Is this the Best Speedlite Ever?! | Godox V1

[@omegaman1409]

The round head is the only revolutionary thing. The light fall off is awesome. The fresnel heads can't come close even with modifiers.

[@seikibrian8641]

6:28 "I don't know what you'd call that..." I've always called it a bounce card; a reference to the early days when we'd stick an index card to the flash head with a rubber band.

[@Todd_Kuhns]

Yes, good, point. I've heard that as well.

[@EmbraceTheJourney]

just ordered my first Gordox V1 last week with the accessory kit and the trigger. Hoping it works as well as you say and if so, I plan to add to it

[@Todd_Kuhns]

I really hope you have the same experience as I have. Its been a great flash. I also have the AD100 and highly recommend it.

[@ozzymorrison8628]

This flash design makes more sense..it's perfect

[@Todd_Kuhns]

agree, thanks for the comment

[@SFV4]

Thanks for the video! You forgot to mention that the XPro trigger can also control some of the studio flashes that Godox produces. It can also trigger X1R receivers if you want to use a regular Nikon, Canon speedlight. So, using the Godox XPro opens the door to a system and not only to the V1. Same for Profoto, for those having the budget

[@Todd_Kuhns]

Thanks for the comment. I didn't know there was a way to use the pro tigger with nikon and canon speelights. Very good to know!

[@SFV4]

@@Todd_Kuhns Yes, for nikon, it’s the Godox X1R-N, for Canon, it’s the X1R-C, etc… And TTL & HSS also work

[@Todd_Kuhns]

I will check it out.@@SFV4

[@Lizerator]

Just bought this flash and love it. Thanks for the useful information!

[@Todd_Kuhns]

Thank you for the comment!

[@eddiebarnes3066]

Awesome. Outstanding review. I have the V1 pro.

[@Todd_Kuhns]

Thanks! Appreciate the comment.

[@johnpeterka8355]

Thank you for your video! My challenge is that we have a lot of Profoto light modifiers and have no means to adapt them to the Godox flashes and strobes. Godox makes adapters for their modifiers to fit Profoto strobes; however, there does not seem to be products that enable Profoto light modifiers to adapt to the Godox/Flashpoint XPLOR 600Pro TTL, etc. The exceptions are the AD300 and AD400 strobes.

[@Todd_Kuhns]

Interesting problem. Profoto probably has some very nice modifiers that you'd rather not give up I am sure. Thanks for the comment!

[@TheAstrocast]

Just picked this up for my Canon r5 after watching your video, thank you!!!

[@Todd_Kuhns]

That’s great. Thanks for watching and commenting. I think you’ll like this light.

[@spilln01]

nice vid Todd , yes I use the cheapest godox flash got 2 of them lol manual and they do the job for me just fine I also the x2 trigger . but I love the magnetic ad on the v1 !

[@Todd_Kuhns]

the kit is some of the best money on gear I've ever spent, simple as that is....

[@rachelg7371]

will it work with Nikon z8 and z9 cameras?

[@Todd_Kuhns]

Yes, I believe it will work just fine with those cameras.

[@chefinthehouse2294]

Its attachment is not good? Gets broke easily?

[@Todd_Kuhns]

I have heard that this is an issue. However, the ones I own have a metal attachment and haven’t been a problem. I think at one time it was plastic and those were the ones that broke.

[@LMActionsports]

I have invested heavily into the Flashpoint/Godox brand. Flashpoint because Adorama has a much better service center here in the United States if you have any issues than buying the Godox brand. I have strobe lights from the ad200 to the ad1200 pro. And I also have the V860ii, and the V1. The V1 produces a nice round spread of light that I prefer, the user interface is so much easier than the 860. Plus the V one has all the magnet attachments that makes it so much easier to attach something. I also like when I take portraits, I can swivel it and it swivels much better than the 860 and you can get perfect lighting on your subject. The only issue I have with the V1 is, it has a weak hot shoe mount that is prone to breaking. I actually broke mine by setting my camera down, and it tipped over onto the table. Now that was my fault it broke. But when it’s attached, you can just see that it’s not too sturdy right above the hot shoe. And it broke right above the hot shoe mount, and I did not have the insurance on it when I bought it so lesson learned and my new one I buy comes with four years of insurance. For weddings, I use both the V1 and the 860 and I will be picking up another V1 just so I don’t have to use two different interfaces during the wedding. Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@Todd_Kuhns]

I completely agree, thanks for the comment. I've just learned of the ad1200. Very intriguing!

