If you’re serious about kickstarting your photography career, you need a proper flash. The Godox VING series offers powerful, affordable flashes that deliver the kind of quality a built-in flash can only dream of.
Why You Need an External Flash
Let’s face it—built-in camera flashes don’t cut it. Sure, they’re good enough for a quick snapshot in low light, but they often lead to harsh, flat lighting that makes your photos look amateur. An external flash like the ones in the Godox VING series will give you much more control over your lighting, allowing you to create more dynamic, professional-looking photos.
What’s more, an external flash will allow you to experiment with lighting techniques, something that’s essential to growing as a photographer. Being able to bounce the flash off walls, ceilings, or use it off-camera will open up a world of creative possibilities. An external flash can offer better coverage and power, especially in situations where your built-in flash just isn’t enough.
The Godox VING series flashes offer solid performance at a variety of price points, making them an ideal choice for those just getting into photography. They’re not only easy to use but also reliable, and they can grow with you as your skills improve.
Excellent Performance at a Wide Price Range
When you’re just starting out, you probably don’t want to blow your budget on a flash, but that doesn’t mean you should settle for something cheap and unreliable. Enter the Godox VING series. Godox strikes a perfect balance between affordability and performance, which is why these camera flashes are popular among both beginners and professionals.
The VING series covers a range of models, from budget-friendly options to slightly higher-end models that provide even more power and versatility. You can choose one based on your needs and budget, and all of them come with solid features that will serve you well as you progress in your photography journey.
One of the standout features of the VING flashes is their ability to deliver consistent, reliable results, even at the lower price points. For a beginner, knowing that your flash will work well every time you fire it is invaluable—especially when you’re still trying tofigure out all the camera settings.
Easy to Use and Set Up
As a beginner, you don’t want to spend hours reading manuals and fiddling with complicated settings. The Godox VING series makes things simple. Most models in the series are designed with ease of use in mind. The intuitive controls mean that you won’t need a degree in electronics to get started, and the flash settings are simple to adjust.
For example, most models sport a large LCD screen that allows you to see all your settings at a glance, with buttons that are logically arranged for easy navigation. You’ll also find a zoom head that adjusts automatically based on your lens choice, further simplifying your experience. This means that you may focus on learning the art of photography, not just mastering the technicalities of your flash.
Many flashes in the VING series also feature a built-in rechargeable battery, saving you from the hassle and expense of constantly swapping AA batteries. This makes a big difference, especially when you’re shooting events or on-location for a long period of time.
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Durability and Build Quality
A good flash needs to withstand the wear and tear that comes with frequent use. The Godox VING flashes are built to last, with sturdy bodies that feel solid in your hands. Many beginner-level flashes feel cheap and flimsy, but that’s not the case here. These flashes have a more premium feel than their price would suggest.
Many of the models come with a robust metal hot shoe mount and a solid body that can endure the rigors of regular shoots. While the VING flashes aren’t fully weather-sealed, they’re durable enough to handle day-to-day use, making them a reliable choice for someone who’s learning but wants gear that will last.
Versatility That Grows With You
The beauty of the Godox VING series is that these flashes are versatile enough to grow with you as your skills improve. As you become more comfortable with photography, you’ll likely want to start experimenting with advanced lighting techniques—things like off-camera flash, light modifiers, and multiple flash setups. Thankfully, Godox VING flashes have the features you need to expand your creative horizons.
For instance, most models within the series supporthigh-speed sync (HSS) and TTL (through-the-lens) metering, which are essential for advanced flash photography. These features let you use faster shutter speeds and ensure your flash exposure is optimized for different lighting conditions without constant manual adjustments. As you progress, you’ll appreciate having these pro-level features at your fingertips.
Additionally, you can use the VING series flashes in multi-flash setups. If you’re working in a studio or on location, being able to control multiple flashes remotely is a game-changer. This feature is not exclusive to professional photographers—anyone with a VING flash can take advantage of it.
The flashes support wireless communication, which means you can control multiple flashes from one transmitter. This opens up a myriad of creative possibilities, such as adding backlighting or fill lighting for portraits.
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Comparing My Godox to a Stock Flash
When I first upgraded from the built-in flash on my camera to the Godox VING series flash, the difference was immediately noticeable. To illustrate just how much of an improvement the Godox flash offers, let’s take a look at three side-by-side comparisons.
In each of the following side-by-side images, the stock flash was used to photograph the image on the left, and the Godox V860II was used to photograph the image on the right.
In the first comparison, the subject is a jar of pampas grass. The photo on the left has flat lighting, washed-out colors, and hard-to-see textures, resulting in a lack of depth. In contrast, the photo on the right shows vibrant colors, clearly defined textures, and softer lighting that highlights the details of the jar and pampas. The Godox flash makes the image much more dynamic and visually appealing.
The second comparison features my Pomeranian. The stock flash on the left creates harsh lighting, strong shadows, and a red glare in her eyes. The flash is unflattering, making the image feel sharp and uncomfortable. On the right, the Godox flash provides softer, more even lighting with reduced shadows and no red glare whatsoever. The result is a more relaxed and detailed portrait of my dog.
In the third comparison, the image on the left shows stark shadows behind the handle of the mug and under the stand itself. On the right, the Godox VING flash provides even, smooth lighting with nearly nonexistent shadows. The result is a soft, natural look that brightens the entirety of the image and creates a more aesthetically pleasing photo.
These examples highlight how much of a difference a proper external flash can make, even for a novice.
Which Model Should You Choose?
With all these options in the VING series, which one is the best fit for you? It depends on your budget and your needs, but here’s a quick breakdown of a few of the most popular models:
Godox TT685II: An affordable option priced around $129, the TT685II offers reliable performance with a guide number of 60 meters at ISO 100. It features a 2.4GHz wireless system for basic remote flash capabilities but lacks features like a modeling light and rechargeable batteries.
Godox V860II: Priced at approximately $179, the V860II provides enhanced performance with a guide number of 60 meters at ISO 100. It includes a 2.4GHz wireless system and a 2000mAh lithium-ion battery, offering faster recycle times and more flashes per charge compared to the TT685II.
Godox V860III: At around $229, the V860III builds upon the V860II’s features with a more powerful 2600mAh battery, offering quicker recycle times and longer shooting sessions. It introduces new features such as a modeling light, a quick-release mechanism, and a ‘Scan for Best Channel’ function for optimal wireless performance.
The Godox VING series offers a range of flashes perfect for beginners, providing affordability, power, and versatility. These flashes are easy to use and grow with your skills, making them a great investment for aspiring photographers. Experiment with your lighting and upgrade your photography with a reliable flash from the Godox VING series!
