Detachable Camera Flash: Best Items to Pick in 2023

A detachable camera flash, also known as an external flash or hot shoe flash, is a device that can be attached to a camera to provide additional illumination for photography. It is typically mounted on the camera’s hot shoe, a connection point on the top of the camera that allows for the attachment of various accessories such as a flash, a microphone, or a remote control.

Detachable camera flashes are typically more powerful than the built-in flash on a camera and can be pointed in different directions to better control the lighting in a scene. They can also be used off-camera, either connected to the camera with a cord or wirelessly triggered by the camera. This allows for more creative lighting options and the ability to bounce the flash off walls or ceilings to achieve softer, more natural-looking light.

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Best Detachable Camera Flashes for Professionals

No doubt, detachable camera flashes are an important tool for photographers of all skill levels. They can help to improve the quality of images by providing additional light in low-light situations or by adding fill light to brighten up shadowed areas in a scene. They are also useful for controlling the direction and intensity of light in order to create specific lighting effects. Let’s introduce some of the best items available in the market for professionals. 

• Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT

• Nikon SB-910

• Profoto B1X

• Godox V1 Flash

• Neewer TT560 Flash

• Sony HVLF20M

• Nissin Di700A

1. Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT

The Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT is a powerful external flash unit designed for use with Canon EOS cameras. The flash has a built-in radio transmitter, which allows it to be used wirelessly with other Canon Speedlite flash units or with the Canon ST-E3-RT transmitter. It can also be used as a master flash to control multiple off-camera flash units.

The 600EX II-RT features a built-in diffuser and a wide-angle diffuser panel to help soften the light and reduce harsh shadows. It also has a built-in catchlight card to help add sparkle to the eyes of your subjects. The flash has a GN of 60 at ISO 100 and can be tilted and swiveled to allow for versatile lighting options. It is powered by four AA batteries and has a battery life of approximately 200 full-power flashes.

Overall, the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT is a versatile and powerful flash unit that is well-suited for professional photographers and advanced amateurs who need a reliable and powerful flash solution for their Canon camera.

Pros:

• With a guide number of 197 feet (60 meters) at ISO 100, the 600EX II-RT is capable of producing a very bright flash output.
• The flash has a recycling time of approximately 3 seconds, which allows you to take multiple shots in quick succession.
• The 600EX II-RT can be used as a wireless master or slave unit, allowing you to control and trigger other flash units remotely.

Cons:

• As a professional-grade flash unit, the 600EX II-RT is relatively expensive compared to some other flash options.
• The flash is quite large and heavy, which may be inconvenient for some photographers.

2. Nikon SB-910

The Nikon SB-910 is a powerful and versatile camera flash that was released by Nikon in 2011. It is designed for use with Nikon’s digital SLR cameras and can be used in a variety of lighting situations, including as a fill flash for outdoor portraits, as the main light source for indoor shots, or as a background light for creative effects.

One of the standout features of the SB-910 is its built-in diffuser, which helps to evenly distribute the light and reduce harsh shadows. The flash also has a built-in bounce card that can be used to reflect light back onto the subject, helping to create a softer, more natural look.

The SB-910 is also equipped with a range of advanced features, including wireless triggering, which allows you to control multiple flash units remotely, and a range of flash modes, including slow sync and rear curtain sync. It has a guide number of 34.5 at ISO 100, which means it can throw a beam of light up to 34.5 meters in length when used at its maximum power.

Pros:

• The SB-910 has a range of flash modes, including slow sync and rear curtain sync, which allows you to achieve a variety of lighting effects.
• It can be triggered wirelessly, which allows you to control multiple flash units remotely. This can be particularly useful for photographers who are working in large studios or on location.
• Built to withstand the rigors of professional use, with a rugged, weather-resistant design. It is also relatively lightweight, making it easy to carry around with you on shoots.

Cons:

• It’s a high-end camera flash, and as such, it comes with a premium price tag. This may make it less appealing to photographers on a budget.
• Only compatible with Nikon’s digital SLR cameras, so it may not be suitable for photographers who use other brands of cameras.

3. Profoto B1X

The Profoto B1X is a powerful and versatile camera flash that was released by Profoto in 2017. It is designed for use with a wide range of cameras, including digital SLRs, mirrorless cameras, and medium format cameras.

One of the standout features of the B1X is its high power output, with a guide number of 51 at ISO 100, which means it can throw a beam of light up to 51 meters in length when used at its maximum power. It also has a fast recycling time, allowing you to quickly take multiple shots.

The B1X is also equipped with a range of advanced features, including wireless triggering, which allows you to control multiple flash units remotely, and a range of flash modes, including slow sync and rear curtain sync. It has a built-in diffuser and can be used with a variety of light-shaping tools, including softboxes, umbrellas, and beauty dishes.

Pros:

• Capable of producing up to 500Ws of flash power, which is more than enough for most applications.
• It can be used as a monolight, or it can be triggered wirelessly using Profoto’s AirTTL system. This allows you to use the flash off-camera, which is useful for creative lighting setups.
• Designed to produce consistent flash output, which is important for accurate color balance and exposure.

Cons:

• As it’s a high-end product, and it comes with a high price tag to match.
• The B1X is quite heavy, which may be a concern for photographers who need to carry their equipment around a lot.

4. Godox V1

The Godox V1 is a high-power, round-head camera flash that is designed for professional photographers. It’s a built-in 2.4G wireless radio system that allows it to be triggered wirelessly using Godox’s X system. The V1 has a fast recycling time of just 0.01-1.8 seconds, depending on the power output, which makes it suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects.

