a much brighter light source, then the RS100Bi is the model for you.

Godox RS100Bi: Design & Handling

The Godox RS100Bi looks virtually identical to its more expensive sibling, the RS100R. However, the RS100R uses a full-color LED array to produce an extensive range of RGB hues, whereas the RS100Bi is dedicated to bi-color (warm and cool) white light. This limits its CCT range to 2800-6500K, compared with the RS100R’s broader 1800-10,000K range, but enables the RS100Bi to deliver considerably more brightness. With the supplied lens reflector fitted, the RS100Bi produces up to 28,600 lux at 1m and 5600K, compared with the RS100R’s 15,900 lux under the same conditions.

Now that I’ve got the crucial difference between the RS100Bi and the RS100R out of the way, I’ll focus on my experience with testing the Godox RS100Bi for the rest of this review.

The RS100Bi is constructed of a black plastic material and is shaped like a chunky flashlight (or torch). It feels satisfyingly heavy at 1.95lb (886g), giving it the feeling of a well-constructed and professional piece of kit. Yet at under two pounds (one kilogram), it’s not too heavy to cart around in your camera backpack, and at just under 10 inches in length, it’ll fit easily into your backpack (or into one of the tripod/bottle holders on the side).

The RS100Bi ships with a few accessories. The most important one is the high-efficiency lens reflector. This slots onto the front of the LED with a click and a twist, massively boosting the output of the light’s LEDs. A USB-C charging cable enables you to charge up the RS100Bi’s internal battery. This battery is designed to operate for 52 minutes at full power, though I found that 50% power output was more than bright enough in my studio location. Talking of power, a really nice touch is that the little OLED display on the rear of the unit gives you a battery countdown, so you know how long the power should last during a shoot. I could have done with a runtime countdown when testing the Godox ML150Bi LED, as it ran out suddenly before I’d finished the shoot. The RS100Bi is compatible with 18-140W PD chargers (though a charger is not included).

The kit also ships with a little lighting stand mount. This screws into the RS100Bi’s 1/4-inch thread and then slots onto a standard light stand. You can adjust the angle of the mount with ease so the light points up or down at your subject. There’s also a cloth carry bag in the box. Thanks to the LED’s Godox S-mount compatibility, you can replace the supplied reflector with a wide range of Godox accessories, such as softboxes (not supplied).

The properties of the Godox RS100Bi are controlled by three buttons and a knob at the rear of the light. The knob also functions as an extra button. The settings or modes that you select are visible on a little OLED screen, so you can operate the light with ease using these features. You can also use the free Godox Light smartphone app to adjust lighting settings or trigger effects from a distance. I found the app was very useful as I could adjust the light while it was illuminating me from a distance, which makes it the perfect piece of kit for a self-shooter.

Godox RS100Bi: Performance

To test the Godox RS100Bi, I took it to a TV studio. I used the studio’s row of ceiling-mounted cyclorama lights to light the backdrop curtain, and used the RS100Bi as my key light, mounted on a lighting stand at approximately 26 feet (8m) away. When the RS100Bi was turned off, I was in silhouette, so I was easily able to demonstrate the difference that the RS100Bi’s output made during my test shoot. If you watch the supporting video that accompanies this review, then you’ll see the light in action!

The RS100Bi was easy to set up. I screwed the supplied mount into the 1/4-inch thread at the base of the light and slotted the bottom of the mount onto a standard light stand. I then adjusted the light stand’s height and tilted the mount so that the light would illuminate me when I was standing on a stage in the center of the studio.

I started the test by manually operating the RS100Bi using its rear panel controls. It was a simple matter to press the On switch, and (as with most Godox LEDs) I then had to rotate the main dial to turn on the light. This two-step button press/dial twist process ensures that the light doesn’t get turned on by accident on your way to a shoot, so you know that you’ll have plenty of battery power when you arrive on location. The little OLED screen makes it easy to see what setting you’re adjusting. Rotate the dial to toggle between CCT (Color Temperature) and DIM (brightness). Press the dial to select one of these options, then rotate it again to choose a specific color temperature or adjust the brightness. The brightness can be adjusted very smoothly and in fine increments of 0.1%. It was handy to refer to the runtime countdown on the display so that I knew I had enough battery power to conduct a thorough test shoot.

During my shoot, I used an iPhone 16 Pro to record my “talking to camera” pieces while being lit by the RS100Bi. I used an iPhone 17 to run the Godox Light app so that I could operate the LED remotely while standing in its illumination. I found it even easier to change the properties of the RS100Bi when using the app, as you’ll see from this review’s supporting video. I was able to trigger a variety of animated effects, such as Lightning, Broken Bulb, and Fire, with a tap and a few swipes on my iPhone’s display. You can also use the app to fine-tune the way the effects behave, such as making a Broken Bulb flicker more slowly.

The RS100Bi was so bright that at 100%, the highlights in the shot were blown out. I found that 50% was the perfect setting, even when the LED was shining at me from 26 feet away. This gave me the confidence that the RS100Bi would perform well (and for long enough) on a model shoot on location.

Godox RS100Bi: Verdict

If you need a portable LED that can illuminate a subject (such as a model) without the light appearing in the shot, then the RS100Bi will meet your needs. It’ll fit easily in your camera backpack and thanks to the 1/4-inch thread you can mount it on a mini tripod or use its supplied mount to attach it to a standard light stand. The handy runtime countdown on the OLED screen ensures that you know how long the light will shine on a specific setting, so you can adjust your settings on the fly to make sure the light doesn’t “die” before you finish the shoot.

The RS100Bi has a narrower CCT range than its more expensive RS100R sibling, and it lacks a couple of extra animated lighting effects, but the RS100Bi is cheaper and brighter, which should make it an attractive purchase.

Alternatives

Godox has just launched its first-ever camera – and it looks brilliant. But it's also very similar to another camera that was launched by another company last year.

This is the Godox C100 – a "transparent viewfinder camera" with a large "intelligent transparent display" that performs multi-aspect ratio shooting (16:9, 4:3, 3:2 and 1:1) for both stills and video.

It's obscenely cheap at just ¥199, which is about $29 / £22 / AU$42. It weighs just 65g and measures a mere 104 x 71.7 x 19.1mm – half of which is screen, with the finder being 60.8 x 47.8mm.

"The C100 is equipped with a transparent display screen with a light transmittance of >50%, which can display information such as the composition frame, parameters and battery status, balancing aesthetics and practicality."

It charges (and transfers or displays files) via USB-C and accepts microSD cards up to 128GB for bountiful shooting. And obviously, the design is extremely compelling – especially given the burgeoning market for screen-free digital cameras.

But here's the thing. See if you can spot the difference between these two pictures:

On the left is the Godox C100. On the right is the Escura InstantSnap, which debuted at CP+ 2025 and looks… how can I say this charitably, like it "heavily inspired" Godox's new camera.

Of course, these kinds of screen-free cameras with a body that acts like a viewfinder aren't new. There was the Canon Ivy Rec, for starters, and more recently the Instax Pal – neither of which I was particularly enamored with.

However, the Godox camera comes with a secret weapon that might make it irresistible for film photographers: it also acts as a light meter.

"The C100 features metering capabilities, allowing it to read the brightness of the central area and automatically calculate the optimal exposure value. It is simple, reliable and meets the shooting needs of film photography enthusiasts."

This is the bit that might actually sell me on the C100. I'm a big proponent of incident light meters, because I grew up in the film era, but unless you're using supplemental light they're pretty unnecessary in the digital age.

However, with a device like the Godox C100 – which slips into a pocket, acts as a fun little snapper and can also meter exposure – it could be an indispensable companion for anyone who uses a film camera. Indeed, it might even act a bit like "taking a Polaroid" before firing your expensive film exposure back in the day.

The C100 launched first in China, and doesn't appear to have hit the big international retailers yet, so keep your eyes on the official Godox website for more information. Honestly, for 20 bucks you probably can't go wrong!

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The Godox ML series consists of a series of modular continuous LEDs. I use the term modular because you can attach a range of accessories to them, such as magnetically attached diffusers or a twist-and-lock ML-CS1625 soft tent (which is basically a little soft box). You can also power them wirelessly using a clip-on Godox ML-BA battery, or use the ML150Bi’s supplied ML-VMA battery plate to attach Godox or third-party V-mount batteries to the LED.

The Godox ML range starts off in terms of affordability and power with the palm-sized ML-40Bi. At the top of the ML range, we have the Godox ML150Bi. This is the bigger brother to the similarly specced Godox ML80Bi, a key difference being that the ML150Bi produces a much brighter continuous light source for photographers and videographers to enjoy, even in the brightest of outdoor locations.

Both the ML80Bi and the ML150Bi ship with an ML-Z Zoom Reflector, so when this accessory is set to spotlight, the ML80Bi can emit 29,600 lux. On the same reflector setting, the ML150Bi produces 61,054 lux. Time for your model to put on some shades!

The term "Bi" pops up a lot in this introduction. The entire ML series consists of bi-color lights, meaning that they can emit a range of light color temperatures in degrees Kelvin. The ML150Bi can be adjusted – via button rotation or a swipe of a slider in the Godox Light smartphone app – to emit light that has a color temperature between a warm 2800K and a much cooler 6500K.

Being able to control the LED’s color temperature means that you can complement existing light sources, such as dialing in a cool daylight temperature of 5600K to add fill light that’s compatible with the location’s natural outdoor key light.

If you need a more colorful light source (such as purples, greens, and reds), then you need to look for an RGB LED, not a bi-color one. I can recommend the Neewer HB80C for both creative color and Kelvin scale illumination, among other continuous LED options in our buying guide to the best video lights.

Godox ML150Bi: Specifications

Godox ML150Bi: Price

The Godox ML150Bi retails at $259/£229. Its weaker little brother, the ML80Bi, retails at $229/£203. So for only around $30/£30 extra, you can purchase a more powerful 150W LED (compared to the weaker 80W device). So on paper, it seems like a no-brainer to go for maximum power for an extra $30.

However, I do have a word of caution. The cheaper ML80Bi ships with a dockable ML-BA battery that matches the white design of the lamp. The more expensive ML150Bi doesn’t ship with the ML-BA battery, so you’ll need to power the ML150Bi by its supplied mains cable or use its supplied ML-VMA battery plate to attach a V-mount battery (not supplied). You can buy an ML-BA battery to power the ML150Bi, but that will add another $89/£73 to your costs.

Personally, I like the fact that you can power up the cheaper ML80Bi out of the box thanks to its supplied battery (after charging it via its USB-C cable). I did have a V-mount battery to attach to the ML150Bi’s adapter plate, so that was fine for my test, but bear this powering issue in mind when considering a purchase.

Godox ML150Bi: Design & Handling

After unboxing the Godox ML150Bi, it looks like an elongated version of the Godox ML80Bi, with the same distinctive plastic white body material. The bigger ML150Bi features extra grilles and ventilation holes to help dissipate the extra heat that its 150W produces (plus an internal fan is on hand to keep the lamp cool). As with its little brother, the ML150Bi has an identical control panel that has an On/Off button and a Mode button to jump between controlling color temperatures in CCT Mode or choosing animated lighting effects in FX Mode.

A ridged plastic control wheel enables you to scroll through various menu items or adjust the frequency of lighting flashes, for example, and a central Set button lets you commit to your desired settings. A little OLED screen tells you all you need to know about the properties of the currently selected mode, and you can use that to activate Bluetooth, which enables you to control every setting via the Godox Light smartphone app.

The control dial/button (or the Godox Light app) enables you to adjust color temperature between a range of a warm 2800K to a cooler 6500K, so you can mimic candlelight, a sunset, or average daylight with ease. There are also 11 animated lighting effects – Lightning, Flash, Cloudy, Broken Bulb, TV, Candle, Fire, Fireworks, Explosion, Welding, and SOS.

As it’s a bi-color light, the lighting effects can use a mix of warm and cold color temperatures – such as creating cold flashes of lightning using a color temperature of 5400K, or a flickering fire at 2800K. If you want to mimic the flashing blues and reds of an off-screen police car, then you’ll need an RGB-capable LED such as the Neewer HB80C (which has 18 lighting effects, compared to the 11 from the ML150Bi).

The rear of the ML150Bi is initially hidden by a white plastic panel. At first, it was a bit of a challenge discovering how to remove the panel, but all you need to do is slide it up. Behind the panel are docking clamps that enable you to connect the LED’s body to a Godox ML-BA battery (not supplied). Fortunately, the kit does ship with the Godox ML-VMA battery plate, so I was able to pop a Neewer PS099F V-mount battery onto the plate and power the light during my test shoot.

Also included in the sturdy carry case that ships with the ML150Bi is an ML-Z Zoom Reflector. This mounts onto the front of the LED and can be rotated to create a wider or narrower (and more intense) beam of light. The front of the reflector is magnetic, enabling you to easily attach diffusers to subtly change the light’s properties. The Godox ML-D diffusers (sold separately) are designed to pop straight into the reflector. I found the diffusers to be a bit too subtle when out in a busy city location, but they may be more attractive (and more noticeable) if you’re shooting in a studio against a plain backdrop.

Godox ML150Bi: Performance

Since the ML150Bi didn’t ship with a battery, I popped on its supplied adapter and slid a Neewer PS099F V-mount battery I already had onto it. The Neewer battery’s display informed me that it was 80% charged, so I thought that would be more than enough power for a one-hour test shoot with Maddy, the model.

The ML150Bi’s sturdy black and branded carry case fitted nicely into my Gomatic 25L Camera Backpack, alongside a variety of accessories such as mini tripods, a Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra gimbal (to record my intro for the video review), and a spare iPhone 17 to capture some B-roll clips for my video review. The Neewer V-mount battery fitted in there too, so I found the backpack quite heavy to carry as I wandered through London to my shooting location – the Barbican Centre.

I’d previously tested the smaller Godox ML80Bi on a model portrait shoot in the Barbican Centre, so I decided to repeat the shoot with the ML150Bi. The weaker ML80Bi needed a Fresnel lens attachment to boost the light when shooting outdoors. The more powerful ML150Bi did not!

I started by using the bright sun as a key light, but this plunged parts of my model’s face into harsh, contrasting shadows. I was then able to position the ML150Bi on a lighting tripod to fill in the harsh shadows with a complementary daylight color temperature. I also enjoyed placing the LED behind the model to create a rim light that helped her stand out from the background. This extra light source helped "sculpt" her face with a key, fill, or rim light, giving it a more interesting three-dimensional look.

To make the ML150Bi’s light a little less harsh, I removed the reflector and slotted the Godox ML-CS1625 Soft Tent onto the LED, courtesy of the soft box’s supplied Godox mount adapter. The soft box reduced the intensity of the LED, so I needed to place the light in the shot while I snapped portraits for this review with my iPhone 17. It was an easy job to paint out the light stand and its shadow using Photoshop’s Generative Fill tool, so I was happy to keep the light in the shot when capturing wide shots of the model. For tighter portraits, I was able to keep the ML150Bi out of the shot.

I then moved into the shadow of the tall Barbican towers, which had a cooler, darker, and flatter lighting that was no good for portrait photography. Fortunately, after adjusting the LED via its tactile switches and dials, I was able to summon a strong golden-hour sun to be a key light in the gloom. This enabled me to capture some attractive sunset portraits (and slow-motion video of the model’s hair being backlit by the "sun").

Finally, I headed to a darker shaded area and used the ML150Bi as a harsh key light to capture film noir-style portraits with stark shadows. I also experimented with using some of the lighting effects while shooting video on the iPhone 17. The Broken Bulb effect in particular worked well with the grungy mise en scène of the urban environment, so these lighting effects should make the ML150Bi appeal to video creators as well as portrait shooters.

My hour-long shoot took place in four different locations that were relatively close together, so the light was on more than it was off! Given my V-mount battery started at 80% charge, I was lucky to have around 4% of power left at the end of my shoot, so I’d certainly recommend taking a spare battery along with you, especially due to the 150W power of the Godox ML150Bi.

I have one little niggle regarding the performance of the Godox ML150Bi. I turned the LED off between the various location setups to save battery power. To turn it on, you need to press the power button. A little icon appears on the OLED screen indicating that you then need to rotate the plastic dial in a clockwise direction to activate the LED. Sometimes this operation didn’t work, so I needed to press the power button again and have another go at rotating the dial. This did slow me down a little.

Oh, there was also a little bright orange rubber stopper that fitted onto the end of the metal lever that releases objects mounted to the front of the LED, such as the supplied reflector. This rubber stopper kept dropping off and, as I expected, it got lost during the shoot. However, it doesn’t affect the performance of the light in any way, so it is negligible, but I do like to be thorough in my reviews.

Godox ML150Bi: Verdict

I enjoyed using the Godox ML150Bi during my model portrait test shoot. As it was considerably more powerful than the ML80Bi, I could travel lighter without needing the brightness-boosting Fresnel lens that the ML80Bi required when shooting outdoors. However, I missed the Godox ML-BA battery that is supplied with the ML80Bi. My Neewer V-mount battery powered the ML150Bi throughout the shoot, but its bulky black casing looked out of place against the LED’s white body. Godox’s white ML-BA battery blends much more neatly with the white plastic bodies of its ML series LEDs, although buying one to power the ML150Bi would cost an additional $89/£73.

All in all, the Godox ML150Bi deserves a place in your kit bag as it elevates portraits from good to great. You can fill in harsh shadows or add a key light that accentuates the shape of your model’s face. Videographers might find the animated effects useful for adding drama, but the lack of RGB lighting effects (such as Squad Car) means that the effects from this bi-color light are less useful.

Alternatives

Godox has revealed an affordable new compact flashgun compatible with a variety of camera brands and models. The iM30Pro Mini Flash measures just 62 x 64 x 48mm (2.5 x 2.4 x 1.9") and weighs only 121g, making it suitable for almost any size kit bag. Thanks to its simple single-contact hot shoe design and standard PC sync port for triggering, the iM30Pro will work with a huge range of cameras, including classic film models. A built-in photocell also allows the flash to be triggered remotely for off-camera use.

Read more: the best flashguns for your camera

Despite its basic connection format, the flash still features an automatic mode: simply set the camera’s aperture and sensitivity, then the flash automatically calculates the correct exposure. Alternatively, a manual mode allows flash power adjustment down to 1/128 in 1/3-stop increments.

Unlike many budget flashguns that are powered by AA batteries, the iM30Pro packs a built-in 7.4V, 700mAh rechargeable lithium battery. It's capable of up to 550 full power flashes per charge, with a recycle time of just 1.5 seconds at full GN15 flash power. Battery charge level is displayed on a small color display on the rear of the flash, and this display also makes it easy to adjust flash settings.

Though it appears to be a fixed, forward-facing flash design, the iM30Pro is actually capable of firing vertically to bounce flash. The small flash head can be tilted upward, with a choice of four angles - 45, 60, 75, and 90 degrees - enabling various creative lighting possibilities. There’s even a pack of optional magnetic color gels and modifiers available separately which can be attached to the flash head to create additional special lighting effects.

The Godox iM30Pro is available to pre-order now from B&H, priced at $44.90. It is said to be compatible with select Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Olympus, and Sony cameras.

As a portrait photographer, I think the bigger the light source is, the better. The problem is that large light sources are, well, large – and getting them on site can be problematic. The latest lights from Godox, however, use inflatable heads to create a travel-friendly, versatile light source.

The Godox LC500R Air takes inspiration from the existing LC500R and swaps out the solid head with an inflatable one, making the constant LED light wand around 30 percent lighter than the solid model at about 532g / 1.17 lbs.

The light-saber-like wand, however, also launches alongside the LR150 Air inflatable ring light for flattering portraits and circular catchlights. The two lights are modular, allowing the handles to swap out different inflatable heads and accessories.

The light’s power rests in the handle, where a built-in battery offers over 90 minutes of run time at full power for both lights. The wand light is capable of 2,660 lux, which Godox says is 3x brighter than similar lights in this category. The ring light, meanwhile, can send out up to 1,760 lux.

That light can be adjusted through the control panel on the handle or through a smartphone app. Along with being handheld, the light also has a tripod thread mount and a magnetic mount.

The Godox LC500R Air comes with the inflatable wand head, while the LR150 Air ships with the inflatable ring head. Additional diffusers and grids for the wand, as well as an optional MagSafe mount, are sold separately.

