Godox tt685ii Review - The Affordable Workhorse

[@WesPerry]

For a more thorough explanation of my cheap outdoor flash setup as seen in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGHTd4V7Z8l7d5o

[@augusti1]

Hi Wes, I bought the 685II today, working with flash is totally new to me. And because of your review I know that this is a good start for me after all, thanks for your clear explanation. Greetings from Belgium Lorenzo

[@WesPerry]

Happy to hear it. Enjoy!

[@Khalidzuaiter]

Hey , can i ask which battery did you use? And from where?

[@WesPerry]

@Khalidzuaiter Amazon High capacity rechargeables

[@cadmus777]

I love my two tt685's, and went with them instead of the 860ii's because it was virtually 2 for 1. Sure, I had to buy good AA batteries, but still, much cheaper, for pretty close to the same thing. That cost allowed me to get started, and now that I have 2 AD200's as well, it's rare that I still don't use the TT685's in a shoot. Great flashes!

[@geofflongford2008]

Just get a bunch of pro Eneloops etc. I've used them for years and trust them.

[@cadmus777]

@@geofflongford2008 yep, that's all that I ever use in them.

[@willy8539]

@@cadmus777 just get IKEA's batteries, same manufacturer as Eneloops

[@paulconnors2078]

I purchased one of these slightly used for Nikon at about 1/3 off retail. I love this flash and wish I could find another one in the same condition for another discounted price. I really appreciated your comment because it reinforced my conclusion and my luck finding this one in used Mint condition.

[@chase5860]

Nicely put together Wes. The TT685ii was a no-brainer for me. Slightly cheaper for what is otherwise exactly the same flash as the V860III. I am more involved in interiors, real estate, as well as portrait shoots, where the second longer recharge time really makes absolutely no difference in a real world scenario. For events and weddings I can definitely see why fast recharging would be an important feature to have but I don't do that. My favourite batteries are the Energizer Recharge Extreme. I find them to be the perfect balance between a high capacity of 2,300mAh and a good lifespan for a really good price compared to Eneloop. What I appreciate about Energizer is that they undersell how much capacity their batteries really have rather than other brands who claim a number but the capacity is actually smaller. Give them a try some day!

[@WesPerry]

I’ll keep an eye out! When eneloop first came out, Energizer and Duracell made rechargeables that were absolute trash. I think because they wanted to show their customers disposables we’re the way to go. But in the past few years (now that the writing is on the wall and the transition to rechargeable everything is underway) they’ve both come out with Great rechargeable batteries. Really a shame that they tainted the market for so long, though.

[@Lizerator]

Excellent review. I don't use flashes often so this video is very valuable. Thanks!

[@stuartmeador8993]

Am enjoying all my Godox products... especially the ability to use one lighting system setup with several different camera brands by just having appropriate triggers.

[@FreddyBoyBoy]

your video setup and quality is on point!

[@coolcat23]

8:42 It always amazes me when people tell me that using NiMH batteries in Godox transmitters is bad or not as good as using Alkalines when NiMH just work perfectly for me. The only downside of using rechargeables in transmitters is that the battery capacity indicator will not work properly. Apart from that, it is better for your wallet and the environment to use rechargeables.

[@WesPerry]

I spoke about that in more length but ended up deleting it in the edit. Haha. As I’ve covered it extensively in my trigger comparison video. I worked hard to confirm whether or not there was actually any effect in using NiMH batteries in triggers, but was unable to find any detriment. Using channel scan is Far more important than what kind of battery you’re using, at the very least.

[@EdwardKilner]

I’ve always liked your reviews. This was of real interest to me, need to buy one soon. Your example photos were particularly good in this video plus nice hints on umbrella usage. You mentioned inexpensive which is appropriate for pairing with this flash unit. However, you were not in a super generous mood with points! Still, it’s a hit with me.

