Best Detachable Camera Flash of 2023 for Stunning Photography
If you are a photography enthusiast, you may have wondered how to improve your photos with better lighting. One of the best ways to do that is to use a detachable camera flash, which is an external flash that you can attach to the top of your camera or use off-camera with a flash trigger. A detachable camera flash can give you more control over the light, create different effects, and enhance your creativity.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about detachable camera flashes, including:
- What are the benefits of using a detachable camera flash?
- What are the types of camera flashes and how to choose the best one for your needs?
- What are the top 9 detachable camera flashes on the market today?
- How to purchase a detachable camera flash and what to look for?
By the end of this article, you will be able to make an informed decision about buying a detachable camera flash.
What are the benefits of using a detachable camera flash?
A detachable camera flash is a device that produces a burst of light when you take a photo. It can help you illuminate your subject, fill in the shadows, balance the exposure, and create different moods. Here are some of the benefits of using a detachable camera flash:
- You can adjust the flash output according to your exposure settings and the ambient light. This can help you avoid overexposed or underexposed photos and achieve a natural look.
- You can adjust the flash direction by tilting or swiveling the flash head. This can help you bounce the light off different surfaces, such as walls, ceilings, or reflectors, and create softer and more flattering light.
- You can use the flash off-camera with a flash trigger or a wireless system. This can help you place the flash at different angles and distances from your subject and create more dramatic and creative lighting effects.
- You can use multiple flashes together to create complex lighting setups. You can control them wirelessly from your camera or a remote commander and adjust their power and mode individually or in groups.
Using a detachable camera flash can give you more control over the light and improve your photography skills. However, not all camera flashes are the same. There are different types of camera flashes that have different features and functions.
What are the types of camera flashes and how to choose the best one for your needs?
There are many types of camera flashes available on the market, but they can be broadly classified into two categories: on-camera flashes and off-camera flashes.
On-Camera Flashes
An on-camera flash is a detachable flash that is mounted on the hot shoe of your camera. It is also called a speedlight or a speedlite. An on-camera flash can be used as a primary light source or as a fill light to supplement the ambient light. It can also be used as a master flash to control other flashes wirelessly.
There are two main types of on-camera flashes: TTL flashes and manual flashes.
TTL Flashes
A TTL flash is an on-camera flash that communicates with your camera and automatically adjusts its power according to your exposure settings and the ambient light. TTL stands for through-the-lens, which means that the flash metering is done through the lens of your camera.
A TTL flash is easy to use and convenient for beginners or casual photographers who want to get good results without much hassle. However, a TTL flash may not always give you the desired results, especially in complex lighting situations or when you want to create specific effects. A TTL flash may also drain your battery faster than a manual flash.
Manual Flashes
A manual flash is an on-camera flash that does not communicate with your camera and requires you to adjust its power manually according to your exposure settings and the ambient light. It gives you more control over the light and allows you to fine-tune it according to your preferences and needs.
A manual flash is suitable for advanced or professional photographers who want to have full creative control over their lighting. However, a manual flash may require some trial and error and slow you down if you need to shoot fast or change settings frequently.
Off-camera Flashes
An off-camera flash is a detachable flash that is not mounted on your camera but placed at a different location from your subject. It is also called a studio strobe or a monolight. An off-camera flash can be used as a primary light source or as an accent light to create different effects.
There are two main ways to trigger an off-camera flash: wired or wireless.
Wired Triggers
A wired trigger is a device that connects your camera and your off-camera flash with a cable. It sends an electrical signal from your camera to your off-camera flash when you press the shutter button.
A wired trigger is reliable and simple to use, but it may limit your mobility and pose a tripping hazard.
Wireless Triggers
A wireless trigger is a device that connects your camera and your off-camera flash without a cable. It sends a radio or infrared signal from your camera to your off-camera flash when you press the shutter button.
A wireless trigger is flexible and convenient, but it may be affected by interference or obstacles.
