Godox V1 Pro Flash for Canon Review: 9/10 Verdict
Breaking away from the limitations of its predecessor, the Godox V1 Pro Flash for Canon earns an impressive 9/10 from cross-platform user feedback. While the brand touts “100 consecutive full-power flashes without thermal cutoff,” the real-world impact resonates most with event photographers, wedding shooters, and portrait specialists who value speed, power, and versatility. However, the added detachable SU-1 sub-flash has sparked debate—some hail it as transformative, others call it “gimmicky outdoors.”
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — best suited for event and portrait photographers who need fast recycle times, versatile light shaping, and long battery life. Casual shooters may find cheaper models sufficient.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 100 consecutive full-power flashes without overheating | Price premium over V1 (~$130 more) |
| Soft, even lighting from round head | SU-1 sub-flash less effective outdoors |
| Dual charging via USB-C or VC26 dock | Slight yellow color cast in some settings |
| Powerful 76Ws output with TTL/HSS | Firmware updates can be awkward |
| Fast 1.3s recycle time | Proprietary Li-ion battery limits AA backup options |
| Detachable SU-1 for fill light | Extra accessories raise total cost |
| Excellent build quality & wireless integration | Comparable power to cheaper Godox models |
Claims vs Reality
Godox markets the V1 Pro as a revolutionary speedlite, highlighting the “100 consecutive full-power flashes” capability. Digging deeper into user reports, this claim holds up indoors and in controlled environments. A verified buyer on Amazon.fr confirmed: “Supports 100 prises de vue au flash consécutives en une seule fois… pour capturer des moments plus excitants.” Reddit user feedback suggests this is a direct improvement over the V1, which had a 30-pop limit before thermal throttling.
The detachable SU-1 sub-flash is another headline feature. While Godox frames it as a way to “transform your bounce flash into a versatile duo,” several photographers found it situational. A Canon Rumors forum contributor noted: “Looks a bit gimmicky, especially if used outdoors—will likely have zero effect.” Yet, Trustpilot reviewers praised it for indoor portrait work, saying it “prevents those harsh shadows” common in single-flash setups.
USB-C charging is marketed as “modern charging convenience,” eliminating the need for a cradle. This claim is universally validated—Reddit user commentary called the cradle of the original V1 “a gross engineering oversight,” and welcomed the direct charging port. Event shooters cited this as a major workflow benefit, especially when power banks are part of their kit.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The round head’s soft, even light is a consistent highlight. A verified buyer on Amazon.com described it as “soft and bright light effect from various directions.” Wedding photographers on Reddit emphasized how this design improves flattering skin tones compared to rectangular heads. Trustpilot reviewers tied this directly to better portrait results, noting “significant improvement in quality” since switching.
Battery endurance is another standout. The 2980mAh VB30 cell delivers up to 500 full-power flashes per charge, with a 1.3s recycle time. For sports and event photographers, this means sustained shooting without missed frames. Trustpilot’s long-term user wrote: “I consistently get well over 500 shots on a single charge… crucial for action and event photography.”
Wireless integration via the Godox 2.4GHz X system makes multi-light setups easy. Canon Rumors users confirmed seamless pairing with AD200 and AD600 units, enabling complex lighting designs without cables. This is particularly valued by studio photographers and location shooters who juggle multiple strobes.
Common Complaints
Price remains the most cited drawback when compared to the original V1. Canon Rumors members calculated a $130 premium “for USB-C recharge and sub-flash,” calling it a marginal upgrade unless you need those specific features. Hobbyists often opt for the V860III or TT685II to save money.
Firmware updating is a friction point. Users on Canon Rumors described Godox’s G1 app as “awkward” and prone to connectivity issues, especially on Windows. While newer G2 software has improved the process, it remains less streamlined than competitors.
Color accuracy shows minor inconsistencies. Trustpilot feedback mentioned a “slightly yellowish color cast” in some settings, easily fixed in post but still notable for those requiring perfect out-of-camera tones.
Divisive Features
The SU-1 detachable sub-flash splits opinion. Studio and wedding shooters praise its ability to fill shadows when bouncing the main head off ceilings. Others—particularly outdoor photographers—report negligible benefit under bright conditions. Reddit user analysis boiled it down to: “Useful indoors, gimmicky outdoors.”
High-Speed Sync (HSS) at 1/8000s is valued by those shooting wide apertures in daylight, but casual shooters rarely exploit it. Canon Rumors users compared it to EL-1 and Profoto A10 capabilities, noting similar power output at 76Ws—meaning no real edge in raw brightness.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot narratives reflect strong build quality. One reviewer described dropping and submerging multiple V1 units “while providing consistent power and temperature.” Reddit threads echo this, with owners reporting years of use without degradation.
Concerns about long-term battery storage surfaced. Reddit users warned that proprietary Li-ion packs “don’t take well to being stored unused for long periods,” advising regular cycling to maintain health. No widespread scam reports emerged—most purchasing issues relate to stock availability and shipping times.
Alternatives
The V860III is frequently recommended as a cheaper option with similar power but a rectangular head. Reddit user u/… suggested it for indoor bounce work, noting: “You don’t need a round head for this.” The TT685II offers AA battery compatibility, making it more flexible for infrequent shooters.
Higher-end alternatives like the Canon EL-1 and Profoto A10 offer faster recycle times and more continuous pops (EL-1 can do ~170), but at 5–6x the cost. Canon Rumors users concluded: “For hobbyists, the Godox will suffice… paid work might justify the premium.”
Price & Value
On eBay, the Godox V1 Pro C averages $249–$255 USD new, undercutting its $329 MSRP from official retailers. Resale value appears stable, with used units selling near $195. Community buying tips include sourcing from Flashpoint (Adorama) or Molight for better warranty support, and watching for bundle deals that include magnetic modifiers.
FAQ
Q: Is the V1 Pro worth upgrading from the original V1?
A: Only if you need USB-C charging, longer continuous full-power bursts, or the SU-1 sub-flash. Otherwise, performance is largely identical.
Q: How effective is the SU-1 sub-flash outdoors?
A: Limited. Most users report it’s best for indoor bounce scenarios, with minimal impact under bright ambient light.
Q: Can the V1 Pro be used with other Godox lights wirelessly?
A: Yes, it integrates fully with the 2.4GHz X system, acting as transmitter or receiver with other compatible flashes.
Q: Does the round head really improve light quality?
A: For portraits, yes—users consistently report softer shadows and more natural fall-off compared to rectangular heads.
Q: What’s the battery maintenance tip from long-term users?
A: Avoid storing the proprietary Li-ion battery fully discharged for long periods; cycle it regularly to preserve capacity.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re an event or portrait photographer needing sustained full-power output, soft light quality, and modern charging. Avoid if you shoot casually or outdoors without modifiers—cheaper Godox models may be better suited. Pro tip from the community: pair with a PB960 pack for instant recycle times when shooting high-volume events.
