Yongnuo YN560 IV
Score: 78/100
Godox iM30
Score: 68/100Rankings
The Yongnuo YN560 IV is a manual speedlite with a strong GN58 output and integrated 2.4 GHz wireless system, offering a wide 24-105 mm zoom and fast 3-second recycle. Its lack of TTL and high-speed sync, plus limited three-group control, restrict advanced shooting scenarios. Ideal for budget-conscious photographers needing powerful off-camera flash without TTL.
The Godox iM30 is an ultra-compact, pocket-sized manual flash offering GN 15 and seven power levels with optical wireless S1/S2. Its fixed head and lack of TTL limit creative control and convenience. Best suited for travel and street photographers who prioritize size over power.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
58 mbest | 15 m | |
| ↓ lower better | 3 secondsbest | 3.6 seconds |
| ↓ lower better | 348 g | 78 gbest |
8best | 7 | |
105 mmbest | — | |
100 mbest | — | |
5,600 K | 6,500 Kbest | |
2best | 1 |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||
Recycle Time (seconds) | 3 seconds | 3.6 seconds |
Features(1) | ||
Number of Flash Modes | 2 | 1 |
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Type | AA | AAA |
Power Levels (steps) | 8 | 7 |
Design(2) | ||
Weight (with batteries) (g) | 348 g | 78 g |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 78x190x60 mm | 75.96x71.5x205.99 mm mm |
Lighting(2) | ||
Guide Number (m) | 58 m | 15 m |
Color Temperature (K) | 5600 K | 6500 K |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the YN560 IV for delivering higher output than the Nikon SB-700 at a fraction of the cost, fast recycle times with NiMH batteries, and a rich feature set that surpasses earlier YN560 models. However, they note its limitation to three remote groups and the lack of TTL and high-speed sync as drawbacks for more advanced multi-flash or high-speed shooting scenarios.
Professional editors praise the iM30 for its unprecedented compactness, solid build, and surprisingly bright output (GN 15) that handles most direct-flash scenarios. They also value its retro styling and the inclusion of optical wireless S1/S2 modes, which bring remote capability to a pocket-size unit. The main criticisms focus on the fixed head and limited power, which constrain creative lighting and performance in bright conditions.
Everyday photographers love how the iM30 slips into pockets and adds just enough light for street, travel and small-studio work. Reviewers repeatedly mention its excellent price-to-performance ratio and practical brightness, while no major complaints appear in the available user data beyond the expected limitation of a non-tilting head.