The LC500R Air retails for $99, with the ring light LR150 Air sitting slightly higher at $109. International pricing has not yet been announced, but that converts to about £74 / AU$141 / CA$138 and £81 / AU$155 / CA$152. Pre-orders have opened at some retailers, including B&H and Adorama in the US.

That puts the inflatable series not only lighter than the earlier model with a solid head, but more affordable as well. The earlier LC500R remains the more powerful option, however, rated at 5800 Lux.

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Godox has released a new macro flash unit that offers a twin-strobe arrangement for close-up photography. The new Godox MF-T76 is very similar to the previous Godox MF-R76 - except for the fact that instead of a circular ring flash design, this offers to separate flash units that can be independently placed around the front of the lens. The MF-T76 will be available in three different dedicated TTL versions for Sony, Nikon and Canon interchangeable lens camera systems.

Ring flash and twin flash units are widely used in close-up photography - fitting on front of a macro lens to ensure even illumination, even when the camera and photographer are throwing the subject into shadow. As well as being used by wildlife photographers for close-ups of flowers and creepy-crawlies, they are widely used by medical photographers, forensic investigators and dentists.

The flash power from the two units is 76Ws - with manual power settings range from full down to 1/256 power at one-third of a stop increments. As well as offering TTL automatic metering, there is a High Speed Sync, allowing you to use your camera's highest shutter speeds. The units also offer 2.4G Wireless X System compatiblity, so can work in unison with other Godox wireless flashguns. Built-in modelling lights to allow you to preview the lighting ratios, and to aid focusing.

The full range of compatible cameras according to the manufacturer's instruction manual is as follows:

F-T76 C (For Canon):
A type cameras: 80D, 90D, 7D, 6D, 70D, 750D, 760D, 5DMark IV, EOS 1DX, 6D Mark II, 77D, 800D, 5D Mark III, 5D Mark II, 60D, 7D Mark II, 200DII, 1500D, 3000D
B type cameras: 600D, 50D, 30D, 500D, Digital X
C type cameras: M5, M50, R, RP, R7

MF-T76 S (For Sony):
α77ll, α99, a77, DSC-RX10, α6000, α7R, α350, α7R ll(4.0), α7R lll, α7 III, α9, α7R IV, α7 R5、α7MIV, ZV-E10, A9lll, A7C, A7Cll, a6400, α6500

MF-T76 N (For Nikon):
D800, D750, D700, D610, D500, D200, D300S, D5, D4, D810, D780, D5300, D5200, D5100, D5000, D3300, D3100, D60, Z6, Z7 II, Z8, Zf

The Godox MF-T76 flash units are now on sale costing $249/£221/AU$389 – which is significantly cheaper than twin flash systems sold by Canon and Nikon. The US, the MF-T76 strobes will also be available from Adorama under the Flashpoint brand.

See our full guide to the best ring flash units for macro photography

Godox has launched the ML40Bi / ML40R handheld portable LED video lights for photographers and filmmakers needing high-intensity illumination for on-the-go shooting without breaking the bank.

This is the latest portable LED release from the brand as part of a growing lineup of budget-friendly, travel-ready lights that Godox hopes will fulfill increasing demand from the creator economy, with the manufacturer touting the ML40Bi / ML40R for delivering professional-level output in an ultra-compact body.

Available in both full-color and bi-color versions, the ML40Bi / ML40R aims to produce “true-to-life” tones with a CCT range of 2,800K–6,500K.

Compact video lights tend to have lower strengths, but Godox is using a modifier trick to give creators a brighter output in a smaller design. The ML-L10 lens reflector, designed specifically for this new system, boosts light intensity, with the manufacturer claiming up to 24× brighter output for the ML40Bi and 16× brighter output for the ML40R compared to the light used without a modifier.

For a palm-sized device, those specs certainly raise eyebrows. However, with a runtime of just 43 minutes at full output from the built-in lithium battery, creators shooting for extended periods might find themselves short on power. That said, the device can be charged while in use.

As with other Godox portable LEDs, the ML40Bi / ML40R is compatible with a range of accessories for improved creative control. And with NFC pairing for mobile app control, usability appears straightforward.

All specs considered, you might be asking what sets the ML40Bi / ML40R apart from the Godox FL15Bi, the handheld flashlight-style fill light also released recently. While the FL15Bi prioritizes handheld simplicity and outdoor shooting thanks to its IP54-rated weather resistance, the ML40Bi / ML40R pushes further into professional mobile production territory with higher-output performance and broader mounting and accessory flexibility.

However, both systems are geared toward run-and-gun workflows prioritizing backpack-sized builds, with the ML40Bi / ML40R weighing just 422g and measuring 97 × 46 × 91mm, while the FL15Bi weighs a mere 253g and measures 45mm × 36mm × 14.5mm.

The ML40Bi / ML40R system is available for pre-order now from authorized Godox retailers, including B&H in the US, with a list price of $99 (approximately £73 / AU$138) for the ML40Bi and $119 (approximately £89 / AU$166) for the ML40R. The reflector is included, while other modifiers are sold separately. Godox says prices may vary depending on your region.

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Godox has launched the FL15Bi bi-color LED fill light designed for creators who want portable yet versatile lighting for content production, livestreaming, and outdoor shoots.

Weighing just 253g and retailing for an eye-catching $99 (approximately £75 / AU$135), the device combines magnetic light shaping, app-based wireless control and IP54 weather sealing in a travel-friendly package.

As the creator economy continues to grow, Godox is clearly targeting photographers and videographers who regularly shoot on the move and need lightweight, portable production kits.

While the recently released Godox RS100Bi/R also fits that bill, the handheld FL15Bi is much more geared toward creators on tighter budgets who want a simpler lighting setup.

Portability is the name of the game here. The FL15Bi weighs just 253g, and its slim flashlight-style design means it can fit into almost any backpack without taking up much room – making it especially appealing for outdoor creators.

Godox touts the Fresnel lens as boosting optical efficiency to deliver “brighter, smoother light transitions.” And the flexible silicone design also enables users to adjust light angles by folding the lens into different positions, helping achieve softer and more natural-looking illumination.

Despite its budget-friendly focus, Godox says the FL15Bi doesn’t compromise on versatility. The light offers a correlated color temperature (CCT) range of 2800K for warmer tones up to 6500K for daylight-balanced lighting, making it suitable for a wide variety of shooting scenarios.

Godox has also built 11 FX lighting effects into the device, including fireworks and candlelight modes. For more creative applications, the Torch mode enables light painting.

The FL15Bi gains points for usability as it can be controlled from up to 30m away via the BLE mobile app. However, while the IP54 splash- and dust-resistant build adds some protection, the lack of higher-grade weather sealing means it still won’t be suited to harsher environments despite Godox’s claims.

The Godox FL15Bi is available now from authorized retailers in the US for $99 and in Europe for €119, although Godox says pricing may vary depending on region.

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Godox has unveiled the RS100Bi/R, an LED location lighting system geared toward mobile filmmakers. The company says that these compact units bring studio-grade light intensity to even the most diverse shooting environments while eliminating the need for external battery packs and complex cabling.

Despite their “backpack-ready” size, the RS100 series seemingly packs a significant punch, delivering up to 28,600 lux at 1m (at 5600K).

The series offers two distinct types of illumination: the RS100Bi, a bicolor unit with a CCT range of 2800K-6500K, and the RS100R, a full-color RGB fixture featuring a respectable 1800K-10,000K range and advanced HSI, RGBW, and gel simulation modes.

Both illumination modes feature what Godox says is “professional-grade” dimming precision, enabling increments as small as 0.1% and a true 0.0% minimum for cinematic fades.

The standout feature of the RS100 series is the integrated power system, featuring a built-in battery that provides up to 52 minutes of runtime at full output.

Supporting USB-C PD fast charging (18W–140W), Godox says a full charge can be achieved in roughly two hours even while the light is being used, and a real-time runtime countdown display enables crews to monitor power levels.

Godox has also introduced the SP36/50K ultra-mini projection attachments alongside the lights. These modifiers are smaller than traditional attachments, with a view to offering precise light beam shaping and pattern projection without the bulk.

The lights integrate into Godox’s broader S-Mount ecosystem and feature NFC tap-to-pair for remote control via the Godox Light App.

The RS100Bi and full-color RS100R are available for pre-order from authorized Godox retailers for $229 (approximately £168 / AU$316) and $319 (£234 / AU$440), respectively.

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The camera industry has gradually shifted from DSLR to mirrorless, but there’s a key piece of tech that’s much easier to find on a DSLR than a mirrorless: a pop-up flash.

Pop-up flashes have long been more common among entry-level cameras than high-end pro cameras – after all, most pros would prefer to use more powerful hotshoe flashes and off-camera lights. But, in the DSLR era, there were still some full-frame cameras that managed to pack in a hidden flash, most notably from Nikon, including the Nikon D810 and D750.

But, lately, even APS-C mirrorless cameras tend to skip out on the pop-up flash. There are a handful of options, including the Nikon Z50 II, the Canon EOS R50, and the Sony A6400, to name just a few. But, the number of cameras with pop-up flashes feels as if it's diminishing quickly.

In the mirrorless era, a pop-up flash seems less of a must-have feature. Ironically, the direct flash look seems to be trending, as the harsh light carries a bit of a retro, candid feel to it.

There are a number of reasons behind the declining number of pop-up flashes in mirrorless. A pop-up flash is harder to weather-seal (though not impossible). Adding a flash adds to the size of the camera, and many more entry-level mirrorless cameras prioritize a compact size.

Instead, there seems to be a growing number of portable budget flashes ready to take the pop-up’s place. Just this week, Westcott announced the S18 Mini Flash, a 3.5 oz (100g) flash that costs under $40 / £40. Unlike many cheap flashes, the S18 is small but still has a tilting flash head.

And the S18 is far from alone. The list of pocketable budget flashes includes models like the Godox iM20 / iM22, the Godox iT20, and the Viltrox Vintage Z1, among others.

I don’t have a pop-up flash on my mirrorless camera – but I don’t really miss it either. The only time I really miss it is when I pack light for a trip and opt to leave my admittedly bulky hotshoe flash behind.

Otherwise, my hotshoe flash offers more power and far more flexibility with the ability to bounce and modify the light. Modifying a pop-up flash is harder to do, and the built-in flashes can’t be tilted to bounce light off a wall or the ceiling for softer light.

But the compact camera trend is also bleeding over into mirrorless cameras. A pop-up flash will likely make a mirrorless body larger, but then again, so will needing to pack an extra flash.

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Godox has revealed a new line-up of softboxes that fold flat in an instant and can be re-opened in seconds - no messing about with fiddly poles or multiple parts.

Called EazyFlow, the softboxes are designed for ultimate portability. Each modifier packs down to a slim, travel-friendly folded profile which enables them to slide easily into a backpack or stack neatly inside a hard case - ideal for photographers who need to travel light.

Godox hasn't sacrificed ease of use with the design, either. EazyFlow softboxes can be set up quickly on location thanks to a quick‑release mechanism that snaps them open and locks them in place within seconds. Breaking them down is just as quick - simply squeeze the release buttons and everything collapses immediately. The result is a modifier built for fast‑moving environments.

EasyFlow softboxes are available in a range of sizes and shapes, including square, rectangular and octagonal. You can go as large as a 90x90cm square softbox, or down to a super-portable 30x45cm rectangular model. Octagonal EasyFlow Octa soft boxes come in four size options, ranging from 150cm diameter down to 60cm, plus there's an extra-long 40x90cm softbox that's perfect for lighting full length portraiture.

Whichever size or shape you choose, you'll get a softbox lined with a silver reflective interior and fronted by a dual-layer diffusion panel that should reduce hot spots to produce soft, even and flattering illumination. Inner and outer diffusers are included, as is a fabric grid that will allow you to focus light more directly. Everything is supported by a metal mounting ring which can be coupled with various interchangeable speed ring adaptors: a Bowens mount is included, but optional Godox, Profoto and Broncolor speed rings are also available.

Godox EazyFlow softboxes are available to pre-order from B&H, with prices ranging from $49 for a 30x45cm or 40x40cm softbox, up to $99 for the largest 150cm diameter EazyFlow Octa.

Smartphones, such as the iPhone 17 (with its 18MP front-facing camera), enable filmmakers to capture high-quality video clips or portraits. When shooting in low light, however, your clips and photos may be blighted by picture noise caused by the camera’s need to use higher ISO speeds. Some smartphones use computational processing in an attempt to hide noise in clips and stills, but this can result in a loss of detail.

The Godox Litemons LR30Bi offers an effective solution to recording smartphone footage in low-light locations. It’s a highly portable mini ring LED that you can pop in your pocket and quickly attach to your smartphone to capture better-looking footage on the go. The best ring lights are often positioned so the lens shoots through the hole, for flattering all-around lighting that surrounds the subject, as well as producing donut-shaped catchlights in the eyes.

Godox has a long-established reputation for producing flash and continuous LEDs for photographers and videographers. I’ve reviewed several Godox-branded LEDs for Digital Camera World, such as the ML80Bi, and that particular model has become my ‘go-to’ LED when shooting professional portraits on location. The smaller and cheaper LR30Bi ring light is aimed at the consumer market, so it will suit travel vloggers who need to add extra light to their selfies without lugging around a heavy LED panel.

Alongside the LR30Bi, I was also given an additional LED panel to test – the Litemons LR15Bi. This mini LED is cleverly designed to complement the LR30Bi, and is well worth adding to your smartphone lighting kit, as I’ll explain.

Godox Litemons LR30Bi: Specifications

Godox Litemons LR30Bi: Price

The Godox Litemons LR30Bi will only set you back around $25 / £23 / AU$46, so buying one is a no-brainer given the improvement it will bring to the production values of your smartphone selfie footage, especially in low-light locations. It’s not the brightest LED on the market, but it doesn’t need to be, as it is designed to be mounted on your handheld smartphone a few inches from your face.

If you do need a boost in light intensity, then an additional cost of $16 / £14 will enable you to slot the LR15Bi into the body of the larger LR30Bi. This combined output from the LR15Bi and the LR30Bi raises their intensity from 48 to 77 Lux (when set to 6500K), giving you more light without blowing your budget.

Godox Litemons LR30Bi: Design & Handling

After unboxing the Godox LR30Bi, the my first impression was how remarkably light it felt, which indeed it is, at a mere 83g. Its cream body is constructed from plastic, which is no surprise given its affordable price. The LEDs are mounted within a circular white plastic ring, which will fit comfortably in the palm of your hand.

As its name indicates, this is a bi-colour light, so you can change the color temperature of the LEDs to complement existing light sources on location. Pressing the CCT/On button fires up the LEDs in the ring. You can then press the same button to quickly toggle between five color temperature presets in degrees Kelvin, from a warm candlelight-emulating 2800K, through an average daylight setting of 5600K, to a cooler 6500K. The adjacent Dim button toggles between five brightness level presets.

At the base of the unit is a clip to attach the ring light to any smartphone. The clip has a hinge that enables the LED ring to be tilted and even rotated by 180º to illuminate a subject at the rear of your camera instead of shooting a selfie. At the centre of the LR30Bi’s LED ring is a mini mirror designed to help you compose a selfie using your smartphone’s superior rear-facing cameras. Intriguingly, this mirror can be removed and replaced by the smaller (separately sold) Godox Litemons LR15Bi. More on that modular feature in the next section…

Godox Litemons LR30Bi: Performance

To test the Godox LR30Bi, I hired a model, Antonia (Instagram: @antonia_sabato), whom I met in the Shad Thames area of London. This location features small alleyways full of interesting brickwork that make a great backdrop to an urban portrait shoot. However, these alleys tend to be quite gloomy, so my iPhone portraits can suffer from computationally processed smoothing artifacts that look a bit pixelated. As well as providing extra light that assists the camera in capturing more detail, the LR30Bi also adds a catchlight to the model’s eyes, which helps bring portraits to life.

Since the LR30Bi is primarily a selfie LED, I popped it onto my iPhone 17 and gave it to Antonia to test out. She started by using the iPhone’s front-facing camera to capture some selfies and was able to compose her shots using the iPhone’s generous 6.3in display. A couple of taps on the CCT button enabled her to make the ring light’s output complement the daylight that was entering the location from her left. So the sun provided a key light, while the LR30Bi filled in the harsh shadows and added a sparkle to her eyes.

The rear cameras on the iPhone 17 can capture a higher resolution, so Antonia was able to rotate the iPhone to use those cameras and rotate the LR30Bi 180º on its hinge so that it continued to light her face. She could check that she was still in shot by referring to the selfie mirror mounted at the centre of the LED ring. Thanks to the iPhone 17’s open-gate sensor, she could shoot selfies in portrait and landscape orientation without needing to rotate the iPhone (though the LR30Bi’s spring clip does enable you to fix the light to a horizontally or vertically held smartphone).

To add extra light to the location, I replaced the LR30Bi’s selfie mirror with the optional LR15Bi LED. This combination of the docked LEDs boosts the unit’s output from 48 to a maximum of 77 lux (when set to 6500K). The modular design of the LR30Bi and the LR15Bi is very clever. When the two are docked together, you can use the main unit’s CCT and Dim buttons to consistently adjust the color temperature and intensity of both LEDs simultaneously.

Another useful design touch is that both lights feature magnets. The smaller LR15Bi has two strong magnets on its rear. I was able to clamp it to a rail next to Antonia and add a little rim lighting to the side of her face (instead of flat-lighting her from a camera-mounted LED). The mirror at the centre of the LR30Bi also has a magnet, so I was able to clamp the brighter LED to the same rail to boost the intensity of the side light.

The specs for the LR30Bi claim a battery life of one hour and 15 minutes. This doesn’t sound like a lot, but it was enough to illuminate Antonia on our two-hour test shoot, bearing in mind that it was turned off between different setups. If you do need to light it for longer, you can always charge it up from a power bank via its USB-C socket while you take a coffee break.

Godox Litemons LR30Bi: Verdict

The Godox Litemons LR30Bi is an essential accessory for travel vloggers who need to talk to the camera in a range of locations, especially in low light. Its affordability and portability should make it an attractive purchase, and the extra light that it casts on your smartphone-sourced selfies should lift your production values above those of your peers who are only using available light (and those improved production values might earn you a few more YouTube subscribers).

The modular nature of the LR30Bi makes the smaller and cheaper LR15Bi a sensible addition to your LED selfie kit, as it almost doubles the output of your smartphone-mounted light source.

Alternatives

Godox has just announced the new V1 Mid camera flashgun, geared towards photographers “demanding professional lighting in a more compact form”.

According to the manufacturer, the new V1 Mid flashgun achieves “brighter output, more even illumination, and smoother light transitions” in an even more portable design.

This V1 Mid is the latest flashgun in Godox’s TTL Li-ion Round Head lineup – the round head providing more natural, soft light fall-off at the edges of objects compared to traditional rectangular flash heads.

Godox has designed the V1 Mid implementing its optimized optical lens group which shapes light at the output stage. In theory, this further enhances smooth transitions and even lighting across the frame.

The new V1 Mid can take up to 650 full-power flashes on a single charge with a 1.7-second recycle time. While not the fastest flash on the market, the high output and decent response time suit to photographers needing to work quickly.

Godox has slimmed the V1 Mid down, packaging its professional power into a lightweight 14.5 oz (413g) with a battery inserted. Compared to the V1 Pro, which comes in at 20.4 oz (580g), and the V100, at 21.8 oz (619g), the weight savings are significant.

However, saving weight comes at the expense of versatility. Unlike the V1 Pro and V100 models, the V1 Mid flashgun is not compatible with the SU-1 sub flash – meaning less potential to achieve more contrasty, harsher images.

The V1 Mid features a user-friendly touchscreen for easy navigation and changing settings. Another nifty feature is that the battery supports USB Type-C charging as well as charging via a standard adapter.

All in, the new Godox V1 Mid camera flashgun looks to be a good choice for photographers wanting professional-grade lighting that can easily be packed away, but who don’t mind compromising slightly on functionality.

Godox has stated an RRP of $179 (approximately £131 / AU$256) for the V1 Mid flash, but prices may vary depending on your location.

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Godox has launched a new all-in-one outdoor moonlight: AD800Pro. Designed for no-fuss location lighting, it delivers rapid recycle times and long battery life, while also offering versatile wireless control and TTL compatibility across major camera systems.