[@WesPerry]

I plan to make a separate video just on that particular setup, so didn’t want to spend ten minutes on it in this one, as it might not be of interest to everyone watching. But I thought it would still be a good little tie in for this particular flash 👍🏻

[@johnoakey1883]

Thank you for the review. Let me share an issue I solved that confused GoDox customer service. Some fuctions have changed without notice - apparently even Godox customer service wssn't clued in. Where your control says "Mode" the newer (?) production says "Menu" . (Published docs do not reflect this.) The lock/unlock function has moved to the right side of the dial. By the way as a brand new user I was looking for a basic tutorial - I'm sure there is one out there somewhere. Thanks again. John Oakey

[@IAmR1ch]

Thanks for this review. I ordered one of these. I have a AD360ii with guess what a BP960. So I figured if I needed faster recycle times I could use it. According to the documentation, recycle is under 1 second at full power. This flash was cheap and I did not want to spend any more money on a on camera flash, my Ad360 is for canon and I have a used olympus for macro and ad360 too huge for a macro diffuser, it uses batteries which I have including a Blast Pack. So I will see how it works and if I can use NM batterys for flash macro focus stacking. If it doesn't work I will send it back, I will spring for the more expensive alternative. But at GN60 I am hoping to use 1/32 power for 12 stacks. It is good to know it does pretty good for normal flash stuff so I am not just throwing money away for macro which I don't do alot.

[@DarkoDemic]

Lol, searching your channel for this review today as I was considering between this and V1, I guess you decided to make it just in time :D

[@WesPerry]

Obviously I was just waiting for you ;)

[@paulspatafora8793]

Hi Wes, thank you for taking the time to do this review. I'm very interested in finding out how the TTL function works with the new 685 being a transmitter to other Godox flashes. I have found that using the X2T with the 685N in wireless mode, the exposure is very erratic with the 685 and usually underexposing by almost 1 stop. When I use the original flash on camera without the wireless feature, it acts just like the Nikon version. The TCM function is of great interest to me too and I hope you can explain it to us. Thanks again for your help.

[@WesPerry]

I did have to use +1.7 exposure to get the ttl to come out well here. But exposure comp is almost always a necessity

[@artmaltman]

Please check the output color. I find that the V1 seems more yellow / greenish than the older 860ii. Thank you. (Also Robert Hall on his channel discusses the color problem, and a fix.)

[@WesPerry]

I thought the Robert hall video was concerning the AD100 Pro.

[@WesPerry]

In my V860iii video I did do colour testing and found my V1 to be incredibly colour accurate. It actually had the same colour deviation control of the AD300 Pro, and better than the AD600 Pro or any of the other flashes. The 100 Pro obviously didn’t fare well. Haha

[@artmaltman]

@@WesPerry Robert said it was the V1 as well as the AD100 in the video that I saw recently. I wonder if the V1 color varied over time with production changes? BTW glad to hear that the TTL is working great with current generation.

[@WesPerry]

Interesting. I have a very early model V1, probably the first in Canada (factory direct), and it has been used extensively since then. Almost surprising that it still performs so well. Perhaps it has changed since then…

[@Ted2000-p3s]

Which link is the umbrella

[@andersistbesser]

Wow this is a big umbrella in the end

[@WesPerry]

7 foot!

[@SpectralightPhoto]

Excellent review, thank you! Will either of these units work in TTL or automatic mode with the Nikon Zfc? I just want something basic where I can set the f/stop on my camera and flash and let the flash adjust the output as needed... like my old Vivitar 283 flash. Does TCM do that? So many dang acronyms to try to understand.

[@robwasnj]

Interesting, I own the TT685 original not ii. I bought it because I use flash so little I wanted something that just uses AA's. One thing though mine does not do is tilt back or swivel. I had Canon prior and loved being able to bounce off a wall behind me. Thinking of getting the version 2 just for that reason.

