Compatible or best flash for Nikon Z9/Z8

[John Navitsky]

not a big flash user, but i have a couple of godox ad200 pros and a could of different triggers i think they're a lot of band for the buck.

the godox x3 trigger looks like a nice trigger. i'd probably go with that if i didn't already have a couple of different triggers (and still might anyway)

the ad200 (and ad200 pro, and ad200 pro 2) is a nice general purpose off-camera flash (small, portable, flexible)

as Beano notes, the V860III (or v1 pro) are nice on-camera options

beyond that, you should really know what you're shopping for

 

[Doug A.]

I'd love to know what if any cost effective alternatives there are to the SB910, but, with greatly improved GN/output? I don't do any studio, or multi-flash work currently, would just love to have a much better output than the SB910, butwith all it's iTTL, balanced, rear curtain and HSS features?

The SB-910 and the Godox camera mountable flash units (e.g. V860 & V1) are all about 75 watt/seconds of output. If you want more output, you are going to have to go with an off camera strobe.

 

[Collymore]

I would say Godox V1 or V1Pro ( updated version).

The main drawback I see is its size—it feels cumbersome on a camera, adding significant weight and making the setup feel unbalanced. It’s also far from pocket-friendly. However, if you can overlook that:

• The extra power allows for more flexibility in bounce and diffusion techniques without risking underexposure.
• It’s compatible with Profoto Ax modifiers, which are useful even for on-camera use, including small modifiers or an add-on fresnel to focus the beam.
• Off-camera use is enhanced by compatibility with both Profoto and third-party modifiers. While square-head flashes can also use modifiers, I’ve found their adapters less reliable and more fiddly.
• The modeling light, while not particularly strong or effective without modification, can serve as a helpful continuous light source for impromptu video clips. It’s not ideal but better than having no option at all.

If I were to recommend, I’d suggest the V1. For scenarios where size becomes a challenge, consider adding a smaller second-hand square-head flash as a backup or for more portable use cases.

 

[John Navitsky]

one random tidbit is it looks like when running hss the ad200 (and pro and pro 2) all exhibit banding in hss in some cases.

it appears the v1 pro addresses that (but strangely not the ad200 pro 2 which is newer) and it sounds like it may be the only smaller godox flash that doesn't have that problem.

i've run my ad200 pro with hss and not seen it, but if i encounter it i'll know now not to be surprised

 

[mathjak107]

since i use flash for macro my wife and i sold off the big sb910 and sb900 and went with the smaller godox v350n with ak diffuser.

if i ever need a larger flash i would go with the godox v1

 

[realspeed]

I used the GodozV860iii amd or the Nikon sb900. Having the panasonic G9ii. to get both flash guns working remotely together with that camera I added the God0x X2T transmitter and the Godox X1 receiver to trigger the SB900 . Now both fire remotely or one on camera and other as the remote. linking up with a wirless lash trigger and receivers if i wanted to I could fire off 2 cameras and the flashcuns in any combination