What are the Top 9 Best Detachable Camera Flashes on the market today?
| Flash | Pros | Cons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Profoto A10 Camera Flash Kit | Smartphone control, fast, powerful, versatile | Very expensive, heavy, bulky, only works with Profoto AirTTL remotes | $1,249 |
| Canon Speedlite 600EXII-RT | Wireless control, waterproof, motorized zoom, programmable strobe mode | Still expensive, not compatible with non-Canon devices, slow to recycle | $353 |
| Nikon Speedlight SB-700 | Wireless control, three illumination patterns, filters for different lighting situations, can control off-camera flashes | Not very powerful, not compatible with non-Nikon devices, moderate to recycle | $326 |
| Sony Flash with Wireless Radio Control HVL-F28RM | Wireless control, LED light for video recording, bounce adapter, color filter | Not very powerful, not compatible with non-Sony devices, moderate to recycle | $248 |
| Godox TT600 Camera Flash | Affordable, high-speed sync, multi-flash, wireless triggering modes, built-in 2.4G wireless system | Not TTL, unclear LCD screen, gets very hot after prolonged use | $65 |
| Neewer TT560 Flash Speedlite | Cheap and easy-to-use, eight levels of output control, three flash modes, LED indicator, comes with a stand, a softbox, and a remote trigger | Not TTL, slow recycling time, short battery life | $69 |
| Altura Photo AP-UNV2 | Universal flash that fits most DSLR cameras, four modes: manual, slave 1, slave 2, and multi-flash. Rotating head that can bounce the light off different surfaces. Comes with a stand, a pouch and four batteries. | Not TTL. Slow recycling time. Low power output. | $69 |
| Yongnuo YN560 IV Speedlite | Powerful flash that can work wirelessly with other flashes. Three groups of flashes and 16 channels of communication. LCD screen. Sound prompt system. Automatic saving function. | Not TTL. Not compatible with some devices. Does not come with any accessories. | $85 |
| Powerextra Professional DF-400 | Easy and cheap flash that can work with most cameras and flashes. Four modes: M. S1. S2. and LED. Bounce head that can tilt and swivel. Comes with four AA batteries and a diffuser. | Not TTL. Slow recycling time. Low power output. | $45 |
If you want to read more about the above detachable camera flashes, continue reading.
Profoto A10 Camera Flash Kit:
This flash kit costs $1,249 and is designed for professional photographers who need a high-quality and versatile flash.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has a built-in AirX system that allows you to control it from your smartphone. | It is very expensive compared to other flashes on the market, which may not be affordable for many users 1. |
| It has a fast recycling time of 0.05 to 1 second, which means you can take multiple shots without waiting for the flash to recharge. | It is heavy and bulky, weighing 560 grams without the battery and measuring 10.8 x 7.5 x 16.5 cm, which may make it difficult to carry around or fit in your camera bag. |
| It has a powerful battery that can deliver up to 450 full-power flashes per charge. | It is only compatible with Profoto AirTTL remotes, which means you need to buy additional accessories if you want to use it with other cameras or flashes. |
| It has a magnetic mount for light shaping tools, such as softboxes, grids, and gels, which can help you create different lighting effects. |
My conclusion: I think this flash kit is a great option for professional photographers who need a reliable, precise, and durable flash that can be controlled from their smartphone. However, if you are looking for a cheaper, lighter, or more compatible flash, you may want to consider other alternatives.
Canon Speedlite 600EXII-RT:
This flash costs $353 and is a powerful flash for Canon DSLRs that has a guide number of 60 meters and a waterproof housing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has a wireless control system that can operate within a radius of 30 meters even through obstacles. You can use it as a master or slave flash and control up to five groups of flashes . | It is still expensive compared to some other flashes on the market, which may not fit your budget . |
| It has a motorized zoom function that can automatically adjust the flash coverage from 20 to 200 mm according to the focal length of your lens . | It is not compatible with non-Canon cameras or flashes, which may limit your options if you want to use it with other devices . |
| It has a programmable strobe mode that can create multiple flashes in one exposure, which can create interesting effects or freeze motion . | It has a slow recycling time of up to 5.5 seconds at full power, which may cause you to miss some shots if you need to shoot fast . |
| It has an improved superheat control function that can prevent overheating and extend the life of the flash . |
My conclusion: I think this flash is a good choice for Canon users who need a powerful and waterproof flash that can work wirelessly with other flashes. However, if you are looking for a cheaper, faster, or more compatible flash, you may want to look elsewhere.