As its name suggests, the AD800Pro boasts an 800Ws maximum power output. This makes it Godox's most powerful monolight flash, with a high enough output to overpower bright sunlight.

At this power setting you'll get up to 300 flashes on a full battery charge, with recycle times being between 0.01 and 1.5 seconds. Power can be adjusted over a 10-stop range in 0.1-stop increments for precise lighting control. Several lighting modes can be selected, including a Freeze Mode that produces a super-short flash duration as quick as 1/35,710 s (t0.1), designed for capturing split-second moments like splashes, jumps and other fast motion. Stable Color-Temperature mode minimizes color drift as power changes, ensuring consistent color across the flash output range. High speed sync of up to 1/8000s is also supported, along with first- and second-curtain sync modes.

The AD800Pro can be triggered via a 3.5mm sync cord, or wirelessly using Godox’s 2.4GHz X wireless system. This provides reliable wireless control over long-distances using Godox's X-series transmitters. External 433MHz receivers can also be connected through USB-C for even more triggering versatility. Other features include an HD color screen, 16 color group indicators, and a 40W bi-color modelling lamp. Optional accessories like snoots, umbrellas and soft boxes can easily be attached using the Bowens-type front accessory mount.

The Godox AD800Pro all-in-one outdoor monolight is available to buy now, priced at $999/£911.

Buy now from B&H

Buy now from Amazon UK

The original Godox AD100Pro quickly became one of those flashes I found myself reaching for far more often than expected. Its tiny size made it an easy light to throw into a bag “just in case” – and more often than not, it ended up doing far more work than its pocketable proportions suggested. Now Godox has given that compact strobe a refresh with the new AD100Pro II, focusing less on headline-grabbing power boosts and more on the sort of practical refinements that make a difference in real-world shooting.

The AD100Pro II retains the same 100Ws maximum output, which remains a sweet spot for portability for off-camera lighting, whether you’re working with fill light outdoors, lighting a small portrait setup, or building a compact multi-light kit.

Instead, the new update adds revamped thermal management. Godox has added an internal cooling fan, allowing the flash to deliver 60 to 100 consecutive full-power flashes without overheating, which will be a significant upgrade for photographers who rely on sustained bursts rather than single pops. Recycle times are quick for a flash this size, ranging from around 0.01 seconds at low power to roughly 1.5 seconds at full output.

Visually, the flash gains a clearer TFT display, but the most noticeable design tweak is the addition of 16 colour-coded group indicator lights around the body. It might appear a minor change, but it should be one that makes a surprising difference when you’re working with multiple Godox units and want to know, at a glance, exactly which light is in which group – and with a memory as bad as mine, it’s something I’ve often found myself wishing for.

Wireless control is built in, supporting both 2.4GHz and 433MHz transmission, and the AD100Pro II integrates with Godox’s X-series triggers and Flashpoint R2 system, so it should slot straight into most existing Godox lighting kits. TTL is supported across Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, OM System, Panasonic, Pentax, and Leica cameras, along with high-speed sync up to 1/8000s.

Color output is rated at 5600K ±200K, while a 5W adjustable LED modelling lamp is included to help preview light direction and fall-off before shooting. Power comes from a 3300mAh USB-C rechargeable battery, which Godox rates for around 490 full-power flashes per charge.

Despite the upgrades, the AD100Pro II remains impressively compact. With the battery fitted, it weighs around 565g, and it keeps the familiar cylindrical design that makes it easy to pack alongside lenses and accessories. A built-in magnetic mount supports Godox’s AK-R1 modifier system, and with an optional S3 adapter, the flash can also be used with Bowens-mount modifiers.

The AD100Pro II doesn’t try to reinvent what already worked, but it refines it. For photographers already invested in the Godox ecosystem – or those building a lightweight off-camera lighting kit – this might be the update you’ve been waiting for.

The Godox AD100Pro II is available now, priced from $299 / £299. The flash will also be sold as the Flashpoint XPLOR 100 Pro II R2 TTL at Adorama.

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LED panels have to find a balance between power and portability – but Godox’s newest light panel for creators is less than an inch thick yet delivers multi-color light at up to 20,400 lux. Introduced today, the Godox LiteWafer UP150R is a full-color LED that can be linked with a second panel for an even larger constant light source.

The Godox LiteWafer UP150R delivers 20,400 lux at one meter and 5600K, which the company says is around twice as bright as other lights in the category. That power is mixed with a 1800K to 10,000K color range and full HSI, RGB, and gel color modes. The light also has 14 special effects options built in.

Despite the light’s brightness, the LED panel is less than an inch thick (about 24mm). The light has a large surface area of roughly 13 by 26 inches. Adding the controller and mount will increase the light's size to just under three inches thick, but the LiteWafer is designed to create a large light source while still being portable enough for on-site shoots.

To make an even larger light surface, creators can connect two panels together and control both with the Godox Light App, which uses NFC for quick pairing. Or, the LED can be controlled with the DMX-TRS1 (an optional transmitter not included in the box).

The LiteWafer uses an included 5/8-inch baby pin mount, with a swivel holder available as an optional upgrade. It also uses a dedicated holder and includes a quick-release softbox for quick setup and breakdown. An AC power cord is included, but an integrated V mount allows users to add battery packs (sold separately).

That’s all wrapped up in a full metal chassis that Godox says is built for both durability and heat dissipation.

The Godox LiteWafer UP150R, which comes bundled with a bag and softbox along with the controller, cables, and pin, is expected to retail for about $699. International pricing has not yet been announced, but that translates to roughly £521 / AU$1,048 / CA$962. Godox will also be offering a two-light kit, which adds a controller, second light, connector, and a softbox made to fit two lights.

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Photography lighting giant Godox has a new portable flash for on-site photography – and it packs in 300Ws of power in a light that’s roughly the size of a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. The Godox AD300ProII brings more versatile performance, longer battery life, and quick one-tap syncs to a popular on-site photography strobe light.

When Digital Camera World’s Gareth Bevan reviewed the Godox AD300 Pro, he called it “one of the best off-camera flashes for most people” for its balance between power, portability, and price. Now, Godox has upgraded the portable flash with a handful of new features while keeping a similar portable size.

Like the predecessor, the Godox AD300ProII is a 300Ws light that recycles as fast as .01s to 1.5s on full power. But, the light’s power now has more fine-tuned control with a 10-stop range of control (compared to nine stops) that allows the light to emit as little as a 1/512 burst of light, adjustable in 0.1 stop increments.

Along with the expected TTL, Manual, and HSS capabilities, the Godox AD300ProII also has a freeze mode, which shortens the flash duration to freeze motion in high-speed photography. Multi or stroboscopic mode, which fires several flashes to repeat a moving subject in the frame, is also included. A 12W bi-color modeling light helps photographers position the light without test fires.

But one of the features that caught my eye is a one-tap sync. Godox says the light can sync in one tap when using a 2.4 GHz Wireless X System transmitter, rather than having to set the group and channel individually. The strobe also has a color-coded indicator light so photographers can see from a distance what group the strobe is set for.

The flash’s settings are controlled through a large touchscreen at the back, along with a dial and a handful of buttons. At the front, the light uses the native Godox mount for use with a variety of modifiers, and optional adapters help fit the light with additional modifiers.

The light’s battery life has bumped up from 300 full-power flashes to 350 per charge. Despite the changes, the light is still designed to be compact enough to tuck into a traditional camera bag. The light measures 7.36" by 3.94" by 3.54" – which is similar in size to some 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses – and weighs 1.2 kg / 2.2 pounds.

The Godox AD300PRo II is expected to retail for about $499 / £497 / AU$879 / CA$709.

US Retailer Adorama-exclusive brand Flashpoint has also announced a similar rebranded light, the Flashpoint XPLOR 300 Pro II TTL R2. The Flashpoint light has a similar set of features and price, though Adorama is including a free Flashpoint Nano R2 transmitter with pre-orders.

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Many photographers will already be familiar with Godox lighting solutions, such as the Godox V480 compact on-camera flash or the Godox AD200 Pro II off-camera flash. Godox is certainly a go-to brand due to its products' combination of quality and affordability. As a long-term Canon user, I stuck to my trusty Canon Speedlite for a couple of decades until I discovered continuous LEDs, such as the Godox ML80Bi.

I prefer continuous lighting solutions like the Godox ML80Bi for several reasons. As a photographer, the continuous LED light eliminates the need to worry about the flashgun's infrared receiver pointing towards the camera-mounted remote trigger during portrait shoots, and thus the risk of misfires. This continuous light source also lets me see how the subject is illuminated and adjust the light stand or color temperature and intensity on the fly for a more flattering (or dramatic) look. Additionally, I shoot a lot of video, so a continuous light source is highly advantageous and a flash becomes redundant, especially in gloomy locations like the corridors in London’s Brutalist Barbican Centre.

As the ‘Bi’ in its name indicates, the Godox ML80Bi is a bi-color LED. This means it can emit a wide range of color temperatures, measured in degrees Kelvin, from a warm 2800K to a cooler 6500K. However, it isn’t an RGB LED, so you can’t dial in a more creative range of colors to simulate different-color gels. This lack of an RGB capability initially put me off, as I do like to get creative and add cinematic teals and oranges to my portraits.

However, as you’ll see from this review’s supporting clips and photos, I had a ball using the Godox ML80Bi, especially as my review sample shipped with optional accessories such as a soft box for more flattering portrait lighting effects, and is sure to earn its place as one of the best continuous LEDs.

Godox ML80Bi: Specifications

Godox ML80Bi: Price

The list price of the Godox ML80Bi is $299 / £203 / AU$383. The kit ships with the new ML-Z zoom lens reflector, which boosts the output of the LED by up to an impressive and eyeball-blinding 10x. It contains an ML-BA battery that docks to the LED via a secure push-and-click mechanism. For the price, you also get a sturdy yet compact carry case that should fit into most camera kit bags. Oh, there’s also an adaptor to attach the LED to a light stand (or you can screw it to a mini tripod via a thread on the bottom of the LED).

For the price, the ML80Bi is relatively expensive compared to the similarly specced but slightly cheaper 80W Neewer HB80C, which retails at $179.99 / £129. The ML80Bi also lacks the Neewer HB80C’s RGB ability to mimic a wide range of color gels. However, the ML80Bi is still a powerful and portable portrait light, and unlike the Neewer HB80C, you can adjust the focus of its reflector to get a wider or narrower beam of light. It’s also an attractive LED to look at, with a design that’s reminiscent of the stylish (and much more expensive) bi-color Harlowe Avant Max.

Godox ML80Bi: Design & Handling

As the number in its name indicates, the Godox ML80Bi is an 80W LED, though thanks to the supplied reflector, it can emit a 10x brighter output of 29,000 lux. On unboxing the LED, I was impressed at how heavy it felt, which gave me the impression of a well-built piece of kit. On the downside, the white plastic body of the main LED made me doubt that it would survive unscathed if I dropped it or knocked it over when mounted on a light stand.

The ML80Bi is a modular portrait light. In the sturdily built but compact carry case, you’ll find the body of the LED, plus a clip-on ML-BA battery. The battery is also constructed of white plastic, and when clipped onto the LED, it creates an attractive, sleekly designed light that looks like a boxy retro camera, especially when you clip on the supplied white plastic reflector, which looks a bit like a camera’s lens. The battery can be charged up by plugging in a USB-C power cable. This enables you to shoot in any location without requiring a cabled connection to the mains, which suits my needs as a ‘run and gun’ location-based portrait shooter. You can also power the Godox ML80Bi via NP-F batteries, but you’ll need to purchase the Godox ML-NPA battery adaptor plate to do that. You can also attach a V-Mount battery (sold separately).

As a bi-color light, the controls on the side of the lamp body are very easy to use. A circular textured plastic dial enables you to adjust the LED’s color temperature between a warm candlelight 2800K to a cooler daylight color temperature of 6500K. You can view the chosen color temperature on an LCD screen. After tapping the Set button, you can use the same dial to adjust the intensity of the LED. The mode button also enables you to access 11 animated special effects – Flash, Lighting, Cloudy, Broken Bulb, TV, Candle, Fire, Firework, Explosion, Welding, and SOS.

This isn't quite as many as the competing 80W Neewer HB80C can manage, which boasts an additional seven animated effects. This is because the Neewer LED is an RGB light, so it can produce a wider range of colors in its animated effects. The Godox’s ML80Bi bi-color nature means that its animated effects can only include warm or cold color temperatures rather than the creative reds and blues you’d need to mimic a police car, for example. But despite the lack of RGB colors, I still found the Godox’s ML80Bi capable of producing a range of colored light to complement and contrast with existing light sources on location.

Godox ML80Bi: Performance

To test the Godox ML80Bi, I popped its carry case into my favoured camera backpack of choice – the Wandrd Stratus Photo 18L. I then headed to London’s Barbican Centre for a photo shoot rendezvous with model Maryna. I planned to kill two birds with one stone by using the Godox ML80Bi to illuminate Maryna while testing the iPhone Air's camera capabilities.

In addition to the Godox ML80Bi, I also brought a Godox ML-S50 soft box and a Godox ML-CFL5 Collapsible Silicone Fresnel Attachment with me in the Wandrd backpack. These optional extras proved to be very useful accessories on my shoot, as I’ll explain.

As it was a cold day, we started our shoot in one of the Barbican Centre’s indoor corridors. My first corridor of choice had a stone ramp that made a perfect ‘catwalk’ for Maryna. The location was already illuminated by yellow and blue lights, so I mounted the Godox ML80Bi on a lighting stand, courtesy of the Godox kit’s supplied AD-E2 Stand Mount. As it was a full-size lighting stand, I was able to extend it to Maryna’s head height and shine a key light on her.

To magnify and direct the light, I attached the supplied ML-Z reflector to the front of my ML80Bi. Rotating the reflector adjusted its emission angle between 13º and 30º. A 13º angle produced a more tightly focused, stronger beam, while a 30º angle created a wider, slightly softer flood. The reflector’s bright key light was so intense that I had to reduce it using the plastic control dial on the LED’s body.

Inspired by its strong key light, I began my iPhone Air shoot with some ‘film noir’ style shots of Maryna. She was dramatically lit from the side, with half her face plunged into shadow, evoking the look of a mysterious Hollywood femme fatale. To contrast with the existing blue and orange light, I set the ML80Bi’s color temperature to a cool 5300K. The harsh light created a very striking and defined shadow, which complemented the film noir look of our first shots.

As Maryna was wearing a glamorous dress, I wanted to capture some less dramatic and more flattering photos of her, so I mounted the Godox ML-S50 soft box onto the ML80Bi. I felt really pleased to have a studio-style lighting setup on location and was delighted with the softer key light (and softer shadows) that the soft box produced. The soft box also provided enough light to make Maryna stand out from the background (and add some modelling light to shape her face) when I filmed her walking through the location to test the iPhone Air’s video recording capabilities.

Talking of video, the next part of the test involved testing the Godox ML80Bi’s 11 animated effect presets. I found a dramatically low-ceilinged corridor and asked Maryna to walk through it as if she were in a thriller movie (which was a bit of a challenge due to her high heels). I then used the Godox Light app on my phone to trigger the ‘Bad Bulb' effect on the LED. This intermittent flickering from the ML80Bi made it look like the location’s lighting was failing, which added a sense of drama to the scene. I was able to use the app to adjust the effect's properties, such as the flickering frequency, more quickly and easily than I could using the physical control dial on the body of the LED. I also used the ‘Lightning’ effect to add dramatic lighting to my footage, though this produced a colder-looking light than the warm ‘Bad Bulb’ preset.

After a change of outfit for Maryna (to add variety to my shots), we headed out into the cool November Barbican exterior. The sun was setting, which would normally allow me to capture my model bathed in a flattering golden-hour glow, but due to shadows from the urban location’s surrounding buildings, only the tallest towers were sunlit. Fortunately, I was able to dial in a golden hour color temperature on the ML80Bi, so it complemented the existing sunlight. Thanks to the LED’s adjustable color temperature, I was able to make it look like Maryna was lit by the same sunlight illuminating the distant tower, creating a dramatic golden-hour portrait that would not have been possible without the presence of the ML80Bi.

As the shadowed outdoor sections of the Barbican were quite gloomy, I popped the Godox ML-CFL5 Collapsible Silicone Fresnel Attachment (sold separately) onto the front of the ML80Bi. The accessory produced a much stronger and more directional beam of light, which enabled me to bring the setting sun down to earth and illuminate my model. The Fresnel attachment is made of silicone, so it can collapse flat and fit nicely into my Wandrd backpack alongside the ML80Bi. I can certainly see myself using this compact and portable collection of lighting equipment in future portrait shoots!

Godox ML80Bi: Verdict

Thanks to separately sold accessories, such as the Godox ML-S50 soft box and the Godox ML-CFL5 Fresnel lens, I was able to take my usual Barbican-shot portraits to the next level. Being at the mercy of available light can lead to gloomy and flat-looking portraits, but the customizable light from the ML80Bi helped me emphasize the shape of my model’s face and helped her stand out from the location’s gloomy background corridors.

By changing the LED’s color temperature, I was able to light her as if she were bathed in the same golden hour hue that was illuminating the background buildings, leading to a more attractive collection of outdoor portraits. The animated effects were fun to use when shooting video, though the lack of an RGB LED panel's more colorful gel effects makes the ML80Bi less useful for creative video makers, but still perfect for ‘run and gun’ portraits.

Alternatives

Godox has become a go-to brand for photographers who want powerful and reliable lighting kits without breaking the bank. Its lights and triggers are widely used in both studio and location work, offering versatility and performance that traditionally come with far higher price tags. Whether you’re shooting portraits, products, or multi-light setups, Godox delivers tools that let you experiment and create without compromise while lowering the barrier of entry to these more complex shooting options.

I first tested the Godox X3 Pro in the studio with my Fujifilm GFX, and within minutes, it had slotted seamlessly into my workflow. It connected instantly with my Godox AD600 Pro II, and the interface felt so natural that by the end of the session, I’d already decided it was replacing my long-standing XPro trigger. It really was that immediate: a tool that feels familiar yet markedly faster and more refined.

I’ve relied on Godox lighting for years, from on-location portraits to controlled studio setups. Its ecosystem has always offered the kind of reliability and creative freedom you usually expect from much pricier brands. Central to that has been the XPro trigger, which I’ve used religiously to control multiple lights from my camera.

So, when Godox announced the X3 Pro, a new model blending the compact form of the X3 with the multi-group control of the XPro, I was curious to see whether it was simply a cosmetic update or a genuine step forward.

After a couple of weeks of use, it’s clear that the X3 Pro is more than a refresh; it’s a rethinking of how a flash trigger should feel.

Godox X3 Pro Wireless Flash Trigger: Specifications

Godox X3 Pro Wireless Flash Trigger: Price & Availability

The Godox X3 Pro is available now for around £88 / $99 / AU$180. That puts it slightly above the standard X3 but below many flagship triggers from Profoto or Elinchrom; it offers remarkable value, considering the amount of control and polish it brings to the table. Not to mention that it looks fantastic!

Godox X3 Pro Wireless Flash Trigger: Design & Handling

The first thing I noticed about the X3 Pro was just how compact and refined it feels compared with the older XPro. The tall, boxy design of the original has been replaced by a sleeker, lower profile that sits comfortably atop the camera, without getting in the way of dials or viewfinders.

The most significant change is the 2.4-inch LCD color touchscreen. It’s bright, responsive, and immediately makes the experience of managing multiple lights far more tactile. You simply tap to select a group, swipe to adjust power or mode, and tap again to confirm. For anyone used to navigating the button-heavy interface of older triggers, it’s a breath of fresh air.

I especially liked how color-coded groups make it easy to identify which light you’re controlling; a small detail perhaps, but one that saves real time on set. When working with multiple heads, such as the AD600 Pro II and AD200 Pro II, I could see, at a glance, which was the key light and which was the fill.

There’s also a new self-locking hotshoe mount that’s genuinely brilliant in use. Instead of twisting a locking wheel, the trigger simply clicks into place when you slide it on and releases with a single button press. It’s a small design tweak that makes a huge difference when changing quickly between setups.

The X3 Pro comes with a carry pouch, which is a nice touch, although the original X3 included a more robust protective case, and it would have been great if Godox had offered the same for the Pro.

