Rankings
The Westcott FJ80 II M is a universal 80Ws on-camera speedlight featuring a 2.8" touchscreen, 100 m wireless range and fast 0.05-1.5 s recycle. Its main trade-off is the lack of a built-in zoom head and a modest 1600 mAh battery capacity. Ideal for multi-brand event and studio shooters needing high-speed sync.
The Profoto A2 is an ultra-compact 100 Ws monolight delivering studio-grade performance in a soda-can form factor. Its limited output and fixed modeling-light temperature, combined with a high price, are notable trade-offs. It is best for professionals who need portable power without the bulk of traditional monolights.
The Elinchrom ONE is a compact, battery-powered monolight delivering up to 131 Ws with fast recycle times and high-speed sync. Its limited maximum output and fan noise can be drawbacks for heavy-duty studio work. Ideal for location shooters who need portability and a versatile modeling lamp.
The Neewer Q300 is a 300 Ws portable strobe delivering GN60 power, 2.4 GHz wireless control and a robust 7800 mAh battery for up to 1000 full-power flashes, making it a strong outdoor solution. Its trade-offs are the heavy 2.2 kg body and lack of high-speed sync, which can limit fast-action daylight work. Best for professional location shooters who need high output and battery independence.
The Voking VK750II is a budget-friendly TTL speedlite with a strong 58 m guide number and a versatile swivel head. It lacks high-speed sync and uses only optical wireless, with a less secure hot-shoe lock. Best suited for beginner Nikon shooters needing reliable on-camera TTL performance.
The Elinchrom D-Lite RX 4 is an AC-powered 400 Ws monolight offering rapid recycling, short flash duration, and integrated Skyport wireless control. Its loud fan and plasticky construction may limit use in quiet or rugged environments. Suited for budget-friendly studio and on-location setups.
The Meike MK-430C is a compact, lightweight TTL speedlite designed for Canon EOS DSLRs, offering a strong guide number of 36-42 m and versatile head rotation with a 24-85 mm zoom range. Its slower 3-4 second recycle and dependence on AA batteries limit rapid shooting and consistent output. It is best suited for budget-conscious hobbyists and portrait shooters who value power and flexibility over high-speed performance.
The Olympus FL-900R provides a high 58 m guide number, weather sealing, and fast 10 fps burst capability with a built-in LED. Its slower recycle time and lack of built-in wireless may hinder fast-paced shooting. Targeted at professional event and macro photographers seeking high power.
The Godox TT600 is a manual speedlite with a powerful GN60 output, built-in wireless X control and high-speed sync. Its drawbacks are the lack of TTL, reliance on AA batteries, and a limited tilt range without full head swivel. It suits budget-conscious photographers needing wireless multi-flash setups and HSS.
The Godox TT520III provides an affordable, compact flash with 33 m guide number and built-in 433 MHz wireless triggering. It lacks TTL, high-speed sync and a built-in diffuser, limiting its use for advanced lighting setups. Suited for budget-conscious DSLR shooters needing a portable fill flash and basic wireless capability.