[@WesPerry]

Oh weird I thought the original swiveled. Huh

[@robwasnj]

@@WesPerry Nope, just up and down from forward facing to straight up, it won't even point back a couple of degrees. Reminds me of my Vivitar 285 circa 1980 (which still works!)

[@redsox7897]

I think it was a good decision by Sony to choose plastic for their shoe mount. In the case of an accidental drop of the camera with a flash mounted on top of it, the damage will be more likely to the shoe of the flash not the shoe mount of camera which will be more costly to repair.

[@WesPerry]

Seems quite likely this was a consideration But boy does it make a lot of people angry 😂

[@Rushtik9506]

Do you have seperate videos on using 2 flashes sir?

[@rociopereira6856]

Hola...qué tal? Mira, se puede restablecer/eliminar ajustes del flash? Porque me aparece botón verde que indica Flash, pero desde mí cámara no.. por qué será? Por eso va mí pregunta

[@matt88169]

This flash changed my life I love it. Best $100 you can spend with a new camera. My only problem is, when working it hard in manual mode, taking lots of shots in manual mode, it sometimes starts firing at full power and blowing shots. It would do it over and over until I shut it off and turned it back on. That’s after several minutes feeling like a noob adjusting settings and test firing wondering what on earth was going wrong. Is there a battery life indicator on these also? The only way I know the batteries need a swap is when it starts refusing to fire.

[@WesPerry]

I’ve only had this happen to me with my Yongnuo flashes back in the day, but not with Godox, though I’ve heard of this happening to others, so it’s certainly a known issue. Is this while On camera, or off?

[@matt88169]

@@WesPerry The most recent occurrence was when using it off-camera with an XPro trigger (Fuji X versions). Now that I know how to deal with it (reboot), it won't trip me up as easily next time. Because I was actively trying to just get the shot, I didn't quite lock into memory what settings the trigger and flash were reporting. I also can't quite remember if I was adjusting power ONLY on the trigger, or if I also did it on the flash (since I literally was holding the flash in one hand and camera in the other so I could rapidly adjust the bounce or shift horizontal/vertical - I would move the power up a third or down a third with some thumb presses). I use my flash way more off-camera than on, so I've no recollection of whether this happens on-camera.

[@WesPerry]

@@matt88169 This is a fairly common occurrence when using it off camera, usually caused by a poor signal, whether through distance or just interference. Sometimes fresh batteries or doing a channel scan first then using a recommended open channel can prevent it from happening.

[@matt88169]

@@WesPerry Wow thanks for the tip! At the time the trigger and flash were practically next to each other, so signal strength wasn't the issue. A congested channel however was a possibility. Turns out only my X2T can channel scan, which is a little annoying (I have the older 685). I hate using it to fire the flash (much prefer the xpro trigger) but I certainly could use it to try a quick scan when in new a location.

[@WesPerry]

@@matt88169 being too close can also cause issues. In the menu there are two distance ranges in the trigger, and if you're going to be quite close, it should be set to the shorter distance! :)

[@martindalpe.photography]

I have the tt685 and love it. for me the options of the AA batterie is better than the tt860. you can always find AA batterie around the world.

[@WesPerry]

The thing about the V860 is that I’ve simply never run one down before 😂 I once did two shoot with the V1, then accidentally left it at the client’s location for a month (couldn’t figure out where I’d left it, until they called me). It was still on when I picked it up, and still had one bar of battery life! 😳

[@jorjuarez2838]

Te sigue funcionando bien?

[@martindalpe.photography]

@@jorjuarez2838 5 años y siguen funcionando como el día que los compré

[@eddyhate88]

frustrating thing about the tt685ii is that you need to use id for it to work with the x2t trigger and some flashes don't work in combination with a trigger using id like the mv300 and the sk400ii. i bought the tt685ii to use in studio with my 2 strobes and outside on camera and off camera with the x2t trigger but can't because it not possible to do both.