Build quality feels solid and professional, with just enough weight at 103g to feel premium without being cumbersome. The compact form makes it ideal for both studio and location work. It doesn’t have a tilting head, but the lower profile makes the screen easy enough to view from most shooting angles. And with USB-C charging, I can keep it topped up with the same cable I use for my camera or phone – no more rummaging for spare AA batteries.

Godox X3 Pro Wireless Flash Trigger: Performance

In use, the X3 Pro performs beautifully, and by that I mean unnoticed except for when it matters. When I mounted it on my camera and powered up the AD600 Pro II, the connection was instant. No fuss, no lag, just the simple, seamless sync to the built-in receiver; the kind of efficiency I’ve come to expect from Godox.

The trigger enables you to adjust flash output, modes, remote triggering, HSS – you name it. It does everything but physically position the lights. In that sense, it feels less like a trigger and more like a command centre sitting on top of your camera.

I also used it to control a modelling lamp and its intensity. Being able to increase the lamp’s power to nail focus, then dim it back down, all without moving from my shooting position, is a real time- and atmosphere-saver. It helps to keep the flow of the shoot uninterrupted and the subject relaxed, which is especially valuable in a studio setting.

The X3 Pro introduces a range of Pro Shooting modes. One-Shoot, which sends only the trigger signal, is perfect for simple single-shooter setups. All-Shoot delivers both settings and trigger signals, ideal for group sessions or multi-photographer teams. There is also an L-858 Mode, which works with Sekonic L-858 light meters for precise, meter-based flash control.

A Creative Shutter Control function lets you program single-shot, time-lapse, and long-exposure sequences directly via the touchscreen. You can control exposure duration, intervals, and shot count, and trigger via the PC sync port or Godox XR/TR-RX receivers, thereby minimizing camera vibration and freeing you from excessive menu-diving.

Adjusting settings is fast and intuitive with the touchscreen. Tap a group, slide the power, done. I was able to fine-tune my lighting while keeping my eye on the scene rather than being buried in menus, and forgetting which light was on which channel.

The touchscreen performed well in both bright and dim conditions, and I experienced no accidental taps or missed presses, which, for a touchscreen, was surprising. For those who prefer tactile control, however, there’s still a physical dial and a couple of key buttons, maintaining a good balance between touch and tradition.

The wireless range remains solid and dependable at a stated 100m. TTL and HSS worked flawlessly, and battery life was impressive. After several sessions, I’d barely dented the built-in lithium battery, and being able to top it up with USB-C charging made life even easier.

The X3 Pro also integrates neatly with the Godox app, enabling you to control your lights remotely from a smartphone or tablet. For me, though, the appeal of this new trigger lies in not needing the app at all; it’s so streamlined that everything I need is right there on the screen.

If you’re shooting tethered or managing complex multi-light setups, the combination of app and trigger offers an incredibly powerful ecosystem. But for day-to-day shoots, the X3 Pro alone handles everything with elegance and speed.

Godox X3 Pro Wireless Flash Trigger: Verdict

The Godox X3 Pro isn’t about reinventing flash triggering; rather, it’s about refining it. For years, the XPro was the workhorse that tied the Godox system together, but this new model brings a level of finesse and usability that makes lighting feel less like a technical chore and more like part of the creative flow.

It’s smaller, faster, and far more intuitive. The touchscreen, color-coded interface, and new Pro Shooting and Creative Shutter modes may sound like minor upgrades on paper, but in practice, they make a huge difference. And the built-in rechargeable battery is a winner.

Whether you’re a portrait photographer working with one key light or a professional managing a complex studio setup, the X3 Pro delivers fluid control that helps you stay focused on the image rather than the interface.

If you already own an XPro, you’ll recognize the familiar reliability, but the X3 Pro feels like the future of Godox lighting control.

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The most frustrating part of learning off-camera flash is getting the flash to sync with the camera consistently every time – but an unusual new flash has arrived that doesn’t need manual pairing when used off-camera. The Godox iT32 is a modular flash with a magnetic hotshoe that doubles as a wireless transmitter for unusual versatility on-camera and off.

The Godox iT32 itself doesn’t actually have a hotshoe mount. For that, there’s the Godox X5, which is both the iT32’s hotshoe mount and a wireless trigger.

The iT32 connects with the X5 using magnets, which means photographers can move from on-camera flash to off-camera flash without unlocking the flash and sliding it out of the hot shoe slot.

But Godox also says that the iT32 doesn’t need to be manually synced with the X5 trigger. The iT32 syncs automatically with the X5 and automatically switches to trigger mode when detached, so photographers can pull the flash off the camera and keep shooting without manual pairing.

The X5 trigger is designed to simplify off-camera flash by functioning as both the transmitter and the iT32’s hotshoe slot. The X5 trigger isn’t as advanced as Godox’s other triggers, but if the X5 and iT32 are physically connected, it can control multiple Godox flashes.

Separated, the X5 can only control select 2.4GHz Godox lights up to 20 meters away, but the range is up to 80m when both the flash and trigger are used together to control other Godox lights. The X5 itself has no screen, though the transmitter’s two buttons can be used to remotely increase or decrease exposure and swap from TTL to manual mode and back.

When used together, however, the iT32 has a touchscreen that works to control the various options and settings along with the side dial and buttons. Those options include TTL and manual modes, high-speed sync, first curtain sync, second curtain sync, and multi-flash mode. The flash is rated to a GN18 guide number with a 1.5s recycle time and about 510 flashes per charge.

The other perk of the magnetic hot shoe design is that the iT32 works with any major camera brand. Photographers using multiple brands only need to purchase multiple X5 hot shoes (the cheapest component of the new modular flash) in order to use the same flash across multiple camera brands and still have full TTL functionality.

Besides the magnetic attachment to the hotshoe/transmitter, the Godox iT32 also supports magnetic flash gels and a diffuser.

While the X5 and iT32 are sold separately, both pieces are required to use the flash. The iT32 needs that hot-shoe component for on-camera and off-camera use.

The iT32 retails for about $79 (about £60 / AU$121 / CA$111), with the X5 trigger selling for around $20 to $25, depending on the mount (about £19 / AU$38 / CA$35). The flash system is available for pre-order, including at B&H in the US; Godox hasn’t yet shared a ship date.

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Godox has released the ML80Bi and ML150Bi bi-color LED lights, designed to deliver at high outputs, while maintaining compact and portable form factors.

This is possible due to the introduction of the ML-Z Zoom Lens Reflector, which is said to boost the ML80Bi's performance levels akin to conventional 100W LEDs, and increase the brightness of the ML150Bi tenfold. This results in the ML80Bi hitting 29,600 lux and the ML150Bi reaching 61,054 lux (both at 5600K, 1m).

The lights’ modular designs enable them to be paired with a range of magnetic accessories, including stackable diffusers and barn doors, alongside full compatibility with the Godox Mount ecosystem, providing access to softboxes, collapsible diffusers, and more.

Alone, the ML80Bi measures 3.78 x 3.58 x 2.91" and weighs 519g / 1.14lbs, with the ML150Bi measuring 3.58 x 4.53 x 3.58″ and weighing in at 770g / 1.70 lbs. Both lights can operate down to 14°F / -10°C, and boast a CRI and TLCI rating of 96.

The ML80Bi comes with the ML-BA battery, providing over 60 minutes of full-power output, while the ML150Bi comes with a wall-socket adapter. Both lights can be paired with NP-F and V-Mount-compatible plates. For the strongest output, Godox recommends pairing the ML150Bi with the ML-VMA adapter plate and a V-Mount battery.

Near Field Communication (NFC) technology can be used to control both lights via a proprietary bluetooth smartphone app up to a distance of 30 meters, while the ML150Bi also offers wireless DMX / CRMX for expanded control options in studio and broadcast environments.

In the box, the ML80Bi comes with a protective cover, storage bag, ML-BA battery, Holder AD-E2, ML-Z Zoom Lens Reflector and USB-C charging cord. The ML150Bi comes with a protective cover, storage bag, Holder AD-E2, ML-Z Zoom Lens Reflector, power cord, adapter and ML-VMA Adapter Plate.

The Godox ML80Bi retails for $229 (UK and Australian pricing to be confirmed) while the ML150Bi is priced at $259.

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When it comes to wireless flash triggers, most of us want one thing: reliability. If it fires when I press the shutter, I’m happy. That’s why I was pleasantly surprised when the Godox X3 was introduced a while back; it not only worked flawlessly with my setup but actually made lighting feel simpler. It’s been a game-changer for my shoots, connecting instantly and never misfiring once.

Now Godox has announced the X3 Pro, and it feels like it's taking that already rock-solid formula and evolving it into something far more ambitious.

The X3 Pro is more like a command center for your lighting than a flash trigger. The first thing you notice is the 2.4-inch touchscreen, which replaces fiddly button-driven menus I’ve grown used to over the years.

It supports up to four groups simultaneously for real-time monitoring and control, but the system can handle up to sixteen groups in total. That’s a big deal if you’re running multi-light setups, as it eliminates guessing. No more menu-diving; just tap, adjust and shoot.

The creative shutter control features are exciting. You can now program single-shot, time-lapse and long-exposure sequences directly through the trigger itself – no extra intervalometers or clunky workarounds. This versatility saves time on location and opens up new ways to work with both flash and ambient light.

Connectivity has also been taken up a notch. The X3 Pro has Bluetooth integration, enabling you to pair it with the Godox Flash app to adjust power, groups and settings from your phone or tablet. I can already see how handy this would be on larger shoots, where the trigger isn’t always in reach or when I want to fine-tune lighting without walking back to the camera.

Under the hood, the X3 Pro builds on the proven 2.4GHz Godox Wireless X system, which I’ve come to trust. With 32 channels and 16 groups, it’s designed to stay rock-solid even in busy environments where interference could be an issue. And for those who like precision, there’s compatibility with the Sekonic L-858 light meter, which means meter-based syncing for ultra-accurate results.

Power isn’t going to be a problem, either. The built-in lithium battery promises up to a month of standby time and, with USB-C fast charging, you’re fully recharged in just two hours!

ABOVE: Watch the X3 Pro launch video

From my perspective as someone who’s lived with the original X3, this new Pro model looks like the natural evolution. I’ve relied on the X3 for its consistency and I’ve yet to see it miss a beat. Knowing Godox, I expect the X3 Pro will keep that same reliability while adding layers of control that will appeal to working photographers who demand speed and precision.

So why should you care? If you’re already in the Godox ecosystem, this feels like the most complete, forward-thinking trigger they’ve ever released. It’s compact, powerful, and designed to keep pace with the realities of modern shooting.

The Godox X3 Pro Wireless Flash Trigger is available for Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Sony, and OM System cameras. And available to order now for $99 (UK and Australian pricing to be confirmed)

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When it comes to flash, I’ve invested in Godox for work and play. I’ve been using a pair of Godox Ving V860III flashguns and a companion Godox XPro i-TTL RF wireless trigger for a couple of years now, for paid photo assignments and just for fun, pairing them with my Nikon Z system cameras. I’ve also been impressed with the Godox V1, Godox V1 Pro and Godox V100 flashguns, all of which feature a round rather than rectangular flash tube. For my money, they’re among the best flashguns on the market, and there are also the relatively tiny Godox iM20 and Godox iM22, which are manual flashes designed to work with a wide range of cameras.

The ML-150II Macro Ring Flash follows suit, with ‘universal’ appeal that enables it to work with any camera that has a central triggering pin in a standard-sized hotshoe. There are therefore no dedicated options and, unlike the more advanced, retro-styled Godox iA32, it lacks auto flash metering courtesy of a built-in light meter or optical slave modes. Even so, it aims to be a worthy competitor as one of the best macro ring flash kits on the budget-friendly side of the market.

Godox ML-150II: Specifications

Godox ML-150II: Price

Advanced macro flash kits from the likes of Canon and Nikon can cost anything up to $1,079 / £1,129 / AU$1,749 for the Canon Macro Twin Lite MT-26EX-RT, or $880 / £900 / AU$980 for the Nikon R1 Close-Up Speedlight Remote Kit and SU-800 commander unit. That’s a lot of money, even if you’re a pro photographer specializing in macro.

At the budget end of the scale, there’s the K&F Concept KF-150 Macro Ring Flash in Canon and Nikon dedicated versions, at $116 / £100 / AU$180, and the Neewer RF1 Macro Ring Flash at $108 / £130 / AU$168, which comes in Canon, Nikon and Sony dedicated options. In some world regions, the Godox ML-150II Macro Ring Flash undercuts them all, with a typical purchase price of $89 / £99 / AU$170, but it's a comparatively straightforward kit.

Godox ML-150II: Design & Handling

Think macro ring flash and you’re probably thinking of a two-piece kit that includes a control unit and a circular flash unit, joined together by a curly cable. And you’d be absolutely right in this case. While some macro flash kits like the Canon and Nikon ones I mentioned earlier have dual flash heads that you can position at various angles, ‘ring’ flash has a circular tube, as its name suggests. That’s definitely the design ethos behind the Godox ML-150II, but it’s a little different than most.

The K&F Concept and Neewer kits that I’ve mentioned above come in various dedicated options, to suit specific camera brands. Typical advantages include automatic TTL (Through The Lens) flash exposure metering and both of these kits also deliver programmable ‘Multi’ stroboscopic/repeat flash modes. That said, you might well not feel the need for a Multi flash mode in macro shooting, and the K&F Concept kit that I tried in its Nikon dedicated version only enabled Auto TTL flash with select DSLRs, but not with mirrorless Z-system cameras. That puts the Godox on more of an equal footing. It can be a bit of a moot point anyway, as many photographers (myself included) prefer to set the flash power manually for extreme close-up shooting.

The only real inconvenience is that with no dedication, the host camera doesn’t even know there’s a flash unit slotted into the hotshoe, switched on and ready to roll. With mirrorless cameras, you’re likely to need to switch off ‘live exposure preview’, as well as shooting in Manual exposure mode and changing the white balance to its ‘Flash’ setting.

A telltale sign of the lack of dedication is that the hotshoe of the Godox control unit only has a single connection pin at its center, rather than any peripheral pins. This is used for triggering the flash from any camera that has a regular hotshoe. And even if it doesn’t, you can often get a hotshoe converter for cameras that feature a non-standard hotshoe. There’s also a PC Sync socket on the side for cable-fed triggering.

With no alternative flash modes nor any auto flash metering and therefore no flash exposure compensation, the layout of the control unit is very simple. Instead of the usual LCD information panel and plethora of pushbuttons, plus a 4-way pad or rotary dial, the Godox gets back to basics. All you have to contend with is an on/off switch, a test fire button, and a pair of +/- buttons for turning the brightness up or down. It really couldn’t get any simpler, but you do get an illuminated display to show the current power setting.

The overall power range stretches from 1/32^nd to 1/1 full-power output. That’s not overly generous, considering that many macro ring flash kits offer two further full EV steps of power reduction, down to 1/128^th, and that the power is adjustable in 1/3^rd EV increments rather than the half EV steps of the Godox.

While the control unit is pretty much as universal as possible, the same goes for lenses with which you can use the kit. There’s a generous provision of eight attachment rings supplied in the kit, catering to lenses with a filter thread of 49, 52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 72 or 77mm in size. That covers all popular options from a very small 49mm right up to 77mm. As is usually the case, 77mm is the largest you can go, as it’s somewhat governed by the size of the flash unit itself. Suffice it to say that the kit should be compatible with pretty much any and every macro lens.

It’s not just the control unit that’s pared down for the ultimate in simplicity. The same applies to the flash unit. Most macro ring flashes that I’ve used have independent semi-circular tubes on the left and right, as well as LED lamps at the top and bottom. Both of the K&F Concept and Neewer kits are designed in this way. A key factor of ring flash for macro photography is that it delivers uniform, shadowless lighting. However, if you have two left and right tubes, you can alter the power ratio between them, to add a desired amount of shadow and 3D modelling.

That’s not possible with the Godox, as it simply has a single, fully circular tube. The lack of LED lamps at the top and bottom means there’s also nothing on offer for AF-assist or modelling lamps. One plus point of having a single, uninterrupted and fully circular tube is if you’re using the flash for portraiture rather than macro photography. In this case, you’ll be able to get those desirable and perfectly circular, halo-shaped catchlights in the eyes of the person you’re photographing. There’s always an upside!

Most of the Godox flashguns I’ve used, both large and small as well as in-between, feature a rechargeable Li-ion battery pack. It tends to be hot-swappable in the medium to large flashguns and built into the small ones. Advantages typically include super-speedy recycle speeds even after a full-power flash, and plenty of stamina so you can keep shooting long after traditional batteries have died.

This macro ring flash kit takes a more conventional approach, running on a set of four AA batteries. Godox reckons you can get from 300 to 1,000 flashes from a set of batteries, depending on power settings, and claims a nippy recycle speed of 2 seconds after a full-power flash. Naturally, you can use alkaline batteries, but I’d always go for a set of the best rechargeable AA batteries, which maintain relatively fast recycle speeds until they’re exhausted, and are then easy to recharge so you can use them over and over again.

Godox ML-150II: Performance

I’m not actually a massive fan of Auto TTL flash metering. That’s especially true when it comes to extreme close-up and full macro photography. I think it’s easy to get a feel for how much flash power you need when working at very short distances. It’s simple to dial in the required manual power setting, review the results as you shoot, and make any fine-tuning adjustments as you go. I tested the Godox ring flash with my trusty Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro, which has a fairly typical working distance between the front of the lens and the subject of about 6 inches, at its shortest focus setting for maximum macro magnification. That really is close, so you don’t need a whole lot of flash power.

As it turned out, the absolute minimum power setting of the Godox was about right for an aperture of around f/11 to f/16, depending on subject matter, when using my camera’s base sensitivity setting of ISO 100. Again, that’s at the shortest focus length and a working distance of 6 inches or so. I used these settings to take the following test shot of a Rotary wristwatch.

The quality of light in terms of white balance and color spectrum remain impressively consistent throughout the entire flash range, right down to the lowest power settings. That’s a particular challenge for flash technology, based on IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) electronics. The color pencils in the following shot have accurate color rendition but, without the split/dual left and right flash tubes, I was unable to accentuate texture and shadows in the bare wood areas of the pencils around the sharpened tips.

The claimed maximum power output of Gn 12 (ISO 100, meters) is only about as strong as you might expect from a tiny pop-up flash, if and when featured in a camera. It bears repeating, though, that relatively little power is required, due to the flash ring being positioned on the front end of a macro lens for extreme close-up photography, at very close working distances. Indeed, too much flash power at the minimum setting can be more of a problem.

When testing the Godox with a flash meter, I got a reading of Gn 8 at the maximum power setting. That’s rather lower than the claimed Gn 12, but I often find this scenario when testing flashguns. The built-in diffusion cover no doubt reduces the power of the bare flash tube, but has the advantage of softening the quality of light and reducing unwanted specular highlights. Either way, I found that at greater distances for looser close-ups, there was still plenty of power on tap.

Performance in terms of recycling speed proved pretty good. I found that the Godox nearly lived up to its claims of a 2-second recycling speed after a full-power flash, turning in a time of 2.4 seconds. As I’d expect, recycling after relatively low-power flashes is virtually instantaneous – time to get snap-happy!

The Godox has done well to reveal the finest levels of detail in the macro shot of a cut flower above, and of a tray of seeds below.

Godox ML-150II: Lab Results

We test all available features for each flashgun that goes through out labs. To test power output, we use a Sekonic flash meter placed at a distance of one meter from each flashgun. We check the complete range of manual power settings, in one-stop increments. Based on a sensitivity of ISO 100, the figures correlate directly with the Gn (Guide number) in meters. The results are double-checked by taking shots of a gray card with the appropriate lens apertures and using the camera’s histogram display in playback mode. We also use the gray card to test the accuracy and consistency of Auto and Auto TTL flash metering, where featured.

We check the speed with which each flashgun can recycle to a state of readiness, throughout its range of power settings, culminating in a full-power flash. We use freshly charged Ni-MH rechargeable batteries for this, or the supplied rechargeable Li-ion battery pack where featured in some flashguns.

The table below shows both the power output (Gn, ISO 100, meters) at each full EV step through the complete power range, from minimum to maximum output. The recycle speed in seconds is shown for the same settings.

