Rankings
The Photoolex FK310 LCD Speedlite adds an LCD panel and a rich accessory set to the solid GN33, 22-level manual flash platform, but it still lacks TTL and high-speed sync.
The Photoolex FK300/FK310/M500 series offers a GN33, 22 power levels and HSS support in a budget manual flash, plus useful accessories, but lacks TTL and a dedicated LCD.
The Meike FC-100 is a compact LED ring flash offering both pulsed flash and continuous lighting, ideal for hobbyists and field work. Its low guide number and lack of TTL keep it in the entry-level segment.
The Godox TT520II is an affordable manual speedlite with built-in 433 MHz radio, offering solid wireless performance, tilt-and-swivel head and integrated diffuser, but it lacks TTL/HSS and a display, making it best for beginners and budget-conscious shooters.
The Godox iM30 is an ultra-compact manual speedlight powered by two AAA cells, offering basic flash functionality and optical slave modes. Its portability is offset by low power, no TTL/HSS, and a fixed head, making it suited for casual or travel use rather than demanding studio work.
The Altura Photo AP-UNV2 is a budget manual flash with a versatile head, LCD interface and optical slave, suited for learning and controlled studio work. Its lack of TTL, HSS and reliance on AA batteries limit fast-action and outdoor use.
The Godox iT20 F is an ultra-compact, TTL-compatible flash for Fujifilm cameras with a fast recycle, high flash capacity and magnetic accessories, but it lacks wireless, HSS and tilt/swivel functionality.
The Powerextra DF-400 is a budget-friendly manual flash offering basic power control, optical slave modes, and a rotating head, suitable for beginners and hobbyists. It lacks TTL, HSS, and a robust build, making it less ideal for demanding professional work.
The Godox TT520 II is a budget-friendly manual flash offering solid GN33 output, flexible head rotation and built-in 433 MHz wireless. It lacks TTL and HSS, and recycle speed depends heavily on battery type.
The CAMEDAFLX CF3 is an ultra-compact, USB-C rechargeable manual flash (GN5, 25 g) designed for street, travel and documentary shooters who need a lightweight lighting solution. It offers fast recycle, high flash count and premium build, but lacks TTL, HSS and advanced positioning features.
The Neewer Z120 SE is a compact, battery-powered mini flash offering GN12 output, fast recycle and optical slave modes, ideal for vloggers and travel shooters. Its lack of TTL, HSS and head movement keep it from professional event or sports work.
The Ulanzi SL01 is an ultra-compact, manual-only speedlite offering GN8 output, high CRI and USB-C charging in a 33 g package. It excels in portability and daylight-balanced light but lacks TTL, HSS and broad camera compatibility.
The ULANZI SL03 is an ultra-compact 2-in-1 flash and continuous LED light aimed at travel and vloggers. It offers manual flash, a 90° tiltable head and USB-C charging, but its low GN8 output and lack of TTL keep it in the niche of on-camera fill lighting.
The Hersmay CY-20 is an ultra-light, budget flash offering a modest GN 20 and manual control, ideal for beginners and travel photographers needing a simple fill-light. Its lack of TTL, HSS, and slow recycle limit its usefulness for fast-action or professional work.
The Leekai S12 is a pocket-sized manual flash offering GN12 output, USB-C rechargeable power and fine-grained brightness control, targeting photographers who need a lightweight backup or travel flash. Its lack of TTL, HSS and wireless features limits its use for fast-action or automated shooting.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | | | | Photoolex Camera Flash | Godox TT520 II | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12 m | 33 m | 33 m | 15 m | 33 m | 38 mbest | 8 m | 20 m | 8 m | 12 m | 15 m | 15 m | 33 m | 33 m | 5 m | |
| ↓ lower better | — | — | 3 s | 3.6 s | 2.8 s | 2.9 s | 5 s | 7 s | 2.5 s | — | 1.5 sbest | — | 2.8 s | — | 4 s |
2,000 mAhbest | — | — | — | — | — | 250 mAh | — | 300 mAh | 1,200 mAh | 300 mAh | — | — | — | 190 mAh | |
500 flashes | — | — | 230 flashes | — | — | 500 flashes | — | 500 flashes | — | 700 flashesbest | — | — | — | 700 flashesbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 142 g | 310 g | 315 g | 108 g | — | 440 g | 33 g | 100 g | 43 g | 105 g | 45 g | 330 g | — | 312 g | 25 gbest |
— | 15 mbest | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 15 mbest | — | |
