Godox V100 Speedlight Review

The Godox V100 flash is a significant upgrade in the Godox lineup, combining features from previous models like the V1 and V1 Pro while introducing new capabilities that make it a versatile and powerful tool for photographers. Here’s an overview of its key features and advantages:

Power and Performance:

  • The V100 is the most powerful camera-mountable flash from Godox, delivering 100 watt-seconds of power, equivalent to the AD100 Pro.
  • It offers about 400 full-power flashes per charge with its USB-C rechargeable VB30 battery, which improves upon the previous VB26 batteries by adding convenient USB-C charging.
  • Recycle times are fast, with 1.7 seconds at full power and 0.8 seconds when using the optional PB960 power pack.

Design and Build:

  • The flash features a magnetic round head for soft, even, and natural-looking light. It’s compatible with Godox AKR1 magnetic modifiers, ensuring flexibility with existing accessories.
  • A key addition is the SU-1 fill-in flash, offering supplemental lighting for better control in low-light scenarios.

User Interface:

  • The V100 introduces a 2.3-inch color LCD touchscreen, a first for Godox flashes. Users can switch between the touchscreen and physical buttons for ease of use.
  • The interface provides intuitive controls for settings like power adjustment, zoom (28–105mm or auto), TTL/manual mode, and wireless configurations.

Wireless and Compatibility:

  • It includes Godox’s 2.4 GHz wireless X system, making it compatible with triggers like the X1, X2, X Pro, and the new X3. The V100 can act as both a master and a slave flash, controlling or responding to other flashes in multi-light setups.

Additional Features:

  • A built-in modeling light (2W, 3300K) helps with focusing in low-light conditions.
  • Advanced settings include high-speed sync, rear and front curtain sync, and multi-flash modes.

What Sets It Apart:
The V100 stands out as the most powerful speedlight in the Godox lineup, mountable directly to your camera. It bridges the gap between portable on-camera flashes and studio-grade lights, making it a great choice for professionals and enthusiasts who need a reliable, high-output flash for diverse shooting scenarios.

In short, the Godox V100 is a feature-packed, high-performance flash that combines innovation with practicality. Whether you’re shooting portraits, events, or creative projects, this flash delivers power, versatility, and ease of use in one sleek package.

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons mentioned or implied in the transcript:

Pros:

  1. Powerful Output:
    • 100 watt-seconds of power, making it the most powerful camera-mountable flash from Godox.
    • Equivalent in power to the AD100 Pro, it is suitable for various shooting needs.
  2. Fast Recycling Time:
    • 1.7 seconds at full power and 0.8 seconds with the optional PB960 power pack.
  3. Battery and Charging:
    • VB30 battery provides around 400 full-power flashes per charge.
    • USB-C rechargeable, adding convenience over older models.
  4. User Interface:
    • 2.3-inch color LCD touchscreen for intuitive control.
    • Option to use physical buttons, catering to different user preferences.
  5. Compatibility:
    • Fully compatible with Godox’s 2.4 GHz wireless X system, working as both a master and slave flash.
    • Supports popular triggers (X1, X2, X Pro, and X3).
    • Maintains compatibility with existing AKR1 magnetic accessories.
  6. Versatile Features:
    • Includes TTL, manual, high-speed sync, rear and front curtain sync, and multi-flash modes.
    • SU-1 fill-in flash adds flexibility in low-light scenarios.
    • Modeling light (2W, 3300K) assists with focusing.
  7. Improved Design:
    • Magnetic round head provides soft, natural-looking light.
    • The tiltable head offers adjustable light angles.
    • Locking hot shoe mechanism for quick attachment and removal.
  8. Ease of Setup:
    • Straightforward pairing with wireless triggers and easy-to-navigate settings menu.
  9. Build Quality and Portability:
    • Compact, durable design with a new carry pouch for accessories.

Cons:

  1. Battery Improvements Limited:
    • While the VB30 battery has USB-C charging, it is similar in capacity to previous VB26 models, offering no significant upgrade in longevity.
  2. Not Essential for All Users:
    • Some features, like the SU-1 fill-in flash, are described as non-essential and might not appeal to all users.
  3. Modeling Light Limitations:
    • The 2W modeling light is useful for focusing but insufficient as a continuous light source for professional needs.
  4. Complexity for Beginners:
    • The wide array of features and settings might overwhelm less experienced users.
  5. Optional Accessories Required for Optimal Performance:
    • Achieving the fastest recycle times requires the optional PB960 power pack, which is an additional cost.

These pros and cons show that the Godox V100 is a powerful and versatile tool but may be overkill for beginners or those with simpler needs.

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