Nikon Speedlight SB-700
This flash costs $326 and is a versatile flash for Nikon DSLRs that has a guide number of 38 meters and a rotating head.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has full-fledged master and slave flash modes, which means you can use it to control or be controlled by other flashes wirelessly . | It is not very powerful compared to some other flashes on the market, which may not be enough for some situations . |
| It has three different illumination patterns: standard, center-weighted, and even, which can help you adjust the light distribution according to your subject and scene . | It is not compatible with non-Nikon cameras or flashes, which may restrict your choices if you want to use it with other devices . |
| It has filters for incandescent and fluorescent lighting situations, which can help you balance the color temperature of your flash with the ambient light . | It has a moderate recycling time of up to 3.5 seconds at full power, which may slow you down if you need to shoot fast . |
| It can control off-camera flashes in two groups and one of four channels, which gives you more flexibility and creativity in your lighting setup . |
Conclusion: I think this flash is a great option for Nikon users who need a versatile and easy-to-use flash that can work with other flashes wirelessly.
Sony Flash with Wireless Radio Control (HVL-F28RM)
This flash costs $248 and is a compact flash for Sony DSLRs that has a guide number of 43 meters and a dust and moisture resistant design.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has a wireless radio control system that can trigger up to 15 flashes in five groups. You can use it as a master or slave flash and control it from your camera or a remote commander . | It is not very powerful compared to some other flashes on the market, which may not be sufficient for some situations . |
| It has an LED light for video recording, which can provide continuous illumination and adjust the brightness and color temperature . | It is not compatible with non-Sony cameras or flashes, which may limit your options if you want to use it with other devices . |
| It has a bounce adapter that can soften the light and reduce shadows. It also has a color filter that can match the color of the ambient light . | It has a moderate recycling time of up to 2.5 seconds at full power, which may slow you down if you need to shoot fast . |
My conclusion: I think this flash is a good option for Sony users who need a compact and waterproof flash that can work wirelessly with other flashes. However, if you are looking for a more powerful, faster, or more compatible flash, you may want to look elsewhere.
Godox TT600 Camera Flash
This flash costs $65 and is an affordable flash that is compatible with most DSLR cameras. It has a guide number of 60 meters and a manual zoom function.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It supports high-speed sync, which means you can use it with shutter speeds up to 1/8000s. This can help you freeze motion or reduce ambient light . | It is not TTL, which means you have to adjust the flash output manually according to your exposure settings. This may require some trial and error and slow you down . |
| It supports multi-flash, which means you can create multiple flashes in one exposure. This can help you create interesting effects or illuminate large areas . | It has an LCD screen, but it is not very clear or user-friendly. It may be hard to read or navigate in some situations . |
| It supports wireless triggering modes, which means you can use it as a master or slave flash and control it from your camera or a transmitter. It also has a built-in 2.4G wireless system that can work with other Godox flashes . | It has an overheat protection function, but it may not be very effective. Some users have reported that the flash gets very hot after prolonged use . |
Neewer TT560 Flash Speedlite
This flash costs $69 and is another budget-friendly flash that works with most DSLR cameras. It has a guide number of 38 meters and an adjustable tilt and swivel head.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has eight levels of output control, which means you can adjust the flash intensity from 1/128 to full power according to your needs . | It is not TTL, which means you have to adjust the flash output manually according to your exposure settings. This may require some trial and error and slow you down . |
| It has three flash modes: M, S1, and S2, which can help you use it as a master or slave flash and trigger it with your camera or another flash . | It has a slow recycling time of up to 6 seconds at full power, which may cause you to miss some shots if you need to shoot fast . |
| It has an LED indicator that shows the flash status and readiness. It also has a test button that lets you preview the flash effect . | It has a short battery life that can only deliver up to 100 full-power flashes per charge. You may need to carry extra batteries or use a power pack if you plan to use it for a long time . |
| It comes with a stand, a softbox, and a remote trigger, which can help you set up your flash easily and create softer and more natural light . |
Altura Photo AP-UNV2
This flash costs $69 and is a universal flash that fits most DSLR cameras. It has a guide number of 38 meters and an easy-to-use interface.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has four modes: manual, slave 1, slave 2, and multi-flash, which can help you use it as a master or slave flash and create multiple flashes in one exposure . | It is not TTL, which means you have to adjust the flash output manually according to your exposure settings. This may require some trial and error and slow you down . |
| It has a rotating head that can tilt from 0 to 90 degrees and swivel from 0 to 270 degrees, which can help you bounce the light off different surfaces and create different lighting effects . | It has a slow recycling time of up to 4 seconds at full power, which may cause you to miss some shots if you need to shoot fast . |
| It comes with a stand, a pouch, and four batteries, which can help you set up your flash quickly and conveniently . | It has a low power output that may not be enough for some situations. You may need to use it at full power or close to your subject to get enough light . |
My conclusion: I think this flash is a good option for users who need a universal and simple flash that can work with most cameras. However, if you are looking for a TTL, fast, or powerful flash, you may want to look elsewhere.