8 levels | 8 levels | 8 levels | 7 levels | 22 levelsbest | 8 levels | 4 levels | — | 8 levels | 5 levels | — | — | 22 levelsbest | 8 levels | 2 levels | |
— | 16best | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 16best | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | | | | Photoolex Camera Flash | Godox TT520 II | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Features(1) | |||||||||||||||
Flash Modes | Manual,S1,S2 | Manual, S1, S2 | Manual, S1, S2 | Manual | Manual, Multi Flash, S1, S2 | Manual, Stroboscopic, S1, S2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | TTL, Manual | Flash,Continuous,Half‑Ring | Manual, S1, S2, Multi | Manual, S1, S2 | Manual |
Compatibility(1) | |||||||||||||||
Compatible Brands | Canon,Nikon,Sony,Fujifilm | Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Pentax, Fuji | Canon,Nikon,Pentax,Olympus,Panasonic,Fujifilm,Sigma,Minolta,Leica,Ricoh,Sony | — | — | Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, etc. | Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Panasonic, Leica, Olympus, Pentax | Nikon,Canon,Panasonic,Olympus,Pentax | Universal | Canon,Sony,Nikon,Fujifilm,Panasonic,Olympus,Pentax,Ricoh | Fujifilm | Canon,Pentax,Olympus | — | Canon,Nikon,Pentax,Olympus,Fujifilm,Panasonic | Ricoh, Sony, Fujifilm, Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax |
Battery & Power(3) | |||||||||||||||
Battery Type | Li-ion | AA | AA | AAA | AA | AA | Lithium-ion | AA | Li-ion | Li-ion | Lithium-ion | AA | AA | AA | Lithium-ion |
Battery Capacity (mAh) | 2000 mAh | — | — | — | — | — | 250 mAh | — | 300 mAh | 1200 mAh | 300 mAh | — | — | — | 190 mAh |
Battery Life (full‑power flashes) (flashes) | 500 flashes | — | 110-1500 flashes | 230 flashes | — | — | 500 flashes | — | 500 flashes | — | 700 flashes | — | 110-1500 flashes | 100-1500 flashes | 700 flashes |
Build & Design(1) | |||||||||||||||
Weight (g) | 142 g | 310 g | 315 g | 108 g | — | 440 g | 33 g | 100 g | 43 g | 105 g | 45 g | 330 g | — | 312 g | 25 g |
Warranty(1) | |||||||||||||||
Warranty Period (months) | 12 months | 12 months | — | — | 24 months | — | 12 months | — | 12 months | — | 120 months | — | 24 months | — | 12 months |
Performance(6) | |||||||||||||||
Guide Number (m) | 12 m | 33 m | 33 m | 15 m | 33 m | 38 m | 8 m | 20 m | 8 m | 12 m | 15 m | 15 m | 33 m | 33 m | 5 m |
Recycle Time (s) | 0.1-1.8 s | 0.1-5 s | 3.0 s | 3.6 s | 2.8 s | 2.9 s | 5 s | 7 s | 2.5 s | 1-7 s | 1.5 s | — | 2.8 s | 0.1-5 s | 4 s |
Flash Duration (s) | — | 0.00005 s | 0.005-0.00005 s | 1/2000-1/300 s | 1/200-1/20000 s | — | — | 0.001 s | — | 0.004-0.017 s | 1/2170 s | 0.01 s | 1/200-1/20000 s | 0.00333-0.00005 s | — |
Power Output Levels (levels) | 8 levels | 8 levels | 8 levels | 7 levels | 22 levels | 8 levels | 4 levels | — | 8 levels | 5 levels | — | — | 22 levels | 8 levels | 2 levels |
High‑Speed Sync | false | false | false | false | — | — | false | false | false | false | false | false | true | false | — |
Color Temperature (K) | 5600 K | 5600 K | 5800 K | 6500 K | 5600 K | 5600 K | 6500 K | 5600 K | 6500 K | 5600 K | — | 5500 K | 5600 K | 5600 K | 6200 K |
Accessories(1) | |||||||||||||||
Included Accessories | Speedlite, Translucent diffuser, USB-A to USB-C charging cable, Storage bag, User manual | RT Wireless Transmitter, Mini Stand, Protection Bag, User Manual, Diffuser, Color Filter, USB LED Light | Powerextra DF-400 speedlite, protective bag, mini stand, instruction manual | — | 12 color filters, stand, pouch, diffuser, instruction manual | Wide-angle diffuser, bounce card, protective pouch | — | — | Flash unit, USB‑A to USB‑C cable, User manual | — | Magnetic 1/1 CTO, 1/2 CTO color filters, magnetic diffuser/spreader, USB‑C charging cable | Adapter rings, Cable, Control unit | Protective Pouch, Stand, Instruction Manual, Color Filters (12 pcs) | Flash unit, AT-16 trigger | Flash unit; gift box; Type-C charging cable |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers appreciate the Z120 SE's blend of portability, high-capacity battery, and optical slave functionality, noting it exceeds expectations for its price but is limited by the absence of TTL and high-speed sync.
Everyday users rate the flash highly (average 4.4/5 stars), praising its reliability, fast recycle speed, and useful accessories, while repeatedly mentioning the lack of TTL and limited head movement as the main drawbacks.
“Perfect for vlogging and YouTube - small, bright, and lasts all day.”
