With so many choices on the market, it can be confusing what flash to buy. I’ll give you some general advice then make some recommendations.
Budget
Powerextra: If you just getting started and on a tight budget, then this is the cheapest way to go. Costs about $50-$60.
Pros: Fairly powerful, easy to use, wireless trigger included, works with most cameras.
Cons: Trigger uses a less common battery, manual control only, no case, no expansion capability, no TTL or HSS
Powerextra Single Pin Manual Flash with Trigger
Starter
Godox TT350: While this is a smaller flash, it should provide enough power for almost any indoor situation and will do well outdoors except on the brightest days. It’s packed full of features you normally only find on more expensive systems. Get the one made specifically for your brand to take advantage of automatic TTL & HSS exposure. I would consider this an entry-level enthusiast flash that can be expanded into a full system of flashes should your needs grow. I recommend you get the transmitter/controller as well. This will allow you to use the flash off-camera. The flash runs about $85 and the trigger runs about $69.
Pros: TTL, HSS, built-in Transmitter/controller and Receiver, compact size.
Cons: Short on power for bright days, difficult menu operation, separate transmitter/controller not included
Godox TT350 for Canon + Godox Xpro Trigger
Godox TT350 for Nikon + Godox Xpro Trigger
Godox TT350 for Olympus/Panasonic + Godox Xpro Trigger
Godox TT350 for Sony + Godox Xpro Trigger
The Best AA Batteries for your flash!
I’ve tried all kinds of rechargeable AA batteries and I can tell you first hand that these are the best. From the Amazon-branded Eneloops, Energizers, and various generics, none of them recycle the flash faster than these. I even tried the latest lithium-ion batteries and found them actually the worst for your flash. In my Godox TT350, the Duracells recycle the flash in 2 seconds. The Eneloops, 8 seconds, and the lithium-ion took 11 seconds! Huge difference.
Enthusiast
This is a full-size flash with enough power to handle most situations, even in bright sunlight. Being full size allows it to have a nice large LCD control panel. This will come in handy because the flash also has a built-in transmitter/controller and receiver built-in. It’s compatible with the Godox X system of flashes. The lithium battery makes for quick recycling times and will last all day. As of this writing, flash runs about $179 and the trigger about $69.
Pros: Powerful, TTL, HSS, Transmitter/Controller and Receiver built-in, easy to use menu
Cons: Non-standard battery, but it has very fast recycle times and lasts all day!
Godox V860ii for Canon + Godox Xpro Trigger
Godox V860ii for Nikon + Godox Xpro Trigger