Godox ML-150II: Verdict

These days, many of us are big fans of automation, from our coffee machines to the transmission in our automobiles. Delegate the work to someone/something else. This Godox macro ring flash is a purely manual affair, requiring a tiny bit more effort. But do you know what? I just don’t care. I think there’s a lot to be said for being Lord Of The Flash and being in complete control, having things exactly like you want them to be, and that goes for the intensity of ring flash in close-up photography.

Sure, I do miss the ability to set different power settings for a ratio between the left and right side of the ring flash, but the Godox is supremely straightforward and easy to use. It excels in delivering uniform, shadowless lighting for macro photography. All things considered, it’s a good bit of kit at a very affordable price.

Alternatives

Godox has announced a new range of COB LED lights in its Litemons lineup, the LE200Bi, LE300Bi, and LE600Bi, designed to give creators a combination of punchy output, high color accuracy, and simplified setup.

What stands out immediately is the all-in-one design: unlike many high-powered LED lighting kits that rely on separate power bricks, the LE series integrates everything into the body of the light itself. For those of us who often shoot in tight spaces or need to move gear quickly, that kind of portability and reduced cable clutter is a welcome advantage.

The specs suggest these lights can deliver serious performance. At one meter with a reflector attached, the LE200Bi pushes 57,700 lux, while the LE300Bi reaches 58,900 lux, figures that put them into territory normally reserved for larger and more expensive fixtures.

Godox hasn’t yet published the full lux ratings for the LE600Bi, but as the top model in the lineup, it’s clearly designed to offer even more output, aimed at larger sets or productions where raw power is key.

All three lights boast a CRI and TLCI up to 98, which should mean reliable skin tones and faithful color across different setups. For anyone moving between livestreaming, short films, and stills photography, where accuracy and consistency are crucial.

Flexibility also looks to be a big part of the appeal. The lights offer adjustable color temperature and a suite of 11 built-in FX modes, ranging from TV flicker to candlelight. On paper at least, that makes them useful not just for straightforward key lighting, but also for adding atmosphere on set without extra gear.

Control options are another area where Godox has pushed forward. The LE series supports DMX and CRMX via TimoLink RX, along with Bluetooth through the Godox Light App. There’s even NFC and a Bluetooth reset button to make multi-light setups less of a headache. And like other Godox COB lights, these are built with a Bowens mount, keeping them compatible with a huge ecosystem of modifiers.

Above: A video of the new Godox Litemons LE series of COB lights

The fixtures are built into metal housings with quiet cooling systems, which suggests they’ll hold up for longer shoots without overheating or intrusive fan noise. For me, as I’m leaning further into video production, that reliability is as important as raw brightness.

Much like many Godox products, the pricing is pitched toward accessibility. The LE200Bi launches at $249 (intro price $219) and the LE300Bi at $299 (intro price $239), with the LE600Bi sitting above them as the flagship. Godox hasn’t confirmed its retail pricing yet, but it’s positioned as the heavy hitter of the series. UK and Australian pricing is also to be confirmed.

I haven’t had a chance to try them in person yet, but as someone who already relies on Godox lights for photography, this feels like an important addition to the lineup. The blend of power, portability, and pro-level control at this price point makes the LE series look like a smart option for those of us moving deeper into video while still needing reliable tools for photography.

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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.

Godox XPro TTL/HSS: Specifications

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Alternatives

Godox has officially unveiled the AD400 Pro II, the long-anticipated update to its popular mid-range portable studio flash head, available to preorder now for $649 / £663 / AU$971. The new strobe will also be sold as the Flashpoint XPLOR 400 Pro II in the US, for $649 at Adorama.

The release brings many of the refinements first introduced in the AD200 Pro II and AD600 Pro II, giving this 400Ws strobe new levels of speed, precision, and usability.

I’ve used Godox photography lighting kits for years, and this feels like an important step forward. The AD200 Pro built much of my portrait career, while the AD600 Pro gave me the power I needed for bigger commercial shoots. When the second-generation versions arrived, their refinements were immediately noticeable, and now those same improvements have made their way to the AD400 Pro II, the model that sits perfectly between portability and punch.

Above: The video reveal of the Godox AD400 Pro II

One of the biggest changes is One-Tap Sync with the Godox X3 Trigger, for instantaneous connection straight out of the box. Godox has also added 16 color group indicator lights, a small but incredibly useful detail for quickly identifying and adjusting multiple lights on set.

Performance-wise, the AD400 Pro II delivers 400Ws of output with up to 460 full-power flashes per charge. It supports high-speed sync up to 1/8000s and introduces a Freeze mode capable of flash durations as short as 1/27,770sec. With recycle times as quick as 0.01s, it’s built for capturing fast action without missing a moment.

The 30W bi-color modeling lamp offers adjustable brightness and color temperature from 2800K to 6000K, making it useful not just for stills but also for limited video work. Fine control is another highlight, with 10 steps of power adjustment from 1/512 to full power, allowing for precise and repeatable results.

Godox has also focused on versatility with modifiers. The AD400 Pro II includes both a native Godox mount and a Bowens adapter, letting photographers swap easily between two of the most widely used modifier systems without compromise. For even greater flexibility, an optional H400P flexible extension head enables the light source to be positioned in tight spaces or mounted overhead while the main body stays safely out of the way.

Like the rest of the Godox ecosystem, it runs on the 2.4GHz Wireless X System, working seamlessly with the X3, XPro II, X2T, and X1 triggers, while maintaining full TTL compatibility across Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Olympus/Panasonic, Pentax, and Leica. The bright HD color display and streamlined controls make adjustments quick and intuitive, whether in the studio or on location.

Charging is fast and flexible too, as the battery can be topped up in just 1.5 hours using the UC46 USB charger, or the unit can run indefinitely on AC power with the optional AC400 adapter.

What makes the AD400 Pro II stand out to me is how well it fills the middle ground. The AD200 Pro II is perfect for ultra-portability, the AD600 Pro II is built for maximum power, but the AD400 Pro II offers the best of both worlds; compact enough to travel with, powerful enough for demanding location work, and now refined with the same upgrades that have already proven invaluable in the rest of the Godox lineup.

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Godox is launching a new hotshoe riser accessory that will solve a number of annoying problems that frustrate flash photographers.

The Godox TR-S TTL Hot Shoe Riser is one of those brilliant little gizmos that is so simple you would have thought someone would have made one years ago.

In essence, it does two things. Attaching to your camera's hotshoe, it rises the level of an accessory flashgun - whilst also offering a tilting platform, that will provide the bounce option that is missing from small flash units.

Unlike the hotshoe risers of old, however, this version retains all the contacts between flash and camera, to retain all TTL and other dedicated features. Versions will be available for Sony, Nikon, Canon, Fujifilm, OM System and Panasonic flash systems.

The unit will be particularly well suited to the range of mini flash units that Godox has been launching recently – such as the iM20, or the iM22, or IT30Pro. The height of the flash is raised by 3cm, and the angle of the head can be adjusted from 0 to 90°.

Raising the flash higher is particularly useful for those who have problems with wide lenses casting a shadow across the strobe's output. And the extra separation will also help to reduce redeye.

One Reddit contributor also pointed out that this device was exactly what they had been looking for to enable the use of a Godox X3 transmitter on a caged Sony A7 IV.

The Godox Hot Shoe Riser will go on sale later this month, with Essential Photo in the UK already taking orders at £17 a piece. In the US, they are already being listed by Amazon for $18.90.

Compact cameras are surging in popularity – and so are tiny accessories. The Godox iT20 is a tiny rechargeable flash that weighs just 45g, which is about the same weight as a golf ball. Despite the flash’s small size, the iT20 delivers more than 700 flashes in one charge with a 1.5-second recycle time.

The Godox iT20 launched alongside the slightly larger iT22. Both compact flashes have both auto TTL and manual modes, the latter of which is adjustable from full power to 1/32 power. A simple mode button on the flash and plus and minus buttons with a small screen aid users in choosing the flash power.

The flashes are powered by a rechargeable li-ion battery that the company rates for up to 700 flashes, even at full power.

Both flashes are compatible with magnetic modifiers. A spreader and two colored filters are included with the flash itself, while additional magnetic diffusers, colored gels, and even a honeycomb grid are available to purchase separately.

The iT20 is the smaller, lighter of the two flashes, coming in at 41.5mm×41mm×32mm and about 45 g. The iT22 has the same battery capacity and range, but sits higher in the hot shoe mount to reach over larger lenses. The iT22 weighs around 52g and measures 40mm×64mm×28mm.

Photographers who want both the height and the small profile can pick up an optional TR TLL hot shoe riser, which will give the iT20 lift over larger lenses when needed, as well as a 90-degree tilt.

Both flashes list for about $45 in the US and about £52 in the UK, making them an affordable accessory for compact cameras and entry-level mirrorless cameras. As budget flashes, they leave out a few advanced features, including HSS for using the flash with fast shutter speeds. The flash also lacks an adjustable tilt position in order to bounce the light off of walls and ceilings. The iT20 and iT22 sit behind compact flashes like the Godox iT30, which offers HSS and wireless off-camera capabilities.

Godox has not yet shared the flash’s guide number, a rating that indicates how powerful the light is by listing how far the light will reach. As a budget, compact option, the small flash is likely to have more limited reach than Godox’s larger lights.

The Godox will be available in variations to support TTL on Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, OM System, and Panasonic camera bodies. The flash is already available at some retailers, including Amazon.

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I’ve been using Godox flashes for years, and they’ve earned a permanent spot in my kit, not just for their affordability, but for their reliability. The AD200Pro II and AD600Pro II have been rock-solid: powerful, consistent, and impressively well-built for the price. Godox has shown time and again that professional lighting doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag.

Now, with the new V480, Godox brings that same pro-level performance into a compact, on-camera TTL flash. With a guide number of 50 (GN50), high-speed sync up to 1/8000s, and battery life rated at 650 full-power flashes, the V480 is built for photographers who want control, speed, and power without adding bulk.

It features a 1.7-second recycle time at full power, powered by a 7.2V/2200mAh lithium-ion battery. That battery alone is a major win, offering long shooting sessions without the hassle of constant battery swaps.

The V480’s 2-inch HD touchscreen is a standout, offering sharp visuals and responsive control. Importantly, Godox didn’t ditch physical controls, tactile buttons are still present for those who prefer the feel of physical input. Together, the hybrid interface makes adjusting power, modes, groups, and channels fast and intuitive.

A smart new feature is the real-time distance readout. As you adjust the flash, it shows the effective exposure range directly on the screen. It’s a simple but powerful tool for bounce flash, events, or fast-paced shoots, removing guesswork and saving time on the job.

The flash includes Godox’s 2.4GHz X wireless system, meaning it functions as both transmitter and receiver. It’s fully compatible with Godox’s larger ecosystem, such as the XPro and X3 triggers, and supports 32 channels and multiple groups with a working range of up to 100 meters.

It covers all key shooting modes: TTL, Manual, Multi (stroboscopic), and High-Speed Sync, with support for Flash Exposure Compensation, Front and Rear Curtain Sync, and custom functions. Sony users with global shutter cameras can even achieve sync speeds up to 1/80,000s – a wild spec with creative potential.

Other notable features include head tilts from –7° to 120° and swivels 330°, a 10-level LED modeling lamp, and a weight of just 282g (or 361g with the battery installed).

For those looking to expand their lighting setup, the V480 works seamlessly with Godox accessories. Mount it to an S2 bracket, and you can use Bowens-mount softboxes, reflectors, and more for advanced light shaping.

The Godox V480 is available now for $229 (approx. £180 / AU$350) with dedicated versions for Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, and Olympus/Panasonic.

Camera flashes typically take up as much space as a mid-sized lens in a camera bag – but Godox says its newest light is just a quarter the size of a traditional speedlite. The Godox iT30 Pro is a compact camera flash, yet the list of specifications includes both beginner-friendly features and room to grow with advanced features like high-speed sync.

Announced earlier this month, the iT30 Pro isn’t Godox’s first tiny flash – but it is the brand’s first mini light with TTL. TTL, or Through the Lens, is essentially auto mode for flash. TTL automatically adjusts the light’s output based on the camera settings. Without TTL, photographers have to manually dial in the flash power, which can be a challenge for flash newbies.

Along with the TTL, a touchscreen design hints at a beginner-friendly design. Using that touchscreen and TTL, photographers can use flash compensation to add or reduce light, a stepping stone to learning full manual flash.

The iT30, despite its beginner-friendly TTL, still offers manual flash control. High speed-sync, a setting that allows the flash to work at shutter speeds above the camera’s compatible flash sync speed, is included. On the iT30, high-speed sync works for up to 1/8000 (and up to 1/80,000 on Sony cameras with a global shutter).

While high-speed sync is often tougher to find on a budget flash, the iT30 has a few other advanced features packed inside. The flash has a receiver built in, which means the flash can also be used off-camera with a Godox X3 or another 2.4GHz trigger. The flash also doubles as a trigger – I can see serious photographers picking one up to use both when traveling and then as a trigger for larger, more advanced flash units. This is especially true considering the iT30 Pro costs around $75 / £70 / AU$145, similar to the price of the X30 trigger.

Multi-mode is also included – this is a mode that fires the flash multiple times in one image, creating a duplicating effect, sort of like a double exposure, but in one image. Photographers also have access to front and rear curtain sync settings.

The compact flash unit weighs 120g, measuring 65mm on the longest side for a pocketable design. The battery is built-in rather than removable, however, and recharges via USB-C.

Small isn’t always a good thing when it comes to flash, however. A smaller light tends to create harsher shadows, although the iT30 has a built-in diffuser. The GN15 guide number indicates a lower power flash good for subjects around 15 feet from the camera, though that reach can be extended by using higher ISOs. The small size also means the iT30 doesn’t tilt to bounce the light off the ceiling, and compatibility with modifiers will likely also be far more limited.

While the Godox iT30 has some limitations, with the popularity of compact cameras, the tiny flash could be a popular option. The TTL is beginner-friendly, while the HSS and its ability to use it as a trigger indicate a bit of potential room to grow. I personally would need swappable batteries to choose the iT30 instead of a trigger so I could swap them out when the batteries died, but for short shoots, that USB-C charging looks convenient.

The Godox iT30 Pro is available for pre-order for $75/£67 now. The compact flash comes in variations that support Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus/Panasonic, and Sony; at this time, the flash doesn’t offer Leica, Pentax, or Ricoh variants.

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Lighting giant Godox is developing a new compact hot shoe flash. In a teaser image shared to social media this week, Godox hints that the brand will soon launch a TTL Mini Flash – and the photograph already hints at a few changes compared to the brand’s existing lineup.

The company teased the Godox TTL Mini Flash with a photo of the back of what looks like a compax box-shaped flash unit. From the back of the screen, I can see icons for manual flash down to at least 1/128 power, multiple channel options, and even high-speed sync.

“We've reimagined the flash you thought you knew — smart, sleek, and full of surprises,” Godox writes.

The brief teaser already highlights a few improvements over similar tiny options like the Godox iM30 Mini. The image in the teaser looks a bit like the silhouette of the iM30 as well, including a circular shape at the top, which could be like the iM30’s manual flash control dial.

That earlier $35 / £32 flash is fully manual, but the teaser for the new flash says it is TTL while also showing manual flash options in the image. That means the upcoming flash should have both auto and manual flash control.

The H icon with a lightning bolt is also worth getting excited about. HSS, or high-speed sync, is a feature that allows a flash to be used with higher shutter speeds beyond the flash limitation of the camera body. Many budget flashes don’t offer HSS.

Digging through the teaser comments on Instagram reveals more hints about the upcoming photo accessory. The comments further confirm TTL, but a comment by Godox also hints at wireless control. Another comment noted that the flash won’t have global shutter support.

The company responded, “You might just win this,” referring to the guessing game giveaway on the teaser for one particular comment. That comment wishlisted a smartphone app remote trigger, along with Bluetooth or 2.4Ghz and NFC connectivity, and the ability to trigger other lights with it.

With the compact camera market making a rebound, I can see a compact flash being quite popular. But flashes this size tend to have lower power, along with being limited in on compatibility with modifiers and lacking the tilt option to bounce the flash off a wall or ceiling. I think Godox will need to keep the price fairly low for the upcoming flash to gain traction. While a compact flash may be more limited, those restrictions don’t matter for artists who want to create that direct flash look, which does seem to go hand-in-hand with the retro look that’s popular right now.

Fans can comment on Godox’s Instagram post with their guesses of upcoming features for a chance to win one of the new flashes in a giveaway.

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Godox has officially announced the BG02 Battery Grip, a new power solution designed to enhance portability and flexibility for photographers and videographers.

Godox has built a strong reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality yet affordable lighting systems, from powerful flashes to versatile LED light panels. Their products are widely used by both professionals and enthusiasts, offering impressive performance at competitive prices. The new BG02 Battery Grip is yet another example of how Godox continues to innovate, enhancing the user experience by providing greater flexibility and convenience in lighting setups.

The Godox BG02 features a 95Wh capacity battery ensuring it is airline-friendly and a great option for both studio and location shoots. Designed to extend battery life and improve shooting versatility, the BG02 powers select Godox flashes and LED lights through USB-C and D-tap dual output options.

It features 1/4"-20 mounting points on the top, side, and bottom, ensuring compatibility with a range of setups, and the 180° tilt adjustment enables precise light positioning. The BG02 enables off-camera flexibility, giving photographers more control over lighting angles and positioning. This makes it particularly useful for on-the-go photographers who require a compact yet powerful power source.

As a photographer who frequently shoots with the Godox AD200 Pro II, I can see this being a useful addition to my kit. When working in the field, having reliable backup power is essential, especially on longer shoots where access to power sources can be limited. The BG02 offers the confidence and security to shoot without worrying about battery depletion, making it a crucial tool for extended sessions.

Whether handing it to an assistant for off-camera flash support or using it myself to ensure my flashes remain powered throughout the day, this ergonomically designed grip could provide a level of flexibility that enhances both ease of use and creative possibilities.

The Godox BG02 is available to preorder now at B&H Photo priced at $99.00 (Approximately £75 / AU $155) and is compatible with AD200, AD200Pro, AD200Pro II, AD300Pro flashes, ML100Bi, ML100R, and FH series LED lights.

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Now more than ever people are creating content with their camera phones, and with an increased demand for quality aesthetics, lighting has just as much a part to play as a great camera – enter Godox.

Photography and lighting specialist Godox, known alternatively as Flashpoint or Wistro in other regions, has just announced the Godox MA5R, a pocket-sized tool that combines a full-color LED light with a magnetic wireless power bank. Designed for content creators on the go, it blends portability and versatility providing convenient access to professional lighting for capturing spontaneous moments.

The MA5R is incredibly lightweight and portable as it is intended to be used while magnetically attached to the rear of a camera phone. It boasts a profile just 13mm deep making it easy to carry around in a pocket, purse, or even on the phone.

This gadget has a split yet harmonious personality, with one side serving as a pocket 5W LED light that provides 220 minutes of continuous maximum output, and the other side, a magnetic wireless power bank.

The MA5R has some pretty impressive features squeezed into its tiny form factor. It has a bi-color and adjustable color temperature range of 1800K to 10000K which can cool or warm the scene. The MA5R also provides 'full-color versatility' which Godox states, "allows you to customize the lighting to fit your mood". In addition, it includes 14 pre-programmed special effects, popular among higher-end video production lights.

Another ingenious piece of design feature on this light is a separate selfie light, positioned on the opposite side of the main light. This enables users to horizontally turn the light on the magnet to present a small light on the side of the camera phone facilitating a fill light option for enhancing selfies and vlogging.

The power bank feature enables you to charge your phone when out and about, providing up to 220 minutes of extra power, which if you are creating content, can drain quicker than is ideal. The MA5R can also be controlled via the Godox light app, supporting both NFC and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Godox MA5R will be available in six vibrant color options – red, white, pink, green, black, and blue. Godox has not yet provided a release date for the light however it is more than likely to be coming in the early part of 2025, and is priced at just $49 (UK and Australian pricing to be confirmed).

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Godox has wasted no time kicking off 2025 with a bang. Just days into the new year, the brand has already introduced two new mini flashes and a wireless microphone kit. But they’re not stopping there – joining the line-up is the Godox iA32, a compact flash that promises to offer even more versatility for photographers on the go.