The Sigma EF-610 DG Super provides a powerful GN61 flash with TTL wireless and FP high-speed sync for Sony DSLR cameras. Its slower recycle time and bulkier build can hinder rapid shooting and portability. Targeted at budget-conscious Sony users needing high power and versatile features.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
— | 60 m | 39 m | 60 m | — | 61 mbest | — | 33 m | 58 m | — | 58 m | |
| ↓ lower better | — | — | 3.5 seconds | — | — | 4.8 seconds | — | 1.8 secondsbest | 3 seconds | — | 2.5 seconds |
| ↓ lower better | 1,497 g | 2,200 g | 275 gbest | 500 g | 602 g | 328 g | 773 g | — | — | 1,500 g | 363 g |
1.25 msbest | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 0.143 ms | — | |
— | 7,800 mAhbest | — | — | 1,600 mAh | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
— | — | 22best | 8 | 9 | 8 | — | 8 | — | — | — | |
— | — | 54.5 mmbest | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
120 m | 30 m | 22.5 m | 100 m | 100 m | — | 100 m | 20 m | 25 m | 200 mbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | |||||||||||
Recycle Time (seconds) | 0.35-1.6 seconds | — | 3.5 seconds | 0.1-2.6 seconds | 0.05-1.5 seconds | 0.08 seconds | 0.1-1.6 seconds | 1.8 seconds | 3 seconds | 0.06-0.9 seconds | 2.5 seconds |
General(1) | |||||||||||
Compatible Mount Types | — | Bowens | Canon EOS | Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus, Fujifilm, Panasonic | — | Sony hot shoe | — | — | Hot Shoe | Elinchrom bayonet, Profoto OCF | — |
Connectivity(1) | |||||||||||
Wireless Range (m) | 120 m | 30 m | 22.5 m | 100 m | 100 m | — | 100 m | 20 m | 25 m | 200 m | — |
Features(3) | |||||||||||
High‑Speed Sync | — | false | true | true | true | true | true | false | false | true | — |
Number of Flash Modes | — | 5 | 5 | 1 | — | — | — | 3 | 5 | — | — |
TTL Support | — | — | true | false | true | true | true | false | true | — | — |
Battery & Power(3) | |||||||||||
Battery Type | — | Lithium-ion | AA | 4 AA | Lithium-ion polymer | AA | Li-ion | AA | AA | Li‑Ion | — |
Battery Capacity (mAh) | — | 7800 mAh | — | — | 1600 mAh | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Power Levels (steps) | — | — | 22 | 8 | 9 | 8 | — | 8 | — | — | — |
Design(2) | |||||||||||
Weight (with batteries) (g) | 1497 g | 2200 g | 275 g | 500 g | 602 g | 328 g | 773 g | — | — | 1500 g | 363 g |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 380x8x210 mm mm | 718×548×1290 mm mm | 165×74.6×59.2 mm | 190×64×76 mm mm | 203.2×96.5×246.4 mm mm | 117x140x76 mm mm | 6.5×19.9×9.2 in mm | 2.95x7.5x2.15 inches mm | 200x75x57 mm | 225x100x165 mm mm | 124.5x121.9x81.3 mm mm |
Lighting(5) | |||||||||||
Guide Number (m) | — | 60 m | 39 m | 60 m | — | 61 m | — | 33 m | 58 m | — | 58 m |
Flash Duration (ms) | 1.25 ms ms | — | 5-0.05 ms | 3.33-0.05 ms | — | — | 1/350-1/26000 ms | 1/510-1/31000 ms | — | 0.1429 ms ms | — |
Zoom Range (mm) | — | — | 54.5 mm | 24-200 mm | — | — | — | — | 18-188 mm | — | 12-100 mm |
Color Temperature (K) | — | 5600 K | 5600 K | 5600 K | 5500 K | — | 5800 K | — | 5600 K | 5600 K | — |
Modeling Lamp Power (W) | — | 13 W | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 20 W | 1.5 W |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the D-Lite RX 4 for its portable size, dense feature set, and especially its Skyport wireless ecosystem that offers radio, USB and Wi-Fi control without an assistant. They highlight the near-instantaneous low-power recycling, short flash duration, and fine 1/10-stop power control as strong points for commercial and studio work, while noting the fan noise and audible beep as drawbacks.
Everyday users praise the monolight's easy setup, reliable output with softboxes, and the value it provides for classroom and small-studio kits. Common praise includes the included carrying case and intuitive controls, while recurring complaints focus on missing accessories, initial lamp flicker, fan noise, and concerns about long-term durability.
“The "ready" light and battery life are dependable.”
“Some report availability issues post-discontinuation.”
“Super-compact soda-can dimensions (12.6 × 7.9 × 7.9 cm) make it easy to carry in small bags and even pockets.”