[@LMActionsports]

@@Todd_Kuhns i never thought i would need 1200 watts of light until i started to action shots for high school seniors for their sports that they are in. Taking higher power shots with faster recycle times really makes a difference plus the flash duration giving those nice well lit shots for cheerleaders and basketball players has really paid off. I tried using two ad600’s that worked all right but the recycle time was very slow. I even invested into some Rotolight aeos and neo 2 LEDs and use them in strobe mode and they do not produce hardly enough light. But the ad1200 has paid itself off already. And now I don’t even flinch about taking portraits in the harsh afternoon sunlight. I can book more appointments during the afternoon. Hope that helps

[@Todd_Kuhns]

@@LMActionsports Yea, that is awesome. Thank you. I'll do some more looking into it.

[@thomastallerico6340]

The kit with the different color attachments have plastic covering all around them. Is that protective and you remove it or is a gel to soften the light and you keep it on.

[@Todd_Kuhns]

Just protective packaging. Should be removed but probably doesn’t change anything if you leave it either.

[@thomastallerico6340]

Very informative thank you for sharing

[@Todd_Kuhns]

You’re welcome

[@eftihisbalomenakis2501]

I AM TRYING TO FIND a solution but nowhere on the internet can I find an answer. 1st of all!! When you shoot with the V1 godox flash, does the modeling light come out on its own so you can focus??? Is it like prefiring so you can focus and then the flash fires off? If yes, thats amazing. But from my understanding the V1 has to be manually activated and it stays like this the whole time. Meaning that if you are in a nightclub or at a night event photography, you will be like a firefly at the whole event and that sucks. You don't wanna be the main dish for someone's event, you will be noticed enough with the flash that will go off all the time. 2nd, this is not a question but information for MIRRORLESS photography with flash. I use a Sony A7 III which means that it does not read the red focus assist beam of the flashes. But with godox there is a solution which is... you buy for example Godox tt685s and the transmitter the godox xt2s. For some weird reason the x2ts sends a bigger red focus assist beam and it works on the mirrorless camera (AT LEAST ON THE sony a7 III & A7 II) . That's how you focus at night with flash photography on a mirrorless camera. It's weird how there is no flash in the market for the mirrorless cameras.

[@Todd_Kuhns]

Thanks for all the information. As for the modeling light. I don't think it will come on automatically. I think you are right when you say it needs to be turned on and off manually. You are also right that having the modeling light on all the time at a dark venue would be very distracting. It would also kill the batteries rather fast. I shoot with a fuji xt4 that I love but its one issue is focusing in low light. Sometimes it does it well but other times is does struggle. I never attributed that to mirrorless is general but will be rethinking those situations.

[@davidgoff9393]

Hi Todd - Just watched and really enjoyed. Clear and concise! I am a Canon shooter and have only one flash - 600EX II-RT which I keep on keep camera as I have not ventured into off-camera land yet! The highlight of our video for me was how you rotate the flash 90 degrees for your set position for both landscape and portrait modes, so you dont have to do that in the moment every time you switch between the two framings. Also, the price of this unit, together with the magnet accessories, are pointing me in the direction of purchasing one - or tow? If i sell the Canon 600EX? :) Thanks! I just subscribed.

[@Todd_Kuhns]

Thanks for the comment! The canon flash is great. I never owned a 600 but owned and used a couple 580 for many years. The v1 equals those flashes and not having to buy AA batteries anymore is huge.

[@The-Tall-Photographer]

Amongst my Nikon 910's I use the V1 and for the money it's brilliant.

[@Todd_Kuhns]

Agree, thanks for the comment.

[@PizzlesTechTime]

New Canon user in I was surprised to see Canon still using double a on a lot of their flashes. I ended up getting the goadox v1c

[@Todd_Kuhns]

Yea, that is surprising that they still do the AA battery. I think the EL-1 or something has a rechargeable battery but it cost over $1000. I think you will be very happy with the V1. Thanks for the comment.

[@PizzlesTechTime]

@@Todd_Kuhns The EL5 has the new hot true and rechargeable battery for around 400. I already had another godox flash so having a slave in master was more important to me. Godox makes products pretty well. I have their aperture 120D type cob light and I love it.

[@Todd_Kuhns]

@@PizzlesTechTime Yea, good points!

[@gjaeigjiajeg]

I wish they released one that works with the canon RT system, similar to what Yongnuo did.