Earlier this week, Godox, known as Flashpoint and Wistro in different regions, unveiled the iM20 and iM22 compact flashes. Now, the iA32 joins the iFlash family, bringing a fresh set of features to the table for enthusiasts and casual photographers looking to level up their snapshots.

The iA32 is designed with everyday moments in mind. Its compact size and lightweight build make it an excellent companion for everything from mirrorless to travel cameras. Thanks to its integrated all-in-one design, it's easy to keep the flash on your camera or toss it in a bag or pocket – ensuring you're never without a reliable light source when you need it most.

What sets the iA32 apart from its smaller siblings is its rotating dial. With a simple turn, you can adjust the light emission angle from -7° to 90°, giving you more control over your lighting setup. While this is a direct fill flash, the ability to rotate the light source vertically allows for bounce flash techniques, offering more versatility than other flashes in the iFlash lineup.

The iA32 also stands out with its two distinct shooting modes: Auto and Manual. In Auto Mode, you can set the ISO and aperture values, and the flash will display the recommended shooting distance right on the panel. Meanwhile, Manual Mode allows for finer control over flash power, with eight power levels (ranging from 1/128 to full power) in 1/3-step increments, giving you the flexibility to fine-tune your exposure.

While the iA32 does not come with the built-in battery and USB-C charging found in the iM20 and iM22, it uses two AA batteries for power. Despite the difference, you can expect a recycling time of 2.5 seconds and up to 490 flashes at full power, depending on the battery type used.

Above: A video showcasing the Godox iA32

The Godox iA32 is compatible with most major camera brands, thanks to its single contact point on the hot shoe. However, it's always a good idea to double-check compatibility with your specific camera model before making a purchase.

Godox has yet to confirm an official release date for the iA32, but retailers like B&H Photo are already accepting preorders, so it shouldn’t be too long before it hits the shelves. With a retail price of $49.90 (with UK and Australian pricing to be confirmed), this compact flash is set to be an affordable and versatile option for photographers looking for a dependable flash solution.

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Godox’s latest wireless mic system packs 24-bit audio and a 10-hour battery life into a device barely wider than a US quarter. The new Godox Cube-C is a wireless mic system designed for any camera – from mirrorless to a smartphone. The base package with a single mic starts at $59 while a two-mic kit starts at $99. The company hasn’t yet shared pricing or availability for outside the US.

The new Godox Cube-C is a wireless microphone set designed for tasks like interviews, vlogging, content creation and mobile journalism. Each wireless mic is 0.98 x 0.96 x 0.49 inches – a width only slightly wider (though much thicker) than a US quarter. The mic weighs just 7g, according to Godox.

The wireless mics can be attached with magnets or a traditional clip, as well as the option to wear one like a necklace around a lanyard. The base package includes one mic and a camera receiver, as well as the necessary case and cords. However, Godox offers a handful of different kit options, including one that comes with both a camera receiver and a USB-C smartphone receiver as well as two-mic kits for interviews.

ABOVE: Watch the Godox Cube-C launch video

Despite the small size, the Cube-C boasts specs like 48Hz/24bit sampling rates, Automatic Level Control, dual-mode noise reduction, and a >70dB Signal-to-Noise-Ratio. A Safety Track mode will also record a second 6dB audio as a backup to the original. The wireless mics are rated to work up to 300 meters / 984 feet away.

The wireless mics charge in the included case, much like a pair of AirPods. Each mic’s battery lasts for about 10 hours and, with enough energy stored in the case to charge three times, creators can get 40 hours of use out of the system before needing an outlet. The case is also about 30% smaller than previous iterations, Godox says.

The Godox Cube-C will come in multiple different combo options, from a single mic kit to two mics with two receivers. Each combo includes a case, wind screen, lanyard, clip, magnetic clip, cables, and a set of stickers to decorate the exterior of the mic. The mic kit is available in black or white colors. While Godox hasn’t shared a launch date yet, the mic is available for pre-order from some retailers starting at $59.

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2025 has just begun, and photography and video lighting specialist Godox has already introduced two new on-camera flashes designed for creators on the go – the Godox iM20 and iM22.

These compact and lightweight flash options can seamlessly integrate into your portable camera setup. While they are primarily designed for compact and travel cameras, they can also enhance performance on DSLR and mirrorless cameras, providing an additional light source when needed.

The iM20 and iM22 weigh just 31 grams and 34 grams, respectively, and measure 3.9 x 3.8 x 29.5 cm and 5.7 x 4.0 x 22 cm. This makes them ideal for carrying with you at all times, whether mounted on a camera or stored in a bag or pocket. Adding a burst of flash to travel and street photography can elevate your shots and enhance creativity, making portability essential.

These new flashes build upon the popular Godox iM30, featuring a compact design while also incorporating an updated and modern interface. The main difference between the two models lies in their design. The iM20 is shorter and sits closer to the top of the camera, making it ideal for smaller fixed-lens cameras. In contrast, the iM22 is taller, allowing for higher light emission, which is helpful when using larger lenses. Aside from these physical differences and the position of the light source, both flashes are identical in functionality.

Each flash is equipped with an internal lithium battery that ensures stable output with a fast recycling time of just 3 seconds. This design keeps them lightweight and portable, while the integrated USB-C charging port allows for quick recharging, providing up to 440 full-power flashes.

With five light level adjustments, these flashes can effectively enhance your images – whether filling in shadows on a sunny day or serving as the key light during nighttime outings. Their versatility makes them both fun and practical, and they can help you achieve that popular '90s nostalgia trending on social media.

The Godox iM20 and iM22 are compatible with most camera brands and are designed to be ready for immediate use straight out of the box, though it's advisable to double-check compatibility before purchasing.

No specific release date has been announced by Godox, but these flashes are expected to be available in early 2025, with retailers like B&H Photo already taking preorders. The retail price is $33.90 for the US, while pricing for the UK and Australia is yet to be confirmed.

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Godox has just announced the release of the newest addition to its on-camera flash lineup, the Godox V100 – and it's setting new standards!

Sitting just below the Godox AD200 Pro II in terms of power and functionality, the V100 is aimed at photographers who need an advanced yet compact on-camera flash – set to become a wedding photographer's best friend! With an impressive 100Ws maximum output (in manual mode), this flash sets a new standard in its category, offering enhanced creative possibilities for photography enthusiasts and professionals alike.

The Godox V100 delivers up to 100Ws of power, not often measured in Ws it marks a significant leap for an on-camera flash. This high output, combined with adjustable power levels ranging from 1/1 to 1/256, ensures versatility for various lighting needs. Whether you're adding subtle fill light or creating a bold, dramatic scene, the V100 can adapt with a level of control that enables photographers to push the boundaries of their creativity, making it suitable for everything from portraits to event photography.

A standout feature of the V100 is its 2.3-inch full-color touchscreen. The high-sensitivity display offers a smooth and responsive interface, making it easier to adjust power settings, activate high-speed sync, switch between TTL and manual modes, and pair devices. The intuitive menu design streamlines the user experience, enabling photographers to focus more on their craft and less on navigating complex settings. This is key as on-camera flash shooters are typically working in a faster-paced environment.

For photographers who demand precision and speed, the V100 is a perfect companion as it is compatible with the latest mirrorless cameras such as those with global shutters, like the Sony A9 III. It supports shutter speeds up to an incredible 1/80,000 seconds and coupled with TTL functionality, the V100 excels in high-speed continuous shooting, making it an ideal choice for sports, wildlife, and outdoor photography in bright light conditions.

The V100’s advanced cooling system ensures it can deliver between 70 to 100 consecutive flashes at full 100Ws power without overheating. This rugged performance provides efficiency and confidence, especially during extended shoots or demanding environments.

Continuing the innovative design of the Godox V1 Pro, the V100 also features the highly praised detachable sub-flash (SU-1). This addition allows for dual-light setups using a single device, offering creative lighting solutions particularly well-suited for portrait and product photography.

The Godox V100 will be available for Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, and Olympus camera systems. Priced at $349 (UK and Australian pricing to be confirmed), the flash is expected to launch soon, although an exact release date has not yet been announced.

As someone who appreciates Godox products for their affordability and reliability, I’m excited to see the V100 expand its lineup. Godox has consistently provided excellent entry points for photographers exploring off-camera flash, and the V100 continues this tradition with its blend of power, features, and price point. It’s a compelling choice for those looking to elevate their photography without breaking the bank.

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The Godox Lux Master is a tricky light to place with it not being like anything else on the market – except for the other Godox Lux flashes. Godox is a brand that produces both high-end professional strobes and speed lights such as the Godox AD600 Pro II, and that also develops smaller more unique direct flashes like the Godox Lux range, aimed more toward enthusiasts and the everyday consumer. The Godox Lux Master fits into the latter category, however, features elements far above its station!

Godox is alternatively known in some regions as Flashpoint or Wistro, and its Lux range of vintage direct flashes offers an affordable on-camera fill flash inspired by those from eras gone by. The Lux Master is the most substantial of the range, offering a power output of 1/1 -1/256, enough to brighten up any dimly lit scene indoors or out.

The Lux Master blends vintage aesthetics with modern technology effortlessly, making a unique flash inspired by that used by famed photographer Weegee in the 1930s and 1940s. By way of an elongated body, a fanned reflector dish, and a bare bulb, the flash sits alongside the camera, providing a unique look and feel to the images.

At a distance, you'd be remiss by thinking it really was a flash of yesteryear, but on closer inspection, a full-color touch screen, USB-C charging, in-built 2.4GHz flash receiver, TTL, HSS, and rear curtain sync, bring it truly into the 21st century!

Godox Lux Master: Specifications

Godox Lux Master: Price & Availability

The Godox Lux Master is priced at $287 / £236 / AU$453, making it the most expensive in the Godox Lux range and not a cheap flash for limited versatility.

Although the Lux Master can be removed from the camera plate and mounted to a light stand or held manually like a wand, it's fairly limited in its direction with only three rotational points forward and backward. This makes the price a little tough to swallow, however, if you are looking for a modern direct flash for those punchy portraits or family snapshots, the vintage vibe is a real fun experience.

As a specialty design, it's hard to compare it to others on the market, but this also means that it is likely to stick around for a while, and more than likely see a nice discount toward the holiday season. That said, this isn't the flash to buy if you are looking for professional versatility, that would be the Godox AD200 Pro II, which is around a similar price.

Godox Lux Master: Design & Handling

Strikingly similar in design to a lightsaber, the Lux Master looks extremely futuristic which is an odd thing to say about a vintage-looking light. The leatherette handle and chrome finish are extremely well-designed and feel incredibly comfy in the hand.

Everything can be controlled via the touchscreen on the rear which is also full color and very intuitive, but if touchscreens aren't your thing, there are manual buttons and a scroll wheel for the tactile feel.

The light is designed to sit alongside the camera via the provided base plate. The plate enables the camera and light to be perpendicular however has the option for the light to be adjusted to 90º from the camera.

Not since the early 20th century has it been the norm for flashes to sit alongside the camera, but I must admit, it felt right. The handle of the light enabled me to hold both the camera and light for extra security and transported me back to the early days of flash tubes and news reporters.

The bare bulb can be locked away when not in use and then slide into position when needed. Despite the unique nature of the light, it has its very own mount which can house multiple attachments including the included default reflector. The reflector is an aluminum fan dish that reflects a large amount of light directly ahead.

A recent improvement across the Godox ecosystem of flashes is the Godox X3 trigger. This trigger is an amazing new addition and transforms the Godox lights into a plug-and-play setup within seconds. It requires just one touch of a button to sync with the in-built receiver and negates any need for setting up groups and channels, although is capable.

For those without a trigger or with film cameras, a sync cable is included with the light, which is just as easy to use.

Godox Lux Master: Photo Performance

I must admit that direct flash has never been a regular approach in my photography and have only called on it as a style choice when shooting punchy subjects like rock bands. With no rock bands on the docket, and taking inspiration from Nikita Teryoshin's recent book, I decided to take it out on a family day trip to see if I could replicate some 90s nostalgia.

My first impression was that the size of the camera, I guess you can call it a rig, with the Lux Master attached was a lot larger and added significant weight. This was helped however by holding the light handle and camera simultaneously as it spread the weight more evenly.

I used the sync cable for a fast connection, as it was before I had gotten the X3 trigger. This was reliable and never missed a shot.

The light provided a pop of fill light removing shadows and filling the scene with light and color. It gave the impression of a more refined 90s disposable camera aesthetic recently brought back into fashion with the rise of film photography, and certainly brought a sense of nostalgia.

I shot predominately in TTL which could be refined further on the touchscreen, and with the included reflector. The Lux Master has a variety of shooting modes including Manual, HSS, and rear-curtain sync.

Although this was tested during a family outing, it has inspired me to create some more direct flash images for an upcoming photography project as it was incredibly fun to use and provided a shake-up to the photography that I am accustomed to.

Godox Lux Master: Sample Images

Godox Lux Master: Verdict

The Godox Lux Master is a great flash that looks vintage but shoots modern. It produces a great quality of light providing a high key light to subjects and scenes.

As with most lighting, whether this is the right light for you depends on your style of shooting and desired output. The Lux Master offers a small light source, even when used with the softbox attachment, which means that the light on the scene or subject will be quite hard.

Many photographers use this as a style choice, producing highly contrasted shots from the direct light, and it has a dramatic impact on portraits when shot in black and white. If this isn't the way you like to shoot, then I would recommend opting for the Godox Ad200 Pro II instead, as it has more versatility.

I had a great time with the Lux Master and I am already thinking of a project that can utilize its unique look!

Alternatives

The Godox AD200 Pro II is an off-camera hybrid light that covers both flashgun and strobe capabilities, by including replaceable heads for bulb and speed light styles it can easily find its way to both the best flashgun and best lighting kit buying guides. This makes it the ideal light for photographers looking to take their first steps from on-camera to off-camera flash.

Godox, alternatively known in some regions as Flashpoint or Wistro, has a great selection of off-camera flash with the AD200 Pro II having the second lowest power output in the range at 200Ws. Godox recently released the Godox AD600 Pro II, the first of the lights to get a second generation update with the AD200 Pro II second, showing its popularity and demand in the series.

Already a favorite lighting range among photographers due to its incredible performance and lower price point, the AD Godox lights are seeing improvement in their ecosystem communication. This is in large thanks to the new Godox X3 trigger. The trigger enables a one-touch connection to all lights, making it incredibly quick and efficient to get set up on a shoot within seconds!

As an early adopter of the original Godox AD200 Pro, I was eager to get my hands on its successor – the AD200 Pro II. The original was a main part of my daily kit as a freelance photographer due to its incredible portability, versatility, and performance, and the new model takes this even further.

Featuring an improved bi-color modeling lamp, a new color screen, and compatibility with the renowned Godox X3 trigger, the Godox AD200 Pro II brings the iconic pocket flash into the modern era of off-camera flash photography, but does it live up to the on-sheet specs?

Godox AD200 Pro II: Specifications

Godox AD200 Pro II: Price & Availability

Officially released in October 2024, the AD200 Pro II has been well and truly future-proofed for the new Godox ecosystem. The price of the Godox AD200 Pro II is one of its biggest draws, as it offers incredible value for money coming in at $350 / £350, this is often decreased further by frequent sales events. In the USA, it is sold by Adorama as the Flashpoint eVOLV 200 Pro II for $349.

Not only does the light offer the perfect entryway into off-camera flash, but its low price point in comparison to alternatives on the market means it is even more accessible.

Godox AD200 Pro II: Design & Handling

The Godox AD200 Pro II is small and lightweight enough to facilitate versatile shooting scenarios. Although slightly bigger than its predecessor due to the improved modeling lamp and cooling system, it is still small enough to be packed away in my photographers' kit bags, and the light does come in its own carry case with room for both heads and a battery charger.

A lot of design thought has gone into both the physical construction and the ease of use features of this light, resulting in a robust yet sleek design and efficient performance.

The ability to swap flash head types between speed light and bare bulb enables users to create different light qualities depending on the shooting scenario. The Speedlight acts like most on-camera flashes with a one-directional light beam, whereas the bare bulb facilitates more room for creativity and accessories – more on that in the performance section of the review.

The AD200 Pro ll is equipped with a TFT (thin film transistor) screen, which offers better contrast and clarity, improving visibility and ease of navigation, and making it easier to operate in various lighting conditions.

Group color indicators for multiple light setups are also a much-welcomed addition to the Godox ecosystem, and are made all the more easy to use with the X3 triggers touchscreen features.

The build is robust although not weather sealed so precautions should be taken into account when using outdoors, and as with all lighting equipment, should be sufficiently weighted down when used on a light stand.

Three screw holes enable the light to be positioned on a stand in multiple orientations, increasing the amount of light direction. An umbrella hole is featured on the included bracket allowing for umbrella-based modifiers, and much like the AD200 Pro, the Godox Bowens mount adapter (not included) fits securely enabling compatibility with the entire range of Bowens mount modifiers.

Compared to the original Godox AD200 Pro it is almost identical in size and shape, except for a wider bare bulb head and a slightly longer body. This has been to make room ffor the updated bi-color modeling lamp and the what looks like a new cooling system.

Godox AD200 Pro II: Photo Performance

I have been using the original Godox AD200 Pro for many years and was eager to see how the new updates improved not just performance, as when using lights the light output doesn't tend to change much between models, but for how it improves workflow.

I have to say I was incredibly impressed with how well the Godox AD200 Pro II performed when testing it out. The connection between the trigger attached to my camera and the light was instantaneous. There was no scrolling through groups or channels while syncing, it automatically connected and I was ready to shoot as soon as I powered on – a fantastic start!

Starting with the Speedlight provides a direct flash in a single beam. Due to the small source of light, it created a harsh light on the subject with a stark transition between light and shadow with quite specular quality. Of course, much like a flashgun, pointing it at the ceiling or wall to make the light source larger, will lessen this effect.

The bare bulb flash head facilitated more room for creativity and modification via accessories. used directly with the bare bulb fires a wider spread of light than the controlled nature of the Speedlight head, this can be used for filling a larger area with light but is most commonly utilized with various modifiers.

I used an umbrella and a Bowens-mounted softbox for some test shots. These of course soften the light due to the larger light source and lessen the secular effect of the light. The light itself of course does not change, just the bare bulb facilitates the modifier's effectiveness.

The battery lasted all day and didn't look to be slowing down, and due to it being a removable battery, it enables swapping when power does eventually get low.

The improved modeling light stole the show and enabled me to change intensity and color temperature when prelighting my subject. When shooting in a dimly lit area or studio modeling lamps are vital to catching focus and this one is more than enough to do so although not designed for video.

Godox AD200 Pro II: Verdict

The Gofox AD200Pro II is an incredible light. Godox has packed so much into a small, lightweight, and affordable off-camera flash that it should be a must in all photographer's kit bags. The performance and usability features are much improved in this new model, however, the biggest selling point of the light is the price – it is an absolute steal!

Much like its predecessor, it is the ideal gateway light for taking the first steps into off-camera flash photography, but this time, it's even easier! The power output is more than enough to be a key light even in locations with minimal ambient light, and with the improved modeling lamp, catching focus in low light has been greatly improved.

It is also the perfect fill light, and this is how I use it the majority of the time. Coupled with my Godox AD600 Pro II, I am able to capture a professional two-light setup with minimal effort, but maximum quality.

Alternatives

The iM30 is a compact consumer-grade on-camera flash so tiny that it weighs under 3oz (78g) – so it can be slipped into pockets, or mounted on your camera for photographers who prefer a lighter kit bag. 

It has a single-contact hot shoe design with plug-and-play, fitting most mirrorless and film cameras.

With a guide number of 15 (ISO 100, meters), “the iM30 provides brighter, more natural fill light than most built-in camera flashes, enhancing the quality of your shots,” according to the Godox website. Despite not being the most powerful, it should deliver better results than an inbuilt flash. 

Not only is it incredibly lightweight, it’s also very affordable, coming in at $34.90. The iM30 is available to preorder now, and will be released later this month if production stays on schedule.

Powered by two AAA batteries, the iM30 is easy to recharge, provided you remember the batteries, and it can deliver up to 230 flashes on a single charge, and recycles every 3.6 seconds at full power.

The iM30 has seven adjustable power levels controlled by a dial – 1/64 to 1/1 – which provides “flexibility to adapt to different lighting conditions, making it suitable for diverse shooting scenarios,” according to Godox.