Professional reviewers describe the Neewer Q300 as a pro-level, portable strobe that combines strong 300Ws output with a stable 5600K color temperature, rapid recycle times, and robust wireless control. They emphasize its suitability for outdoor portrait, product, and location photography, noting its lightweight construction and reliable battery performance as key strengths.
Everyday photographers praise the Q300's high output, fast recycling and long battery life, especially for outdoor shoots, while noting its weight and size make it less ideal for studio-fixed setups.
While dedicated professional reviews are scarce, editors and product listings highlight the MK-430C as a functional, budget-friendly TTL flash that delivers mainstream performance comparable to Canon's own offerings, albeit without advanced radio wireless or premium build quality.
Consumers generally view the Meike MK-430C as a solid value proposition, praising its portability, TTL operation, and included accessories. The lack of major complaints suggests satisfaction, though users are aware of limitations such as battery dependence and slower recycle times compared to higher-end flashes.
Professional reviewers highlight its value as a budget manual flash with robust wireless features, noting the strong GN60 output, fast recycle, and extensive compatibility, while pointing out the lack of TTL as a trade-off.
Everyday users appreciate the flash's portability and wireless convenience, but commonly mention the inconvenience of relying on AA batteries and the desire for TTL functionality.
Professional reviewers at DPReview and Photography Bay commend the Sigma EF-610 DG Super for delivering OEM-level GN 61 power and a rich feature set-including modeling flash, multi-pulse, TTL wireless, and FP high-speed sync-at a budget price, while noting its slower recycle time and limited wireless master capabilities as the main trade-offs.
Everyday users generally find the flash reliable for TTL shooting on Sony A-mount bodies, praising its ready-light indicator, battery endurance, and flexible bounce options, but they frequently mention slower recycle speeds, occasional ADI communication quirks on newer cameras, and a less premium plastic feel.
Professional reviewers describe the Profoto A2 as a remarkably portable monolight that punches above its weight, delivering studio-grade flash duration and reliable performance while maintaining a user-friendly interface. They commend its solid construction, fast recycle, and seamless integration with Profoto's Clic modifiers, but note the limited 100 Ws output, fixed modeling-light temperature, and premium price as trade-offs compared to larger models like the B10.
Everyday users consistently praise the A2's pocket-size convenience, dependable build quality, long battery life and the ease of wireless and app-based control. The ability to shoot up to 400 full-power flashes on a single charge is frequently highlighted, while the fixed modeling-light temperature and high cost are the most common points of criticism.
Professional reviewers commend the VK750II for its reliable TTL performance, strong bounce capability, and solid build quality, noting its fast recycle time and accurate brightness control. However, they point out the lack of high-speed sync, limited wireless options, and the insecure twist-lock hot shoe as notable drawbacks compared to higher-end competitors.
Everyday users appreciate the flash's durability, easy TTL operation on Nikon bodies, and versatile swivel head, often describing it as sturdy and good quality. Recurring complaints focus on the twist-lock hot shoe, limited wireless features, and the need for fresh batteries to maintain quick recycle times.
Professional reviewers praise the ONE for its blend of portability and performance, highlighting its fast recycle, active USB-C charging, high-speed sync, and versatile bicolor modeling lamp. They commend its seamless integration with both Elinchrom and Profoto modifiers, but caution that the 131 Ws output and fan noise may limit its appeal for heavy-duty studio work.
Everyday users echo the experts, valuing the flash's lightweight design, long battery life, and the creative flexibility of the LED lamp. No major complaints surface beyond the expected limits of power and occasional fan noise, indicating general satisfaction among location shooters.
Professional reviewers highlight the FL-900R's reliable TTL performance, fast interface, and automatic settings retention as major strengths, noting its ability to deliver accurate exposures even in challenging lighting. The flash's robust build and high guide number are also praised, while no significant drawbacks were identified by experts.
Everyday users consistently praise the FL-900R for its power, weather sealing, and usefulness in macro and event photography, often calling it a worthwhile upgrade over smaller Olympus flashes. The main criticism centers on its premium price and the absence of detailed size specifications.