The V1 is also equipped with a built-in LCD screen that allows you to adjust the flash power and other settings easily. It has a range of power levels, from 1/1 to 1/256, which allows you to fine-tune the exposure of your shots. The V1 is also compatible with a range of modifiers, including softboxes, umbrellas, and snoots, which allows you to shape the light to suit your needs.

Overall, the Godox V1 is a powerful and versatile camera flash that is well-suited for professional photographers. It offers a high level of performance and versatility, and it is generally more affordable than some other high-end flash options on the market.

Pros:

• The V1 is capable of producing up to 76Ws of flash power, which is more than enough for most applications.
• Has a fast recycling time of just 0.01-1.8 seconds, depending on the power output. This allows you to take multiple shots in quick succession, which is useful for capturing fast-moving subjects.
• It can be used as a monolight, or it can be triggered wirelessly using Godox’s X system. This allows you to use the flash off-camera, which is useful for creative lighting setups.

Cons:

• The V1 has a relatively short battery life, which may be an issue for photographers who need to shoot for extended periods of time.
• Only compatible with Godox’s own X system, which may not be suitable for photographers who use other brands of camera or flash.

5. Neewer TT560 Flash

The Neewer TT560 Flash is a budget-friendly external flash unit that can be used with various camera systems. It is designed to provide additional light for photography in low-light situations or to add creative lighting effects to your photos.

The TT560 has a guide number of 38 at ISO 100 and a better zoom range, which allows you to adjust the coverage of the flash to suit the focal length of your lens. It also has a built-in diffuser and reflection board to help soften the light and reduce harsh shadows.

The flash can be triggered manually or remotely using the included sync cord or a compatible wireless trigger. It is powered by four AA batteries and has a recycling time of approximately 3 seconds.

Pros:

• The Neewer TT560 Flash is an inexpensive option for photographers looking to add an external flash to their setup.
• This model is compatible with most cameras that have a hot shoe mount, making it a versatile option for photographers with different camera models.
• Includes built-in diffuser and reflection board. These features help to distribute the light and create more natural-looking images evenly.

Cons:

• As a manual flash, the TT560 Flash does not have automatic flash settings, so you will need to adjust the settings manually. This may require some trial and error to get the desired results.
• The flash requires four AA batteries, which are not included in the unit.

6. Sony HVLF20M

The Sony HVL-F20M flash is a compact and lightweight external flash unit designed for use with Sony cameras that have a multi-interface shoe. It is a manual flash, which means that you will need to adjust the flash settings manually rather than relying on the camera’s automatic flash settings.

This model has a guide number of 20 at ISO 100, which indicates its power. It also has a built-in diffuser to help evenly distribute the light, and a bounce head that can be tilted and swiveled to allow for more flexible lighting setups. Also, it has a built-in LED light, which can be used as a continuous light source for video or as a fill light for still photography.

The HVL-F20M flash is powered by two AA batteries, which are not included in the unit. It is a relatively basic flash unit that is suitable for photographers who are looking for an affordable and compact lighting solution. It does not have as many features or as much power as more expensive flash units, but it can be a useful tool for adding some extra light to your images.

Pros:

• The HVL-F20M is designed to be portable and easy to carry, making it a good choice for photographers who are on the go.
• Has a variety of flash modes, including manual, automatic, and wireless, which allow you to customize your flash output to suit your specific needs.
• Includes a high flash output of GN 20, which allows you to get the right amount of light for your shots, even in low-light conditions.

Cons:

• Only compatible with Sony Alpha cameras, so it may not be a good choice for photographers who use other camera brands.
• No LCD display, which can make it more difficult to adjust settings and check your flash output.

7. Nissin Di700A

The Nissin Di700A is a versatile flash unit that is suitable for a range of photography and videography applications. It is a portable flash unit that can be used on-camera or off-camera, depending on your needs. This item is compatible with a variety of camera systems, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm. 

It features a built-in diffuser and reflection board that help to produce softer, more natural-looking light and a built-in LED light for shooting video or illuminating your subject in low light conditions. It can be controlled remotely using Nissin’s Air system, which allows you to adjust the flash’s power and settings from a distance using a compatible wireless controller. 

Overall, the Nissin Di700A is a reliable and convenient tool for photographers and videographers looking to add professional-quality lighting to their work.

Pros:

• The Di700A is relatively small and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and use on location.
• The flash unit has a built-in wireless receiver, allowing it to be used off-camera and triggered remotely.
• The flash has a wide range of power output levels, allowing you to fine-tune the amount of light it produces to suit your needs.

Cons:

• This is a basic flash unit and does not have many advanced features found on more expensive models.
• The flash does not have a built-in diffuser to soften the light output, which can make it more harsh and contrasty.

Detachable camera flashes are an essential tool for many photographers and can be a great addition to any camera setup. However, it is important to consider the type and power of the flash, as well as the compatibility with the camera, when selecting it. So, pick the right one as per your requirements and shoot the best moments. 

FAQs on Detachable Camera Flash

What is a detachable camera flash? 

A detachable camera flash is a small, portable flash unit that can be attached to a camera. It is usually powered by batteries and can be used in a variety of different ways.

How do detachable camera flashes work? 

Detachable camera flashes work by emitting a burst of light when triggered by the camera’s shutter. The flash is connected to the camera via a hot shoe mount or a sync cord, and the camera’s built-in flash or flash control system determines the intensity and duration of the flash.

What are the benefits of using this type of camera flash? 

It offers a number of benefits, including:

• Increased light output: Detachable camera flashes are typically more powerful than built-in flashes, allowing them to illuminate darker scenes or add more light to a subject.
• Greater flexibility: Detachable camera flashes can be angled or moved around to create different lighting effects or to illuminate subjects from different directions.
• Better color accuracy: Detachable camera flashes often produce more accurate colors than built-in flashes, which can produce a “cool” or “warm” color cast.