It would appear it is compatible with a wide range of cameras according to Godox’s official marketing shots, including: the Fujifilm X-Pro series, Nikon and OM system models, and is also shown on an Asahi Pentax film camera.

Readers on SonyAlpha Rumors lamented the flash’s lack of power, reducing its ability to bounce. One user commented:

“Sorry, no bounce, no buy,” while another said, “I wish it had the bounce capability like the lightpix labs.”

Bounce flash is a technique, commonly used in wedding and interior photography among others, where the photographer fires a flashgun up or at an angle, to bounce light off a wall or ceiling. This technique creates a more diffused, natural looking effect than pointing the flash straight at the subject.

Interested in updating your flash game? Take a look at our guides to the best photography lighting kits, the best flash triggers for your camera, and the best flashgun or strobe.

Your smartphone may capture excellent quality sound when it's in your hand, but pop it on a mini tripod and take a few steps back and the sound quality will diminish. As well as your voice, the smartphone’s built-in mic will pick up unwanted ambient background sounds such as echo from walls as well as passing traffic. To keep a mic close to your mouth at all times you need a wireless mic kit such as the Godox Cube-SC. With this kit, you’ll record your voice sounding as loud and clear at 150 meters as it does at 1 meter (as long as you don’t turn away from the camera and the mic loses line of sight with the receiver).

Since 2022 I’ve reviewed 16 wireless mic kits to date, so I have plenty of comparisons - check out our best wireless mic buying guide to explore the wide range on offer. Despite being yet another wireless mic kit vying for your cash the Godox Cube-SC is worth considering as it has a few new features up its sleeve as we discovered during our test!

Godox Cube-SC: Specifications

Godox Cube-SC: Design & Handling

Although it ships in a standard robust black Godox carry case the Cube-SC itself is the smallest and lightest wireless mic kit that I’ve encountered to date. The gently curving smooth-bodied plastic charging case fits into the palm of your hand. Press the end of the charging case with your thumb and the interior pops out to reveal two tiny (less than an inch in diameter) square mic transmitters (with rounded edges) and the smallest receiver I’ve ever seen.

Until now the smallest wireless mic kit that I’d tested was the Hollyland Lark M2, but the Godox Cube-SC’s transmitters and receiver are lighter than the Lark M2’s by a couple of grams. The receiver achieves its small size because it doesn’t contain a battery. The receiver is powered from your smartphone when you plug it into your device via its USB-C connector. I used a USB-C version of the Cube-SC with my iPhone 15 Pro Max, but a Lightning connector version is also available.

As a result of its compact size, you can pop the charging case in your pocket so that you can whip out a wireless transmitter mic and receiver if you suddenly need to record an interview or present an ‘on the spot’ chat to the camera, making this a great piece of kit for vloggers and journalists who want to travel light

The kit’s larger padded carry case still fits into one hand and this contains a wide range of accessories such as windshields, magnetic clips, and pendants that you can attach the mics to - again via magnets. The two magnetic clips offer a more traditional way to attach the mic to your lapel. The magnets are very strong and won’t come loose during normal use. You can pop the plastic charging case inside the sturdy padded accessory carry case and the whole unit will fit nicely into any kit bag to take on planned shoots.

Small wireless transmitters are great if you want a subtle solution to capturing good-quality sound from a distance, but there is a danger that you could lose the magnetic mic on location. Indeed I have lost a transmitter mic in the past while doing a test.

The Kit 2 version of the Cube-SC (with its two transmitters) has a unique trick up its sleeve to help you avoid losing it. If you poke the supplied metal pin inside a tiny hole in the charging case it will become detectable by Apple’s Find My app. You can assign a microphone icon to your Cube-SC Kit and it will appear on a map in the Devices section of the Find My app. This is a very welcome feature if you’re prone to misplacing things like I am!

The marketing of the Godox Cube-SC implies that you can use Apple’s Find My app to locate a transmitter if it falls off. However when testing this claim only the charging case is tracked, not any of its displaced contents. When I left the kit at home it was nice to see a notice pop up on my iPhone informing me that I’d left my Cube-SC behind.

Godox Cube-SC: Performance

To test the Godox Cube-SC I took it with me on a dog walk in the sunny Scottish countryside. I popped the receiver’s USB-C plug into my iPhone 15 Pro Max and attached that to a mini Manfrotto tripod. I then walked away from the camera to perform a distance test. The transmitters and the receiver are so small that I expected a bit of signal dropout - and my expectations were accurate.

Once I’d reached 35 meters or so my transmitter mic’s signal wasn’t strong enough to transmit through my body so the audio signal dropped out intermittently. However, as soon as I turned round to face the camera (and gave the transmitter and receiver a clear line of sight) my voice sounded as loud and clear as it did from a meter away from the camera. As a 48kHz/24-bit signal, the audio quality was impressive, especially from such a small kit and the audio quality sounded great as you’ll hear from our supporting video - even at approximately 150 meters distance.

During the distance test, I stood in the middle of a rather windy field. However, by attaching the supplied windshield to the mic, there was no hint of wind noise, so that was a big thumbs up! The windshield is a different design from what I’ve experienced with other mic kits. The square transmitter mic slides into the rubber windshield (rather than you having to clip the shield to the top of the mic as with some other kits). The mic’s Noise Reduction button is hidden when the windshield is attached. At first, I thought that would be a problem as I couldn’t see if the mic’s button indicator light was green (or orange for Noise Reduction) Fortunately there’s another light on the face of the transmitter so you can see its status even when it’s wearing a windshield.

There were lots of tractors driving past my field so a quick tap on the mic’s NR button caused the unwanted background noise to dip. Software noise reduction can make the subject’s voice sound a little ‘thinner’, and that is the case here. But the thinner sound is better than being distracted by passing vehicles (or a jeep’s revving engine noise as you’ll discover in our supporting video).

Most mics come paired out of the box so it's usually a case of ‘plug and play’. This was indeed the case with one of the mics. But when I took both mics out to record a chat with my brother the second mic wasn’t paired and I didn’t have the manual to hand, so I had to talk solo to camera rather than do a two-handed interview. This was OK for my mic distance test. On returning home and reading the manual the pairing process turned out to be easy - simply turn on the transmitter mic and then double press its button within 30 seconds to pair it with the receiver. The receiver has a handy green light that flashes when a transmitter isn’t connected but turns solid green when each mic is linked. Despite pairing the mic I found that I needed to repeat the pairing processes on one another occasion.

To finish off my test of the Godox Cube-SC I wired up myself and my brother John while he worked on his vintage WW2 Willys jeep. Despite lots of engine noise both of our voices sounded strong and clear as you’ll hear from the supporting video. I also used the kit to interview the curator of a museum and the lack of wires meant he was free to roam about while sounding loud and clear. The transmitter is so small and discrete that I nearly left the location without recovering it from my interviewee.

One last thing! Another new feature that I’ve not encountered before in a wireless mic is the ability to remote control your smartphone’s camera app from the mic transmitter. A double tap on the transmitter’s button causes your camera app to start and stop recording. I like to manually start recording by tapping the camera app button so that I know that I am actually recording, but a remote control could be handy if you’re a solo operator controlling your smartphone from a distance.

Godox Cube-SC: Verdict

As most people will be facing the camera when they record an interview or a presentation, then the signal dropout on the Godox Cube-SC isn’t a big issue. However, if you need a more powerful wireless mic that can be still heard when it loses line of sight at a distance, check out the Godox Virso system in our Alternatives section. The Godox Cube-SC should be attractive to social media content creators who need a compact mic kit that they can set up quickly and easily and then talk to the camera wirelessly while producing a rich clear sound. The built-in NR (Noise Reduction) is effective, so that will save you extra time removing noise in the edit.

Alternatives

Many consider, myself included, the Godox AD200 Pro a pioneering photography light facilitating many photographers' transition from speedlight to off-camera flash. Godox has today unveiled its successor the Godox AD200 Pro II, adding improvements to performance and ease of use.

Godox, alternatively sold in the US under the Flashpoint or Wistro brands, manufactures some of the best lighting kits for photography, often producing exceptional light quality at a more affordable entry point – and the Godox AD200 Pro II keeps this tradition despite its significant upgrades!

Much like the recently released Godox AD600 Pro II, it facilitates one-tap pairing with the Godox X3 trigger. This provides efficiency when working in fast-paced environments such as fashion shoots, by simply tapping the wireless sync button on the X3 trigger and AD200Pro II, pairing is instantaneous.

What set the AD200 series apart from other battery-powered off-camera flashes was the dual flash head options, one being a Speedlite flash head (H200 II) and the other a bare bulb flash head (H200J II). This dual element has been kept and the flash heads have been improved to offer a new cooling system and modeling lamp capabilities.

In my opinion, modern off-camera flashes have to have a modeling light, and a lot of recent photography lighting development has been focused on providing a bright versatile lamp. The AD200 Pro II includes a bi-color modeling lamp for both flash heads, with fine-tuning adjustments to brightness and color temperature made possible.

A modeling lamp is key to working in dimly lit environments, but also to envision how the flash will affect the scene when fired. Working in conjunction with the new cooling system, the flash heads are capable of 5.5 hours of continuous light – more than enough to cover a shoot.

The AD200Pro II offers precise 200Ws flash power output control, adjustable from 1/512 to full power (1/1) with 0.1 increments. This level of precision enables photographers to fine-tune their lighting depending on the scenario. This is particularly useful when used with the included flash functions of TTL, HSS, front curtain sync, and rear curtain sync.

Other notable features of the AD200 Pro II include stable and consistent color temperature, group color indicators for working with multiple lighting setups, an enhanced color screen, and a power port for an external power supply.

The Godox AD200 Pro II seamlessly fits within the Godox ecosystem of lights and is compatible with a wide selection of accessories such as gel inserts, snoods, and ring light attachments.

The Godox AD200 Pro II is available to preorder now for $349 / £348 / AU $525 (Australian pricing to be confirmed) for a September 16 release.

You may also be interested in our guides to the best lighting kits, the best strobe light, and the best lighting stands.

The Godox LP Series is a new versatile lighting solution consisting of six LED light panels, packed with features that make it ideal for hybrid shooting in the studio and on the go – and much like other Godox lights, the pricing is highly attractive!

Godox, whose products are also sold as Flashpoint in the US, manufactures some of the best budget light options on the market, from flashguns to full studio lighting kits. And although the prices may be ideal for entry-level photographers and videographers, the lights' performance really is premium.

The LP Series is comprised of two versions (R and Bi) of three lights, the Godox LP400R / Bi, LP600R / Bi, and LP1200R / Bi, offering a different power output of 40w, 60w and 120w respectively. The different power output also translates into the maximum level of brightness each light can achieve – 6,480 Lux, 9,270 Lux, and 16,500 Lux.

The difference between the R and Bi versions is the color temperature range, 1800K - 10000K for R versions and 2800K - 6500K for Bi versions. Both are extremely impressive, although the R versions offer a 'full-color mode' that includes CCT, HSI, RGB, gels and lighting effects.

Each of the lights in the series can be used in a studio with an AC cable, but they can also be taken on location by using NPF batteries, and either NPF or Vmount batteries for the LP1200.

The portability factor continues as each light comes with a custom-molded, durable, shockproof carry case. The yoke features a 360° rotatable design for easy storage and transport, making it the perfect companion for content creators on the move.

These lights are targeted toward content creators and in particular streamers. The LP lights can offer extremely soft and consistently uniform light for a key light, but can also act as accent lighting to give the multicolored streamer look.

The Godox LP Series is available now and are priced as follows: LP400Bi: $89 / £70, LP400R: $99 / £80, LP600Bi: $109/ £85, LP600R: $139 / £110, LP1200Bi: $199 / £155, and LP1200R: $239 / £187. (UK pricing from US conversion, and Australian pricing to be confirmed).

I haven't been able to get my hands on these lights just yet, but it looks like Godox has done it again, producing what looks like extremely versatile lights at an affordable price point.

You may also be interested in our guides to the best-LED light panels, the best lights for vlogging, and the best ring lights.

The Godox AD600Pro II is an off-camera flash aimed at photographers who want the quality and power of studio lighting with the portability of a Speedlight. Situated between the best flashguns and the best studio lighting kits, the Godox AD600Pro II provides users with a versatile light that is just as at home in the studio as it is out in the field.

For the best part of a decade, Godox, or as it's alternatively known in some markets – Flashpoint – has been delivering high-performance lighting options without the premium price tag, and with each new offering, it pushes the boundaries further. Its lower price has provided a fantastic entry point for new photographers starting their journey with off-camera flash, and this light continues that sentiment.

The Godox AD600Pro II builds on the success of the Mark I, a strobe that I have personally had a great experience using, building a successful portrait and fashion photography practice on the back of it. Starting out almost a decade ago, I used the AD600Pro to cut my teeth in the industry, using it to experiment with lighting techniques both in the studio and on location. It helped elevate my images – its light quality, versatility, and portability being its most stand-out features, and the new model continues in this same vein with a few added extras. 

The AD600Pro II sits second to the top of Godox's AD lineup of strobes, just behind the AD1200 Pro. The lineup includes the Godox AD100 Pro, AD200 Pro, AD300 Pro, and AD400 Pro, each named after the amount of output (Ws) each light provides, and each ideal for different scenarios.

The AD600 Pro II is aimed at photographers looking for a powerful lighting option either in the studio or on location. 600Ws is more than enough to overpower the brightest summer day sun and provides enough power to be a mainstay in a studio. I have used this light as part of a portable photography studio, often taking two with a backdrop and some modifiers to photograph headshots, fashion campaigns, and environmental portraits. 

Being very familiar with the original AD600 Pro, I was very keen to test out this light with the hope of some modern design elements that can help compete with leading lighting brands Profoto and Elinchrom. 

Godox AD600Pro II: Specifications

Godox AD600Pro II: Price & Availability

Godox lights are extremely good value for money, offering similar output to some of the best strobes on the market at a fraction of the price and the AD600 Pro II is no different. 

Available now to preorder the Godox AD600 Pro II / Flashpoint XPLOR 600PRO II will release in December 2024, and be available for $899 / £749 / AU $1400. 

For a portable studio light with this output and features it comes in at an extremely attractive price, and in my opinion, makes it one of the best value-for-money studio strobes on the market. 

The low price point does not equal low quality however, as you will see in this review the light quality and power output hold up among its more expensive competitors.

Compared to the Elinchrom FIVE, which has an output of 500Ws, it is almost half the price. Granted you aren't getting the sleek Elinchrom design and user experience, but for half the price, you'd be willing to sacrifice a few design perks. 

Godox AD600 Pro II: Design & Handling

The Godox AD600Pro II is almost identical to the Godox AD600Pro, in size, weight, layout, and construction. Weighing in at around 3kg, it isn't the most lightweight strobe on the market, but when you factor in the output power and the price, it makes up for being slightly heavier. 

The battery is replaceable and slots onto the back of the light with ease. The new smart charging from Godox makes for a fast recharge time which is easily monitored with an on-battery display. A full charge will enable approximately 370 shots on full power, more than enough for a day on set. However, if you do require more power, a separate AC adapter attachment can enable the AD600 Pro II to use a stable AC power source – vital for using the AD600 Pro II primarily for studio work. 

Godox has changed the LCD screen, adding color and a more intuitive stripped-back menu system. With fewer buttons than its predecessor, it is easy to navigate the menus and alter settings such as mode types, modeling lamp modes, and connection settings. 

After using some of the recent mono-lights from Elinchrom and Profoto, it was slightly disappointing not to get a touch screen. This is most likely due to the lower price tag, but perhaps Godox has missed a trick here as it does have touchscreen tech on its Lux Master light. 

Having mentioned the competitors, Godox's design does feel a little behind the times regarding build quality and aesthetics. Taking the Elinchrom THREE as an example, although it has a smaller wattage light, the design is much more sleek and modern, making the Godox AD600Pro II seem a tad on the clunky side – but with the low price point, cuts have to be made somewhere.

Godox AD600Pro II: Photo Performance

Setting up the Godox AD600Pro II was intuitive and straightforward, and once the battery was attached it was a case of turning it on and rotating the dial to unlock the menu. 

A new addition to the Godox AD600Pro II is the 'One-Tap Sync' feature that instantly connects the light with the new Godox X3 Trigger. Unfortunately, I did not have an X3 trigger available to test out this feature, however, although not quite 'one tap', connecting to the XPro II trigger was simple. I chose the corresponding group and channel and the light was good to go. 

I did however run into a small issue that I put down to not having the X3 trigger. When using the light with the Godox XPro II trigger I could only utilize TTL and Multi modes. Nothing I did seem to enable Manual mode, the mode I am most familiar with. I instead opted for TTL which allowed me to fine-tune the exposure with compensation. 

I set up the AD600 Pro II with an 80cm Godox Octabox (pictured below) on a C-stand and enlisted the help of my young daughter to get some sample images. It must be stated that sample images taken with strobes like this have more to do with understanding lighting rather than it being down to a specific light. The sample images included in this review could have been taken as easily with a smaller wattage light. 

Having set up a makeshift studio in my home in South Wales, UK, there was stereotypically very little natural light available. This meant utilizing the modeling lamp, which has been upgraded in this new model. 

The 40W Bi-color Modeling light was a lifesaver and gave me more than enough light to catch focus in the dark room, and the ability to change the color temperature gave me a better idea of how the light would affect the scene. 

As I started shooting I was extremely impressed with the recycle time, which is a noticeable improvement on the earlier model –  a much-needed feature when photographing a young child that didn't want to keep still!

The results were exactly what I expected from the AD600 line and produced consistent color / tone rendering when used in combination with my Fujifilm GFX 50S II. 

Godox AD600Pro II: Sample Images

These images were taken in my makeshift home studio against a painted canvas backdrop. With the help of my daughter, we captured some one-light studio shots with the Godox AD600 Pro II placed to the camera's right, on top of a C-stand angled at approximately 45 degrees.

I used a Godox Octabox to feather a soft light onto the subject's face using the shadows to create mood. The light produced the dramatic lighting I was after and showcased further its versatility.

Godox AD600Pro II: Verdict

Having used the Godox AD600 Pro for many years, I was excited to get my hands on the updated model. After 6 years, it was due for an upgrade, and with Godox developing new LED continuous lighting and introducing new tech into its smaller flashes I thought we might see an entirely new light. Instead, it's very difficult to distinguish the differences between the AD600 Pro and AD600 Pro II, especially without using the X3 trigger. 

I understand the 'if it's not broken don't fix it' approach, and despite the lack of a new design, the AD600 Pro II is very capable of creating beautiful light, and goes beyond being an enthusiast's tool to professional equipment. 

One noticeable feature is the LED modeling light. This has improved significantly on its predecessor and enabled me to capture focus when using the lights in a dark room. In addition, the recycling time has also improved, with only one missed shot throughout my time using the light. 

It is very hard to pick flaws in a product when the final result still enables you to capture your vision and the price point of this light compared to its alternatives provides it a lot of leniency – I would absolutely use the AD600 Pro II on future shoots. 

This being said, I believe to get the full potential from the light, it needs to be used in combination with the new Godox X3 trigger – now on the top of my shopping list!

Alternatives

Over recent years Godox, alternatively known as Flashpoint in the US, has been making some excellent and affordable lighting options for photographers, from on-camera flashguns to studio lighting kits and strobes.

The Godox AD600 Pro was certainly one of these, providing premium lighting at a less-than-premium price, and Godox has just announced an update to the model – the Godox AD600 Pro II. The new model keeps everything great about the existing model while adding considered updates that improve usability and performance. The Godox AD600 Pro II can also be bought as the Flashpoint XPLOR 600ProII TTL R2 in the US.

The Godox AD strobe lineup consists of the AD100 Pro, AD200 Pro, AD300 Pro, AD600 Pro, and AD1200 Pro. Each strobe/ flash is named in correspondence to its output power, meaning the AD600 Pro II outputs 600 Ws of power.

The new offering is targeted towards outdoor photography, and taking studio quality lighting and power on location. This extremely versatile light enables users to capture outdoor scenes such as sports and fashion with the high-end look that comes from studio photography.

Adding off-camera flash to outdoor portraits and fashion shoots is often the next step from using a flashgun, and from my experience, users rarely look back. 

