Godox V1 Pro Flash for Canon Review: Worth the Upgrade?
Digging into user reports, the Godox V1 Pro Flash for Canon emerges as a capable, feature-rich speedlite that earns a solid 8.4/10 from cross-platform feedback. While its marketing emphasizes revolutionary design and limitless shooting potential, real-world experiences reveal a product that excels in certain scenarios—especially event and portrait photography—but provokes debate over whether its upgrades justify the price hike from the original V1.
Quick Verdict: Conditional – strong buy for event/wedding pros, less compelling for casual shooters
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Up to 100 full-power shots without overheating | Slightly higher price vs. original V1 with minimal gains |
| Detachable SU-1 fill light adds creative options | Some users report yellowish color cast |
| USB-C charging on-body | Detachable fill light seen as “gimmicky” outdoors |
| Fast recycle time (~1.3s) | Firmware updates remain awkward |
| Round head produces soft, even lighting | External battery packs improve recycle times but are cumbersome |
| Strong battery life (~500 full-power flashes) | No increase in max power output over V1 |
| Seamless TTL/manual switch | Minor weight increase over smaller units |
Claims vs Reality
The headline claim from Godox is the ability to fire 100 consecutive full-power flashes without overheating. Reddit user feedback confirms this improvement over the original V1, which was capped at 30 pops due to thermal limits. One Canon Rumors member noted: “They removed the 30 full power pop limit… you can shoot 100 full power pops sequentially according to the literature,” adding that this makes it practical for high-intensity wedding dance floor photography.
Another claim is that the detachable SU-1 fill light transforms the V1 Pro into a dual-purpose bounce and fill flash. While indoor shooters praise this versatility—one Trustpilot reviewer called it “a game-changer for dynamic shoots”—several experienced outdoor photographers dismiss it as ineffective in bright conditions. A Canon Rumors poster described it as “a bit gimmicky, especially… outdoors will likely have zero effect.”
Finally, Godox markets USB-C charging convenience as a workflow breakthrough. Verified buyers on Amazon highlight the relief of “charging directly without taking the battery out,” contrasting it with the older cradle-based system. However, a Canon Rumors user bluntly called the previous design “a gross engineering oversight” and suggested that USB-C should have been standard from the start.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Battery endurance is one of the most celebrated features. A long-term user review on VeriReview stated: “I consistently get well over 500 shots on a single charge… even with demanding shooting conditions,” making it ideal for wedding pros who shoot nonstop. This aligns with Amazon specs citing a 2980mAh capacity versus the original V1’s 2600mAh. Event shooters benefit from fewer battery swaps, while travel photographers enjoy reduced gear weight.
The round head design draws consistent praise for producing flattering, even light. Reddit discussions emphasize its advantage in portraiture, with one user noting, “The V1 and V1 Pro just have the round head instead of a traditional fresnel head… much more flattering results.” Professionals shooting weddings and fashion report smoother fall-off and reduced harsh shadows compared to rectangular heads.
The one-click TTL/manual switch is a workflow favorite. For fast-moving environments, being able to instantly toggle between auto metering and manual control prevents missed moments. A Trustpilot reviewer highlighted that this feature “lets you seamlessly switch… in fast-paced events or high-standard shooting scenarios,” a sentiment echoed by Canon Rumors members who value responsiveness.
Common Complaints
Price-to-upgrade value is the most discussed drawback. Many seasoned Godox users question whether the Pro’s $329 price tag is worth the $130 premium over the regular V1, given that “same power output, same battery… same wireless specs” remain. A Canon Rumors user concluded: “The price differential… does not seem worth it tbh.”
Color accuracy issues pop up occasionally. VeriReview notes “a slightly yellowish color cast in certain settings” that requires post-processing correction. While not widespread, it’s a reminder that perfection in flash color temperature still eludes many speedlites.
Firmware updating processes frustrate owners. One Canon Rumors poster cited “the awkward way to update firmware” as a lingering flaw, particularly with older Godox models requiring clunky PC apps. This can deter users who rely on firmware fixes for compatibility or bug resolution.
Divisive Features
The SU-1 detachable fill light splits opinions sharply. Indoor shooters who leverage bounce techniques find it valuable for adding subtle fill without an extra unit. Trustpilot feedback describes it as “versatile and agile… responds quickly in dynamic shoots.” Conversely, outdoor shooters—especially those working in bright sun—report negligible benefit, preferring to invest in off-camera lighting setups like softboxes or AD200 units.
External battery pack compatibility (PB960) is another point of contention. While the Pro’s new port allows near-instant recycling with a pack, several users call the packs cumbersome. One Canon Rumors member quipped, “Using an external battery pack is great… but still a pain to wear,” highlighting the trade-off between performance and comfort.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot entries and Reddit threads suggest Godox maintains a generally positive reputation for build quality and reliability. A Canon Rumors contributor shared: “I own multiple V1s and Evolv 200 Pros… they have been bulletproof as I have dropped, submerged and manhandled them.” Such resilience matters to event shooters who operate in unpredictable environments.
Warranty service earns mixed reviews depending on purchase channel. Reddit advice points to buying from resellers like Molight, whose owner “is literally a text message… away” for support, versus larger retailers with slower processes. While some hardware defects have been reported, replacements under warranty appear to resolve the issues without recurrence.
Alternatives
The original Godox V1 remains the closest alternative, offering nearly identical specs minus the Pro’s cooling upgrade, USB-C charging, and PB960 compatibility. At around $199 on sale, it’s appealing for hobbyists. Reddit consensus is that “they’re pretty much all the same” in output and battery life.
The Godox V860III is another contender, favored for its physical TTL/manual switch and rectangular head suited to bounce flash indoors. It lacks the round head softness but is priced competitively.
High-end flashes like the Canon EL-1 or Profoto A10 offer faster recycle times and higher continuous pop counts but at 5–6x the price. Canon Rumors users note that for hobbyists, “the Godox will suffice” given the cost-to-feature ratio.
Price & Value
As of current listings, the V1 Pro sits around $295–$329 new, with eBay resale values between $245–$295 depending on condition. This modest depreciation suggests stable demand, especially among professionals seeking a backup unit.
Community buying tips stress matching your needs to the upgrade. If USB-C charging and prolonged full-power shooting matter, the Pro’s premium is justifiable. Otherwise, the original V1 or V860III may deliver comparable results at a lower cost.
FAQ
Q: Does the Godox V1 Pro have more power than the original V1?
A: No. Both are rated at 76Ws output. The Pro’s main differences are cooling improvements, USB-C charging, and PB960 compatibility.
Q: How effective is the SU-1 detachable fill light outdoors?
A: Reports suggest minimal impact in bright sunlight. It’s most useful indoors for subtle fill when bouncing the main flash.
Q: Can I use the V1 Pro with other Godox flashes wirelessly?
A: Yes. It supports 2.4GHz wireless transmission/reception and integrates seamlessly with other Godox X-series units.
Q: How many full-power shots can it do per charge?
A: Around 500 on the internal 2980mAh battery, or up to 100 consecutively without overheating.
Q: Is the USB-C charging port fast?
A: Users find it convenient rather than faster—its main advantage is eliminating the need for a separate cradle charger.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re an event or portrait photographer who will leverage the 100-shot thermal capacity, USB-C charging, and PB960 pack support. Avoid if you’re a casual shooter who won’t push thermal limits—save money with the original V1. Pro tip from the community: buy from a responsive local or niche reseller for better warranty support.