Yongnuo YN560 IV Speedlite
This flash costs $85 and is a powerful flash that has a guide number of 58 meters and an ultra-fast recycling time.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has wireless master and slave functions, which means you can use it to control or be controlled by other flashes wirelessly | It is not TTL, which means you have to adjust the flash output manually according to your exposure settings. This may require some trial and error and slow you down . |
| It has three groups of flashes and 16 channels of communication, which gives you more flexibility and creativity in your lighting setup . | It is not compatible with some cameras or flashes that have non-standard hot shoe mounts, such as Sony or Minolta . |
| It has an LCD screen that shows the flash settings and status clearly. It also has a sound prompt system that alerts you when the flash is ready or low on power . | It does not come with any accessories, such as a stand, a pouch, or a diffuser. You may need to buy them separately if you want to use them with your flash . |
| It has an automatic saving function that remembers your last settings when you turn off the flash. This can save you time and hassle when you use it again . |
My conclusion: It’s a great option for users who need a powerful and fast flash that can work wirelessly with other flashes. However, if you are looking for a TTL, compatible, or accessory-included flash, you may want to consider other alternatives.
Powerextra Professional DF-400
This flash costs $45 and is an entry-level flash that is suitable for beginners. It has a guide number of 33 meters and an adjustable bounce head.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has four modes: M, S1, S2, and LED, which can help you use it as a master or slave flash and switch between flash and continuous light . | It is not TTL, which means you have to adjust the flash output manually according to your exposure settings. This may require some trial and error and slow you down . |
| It has a bounce head that can tilt from 0 to 90 degrees and swivel from 0 to 270 degrees, which can help you bounce the light off different surfaces and create different lighting effects . | It has a slow recycling time of up to 5 seconds at full power, which may cause you to miss some shots if you need to shoot fast . |
| It comes with four AA batteries and a diffuser, which can help you power your flash and soften the light . | It has a low power output that may not be enough for some situations. You may need to use it at full power or close to your subject to get enough light . |
How to purchase a detachable camera flash and what to look for?
When it comes to enhancing your photography skills, investing in a detachable camera flash can make a significant difference in your results. But how do you go about purchasing the right one? Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process and ensure you make an informed choice.
1. Assess Your Needs:
Before making a purchase, it’s essential to determine your specific requirements. Consider the type of photography you’ll be focusing on—whether it’s portraits, events, or outdoor shoots. This will influence factors such as the flash power, range, and flexibility you need. Additionally, think about the compatibility of the detachable flash with your camera model. Some flashes are designed to work seamlessly with certain camera brands, while others offer universal compatibility. This assessment will guide you towards finding a flash that aligns with your photography style and needs.
2. Consider Flash Features:
When shopping for a detachable camera flash, pay attention to the features it offers. Look for adjustable power settings that allow you to control the intensity of the light emitted. The ability to tilt and swivel the flash head is crucial for achieving versatile lighting angles and minimizing harsh shadows. A flash with wireless capabilities can provide more creative control, enabling you to use it off-camera for dynamic lighting effects. Don’t forget to check the recycle time—the speed at which the flash is ready to fire again after a shot. A shorter recycle time can be particularly useful in fast-paced photography scenarios.
3. Quality and Brand Reputation:
Opting for a detachable camera flash from a reputable brand can make a significant difference in terms of quality and performance. Well-known brands often invest in research and development, ensuring their products deliver consistent results. Read reviews from other photographers who have used the flash you’re considering to get insights into its durability, reliability, and overall performance. Remember that while budget-friendly options might seem appealing, investing in a high-quality detachable flash can result in better long-term value and improved photographic outcomes.