Dynamic scenes are more easily captured with an improved recycle time of just 0.01s-0.9s. When used in combination with the light's 'freeze mode', it's ideal for capturing sports, dancers, and pets.

Having recently tested this light for a review, the biggest standout improvement from its predecessor is the modeling lamp. An all-new 40w bi-color LED lamp enables temperature adjustments from 2800k-6000k, and the improved brightness ensures that focus can be captured when used even in the darkest of environments – often a fear for photographers when working on location.

The light's interface has been stripped back, providing a more comfortable user experience that makes navigating menus a breeze. The screen has also been upgraded from a black and white LCD to a full color, which helps when used in conjunction with the new Godox X3 trigger.

Other notable features include a Bowens mount, 'One-Touch' pairing with the new Godox X3 trigger, 16 color group options for multi-light setups, and adjustable power increments at either 1/512 or 1/1 enabling greater control over the power output.

The Godox XAD600 Pro II is available for pre-order now with an estimated shipping date of December 2024. The light will be priced at just $899  (UK and Australian pricing to be confirmed). 

At this price, the Godox AD600 Pro II is extremely great value for money and is almost half the price compared to its competitors on the market. Godox continues to provide a fantastic entry point for new users to get started with powerful off-camera flash, and as speaking as a user of the existing model for 6 years, it's a fantastic light that can elevate your photography.

You may also be interested in our guides to the best flashgun, the best lighting kits, and the best LED light panel.

Since 1993, Godox has become an experienced creator of a wide range of photography and video lights, from traditional photography flashguns such as the Godox V1 to always-on LED (light emitting diode) lamps like the Godox LC500R Mini light stick . 

As a videographer, I prefer a portable light source, the 21W Godox LC500R Mini light stick, but occasionally I need to shoot in a video studio that requires a more powerful light source - such as the Godox ML60IIBi tested here.

 I can mount the Godox ML60IIBi on a studio light stand and power it from the mains. However, it also ships with an NP-F battery kit that lets me operate the LED handheld to illuminate my subject in any location - without being tethered to a mains supply.  LED lights come in two ‘flavors’ - RGB and Bi. An RGB light such as the Zhiyun Molus X60 RGB  can emit millions of customizable colors. A bi-color light such as the Godox ML60II Bi is limited to adjusting its colors along the Kelvin scale, so you can make the LED complement the color temperature of available light sources such as a warm artificial tungsten light (3200K) or cooler natural daylight (5600K).  Basically, bi-colour lights are for pros who want to make their LED’s key or fill light match a location’s existing light sources. RGB lights are for photographers and videographers who need to add a wide spectrum of creative colors to the mix. 

Godox ML60II Bi: Specifications

Godox ML60II Bi: Price

We tested the Godox ML60II Kit 1 which costs $199 in the States at the time of writing, and £186 in the UK. There is an alternative Kit 2 version, which uses V-mount batteries, that also retails for $199/£186. With both kits, the batteries need to be bought separately. The light can be bought without either of the battery handle options for $179/£168.

Godox ML60II Bi: Design & Handling

The Godox ML60II Bi has a lightweight (526g) white plastic body that fits easily into one hand. The lamp’s plastic build makes it feel cheap and potentially fragile - I wouldn’t want to drop it for fear of damaging its casing or dislodging the plastic buttons on the rear of the LED. The two buttons enable you to control properties such as Brightness and Colour Temperature and these values appear on a small LCD screen at the rear of the light. You can also use the Dim button to toggle through a collection of 11 animated light presets and modify properties such as the frequency of lighting flashes for example. Its predominantly plastic build does mean that the Godox ML60II Bi is relatively cheap at around $200. It’s a similar price to the Hobolite Iris that has a sturdier aluminum body, but the Godox ML60II Bi outperforms the Hobolite Iris in relation to its 70W output (compared to Iris’s meager 5W).

We tested the Godox ML60II Bi Kit 1 which ships with a AK-B01 NP-F Battery Accessory Kit. This is a plastic battery mount that attaches to a handle. You can pop two NP-F batteries into the battery holder and use the handle to maneuver the light on location. The Kit 2 version of the Godox ML60II Bi has similar accessories to Kit 1 - but it has a V-mount battery handle (AK-B02). Both versions off the Godox ML60II Bi kit have a mains adaptor and a reflector to focus and boost the light’s output, as well as an attractive and practical padded carry case. 

Most LEDs provide animated special effects such as Lightning to enhance your video productions,  and the Godox ML60II Bi has 11 effects. Bi-colour LEDs such as the Godox ML60II Bi tend to have fewer animated effects than RGB lights, as all they can do is mix colors between 2800K - 6500K. RGB LEDs boast additional color-based effects, such as the red and blue flashes of a police car. For a round-up of our recommended LED lighting, check out our guide to the best video lights. 

Godox ML60II Bi: Performance

Video (above): See the Godox ML6II Bi light in action

I tested the Godox ML60II Bi in a TV studio - and you can see the results of the test in thus section’s supporting video (above). I started the test by attaching the battery holder and handle so that IU could operate the light handheld without cables. It was powerful and portable enough to illuminate a wide range of locations, especially when the supplied reflector was clipped onto the front. 

I filmed my test of the Godox ML60II Bi using two iPhones that were running the new Final Cut Camera app. They broadcast their live footage into iOS Final Cut Pro on an 11-inch iPad Pro so I could see both cameras’ output on the iPad’s screen as I recorded my test. iOS Final Cut Pro automatically combined the two video sources as a multicam clip so I could tap to cut between a wide shot and a close-up with ease when editing the test video. This new way of working sped up the video editing process!

I then removed the battery handle and popped the Godox ML60II Bi onto a light stand. I then attached the supplied AC power cord to the mains. This enabled me to operate the light hands-free as a video presenter who was illuminated by the Godox ML60II Bi. Thanks to the free Godox Light app I was able to control all of the light’s properties from my seated position, so I could adjust color temperature, intensity and cycle thought the 11 animated light presets. The app makes it very easy to be a solo operator when the light is on a stand, so it should prove attractive to bloggers who need a bit more illumination than they can get with a typical (weak) light wand LED.  

Godox ML60II Bi: Verdict

Thanks to its 70W output the Godox ML60II Bi might be too powerful if you simply need to add some key or fill light to a model on a photo shoot, but its intensity can be dialled down and the ability to control colour temperature enables you to complement other light sources. Thanks to its handheld battery mount you can light anything anywhere, but it’s also powerful enough to be used as a mains powered studio light on a stand. This makes it a versatile LED that should appeal to a range of photographers and film makers (especially if they need animated lighting effects to enhance their dramas). However do bear in mind that the effects are limited to changing colour temperature from warm to cold. For more colourful animated lighting effects you’ll need an RGB LED, not a Bi-colour one such as the Godox ML60II Bi.

Alternatives

Godox has been designing and manufacturing lighting and audio equipment for over two decades so it’s no surprise that you’ll find many Godox product reviews on this site. Indeed I’ve tested and reviewed four Godox mics within the last year of writing this, which is an indication of how prolific the company is - the most recent release was just a few weeks ago with the Godox WES2. If you are shopping around for a new microphone then you might also find our best lavalier mic buying guide of interest.

So do we need yet another wireless mic kit from Godox? Well, the Godox Magic X1 has a unique trick up its sleeve in relation to its design. But will this innovation have you under its spell or is it just smoke and mirrors? Read on to find out…

Godox Magic XT1: Specifications

Godox Magic XT1: Design & Handling

As with most wireless mic kits the Godox Magic XT1 ships with two transmitters that attach (via clips or magnets) to you and an interviewee’s clothing. The transmitters broadcast your voice to a receiver which is plugged in via a cable to your smartphone or camera. So far so typical. However, the Magic X1 kit has an innovative design feature that I’ve not encountered before in a wireless kit. Most wireless mic kits ship with a plastic case or dock that enables you to charge the transmitters and receiver simultaneously. This charging case makes sure that both equally charged transmitters perform for the same length of time (so that you don’t lose the subject’s voice while they are being interviewed - or vice versa). 

The Godox Magic X1 on the other hand doesn’t need a charging box for the transmitters and receiver. Instead, its receiver doubles up as both a dock and charger for the two transmitter mics while they are nestled inside it! This gives the Magic XT1 a very compact footprint which should help it appeal to mobile videographers who like to travel light with a small kit bag. It’s such a unique design feature that you’ll want to show it off to colleagues. 

The Magic X1 kit also ships with a branded zippable carry case that’s the same size and shape as the cases that ship with the Godox WES2 and the Godox WEC. The key difference here is that the Magic X1’s case has an orange tag bearing a Magic X1 label, so you can easily identify the Magic X1 if you have other Godox cases on your shelf. So despite the smaller footprint achieved by docking the mics into the receiver you still need to transport the Magic X1 kit and its accessories in a standard-size Godox carry case.

When filming an interview the Magic X1 offers you a variety of ways to mic up your subject. At the rear of each tiny rectangular transmitter is a small magnet (branded with a ‘G’).  You can detach the magnet and then place it behind your subject’s shirt or lapel. The mic will then clip onto the subject via the magnet. If you want to mic up an interviewee without fumbling around inside their shirt then you can attach the mic to the supplied magnetic clip and snap the clip onto their lapel. The magnets are very small and you run the risk of dropping them on location when removing them from the subject. The magnets are also very strong, so you need long nails to prise them from the back of the transmitter mic. If you do lose a magnet on a shoot, the kit ships with a couple of spares which is a welcome (and useful) touch. 

As well as being a dock and charger for the transmitters, the palm-sized receiver has a touchscreen that’s large enough to swipe and tap to access various menu items. This color screen enables you to adjusts the input levels of the A and B mics as well as trigger noise reduction or activate a low-cut filter to reduce the rumble of wind noise. You can also choose a safety track that causes one of the A/B channels to record at -6B which should reduce the chance of audio clipping. Thanks to the kit’s 48kHz/24bit pedigree the sound it records is excellent and you have more data to work with when tweaking audio in post.

The receiver can be docked onto a mirrorless camera’s shoe mount and attached to the camera via a supplied 3.5mm TRS-TRS cable. There’s also a USB-C slot to attach the receiver to a smartphone (though I had to supply my own USB-C to USB-C cable to connect the receiver to my iPhone 15 Pro Max.)

Godox Magic XT1: Performance

To test the Godox Magic X1 I headed to London’s South Bank to record a travelog-style video where I talked to camera in front of various landmarks (see supporting video). I decided to shoot on my iPhone 15 Pro Max as I love the quality of the clips that it records and it makes me look like a tourist (rather than a pro) so I don’t get moved on by the hi-viz jacket-wearing security personnel who prowl around that popular part of the city. A DSLR on a tripod sometimes gets me noticed and questioned whereas no one bats an eyelid at an iPhone on a mini-tripod.

The transmitter mic has a mini magnet already attached to it. If you attach the existing transmitter magnet to the supplied magnetic plastic clip then the additional width of the transmitter's magnet can cause the clip to fly off. Once I’d worked this out I detached the little magnet from the transmitter and then attached the plastic clip (via its own magnet) to the transmitter. This enabled me to securely clip the transmitter to my lapel. I filmed in an open location so there was some wind present. The supplied windshield slipped onto the transmitter easily and securely so no wind noise was present in my recording. 

As there was an electric lawn mower at work near my location I tapped the noise reduction button on the transmitter. The machine’s noise dipped effectively and my voice sounded only marginally thinner than it did without noise reduction being applied, making this mic’s NR feature more effective than mics such as the Godox WES2 kit which produced a thinner and more warbly sound when the NR feature was activated.  When I moved closer to groups of chatting tourists their voices did break through the noise reduction shield a little, but that’s to be expected as their vocal frequencies were similar to mine.  You can hear the Noise Reduction feature’s effectiveness for yourself in our supporting video. 

I also conducted the obligatory wireless mic distance test by leaving the iPhone on a tripod and walking away from it. The transmitter kept my voice sounding loud and clear and there was no signal drop out when I turned away from the camera (and the mic lost line of sight with the receiver). Given that I was filming in a busy city location I didn’t walk too far from my expensive iPhone, though as you’ll see from the supporting video I was far enough way that you could barely see my lips move - which should be far enough for most video makers needs!

Godox Magic XT1: Verdict

Although the Magic X1’s transmitters and receivers dock together as a single compact unit you still need to carry them in the supplied Godox branded carry case as it’s full of essential supporting accessories such as windshields, magnetic clips, and cables, so despite its innovative compact design the Magic X1 still takes up as much space in your kit bag as other Godox mic kits. 

Design innovations aside the Magic X1 performs well and offers a range of ways to quickly attach the transmitters to your subject, which should make it appeal in particular to documentary filmmakers who like to work quickly. It will also suit the needs of typical bloggers who like to have their branded mics subtly visible to viewers.

Alternatives

Flash triggers are usually not the sexiest bit of photography equipment to talk about, often taking the form of a chunky plastic box with clunky buttons and maybe a TFT screen. But Godox has somehow managed to design a new flash trigger that actually has me excited.

The Godox X3, previously known as the Xnano before a marketing switch, is a compact wireless flash trigger designed to offer the same reliable performance that Godox’s previous triggers are known for in a much smaller package. The X3 is compatible with a wide range of Godox flash units that use Godox’s long-established wireless protocols and comes in the usual range of camera-compatible versions for Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, and OM/Panasonic. The trigger is also found sold under Adorama's Flashpoint range in the US, as the Flashpoint R2 Nano.

One of the standout aspects of the Godox X3 is its 2.4GHz wireless transmission system with long-range performance, supporting communication up to 100 meters, making it ideal for both inside and outside environments. Additionally, the X3 provides flexibility with its TTL (Through-The-Lens) automatic exposure, manual settings for precision control, and multi-flash mode for creative strobe effects.

High-Speed Sync (HSS) up to 1/8000s allows for fast shutter speeds, which is particularly useful for freezing action shots or shooting in bright conditions while maintaining a shallow depth of field.

On paper, its specs sound like a winner, but with a brand new design and interface, what is the Godox X3 actually like to use?

Godox X3: Specifications

Godox X3: Price

When looking at the more affordable end of the flash market where Godox sits, the Godox X3 is priced competitively against rival flash triggers; however, its design, build, and interface are much closer to high-end flash systems, so I would argue it offers exceptional value for money when compared to anything similar from Profoto or Elinchrom.

There are some slight variations in price depending on different sellers and which camera system you use, but the X3 costs around $89 / £82 / AU$145 at the time of writing. However, this does make it the joint most expensive flash trigger Godox makes. The Godox XPro II trigger is a slightly more feature-rich trigger, and at the time of writing, costs $89 / £90 / AU$142, but with a stark difference in size compared to the X3. The X1 is almost one-third of the price, although with far less control and a basic design. 

Godox X3: Design & Handling

I had seen images of the X3 before I received it, so I had some expectations of its size, but I was still immediately taken aback by how remarkably small the Godox X3 was. I have never used a flash trigger this small before without having to make big sacrifices to manual flash control. Next to the Godox X2T (my current flash trigger), the X3 is just a huge step forward. Atop my camera’s hot shoe, the X3 was barely noticeable when carrying my camera around. I was shooting with the Fujifilm X-T5, which is usually dwarfed by big Godox flash triggers, but the X3 looked at home. 

When not on the camera, the X3 also has the benefit of taking up less space in my kit bag, although after slipping the X3 into its included protective case, this saving was only marginal. I don’t tend to put my X2 trigger in any protective case as it feels robust enough to take a beating, but this isn’t something I can say for the X3, as the large touch screen makes me more cautious about its robustness long-term.

I can’t find any fault with the design of the X3, though; it has a really nice minimal look to it, the materials used are top-notch, and the screen itself is really stunning to look at with deep blacks and excellent clarity. The X3 feels far more premium than its price tag would suggest. If it didn’t have Godox printed on the side, then I might assume this had come from Profoto’s design team.

The interface is user-friendly and very intuitive, with a clear OLED touchscreen displaying the settings and easy-to-navigate controls. If you prefer, there is also a dial on the side to navigate menus, akin to the crown on an Apple Watch. There are a few swipe gestures that you have to memorize to get deeper into the settings menu, although nothing is more than two or three menus deep, although some larger triggers do have buttons that are faster to use.

The size of the X3 does have a slight drawback for those with large or clumsy fingers, and I did find it difficult on occasion to precisely drag the power settings, instead opting to use the dial or tap the +/- buttons on the screen. I also found that I registered the occasional unwanted tap on the screen, but the screen can be locked to prevent this if your settings are not going to change regularly.

Godox X3: Performance

In terms of performance, the X3 delivers consistent and reliable results. The wireless communication is stable, the X3 is incredibly easy to set up with different groups, as well as locking in IDs, and the trigger responds quickly to commands. I tried the X3 with as many different flash setups as I could think of (with the three flash heads I had available), and for individual or group controls, the X3 kept everything perfectly in sync. 

I am a bit of a lighting perfectionist, and I usually shoot in manual mode, but Godox's TTL mode provided accurate exposures in my testing in my studio when combined with the TTL in my Fujifilm camera. 

The X3 has a built-in battery and charges via USB-C, which has saved me from the tyranny of having to carry spare AA batteries and a bulky AA battery charger. The battery is exceptional. I have shot for hours and hours, and the battery is still going. I would not be concerned at all about the battery lasting through a full day, even in an intensive studio shoot.

Godox X3: Verdict

Photographers who have invested in Godox’s extensive flash equipment will find the Godox X3 (formerly known as Xnano) to be an excellent choice. This device offers powerful flash management in an easy-to-use, incredibly compact form factor. Its size is a fraction of the Godox XPro trigger, allowing photographers to slim down their kit bags and avoid unnecessary bulk on their hot shoes. A standout feature is the touchscreen, which facilitates quick changes to flash power, although it can be a bit fiddly for micro-adjustments. Despite this minor drawback, the X3 will certainly become a permanent fixture in my flash setup.

Godox has launched yet another retro flash, but this time we head back a little further in its design ethos, with echoes of mid-century New York and the infamous reportage photographer Usher "Weegee" Fellig.

A lighting manufacturer that specializes in exceptional equipment at a more affordable entry point, Godox has made it possible for many photographers to get started in flash and studio photography – and some of its lights are among the best strobes on the market.

Recently, with the camera market catering more and more to vintage aesthetics, Godox has created a line of retro-style flashes named the Godox Lux range. And it appears to be doing well with consumers, as the manufacturer has not slowed in developing new models. Earlier this month we saw the Airpod-like Godox Lux Elf Retro, and now we have an announcement for the more unique Lux Master Retro.

The Godox Lux Master Retro blends the throwback aesthetic with the ease of use and modern functionality of the top flashes on the market. It stands out as the most developed and professional of the Lux range, with the lineup currently consisting of snapshot-worthy fill flashes.

With a design evocative of press photographers such as Weegee, the flash is packaged with a base plate that enables it to sit next to the camera – and it can also act as a handle with a remote trigger. However, unlike its mid-century ancestors, there is no need to carry a pocket full of flash tubes for each exposure.

With its built-in 7.2V 2,980mAh lithium battery, the Lux Master delivers strong power output and offers up to 460 full-power flashes. Recharging is quick and easy via the USB-C port, with a fast charging time of approximately two hours.

An intuitive color touchscreen gives the user precise control with just the swipe of a finger, and Godox states that it was designed for use with a single hand, making settings changes on the move easier. Power output, modes and settings can all be controlled via the touchscreen or a wireless trigger, as wireless sync is compatible with triggers such as the new Godox X3 – one of the smallest available.

The modern functionality of TTL enables the camera and flash to communicate efficiently for quick and accurate exposure. TTL is not the only modern function as the Lux Master also supports stroboscopic flash, front-curtain sync, rear-curtain sync and high-speed sync.

Other notable features include a tiltable flash head, a fan-type reflector (as seen on the Lux Senior and Lux Cadet, compatibility with other Godox attachments such as light dome and octabox, and an option for a wired shutter trigger.

The Godox Lux Master is available now in the US for $249 (UK and AU pricing TBC). The Godox Lux range has flown a little under the radar but has been a fun addition when used on retro-designed cameras like the Fujifilm X100VI. Retro designs and direct camera flash are very much on-trend and the Lux Master takes this even further.

See our guides for more information on the best studio lighting kits, the best-LED light panels, and the best retro cameras.