[@WesPerry]

I don't see that that's correct. I had no issue using the 685ii with my X2T and I Never use ID. 🤔

[@omegaman1409]

I got a eBay coupon. Brought it at a ridiculous price of $97 for the tt685ii.

[@Fifthimagez]

This was great vary helpful

[@iFab7]

Hi thanks for the video. Are there any chance for the battery level indicator? Thx

[@WesPerry]

@@iFab7 doesn’t seem like it’s ever coming 😔

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

great video! I do video mostly with my Sony FX30 but I want to learn photography with my Sony a6400-nothing high end but better than just point and shoot. I'm considering getting an external flash for the a6400- I was looking at the compact Godox TT350s or this much bigger TT685ii...the 350 is easier to carry and cheaper (not by much). Have you used them both? Thanks

[@WesPerry]

I briefly used the 350. It doesn’t suit my needs well as I often need a flash to go for a long time (let’s say a wedding reception dance photography for 2-4 hours), and the 350 just doesn’t have that kind of power, both in recycle time/overheating resistance and battery life. It’s a good flash, just doesn’t have as much power!

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

hey...yeah...I make wedding videos but I'm not a wedding photographer-the 350 is more for casual users etc I understand that. Since I only have the a6400 I guess I want a compact flash-is the 685ii a lot bigger? I will look for a video comparing them. I know I will use the flash occasionally but I do want to learn more about photography. Thanks@@WesPerry

[@WesPerry]

@TheFandangovideoguy yeah the 685 is Quite large on the APS-C bodies

[@TechwithAaron-rq5me]

please how do you see the battery percentage on the screen

[@WesPerry]

I believe all this flash supports is a low battery warning. Sorry if I didn’t mention that in the video. Very odd, for sure.

[@fab1804]

The built-in trigger (pop-up flash) of my Nikon DSLR doesn’t work with this flash even though it works with other flash… does someone know if godox should work that way or not? Maybe i have to get it replaced or i will have the same issue? Thx

[@davidclement5927]

Hi Wes, Thanks for a great video. Can you tell me how to check the Firmware version on the TT685ii and how I can update it. I've looked on the Godox website, but I can't find out any information. Thanks, Dave

[@WesPerry]

There hasn’t been any new firmware released for the tt685ii as of yet, so it’s a bit of a moot point for now. If and when they do they’ll assign it to one of their updater packages (probably G3) and release it for download.

[@davidclement5927]

@@WesPerry thanks Wes, much appreciated. Dave

[@samtronicsvideo7232]

RE. AA rechargeable batteries…. They are around 1.2 volts compared to the alkaline 1.5 volts… is the lower voltage a problem?

[@WesPerry]

@@samtronicsvideo7232 nope. In most flashes the lower internal impedance of NiMH batteries more than compensates for the lower voltage, and can actually Increase performance, because these are such high current devices.

[@martinssau]

Do you use some diffuser outdoor?

[@WesPerry]

Depends on the ambient lighting and what flash gear I’m using. For something with less power like this, using diffusion can be tricky. Check out this video for some more details: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGHTd4V7Z8l7d5o

[@chrismcpherson142]

I have the Godox TT685 C am new to the flash. what is ETTL M zoom 24 screen is green there a Red screen ?

[@renatorefrain2993]

hi, I have the godox TT685II flash, I can't find the right Propac cable. Can you help me? Thanks

[@GLENNMPHOTOGRAPHY]

Sorry for being new to flash photography. Is this unit have HSS ?

[@WesPerry]

It does yes

[@nasroullahdinally5140]

Hi Wes, great contents and thank for sharing. These images are gorgeous and so is the model of course.I love speedlights simple set up outdoor like you have demonstrated. A friend of mine asked me to do a prego shoot with her husband in the snow beginning of February( I'm from Toronto b.t.w) and I want to incoporate some smoke bomb too like you have done. I have never done a couple shoot in the snow before.What would you recommend in terms of time of day, settings? I would like to attempt these back lights techniques of your style too. Thank you.

