Detachable Camera Flash: 7 Best Items to Pick in 2026

A detachable camera flash, also called an external flash or hot shoe flash, is a device you attach to your camera to add extra light for photography. You typically mount it on the camera’s hot shoe, a connection point on top of the camera that lets you attach accessories like a flash, microphone, or remote control.

Detachable camera flashes are typically more powerful than the built-in flash on a camera. And, you can point it in different directions to better control the lighting in a scene. Photographers can use it off-camera, connected by a cord, or triggered wirelessly by the camera. This enables creative lighting options, like bouncing the flash off walls or ceilings for softer, more natural 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. They are also useful for controlling the direction and intensity of light 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. You can use it wirelessly with other Canon Speedlite flash units or with the Canon ST-E3-RT transmitter. Besides, you can use it 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. 

Overall, the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT is a versatile and powerful flash unit well-suited for professional photographers and advanced amateurs who require 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. It allows 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. This flash is made for Nikon’s digital SLR cameras. You can use it as a fill flash for outdoor portraits, as the main light inside, or as a background light for creative shots.

One of the standout features of the SB-910 is its built-in diffuser. It helps to distribute the light and reduce harsh shadows evenly. The flash also has a built-in bounce card that can be used to reflect light onto the subject. The SB-910 is also equipped with a range of advanced features, including wireless triggering.

It allows you to control multiple flash units remotely and a range of flash modes, including slow sync and rear curtain sync. Besides, it has a guide number of 34.5 at ISO 100. It 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. It 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 works with a wide range of cameras, including DSLRs, mirrorless models, and medium format systems.

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. It 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 you can use it 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.
• You can use it as a monolight or trigger it wirelessly with Profoto’s AirTTL system.
• Designed to produce consistent flash output, which is important for accurate color balance and exposure.

Cons:

• It’s a high-end product, and 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 2.4 GHz 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. It depends on the power output, which makes it suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects.

The V1 also features a built-in LCD screen so you can easily adjust flash power and other settings. It has a range of power levels, from 1/1 to 1/256, which allows you to fine-tune the exposure of your shots. Besides, V1 is 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.
• You can use it as a monolight, or it can trigger 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.
• Only compatible with Godox’s own X system. It may not be suitable for photographers who use other brands of cameras or flash.

5. Neewer TT560 Flash

The Neewer TT560 Flash is a budget-friendly external flash that works with a variety of 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.

You can trigger the flash manually or remotely with the included sync cord or a compatible wireless trigger. It runs on four AA batteries and recycles in about 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 features a built-in diffuser for even light distribution and a bounce head that tilts and swivels for flexible lighting setups. Also, it has a built-in LED light. You can use it as a continuous light source for video or as a fill light for still photography.

The HVL-F20M flash runs on two AA batteries, which you’ll need to provide separately. 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 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. 
• Includes a high flash output of GN 20. It allows you to get the right amount of light for your shots, even in low-light conditions.

Cons:

• Only compatible with Sony Alpha cameras.
• 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’s a portable flash unit you can use 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. And it helps to produce softer, more natural-looking light and a built-in LED light for shooting video. You can control remotely using Nissin’s Air system. It allows you to adjust the flash’s power and settings from a distance using a compatible wireless controller. 

Pros:

• The Di700A is relatively small and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and use on location.
• The flash unit includes a built-in wireless receiver, so you can use it off-camera and trigger it remotely.
• It has a wide range of power output levels. It allows 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.

To Conclude

A detachable flash isn’t merely another gadget tucked away in your bag. It’s your secret weapon, turning the tide when lighting plays hard to get. With this little marvel, you’ll capture flawless shots, even in the trickiest conditions. Your photography will transform, lighting up each frame like magic.

Yeah, you can shoot without one. But once you’ve bounced a soft glow off a ceiling or added a little pop to cut through harsh sun? You’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

The “best” flash isn’t the priciest—it’s the one that actually gets used. Something reliable, easy to tweak, and tough enough to toss in your saddlebag (yes, even for horse shoots). Focus on angling, softening, or switching off light to create the right feel, not about its power.

So grab a flash that fits your life, play with it, and stop letting bad light ruin good moments. Your future photos will thank you.

FAQs on Detachable Camera Flash

What is a detachable camera flash? 

A detachable camera flash is a small, portable flash unit that you can attach to your camera. It runs on batteries and offers versatile lighting options for all kinds of shooting situations.

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 several benefits, including:

• Increased light output: Detachable camera flashes are typically more powerful than built-in flashes. It allows them to illuminate darker scenes or add more light to a subject.
• Greater flexibility: You can angle or reposition detachable camera flashes to create a variety of lighting effects. It can also illuminate subjects from different directions.
• Better color accuracy: Detachable camera flashes often produce more accurate colors than built-in flashes. It can produce a “cool” or “warm” color cast.