Lets get this out there, up front…. if you don’t have the specific Neewer branded, specific models, trigger for this flash… you’re not going to get as much out of it. To get the full TTL measuring, you’re going to want Neewer’s Q branded series, or a few of their select speedlites, that they have listed in their documentation.
Don’t be like me, and assume one of their newer flashes/triggers that are NOT specified, will still work. They will NOT.
As such, I now have a couple of different triggers, strobes, and speedlites.. with the Neewer brand, all purchased in the last year… that don’t operate via WiFi together.
That is an extreme nuisance to me, BUT, to be fair… Neewer never said they would work together.. so that’s on me, and as such, it doesn’t reduce the rating… it IS something that buyers need to be aware of, however.
Still, without that functionality, the product still works, as expected, using optical sync with other flashes.
Depending on the studio setup, I may have anywhere from 1 to 10 light sources in place, and often, when using strobes, I need them to be reliable. I’m happy to say, this strobe works with pretty much any system I’ve tested it with (again.. optically).
Sony, Godox, Neewer (non-wireless), and a few other offbrand flashes work in conjunction with this unit.
That said, I WILL point out, since this flash won’t be using TTL to get its light measurements, AND since it’s such a powerful strobe (even if it’s extremely compact), you’re definitely going to want to get your lighting correct with it, likely dialing it back quite a bit.
In a studio test, this flash constantly needed to be pulled back further for a less intense flash.
Now, that SAID, in a longer room, this flash seemed to have a much better throw than many of the other strobes. I’m not sure if that’s an intentional design or not, but the fact is that it seems to be configured to have a mid to long range throw, is something I like, as I normally would have to achieve that same effect with either multiple reflectors, a box, or a set of mirrored barn-doors to get a longer throw on a strobe.. and that’s USUALLY with a much larger setup.
Is this going to replace that same setup? No.. but it’s a great ‘in-between’ sort of spot.
One other thing that I’ve been finding that I REALLY like with this strobe, is that it actually brings something to light (no pun intended) that I’ve been missing over the last few years… it actually includes a modeling light option within it. No more do you have to worry about your model stumbling around in a dimly lit environment, nor do you have to worry about getting your focus in that same dark environment… the modeling light operates as many older strobes used to.. it remains on, just long enough to get your focus, and then turns itself off a split second before the flash operates.
Since you’re no longer relying on AF-lock, you don’t have to worry about your model shifting their position slightly. Additionally, you don’t have to rely on other lighting to see/operate by.. which may cause issues in your final images.
So far, I’m pleasantly surprised with the results from this strobe. It’s built solid, operates better than expected, and helps fill a gap in my gear bag, that I didn’t even realize I had.
I DO wish the wireless was more compatible, instead of relying on very specific models of triggers, AND I wish it had an external power option.. but for what it is.. a portable high powered strobe/flash… I can honestly say, I don’t know of anything else that’s as compact or as well built.
Strongly recommended (even moreso, if you already have a compatible TTL trigger for it)
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