Review of the Godox V860II Flash
The Godox V860II is a versatile, high-performance speedlight that offers TTL compatibility, HSS capabilities, and a powerful rechargeable battery. Its robust feature set, combined with an affordable price point, has made it a favorite among photographers looking for an alternative to brand-name flashes like those from Canon, Nikon, or Sony.
Build Quality and Design
The Godox V860II sports a professional and durable design that feels solid in hand. Despite being built primarily from high-quality plastic, it has a premium look and feel.
Compact and Lightweight: At 15.2 oz (without battery), it’s well-suited for both on-camera and off-camera use.
Rotating Head: The flash head rotates 360° and tilts from -7° to 90°, providing great flexibility for bounce lighting and creative setups.
LCD Screen: The backlit LCD is clear and intuitive, displaying essential settings like power, mode, and zoom.
The buttons and control dial are tactile and responsive, making it easy to adjust settings on the fly.
Performance
The V860II is a reliable and powerful speedlight with features that cater to both amateur and professional photographers.
Power Output:
Guide Number: GN 60 (at ISO 100, 200mm) offers sufficient light for most scenarios, from portraits to events.
Variable power from 1/1 to 1/128 in manual mode ensures precise control over lighting intensity.
TTL and HSS:
TTL (Through-The-Lens): Automatically adjusts flash output based on ambient light, ensuring accurate exposure.
High-Speed Sync (HSS): Works with shutter speeds up to 1/8000s, making it ideal for outdoor shoots where controlling ambient light is essential.
Zoom Range:
The motorized zoom head covers 20mm to 200mm, automatically adjusting to the focal length of the lens in TTL mode.
Recycle Time:
1.5 seconds at full power with the included lithium-ion battery, significantly faster than AA-powered flashes.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the V860II is its lithium-ion battery pack (VB18), which outperforms traditional AA batteries:
Capacity: 2000mAh, providing up to 650 full-power flashes on a single charge.
Convenience: The battery is rechargeable, removable, and charges fully in about 2.5 hours.
The extended battery life is a game-changer for event photographers who need consistent, long-lasting power.
Wireless System
The V860II integrates seamlessly with Godox’s 2.4GHz X wireless system, offering advanced functionality for multi-light setups:
Built-In Receiver: Compatible with Godox X1T, X2T, and XPro transmitters.
Master/Slave Modes: Can act as a master to control other Godox flashes or as a slave in a multi-light setup.
Range: Wireless control up to 328 feet, with support for multiple groups and channels.
Modifiers and Accessories
The V860II is compatible with a range of modifiers and accessories, making it adaptable for various shooting scenarios:
Bounce Cards: Included to soften and direct light.
Diffusers: External diffusers can easily be attached for more even lighting.
Godox S-Type Bracket: Allows the V860II to work with Bowens-mount softboxes and other studio lighting tools.
Real-World Use
The V860II performs exceptionally well in diverse scenarios:
Event Photography:
Quick recycle times and consistent output make it a reliable choice for weddings and corporate events.
Portraits:
Works great for on-camera fill light or as an off-camera key light in TTL or manual modes.
Outdoor Shoots:
HSS and the powerful output make it easy to overpower sunlight for creative lighting control.
Drawbacks
While the Godox V860II is a fantastic flash, it’s not without some minor limitations:
Battery Compatibility: The proprietary battery, while excellent, means you can’t fall back on AA batteries in a pinch.
Menu Navigation: While intuitive, it might take beginners some time to get used to the extensive options and settings.
Size: Slightly larger and heavier than some other speedlights, which might be a consideration for on-camera use with smaller cameras.
Who Is It For?
The Godox V860II is an excellent choice for:
Event and Wedding Photographers: Its fast recycling time and long battery life are ideal for high-pressure shoots.
Portrait Photographers: TTL, manual, and HSS features make it versatile for various lighting styles.
Budget-Conscious Professionals: Offers high-end features comparable to premium brand-name flashes at a fraction of the cost.
Conclusion
The Godox V860II is a feature-packed and highly capable speedlight that delivers exceptional value for its price. Its powerful output, TTL and HSS compatibility, and long-lasting lithium-ion battery make it a reliable workhorse for any photographer. While it has minor limitations, they are easily outweighed by its performance and affordability.
Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.7/5)
An outstanding flash for photographers seeking professional performance without breaking the bank.
