Which Flash Should I Buy?
Today I am covering one of the most commonly asked questions that I get: Which flash should I buy? If you’re not sure what flash to get and are overwhelmed by all the options, this blog post is for you! In this post, I’m highlighting my top flash recommendations for wedding, portrait, and event photographers. Let’s dive right in!
Speedlights (the technical name for your small flash units) are crucial to creating light-filled images at a wedding reception. Without the extra artificial light from the speedlights, your images will be dark, grainy, and dull! So which one is the best? I have three favorites!
BUDGET
If you’re just starting out, I recommend purchasing the Godox brand of speedlights. Their cheapest flash units are around $60, but I recommend saving up for a nicer speedlight. Most flash units that cost less than $100 are likely not going to have all the functions you need as a wedding photographer. You’ll end up having to upgrade, so I recommend investing in a high-performing flash from the beginning!
Budget-Friendly Choice
If you want to save a little bit of money, the rectangular version of this flash, the Godox v860 III, is roughly $30 cheaper and has all the same capabilities.
NAME BRAND
I’ve always preferred buying gear that’s branded for my camera (especially when it comes to batteries, but that’s a whole other conversation!!), so I currently use the Canon brand of speedlight. Particularly the Canon 600EX II-RTII!The buttons and menu are fairly similar to Godox speedlights, but the customer service is US-based, so it’s easier to navigate!
If you’re a Nikon photographer, I’m actually going to recommend you use the Godox brand of speedlights instead. The Nikon equivalent of my favorite Canon speedlight is the Nikon SB-5000, but it’s only compatible with a few Nikon cameras. You’ll have to buy additional transmitters and receivers for your camera and your flash to make the speedlight work, and I’m not a fan of that!
Best Name Brand
I’ve used my Canon 600s for years and love the results. They’re consistent, run on AA batteries, and are a staple for creating light and bright reception images.
INDUSTRY BEST
If you want a speedlight that’s incredibly user-friendly and top-of-the-line, I can’t say enough good things about the Profoto brand. Their studio lights (called strobes) are at the top of the industry, and they have smaller speedlights that are perfect for wedding photographers. They come at a higher price point, roughly $1100 for each speedlight, but the quality of Profoto products is worth it!
Best in the Industry
The only issue I have with Profoto is with their remote trigger. I like to photograph with a speedlight on top of my camera instead of a remote, which means not all of the functions are controllable from my on-camera flash. It’s a small issue, but worth noting!
There are so many different speedlights out there, but these three options are my favorites! Whether you’re just getting started or practically a pro, I recommend renting whichever speedlight you have your eye on so you can practice with it and make sure you’re a fan before investing. If you have more questions about speedlights, send me an email or find me on social media. I love talking flash and helping photographers find the right gear for them!
