How to Buy the Best Flash for Your Needs

Your Guide to buying the best Flashes

Overview

A flash is an essential tool for many photographers and videographers, providing a burst of light to help capture the perfect image. In this buying guide, we will discuss the different types of flashes and their features, as well as provide advice on how to choose the right flash for your needs. We will cover the various flash brands, price points, and other important considerations, so that you can make an informed decision when selecting the best flash for your project.

Key features

  1. Type of flash - Shoppers should consider what type of flash they need. There are a range of flashes available - speedlights, ring flashes, monolights, and studio strobes - and each type has its own advantages and uses.
  2. Power Output - When shopping for a flash, shoppers should consider the power output of the flash. The higher the power output, the farther the flash can reach and the more powerful it is.
  3. Compatibility - When shopping for a flash, shoppers should also consider compatibility with their camera. Different cameras have different flash mounts, so shoppers should select a flash that is compatible with their camera.
  4. Recycle Time - Shoppers should also consider the recycle time of the flash. The recycle time is the amount of time it takes for the flash to be ready to use after it has been fired. Faster recycle times are beneficial for action photography or for when you need to take multiple photos quickly.
  5. Battery Life - Battery life is another important factor to consider when shopping for a flash. Shoppers should look for flashes with long battery life in order to ensure they won’t run out of power during a shoot.
  6. Stroboscopic Mode - Some flashes have a stroboscopic mode, which allows the flash to fire multiple times in one exposure. This can be useful for creating interesting light effects, and shoppers should look for flashes with this feature if that is something they are interested in.
  7. Weight and Size - Lastly, shoppers should consider the weight and size of the flash. Larger and heavier flashes are more powerful, but may be more cumbersome to use in certain situations.

See the most popular Flashes on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Versatility: Flashes are highly versatile and can be used for both indoor and outdoor photography, making them suitable for a wide range of projects and photographs.
  • Portability: Flashes are typically small in size, allowing them to be easily transported, making them a great option for those who need to travel with their equipment.
  • Speed: Flashes provide quick and consistent lighting, making them ideal for capturing fast-moving objects or in situations where a burst of light is needed.
  • Creativity: Flashes allow for a greater degree of creative control over images, giving photographers the ability to create unique and interesting lighting effects.
  • Durability: Flashes are typically well-constructed, making them a good option for long-term use as they are more likely to withstand wear and tear.

Cons

  • Cost: Flashes are often expensive pieces of equipment, and while you can find some decent models for a reasonable price, most of the professional-level flashes can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
  • Compatibility: Not all flashes are compatible with all cameras, so youll need to make sure that the flash you buy is compatible with your camera.
  • Weight: Flashes can be quite heavy and bulky, making them difficult to transport and handle, especially if you're travelling.
  • Battery Life: Flashes can be power hungry, and their batteries can drain quickly if you’re using them frequently.
  • Noise: Flashes can make a loud noise when they fire, which can be distracting or disruptive in some situations.

Best alternatives

  1. External Flash Units - A flash unit that attaches to your camera and can be triggered remotely.
  2. Ring Flashes - A flash unit that attaches to a camera lens and fits around the subject.
  3. Speedlites - A portable and lightweight flash unit that is usually battery-powered.
  4. LED Light Panels - A type of light panel that uses light-emitting diodes.
  5. Portable Softboxes - Softbox lighting units that are designed to be portable.
  6. Strobe Lighting - A powerful flash of light used for photography and film.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Flash Diffuser - A device placed over the flash head to diffuse the light and soften its intensity.
  • Gels - Colorful filters that attach to a flash to alter its color balance.
  • Flash Bracket - A mounting bracket for attaching a flash to a camera or tripod.
  • Soft Box - A light modifier that softens and diffuses the light from a flash.
  • Flash Trigger - A device used to trigger multiple flashes from a single camera.
  • Flash Stand - A stand used to support a flash off-camera.
  • Reflector - A device used to reflect light onto a subject.

Common questions

  1. What types of Flashes are available? Flashes come in a variety of types depending on the intended use. These include on-camera flashes, ring flashes, studio flashes, portable battery-powered flashes, and high-speed sync flashes.
  2. What is the power output of a Flash? The power output of a flash is measured in watt-seconds (Ws) and indicates the amount of energy a flash produces.
  3. What is the guide number of a Flash? The guide number of a flash is a measure of the amount of light output at a given distance and aperture setting.
  4. What is High-Speed Sync (HSS)? High-Speed Sync (HSS) is a feature on some flashes that allows flash synchronization at shutter speeds faster than the camera’s maximum flash sync speed.
  5. What is TTL Flash? TTL Flash is a feature that allows the camera and flash to communicate and automatically adjust the power output of the flash based on the camera’s settings.
  6. What is the difference between a Speedlight and a Studio Flash? Speedlights are small, portable, on-camera flashes that are designed for quick and easy setup. Studio flashes are much larger, more powerful, and typically need to be mounted to a light stand.

Trivia

A fun fact about Flashes is that they were designed to be a more affordable alternative to larger running shoes. According to a Runner's World article, the original Flashes were was created by a former Nike designer who wanted to find a way to make a good running shoe that was more accessible and affordable for the masses. This designer saw the potential in the Flash and was able to create a running shoe that was perfect for the everyday runner. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.