[@Todd_Kuhns]

Thanks for the comment, didn't know it wouldn't work with that system.

[@LGS_Inc]

I love my Godox V860 II, I am thinking about adding this one for set up soon. But he almost lost me when he said he switched to Fuji LOL.. I would stick with Canon, Nikon, or Sony.

[@Todd_Kuhns]

Thanks for the comment, I respect you opinion.

[@johnboyle2551]

Just bought one with a XT2 trigger, when I try to adjust the flash off camera the buttons do not work but they do work if I put it on camera (Nikon D850)

[@Todd_Kuhns]

Can you adjust the flash from the trigger?

[@loydsa]

That's interesting John, I also use the XT2 trigger with my V1's and I have not noticed any issues, I have just checked on my v1's the buttons on them work all the time irrespective of whether they are on or off camera, working with my external trigger or not. My system is fuji and my v1's and trigger are all fuji specific. I wonder if it is an issue with Nikon specific unit's firmware or just an issue with the unit you have?

[@bubba195776]

If you’re using your Fuji X 100 V it has a leaf shutter lens and you don’t have to use hi speed sync.

[@Todd_Kuhns]

yes, that is exactly right. One of the huge advantages of the x100 that most people don't talk about.

[@timbui5556]

Thank you for a very informative video!

[@Todd_Kuhns]

Thanks for watching!

[@ThePistonPit]

Will this worth with lumix s5iix

[@Todd_Kuhns]

I would think so. You’d have to look up and see if what model will sync with that camera. It may be the Olympus version??

[@d.s1014]

Many comments about overheating. What do you think?

[@Todd_Kuhns]

I've read a bunch of those as well but have never experienced it myself. Just a thought but I don't shoot super fast with mine and I don't typically shoot in HSS. Not sure if those would relate to the over heating issue or not.

[@patozols7747]

Really want that thing around the 6:30 mark.

[@Todd_Kuhns]

Yep, the kit is well worth the $60. Thanks for watching.

[@cipriansofineti346]

is it stronger than V860 III in terms of light?

[@Todd_Kuhns]

I think the output in terms of power is the same. Or at least very close. About 75 watt seconds. The difference from the 860 III is going to be the shape of the head.

[@Anna-gv7vo]

Hi Todd, nice vídeo!!! One question if I may... Is the bounce card efficient? And, if you have no place, wall or ceiling to bounce and if you point the flash up with the bounce card on, does it bounce enough light to a person?? Thank you so much in advance

[@Todd_Kuhns]

Yes, it is efficient. If there is no ceiling or surrounding walls I am sure the flash will need to work harder but for on camera flash it still looks really good. I do sometimes use the bounce card and the dome diffuser together. That will help if there is no ceiling. Thanks for the question!

[@Anna-gv7vo]

@@Todd_Kuhns Thank you so much, very kind of you!

[@loydsa]

@@Anna-gv7vo Hi Anna, bear in mind that the "bounce card" - isn't really a bounce card 🙂 you should angle the flash head to bounce off the ceiling the card is to give you that nice catchlight in your subjects eyes. Best regards Sarah

[@Anna-gv7vo]

@@loydsa thank you so much!

[@jasonbodden8816]

@@loydsa Well, it *is* a bounce card, just a very small one. The built-in card that comes with most speedlights is not a bounce card. It's what you describe - just to provide a catchlight. This bounce card actually does a lot better for events than I thought it would do. I pretty much never use bounce cards this small anyhow. I usually go for the ones at minimum 3 times the size of this one, or some other flash modifier. Much better light that way.

[@mdonchek]

Can you use the v1 on the camera's hotshoe as a transmitter to another v1 or do you need a separate transmitter?

[@Todd_Kuhns]

Yes, you can. In fact, I think the V1 will act as a transmitter to any other Godox light, its not limited to just another V1.

[@mdonchek]

@@Todd_Kuhns Thanks. Yes, it seems like it will control their strobes as well. Seems like a good 'ecosystem'

[@Todd_Kuhns]

@@mdonchek agree, and at a pretty reasonable price compared to a lot of other brands on the market.

[@Lizerator]

Very informative, thanks

[@Todd_Kuhns]

Thanks for watching!

[@crayshaunhenderson1265]

i just want a flash especially a cheap one at that lol to start taking pictures at night and hope my pictures come out better without the shadow. i just want the flash to work when i press the shutter button and i take the picture. so of course i want the flash to be automatic so all i have to do is point and shoot so this is the only flash i need right

[@Todd_Kuhns]

I would think this flash would work very well for you in TTL(automatic mode) and you should get really nice results. And the price tag here is very reasonable. Good also makes a v860 which is about $50 cheaper than the V1 and would be a great choice as well.