[@WesPerry]

For the smoke bomb, it’s actually a bit better to use a narrower aperture (if you can set yourself up with an undistracting background), as this will make the curls of smoke pop better. This will also help get you back down to sync shutter speed, out of HSS. I used a wider aperture (1.4) in this shoot to maintain consistency with the rest of the shoot, and because I already had an ND filter on. Back light shouldn’t be much higher than 1/8 power, though (if possible!), as you’ll want to take a Lot of photos, and you don’t want your flash overheating part way in, because there are no do-overs!

[@nasroullahdinally5140]

@@WesPerry I really appreciate your prompt response.Thank you.

[@shaynefoster167]

hi Wes, is the godox TT685IIS hot shoe universal with Sony and Canon

[@WesPerry]

Afraid not. The Sony hot shoe is quite specific to Sony.

[@Pikmeir]

How does this compare with the TT350? I'm considering either this or that one for outdoor photography.

[@WesPerry]

It’s significantly larger and more powerful

[@mrrajput975]

Sir will it work in Canon 200d Mark ii ? I m confused

[@jandoddy2016]

Hello Wes, I have a question about the X2T Controller / Remote, I need to photograph model trains and I'd like to do Rear / Second curtain Sync with my Canon 70D. Will this remote trigger 2 off camera TT 685's with rear curtain?

[@WesPerry]

Yes, as long as your Camera support it (it’s less about the trigger and more about your camera).

[@dalstarvisuals1385]

I hope some sees this and can answer. My 685II developed some type of lcd malfunction, it looks like a burn spot or lcd bleed that takes up about 20% of the screen and most of the display text is not readable. Has anyone replaced a display or had it replaced?

[@lecouriellecouriel2768]

Hi Sir. I've read the comments below about green cast... I own a godox tt600 and it produces a strong green cast. So unfortunately it seems more godox models have this particularity... I'm wondering if the TT685 ii unit you tested yielded a more neutral color or if it was also on the green side ?... To have two flashes, I have the strange choice of either buying another tt600 to have two greenish flashes, buying only one tt685 ii if it's greenish or two tt685ii if they are more neutral... Thanks for your time...

[@WesPerry]

My Tt685ii is indeed neutral.

[@MegaMcdrew]

Hoping someone can help me! Have received my TT685iiS, once turned on the buttons were unresponsive and wouldn't change anything. The Set button would light up the display and the SYNC button would turn on HSS icon but no other functions worked. The two button reset does nothing either. It feels like I am locked in a mode or something?

[@WesPerry]

Is there a little lock on the screen?

[@dangoldbach6570]

Load that tt685 up with Panasonic eneloop batts and it will straight up wear your ass out before it calls it quits! I LOVE my two 685's!

[@Timepass.2.0]

Battery indicator not working

[@WesPerry]

It doesn’t really have one. Just a low battery warning, I think?

[@Timepass.2.0]

@WesPerry thanks 🙏

[@merkaromain5507]

will the af assit beam work on the canon 2000d with the centerpin?

[@WesPerry]

Afraid I can’t answer that … I’m not quite sure how canon triggers the af beam.

[@zumoo1]

For Wes or any of the Hive Mind here: I have the v860ii. I've been wanting to pick up a second one. After watching this, I'm thinking maybe I could pick up the tt685ii as a second unit (saving some $$). Would that be a good combo to have in my kit?

[@WesPerry]

Just to complicate things, the V850iii comes out in between them soon ;)

[@r_cab314]

For the flash for fuji do you input 35mm for the lens focal length or the full frame equivalent when in manual mode?

[@memodelahouse]

What is the Wattage output on the tt685ii????

[@WesPerry]

Same as all the other large Godox flashes. 76W/s

[@Sencer16.]

Is there a Godox 60/60 cm square softbox for this flash?

