Speedlights - where to begin?

[shifty_uk]

This question has probably been asked many times, ran a quick search but can't find anything specific.

I'm looking for a speed light for general use with my A7III, no professional here but happy to spend a bit extra to get something of decent quality and longevity.

I just can't understand all the jargon... I came across the Godox V860II but when I looked at the Godox website to find comparison between other models, there's hundreds of variants! Would this model provide adequate light for most circumstances?

I'd also like to get an umbrella with a stand capable of holding the speed light for off camera scenarios, is there such a thing or is this strobe territory?

Thanks!

 

[Raymond Lin]

Godox V860II or the V1 (which has modelling lights).

If you need it off camera you will need the trigger, get the X-Pro. To mount it on the umbrella you just get a mount that can hold a flash head. Some holders allows 2 or even 4 heads attached. Although it would more of the V860, not the V1 due to the round head. For more power you can get the AD200.



This is just Profoto, you can get other brands and cheaper alternatives..

https://www.wexphotovideo.com/profo...wbAZNmMYc2VqmDGaQuEGrRtvEM86Gf3RoChjkQAvD_BwE





As for if it is strobe territory...it depends where you are, how much ambient light, and how much you want to light. If you are planning to use it like this, get one with as much power as you can.

The light stand is seen here on the background, along with a strobe. You can see the smaller one has no wires coming out of it.

 

[Snapshot]

As Raymond says, buy Godox as it's such an extensive system. The many options you saw may just be all the versions for different camera brands. As you have Sony, you must buy one with the S suffix. However, if you later change or add a different make, your existing flash will still work off-camera as the radio parts of the flashes are all the same. I sometimes use a TT685S and a TT350O with an XPro-F on a Fujifilm camera.