Off-camera flash intimidates many photographers. However, there is no need to be delayed. Using rechargeable strobes, strobes and monolights is a lot easier than you think. It is also inexpensive to purchase an off-camera flash system.
On the contrary. For less than $650, and in many cases much less, you can get studio-quality rechargeable flashes that will make your photos pop. The advantage of these rechargeable flash units is that you can take them with you wherever you go. That’s right. You are not tied to studio recordings. You can take these lights outside and you can create incredibly dynamic images with them.
In this roundup, we’re going to take a quick look at four easy-to-use rechargeable flashes. These lamps open up a whole new world of creative possibilities for you without breaking the bank.
Off camera flash — Godox AD400 Pro
When it comes to rechargeable flashes, the Godox AD400 Pro is hard to beat. I’ve been using this monolight for over two years now and I’ve never had any problems with it. The large LCD panel is easy to read and numerous controls make setup simple. The wireless X1 And XPro triggers (separate purchase required) and super-fast synchronization work flawlessly.
The AD400 Pro’s color output is accurate and consistent, and the flash can be charged in less than a second. The battery is good for about 400 full discharges and 400 watt-seconds is more than powerful to conquer most lighting situations. You can use this lamp across five groups and multiple channels. This means that you can synchronize multiple lamps with each other. When it comes to off-camera flash, the Godox AD400 is a steal.
Rechargeable Speedlights – Westcott FJ400
Westcott’s FJ400 is another solid rechargeable flash and a very capable off-camera flash. The fame of the FJ does not lie with the light itself, but with the transmitter. Normally you would have to buy a transmitter for each brand of camera you want to use the light with. However, one transmitter for the Westcott FJ400 works with every major camera brand.
Battery life is great. You can get 480 full power flashes on a single charge and thousands of flashes at lower power settings. High-speed synchronization works flawlessly. There’s a large LCD screen that displays your settings, and the menus are nice and simple. Color accuracy is top notch and again, 400 watt-seconds is enough power to conquer all but the brightest of days.
Off camera flash – Godox AD200
The Godox AD200 is a marvel when it comes to off-camera flash. This ultra-portable flash has about the same power as three regular flashes. The AD200 can also be used with a standard Fresnel head and a bare bulb. Both give two very different light qualities. This flash can be charged from 0.1 seconds to 2.1 seconds, depending on usage, and the battery lasts for 500 shots at full power.
The AD200 is suitable for fast synchronization. On the back is a small LCD panel that displays your settings. The AD200 can also be used with X1 or XPro also wireless transmitters. The AD200 has been part of my off-camera flash kit for a few years now and it has never let me down. It’s great as a key, fill or rim light. It’s also less than $300!
Perfect for the beginner — Interfit Badger Unleashed
The Interfit Badger Unleashed is another one of the rechargeable flashers you can get that won’t destroy your bank account. The 2900 mAh battery offers 430 full power flashes and a charging time of 90 minutes. The Badger Unleashed comes with 90 CRI color accuracy, fast sync and wireless capability when you purchase the transmitter.
This rechargeable monolight isn’t quite as powerful as some of the other full-size monolights listed here, but at 250 watt-seconds it’s no slouch either. When you factor in the price and the features that come with it, it’s easy to see why so many flock to it. It’s an excellent choice for photographers new to off-camera flash.