[@WesPerry]

You can stick this in whatever bowens soft box you want if you use an S2 bracket.

[@Sencer16.]

@@WesPerry so how many cm softbox should i use?

[@WesPerry]

@@Sencer16. that’s a difficult question to answer. Basically the larger the box, the dimmer your light will become. So it depends on how bright you need it to be.

[@Sencer16.]

@@WesPerry ok very Thank You.

[@ryansalasphotography]

does this work on canon rp without a trigger? some flashes need trigger in order to used the hss.

[@WesPerry]

I can’t say for sure. Canon HSS compatibility is a bit spotty on their newest cameras according to some.

[@ryansalasphotography]

@@WesPerry so i bought the flash and it works perfect on my canon rp. no more underexposed and overexposed on events. very happy on this purchased.

[@twbrkfd1733]

Use rechargeable lithium AAs w higher mAh (lithium and alkaline are 1.5v. The NimH are 1.2v) Rather have generic AAs than custom lithium. I use the NimH.

[@sirulrichvonlichtenstein4851]

Is there any way to turn off the pre-flash on the Godox TT685 ii mounted on a Sony A6500? Even when flash is on M, it pre-flashes before actually firing.

[@WesPerry]

That’s very strange. So it’s not on TTL? Perhaps you have red eye reduction turned on in the camera?

[@sirulrichvonlichtenstein4851]

@@WesPerry Nope, it was not, which was why I was baffled. Testing on every function, pre-flash would still fire. Anyway, being a new Godox flash user, likewise someone more used to the intuitiveness of DSLRs (ETTL functions don't trigger pre-flash. And, even on high-speed shutter bursts, flash follows), I never would've deducted that the "red eye reduction" would result in constant pre-flash. Thanks to your immediate reply the issue is now resolved! Much appreciated.

[@linetterivera7532]

Will this work on a Nikon 7zii ?

[@WesPerry]

As long as you get the N version for Nikon.

[@7743dustin]

I’m gonna get this but the s version hope it works with my Sony a7iv

[@WesPerry]

It does yes. Half of my testing of this flash was on the a7iv.

[@kensutanza]

Hi, i was wondering if the focus assist beam works on the a7iii ?

[@WesPerry]

In AF-S mode yes.

[@kensutanza]

@@WesPerry I figured if it works on the a7iii then it should also works on the a6600 hopefully!

[@WesPerry]

I can’t say that for sure, but most likely

[@AlexFlores]

Perfect review.... As usual... Thank you... What about sony a7 IV silent shutter? :o)

[@WesPerry]

Haven’t had a chance to test it yet (very soon!), but I know from the specs it’s almost certainly a tiny bit Worse than the one on the a7iii 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@JesusPursuit]

will this work with canon r6

[@WesPerry]

As long as you get the canon version of it.

[@andersistbesser]

I own a original 685 and i need a second speedlight. Is it worth to get the 685ii? I am very happy with the first 685

[@WesPerry]

All I can do is give you the info I have and let you decide ;)

[@michtou88]

Maintenant moitié prix du V860... et batteries qui ne seront jamais obsolètes.... aucune hésitation pour moi.

[@devroombagchus7460]

I think you are too demanding. This is a cheap flash. At these prices, I am amazed at what you get.

[@WesPerry]

Yes, this is why it gets a 9/10 for value and received a reasonably favourable totally score. But it still must be compared to other options. No device exists in a complete vacuum.

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

Wait until you have to upgrade the software. The honeymoon will be over...

[@WesPerry]

I keep an old old windows laptop in the cupboard just for godox and Sony firmware updates and it works great every time. Pretty crazy that that’s necessary, though!

[@dogintatung3581]

Product quality is very bad! Hot shoe mount breaks easily! moreover the mount is too costly! Bad job Godox 👎👎👎👎

[@ExplorewithSunnyGill]

Does canon Ep 4 canon battery pack compatible with tt685 ii ?