“The S2 mode works great with my Canon DSLR's pop-up flash as master.”
“Love the retro look - it matches my vintage camera.”
Select Z120 SE for budget-friendly, high-capacity manual flash; opt for iM30 if you need higher power, TTL, and HSS.
The iM30 is best for maximum power and range, while the SL01 remains the go-to for minimal-weight, color-critical work.
Professional reviewers highlight its strong cross-brand wireless, ease of use and reliable manual output, while noting the absence of TTL and HSS as limitations for advanced work.
Everyday users appreciate the reliable triggering, soft light from the built-in diffuser and simple setup, though they often miss an LCD screen and note slower recycle on alkaline batteries.
Professional editors note that the DF-400 delivers essential manual flash capability at an exceptionally low price, making it a solid starter flash for beginners.
Everyday users generally praise the DF-400 for its affordability, basic functionality, and the rotating head that enables bounce lighting.
Professional reviewers commend the iM30 for its nostalgic retro styling, ultra-compact form factor, and intuitive tactile dial, but stress its low guide number, lack of bounce/swivel, and absence of TTL/HSS for demanding work.
Everyday users love the tiny size, vintage look, and AAA convenience, but are frustrated by the missing battery indicator, slower recycle, and harsh light from the fixed head.
Professional editors view the PHOTOOLEX FK310 as a solid manual flash aimed at enthusiasts and semi-professionals who value precise control and extra features like an LCD panel, while noting its lack of TTL, HSS and built-in radio wireless.
Users like the strong output, intuitive LCD and included accessories, but miss TTL automation and report occasional issues with optical slave triggering on newer cameras.
Professional reviewers see it as a solid, value-driven entry-level flash with good build and features, but note missing TTL and HSS as major drawbacks for serious shooters.
Everyday users appreciate its affordability and flexibility, while complaining about the lack of TTL, slower recycle and battery compartment durability.
Professional reviewers praise the SL01's impressive CRI and daylight-balanced output, noting its USB-C charging and 500-flash battery life, but criticize the lack of TTL, high-speed sync and the single-contact hot shoe.
Everyday users love the flash's tiny footprint, lightweight feel, and natural 6500 K light, but complain about compatibility issues, occasional misfires in silent shutter modes, and the absence of a diffuser or swivel head.
Professional editors view the CY-20 as a starter flash: its ultra-light weight, low price and simple manual interface are praised, while the lack of TTL, HSS and limited power are cited as major drawbacks for serious work.
Everyday users appreciate the flash's affordability, portability and useful tilt head, often noting it works well for indoor portraits and travel, but complain about Sony incompatibility and the slow recycle time.
Professional reviewers view the SL03 as a well-designed niche tool that excels as an everyday-carry flash with the added benefit of a dual-mode video light, praising its portability and USB-C charging while noting it cannot replace a full-size speedlight.
Everyday users love the SL03's tiny footprint, easy USB-C charging and the ability to add a soft bounce or continuous light for video, while common complaints focus on the lack of TTL, limited flash power and occasional slower recycle times.
Professional reviewers note that the Leekai S12 excels in simplicity, portability, and fine-grained brightness control, making it a solid choice for learning manual flash techniques or as a lightweight backup, while the absence of TTL and HSS is a deliberate trade-off.
Everyday users love the tiny form factor, USB-C charging and clear digital display, calling it perfect for travel, but they complain about limited compatibility, lack of TTL/HSS and slower recycle at high power.
Professional reviewers commend the iT20 F for its ultra-compact form, reliable TTL integration and surprisingly strong output, noting it fills the gap between built-in pop-ups and larger speedlights.
Everyday users love the flash's lightweight design and USB-C charging, calling it the perfect compact flash, while complaints focus on lens shadow, lack of bounce and occasional communication glitches.
Professional reviewers note its portability and ease of use but highlight the weak 15 GN output and lack of TTL, positioning it as a budget-friendly option for hobbyists.
Everyday users appreciate the dual modes and adapter rings, while complaining about vignetting, low power, and the absence of TTL.
Customers appreciate the flash's value, manual control and accessory kit, while noting the lack of TTL and occasional battery compatibility problems.
Professional reviewers describe the TT520 II as a solid, value-driven entry-level flash that delivers reliable manual output and flexible head positioning, but note the absence of TTL and HSS limits its appeal to advanced shooters.
Everyday users appreciate the low cost, ease of use and head swivel, while common complaints focus on slow recycle with alkaline batteries and the lack of TTL and zoom.
Professional reviewers position the CF3 as a pocket-flash alternative for compact-camera users, praising its build quality, USB-C rechargeability and convenient size, while noting its modest GN5 and lack of TTL or bounce limit its usefulness in larger lighting situations.
Everyday users love the CF3's pocketable form factor, high flash-count per charge and premium feel, but repeatedly complain about the limited power steps, absence of tilt/bounce and incompatibility with certain Sony models.