[@crayshaunhenderson1265]

@@Todd_Kuhns thanks Mr. Kuhns i just need a great flash let me ask you another question what is all this talk about bouncing flash off the ceiling or off the wall how do i do that or that's something i have to figure out

[@Todd_Kuhns]

@@crayshaunhenderson1265 Most flashes will allow you to angle the light in different directions. Rather than aiming the light directly at your subject you can angle it up to the ceiling and bounce your light towards your subject. The light will end up being less direct and softer. In TTL mode the flash and camera will make sure the exposure remains correct.

[@crayshaunhenderson1265]

@@Todd_Kuhns Mr.Kuhns is it easy to set it up on my canon 80d cause i just want to set up and start taking pictures but i have to buy it first but i like getting advice from professional photographers. i need help with my night photography and learning the shutter speed other than that everything cool. i'm soon to get the 10-18 17-55 55-250 and the 24mm pancake lens i have 2 lenses the 16-35 and the 50mm but i was told to get those other lens so do you think i need to get those lens for my canon 80d?

[@Todd_Kuhns]

@@crayshaunhenderson1265 I'd only buy lens that you think you need based on what you shoot. Don't get lenses just because you heard they are the ones you should have. The two lenses you have now are very good.

[@lorenrisner5228]

Good Info! Thank you

[@Todd_Kuhns]

Thank you for watching!

[@sman2887]

It’s ok but totally hopeless when it comes to gordox remote device it just don’t talk with my Sony.

[@Todd_Kuhns]

I have seen on some online groups that Sony users have had issues. Canon maybe too. Sorry to hear that. I have had no issues. Hope you resolve it. It really is a good flash for the price. Thanks for the comment.

[@TheSusanmunroe]

very nice , Thank you ..

[@Todd_Kuhns]

Thank you.

[@fennesto]

There's no video comparison for Canon Speedlite EL-1 vs Godox V1. I'm using godox v1, and need to know why canon ones are so expensive.

[@Todd_Kuhns]

I am not sure why the Canon is so expensive. Profoto has a speedlite very similar to the V1 as well that is $1000. Are there little things that are better constructed? Maybe. More metal than plastic? Maybe. But I will say the Godox V1 is made really well and it is solid. I have not had any issues and with a price that is a fraction of most of the other choices it is the clear winner for me.

[@fennesto]

@@Todd_Kuhns Yep.. thanks man! I just ended my event shooting. Godox V1 works well..

[@Todd_Kuhns]

@@fennesto That's great!

[@jasonbodden8816]

Not surprising. Most proprietary camera brand accessories are typically much more expensive that third party brands.

[@nlpix1]

the v1 has only 1 pro, it is round... but it has more cons, size, zoomrange, does not fit 3rd party speedlite modifiers . the godox v860 III so version 3 is much better in every aspect.

[@Todd_Kuhns]

Valid points. Thanks for the input.

[@xFreyelis]

I agree. The only time the V1 has an advantage is when shooting direct flash, which no one literally does unless you're shooting disco bar scenes all the time and wanted that look. Everything else, the V860III is better, especially by bouncing, even in high ceilings due to the zoom range.

[@meone310]

Recycle time goes down after 20-30 shots, is this normal behaviour?

[@Todd_Kuhns]

I have never noticed that the recycle time drops after only 20-30 shots. However, the recycle time on any speedlite that I have used has never been great. For the type of photography I do the light seems to keep up just fine but I know some people shoot much faster and a speedlite can struggle with that.

[@Laudrengen]

You couldn't force me to buy any electronic that takes standard batteries... So I bought godox too.

[@Todd_Kuhns]

Agree, that is a huge plus. Constantly buying AAs is a drag and expensive.

[@brianglock3099]

Just bought a V1, so far like it but not seeing, yet, balanced TTL that is available on Nikon speed lights. Thank you for your posr

[@Todd_Kuhns]

Please explain what you mean by “balanced TTL”

[@brianglock3099]

@@Todd_Kuhns the sb5000( and other anion speed lights); has TTL but also balanced TTL. Confessing yes but balanced set levels of flash output close to the available light, made a difference in some situations.

