Godox V1 Pro S Flash Review: Strong But Not Flawless
When a flash pulls off 100 consecutive full-power bursts without overheating, photographers take notice. The Godox V1 Pro S Flash for Sony earns a solid 9.2/10 from community ratings, praised for its innovative detachable sub-flash, sturdy build, and high-speed sync performance. Yet, a few quirks—like incompatibility with certain triggers—mean it’s not flawless.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Detachable SU-1 sub-flash for portrait fill | SU-1 doesn’t work with XPro II trigger |
| 100 full-power flashes before thermal cut-off | Pricier than earlier V1 models |
| Durable, smooth tilt/swivel joints | Divisive for casual users who don’t need fill light |
| Fast 1.5s recycle time | Some accessories feel lower quality than flash body |
| Dual charging (USB-C + VC26 dock) | Heavier than basic speedlites |
| Soft, even round-head light quality | Limited wireless HSS with sub-flash attached |
| High-capacity battery for ~500 full-power shots |
Claims vs Reality
One of Godox’s headline claims is its detachable SU-1 sub-flash for auxiliary fill light. Marketing promises flexibility and quick installation. Reddit user feedback confirms its utility—one portrait photographer described: “The fill flash would gently fill the facial areas of the subject without too much power.” However, a Trustpilot reviewer pointed out, “the small fill flash doesn’t work if triggered by the XPro II,” limiting flexibility in multi-light wireless setups.
The second big claim centers on sustained 100 full-power flashes without overheating. Twitter reports echoed that “a protection system… allows the V1Pro to perform a hundred bursts at maximum without hesitation or fear of overheating.” This largely matches user experience: Fakespot testers noted they “never exhausted the battery in one session,” even firing hundreds of shots at events. Still, the built-in overheat stage eventually kicks in—something long wedding days may expose.
Finally, Godox touts its dual charging options—USB-C direct and VC26 dock. Verified buyers on Amazon welcomed this, saying it “makes charging on the road possible without carrying the dock.” But some accessories included (like cleaning cloths and gels) were seen as “an afterthought” compared to the refined build of the flash itself.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Event photographers love the round head design for producing softer fall-off and more natural light than rectangular speedlites. On Twitter, one studio photographer noted they could “skip extra diffusers for some setups” thanks to the head’s quality. This benefits wedding and portrait shooters who often battle harsh shadows against white dresses or skin tones.
The detachable SU-1 sub-flash shines in controlled portrait sessions, providing subtle fill without overpowering. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “It effectively enhances the fill-in effect for portrait shooting and other scenes,” and Reddit users appreciated the fine-tune power control from 1/128 to full.
Battery stamina draws widespread praise. Fakespot reviewers reported “500 full-power flashes” per charge, and a Trustpilot commenter tested it on “Sony A7R IV and A7 III cameras” without hitting battery limits. For travel shooters, this means less swapping batteries during high-volume gigs.
High-speed sync (HSS) at up to 1/8000s earns strong marks from sports and outdoor photographers. The capability to freeze motion in bright daylight with wide apertures is a major asset for fashion and action work. One sports shooter echoed this on Reddit: “Performed like a champ—managed bright backgrounds with ease.”
Common Complaints
The SU-1 incompatibility with some triggers (notably XPro II) frustrated multi-light users. As one Fakespot reviewer wrote, “However the small fill flash doesn’t work if triggered by the XPro II,” which forces reliance on manual control or camera hotshoe triggering.
Weight and bulk compared to simpler speedlites were mentioned by those coming from Godox’s TT series. While the sturdier build is appreciated for durability, casual users shooting lightweight mirrorless setups may find it heavier at 580g.
Although packaging includes diffusers and gels, some Amazon buyers dismissed these accessories as “things I probably won’t use”—highlighting that the build-centric investment might not extend to every accessory.
Divisive Features
Price sparks debate. It’s pricier than earlier V1 models, though many see it as justified by the SU-1 and improved speed. One Trustpilot reviewer said: “For me personally it is worth it,” while others recommended comparing both versions “before making your purchase.”
The sub-flash itself splits opinions—portrait shooters love it for fill, but event shooters using complex wireless setups often skip it for compatibility reasons. As one Reddit comment implied, “The flash head should be uplifted for use of the included sub-flash, which does not operate in wireless transmission or high-speed sync,” a limitation for dynamic multi-light scenarios.
Trust & Reliability
Long-term reports point to solid durability. Fakespot reviewers highlighted “Made of thick, durable plastic” and smooth tilt/swivel joints after months of use. The hot shoe mount was “right on spec,” supporting heavy camera use without wobble.
Trustpilot’s profile did flag “high deception involved” in certain review patterns, suggesting caution in relying solely on retail site ratings. Still, community feedback across Reddit, Twitter, and verified stores paints a consistent picture—performance matches most advertised specs, aside from noted wireless quirks.
Alternatives
Several users compared the V1 Pro S to Profoto units, noting that while Profoto remains a high-end benchmark, Godox’s pricing offers “a good bargain” with comparable light quality for most work. Against Godox’s own earlier V1, the Pro’s detachable fill flash and higher sustained bursts attract advanced portrait shooters, but V1 remains appealing for those who never use fill.
Price & Value
Recent eBay auctions show resale values around €160 for used units in excellent condition, suggesting strong demand and holding power. At new retail, prices range from $258 to $550 depending on kit inclusions. High resale value makes it a safer purchase for pros, and Reddit users note the “bang for your buck” compared to OEM speedlights.
Buying tips from the community include seeking bundles with the AK-R11 diffuser and matching your purchase to your trigger ecosystem—avoiding the SU-1 compatibility headache if you rely on XPro II.
FAQ
Q: Can the SU-1 sub-flash work in wireless HSS mode?
A: No, it’s inactive in wireless transmission and high-speed sync. Several users confirmed it functions only when the flash is mounted and head uplifted.
Q: How long does the battery last in real use?
A: Users report up to 500 full-power flashes per charge, with sustained shooting of 100 bursts before thermal protection activates.
Q: Is the round head worth the upgrade from rectangular flashes?
A: For portraitists and wedding shooters, yes—its more even light reduces harsh shadows without modifiers.
Q: Does it work with all Sony cameras?
A: Compatible with major Sony models supporting ADI/P-TTL, including A7 series, A6400, A99, and others.
Q: How fast is the recycle time under full load?
A: Officially 1.5 seconds at full power, matching most user field reports.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a portrait, wedding, or event photographer needing long battery life, soft light, and fill capabilities in one unit. Avoid if your workflow depends heavily on cross-triggering the SU-1 in wireless HSS or you prefer lightweight kits. Community pro tip: pair with compatible Godox triggers and plan your accessory kit—maximizes what this light can really deliver.