[@Todd_Kuhns]

@@brianglock3099 Oh, I see. I had not heard of that. At B&H the sb5000 is just under $600. The V1, $260. To me, that price difference isn't justified by the flash balancing itself to the ambient light. The V1 and any other speed light I've ever used will do that just fine in TTL. Maybe if I used the Nikons I'd see the magic. Thanks for the reply.

[@brianglock3099]

@@Todd_Kuhns Agree, why I bought the V1 as the " spare" now probably the primary. Since have bought the Godox controller and module to attach SB5000 to. Now have a two light wireless system

[@Todd_Kuhns]

@@brianglock3099 very nice.....

[@duckhanhpham4753]

I believed what you said as I had two Nikon SB-910s and one SB-900 and Su-800 master ( i hate two models SB 900 and 910 made batteries so hot after a few dozen shots) I got experiences on Nikon Speedlites that I hate the most was so expensive but they are not even much better than Godox 860III(I had two ) or Godox V1(I had two). Yes, we can shoot as much as you can as Godox's batteries that it lasts like forever without warm battery and free mind not mention about to change battery. Godox speedlites are easy to use than Nikon SB, only reading and you never forget as you saw it right on flash screen like TCM, sync,S1/S2 or M,A,B,Cmode etc.. just following letters for what you want to do and keep pressing button. That was why I do not upgrade to Nikon SB-5000 because Nikon is always inclining to rip off as much as they can. I love Nikon but I do not fall for Nikon flashes no more.

[@Todd_Kuhns]

Thanks for the comment. Good to hear the insight on Nikon.

[@edmunek]

at 4:39. ever heard about rechargeable AA? not that it is convenient but buying normal AA batteries and being worried that you will run out? at the wedding? man....

[@Todd_Kuhns]

That's true and a good point. My experience with rechargeable AA is that they are only so good, You need a lot of them if you use your flash for a great deal of an event.......although you're right.

[@SuperDamny]

Like you said AA batteries are less convenient in use. You need to make sure that discharged batteries are never mixed with fully charged ones, for one. It takes more time to replace them. There's no indication of remaining charge on a speedlight when AA batteries are used and you never know when this "surprise" moment happens during your - sometimes critical - shooting. Not the case with Godox and it's rechargeable batteries.

[@Todd_Kuhns]

@@SuperDamny Yep, good points.

[@jasonbodden8816]

It's easy to keep spares. Pointless buying one pack of 4 or 8 every time you buy batteries. I don't see why someone wouldn't just keep spares, especially if you shoot often. I stopped using rechargeable AAs because the Godox triggers wouldn't show the battery level properly. I always want to know where my battery levels are at.

[@Todd_Kuhns]

@@jasonbodden8816 Good point, thanks for the comment.

[@henrikjensen3303]

No !

[@Todd_Kuhns]

Thanks for the input. I appreciate your opinion. What speedlite would you say is the best?

[@sites4sight]

Is Godox junk?

[@Todd_Kuhns]

My experience is a positive one. I really like the V1.

[@sites4sight]

@@Todd_Kuhns is it loose on the camera....mine is loose/moves?

[@Todd_Kuhns]

@@sites4sight mine is loose on my x100v but tight on my x-t4. I figure that make the issue the hot shoe of the x100 and not the flash.

[@loydsa]

I use a couple of Godox V1's with my Fujifilm GFX and I prefer them to my Canon speedlights I use on my Canon dslr's

[@jasonbodden8816]

Far from it.

[@deanmachin1369]

no its not, the hot shoe breaks constantly.

[@Todd_Kuhns]

I have not experienced this but have heard a lot of people talk about this issue. Thanks for the comment.

[@BoxingTunes]

the new ones have a metal shoe and you can ado buy the metal shoe as a replacement

[@HectorRiveraPhotography]

No best soeedlight ever is the profoto A10

[@Todd_Kuhns]

even at four times the price?

[@scotthullinger4684]

Hey Todd - do you know how the Godox V1 compares to the Westcott Fj80 11 S? At first glance, they seem to be rather identical, although I really have no idea if that's true or not.

[@Todd_Kuhns]

I am not familiar with the Westcott FJ80 so I just looked it up. It looks very interesting. The touchscreen is intriguing. Its $70 more or so which isn't too bad. For me, I have the Godox AD100 as well so to know that they can all sync and run off the same trigger is important. I will at some point probably add more lights to my Godox system. As for the Westcott, I would want to know other lights that they make and see if I could build a system, not just the one light.

[@scotthullinger4684]

I see -