Godox V1 Pro S Flash Review: Strong Performance Verdict
Launching 100 full-power flashes in a row without overheating sounds like marketing hype—yet multiple photographers confirm the Godox V1 Pro S Flash for Sony really does it. With an aggregated score of 9.1/10, this speedlite is being praised for its innovative detachable sub-flash, durable build, and versatile lighting options, though some quirks in wireless operation have surfaced.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable build with smooth swivel/tilt joints | Sub-flash not compatible with certain triggers (XPro II) |
| Soft, even light from round head design | Pricier than earlier V1 models |
| 500+ full-power shots per charge | Some accessories feel lower quality |
| Detachable sub-flash for fill/bounce options | Battery pack add-ons sold separately |
| Quick TTL/manual switch | Limited wireless functionality for sub-flash |
| Fast 1.5s recycle time | Accessory kit not included with base unit |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing claims center on unlimited creative freedom through “100 continuous full-power shots” and an “intuitive one-click TTL/M switch.” A verified buyer on Amazon noted: "I have used it twice, and the battery gave me over 500 shots both times — excellent value for the money." This aligns with the official spec of a 2980mAh lithium battery delivering 500 flashes per charge.
Another big claim is the detachable SU-1 sub-flash designed for bounce and fill. While field reports confirm its usefulness for portrait work, Reddit discussion points out limitations: "The small fill flash doesn’t work if triggered by the XPro II," meaning event shooters relying on certain Godox triggers may lose that feature.
Godox also promises rapid mode changes via a physical TTL/manual toggle. A professional wedding photographer on Trustpilot found this invaluable in high-pressure moments: "No faster way to switch modes when every second counts." No major contradictions here—users widely agree this switch speeds up workflow.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The round head design repeatedly surfaces in feedback as a major advantage for portrait shooters, producing softer, more uniform light than rectangular heads. A verified buyer summed this up: "Even without diffusers, the light is pleasant and the shadows are soft." For wedding photographers, this means flattering skin tones without the bulk of added modifiers.
Durability of the build is another standout. Trustpilot reports from Fakespot highlight the "thick, durable plastic" casing and "hot shoe mount right on spec." Event shooters noted that the tilt and swivel joints are tight but smooth—a balance that supports both precision positioning and long-term reliability.
Battery life dominates praise from all sources. Reddit user feedback emphasizes a full day of shooting without swapping cells: "We never exhausted the battery in one session." For on-location work, travel photographers can rely on either USB-C direct charging or the original VC26 charger—an adaptability that makes it harder to be caught powerless mid-shoot.
Common Complaints
The most frequent complaint revolves around accessory quality. While the flash unit itself earns high marks, one Trustpilot reviewer mentioned: "This all seems like an afterthought, as they do not match the quality of the flash itself," referring to bundled diffusers and gels.
Wireless behavior of the SU-1 sub-flash is another pain point. It cannot operate in high-speed sync or wireless transmission, limiting its use in multi-light setups controlled remotely. This affects studio shooters who depend on synchronized fill lights during complex scenes.
Pricing also raises eyebrows. Even satisfied buyers call it “obviously pricier than the previous version” while recognizing enhanced features justify the cost for pros. For budget-conscious enthusiasts, this may remain a stretch purchase.
Divisive Features
The SU-1’s adjustable output—ranging from 1/128 to full power—draws split reactions. Portrait specialists value the control for subtle facial fill, as reported in Fakespot’s highlights: "The fill flash would gently fill the facial areas of the subject without too much power." On the other hand, commercial shooters who require stronger, sync-compatible auxiliary lighting see it as underpowered in remote scenarios.
The modeling LED is praised by meticulous still-life photographers for pre-visualization, but some action shooters skip it entirely, favoring speed over setup precision.
Trust & Reliability
Long-term durability stories lean positive. A wedding photographer on Trustpilot reported using the flash heavily over months with “no looseness or drift in the swivel joints.” Discussions on Reddit confirm consistent performance even after hundreds of high-power cycles, supporting Godox’s claim of thermal protection enabling 100 consecutive full-power shots.
However, Fakespot’s pattern analysis notes “high deception involved” in some review sets, warranting caution when sourcing buyer opinions. While most verified purchase feedback aligns across platforms, buyers should remain alert to overly promotional reviews that lack specific use cases.
Alternatives
Compared with the original Godox V1, the Pro S adds the detachable sub-flash, faster mode switching, and extended thermal protection. While it is pricier, shooters upgrading from V1 report appreciating the incremental speed and creative flexibility.
Against higher-end competitors like Profoto on-camera flashes, multiple Trustpilot reviews frame this as a “good bargain”—capable of similar light quality at a fraction of the price, though without the same prestige factor.
Price & Value
Recent listings show new units at $329–$366, with eBay resale values averaging $239–$258 for lightly used models, and auction sales around €160. This indicates the flash holds decent resale value for its category.
A verified buyer from Fakespot advised: “Compared to OEM speed lights, the V1 Pro-S offers an impressive bang for your buck without compromising on quality.” For value seekers, purchasing from reputable resellers with complete accessories ensures maximum return if sold later.
FAQ
Q: Can the SU-1 sub-flash be used in wireless mode?
A: No. User reports confirm the SU-1 doesn’t operate in wireless transmission or high-speed sync, making it mainly useful for on-camera fill or bounce work.
Q: How many full-power shots can the battery deliver on a single charge?
A: Official specs say 500, and multiple photographers independently report hitting that mark without exhausting the battery.
Q: Does the round head make a noticeable difference in lighting quality?
A: Yes. Portrait shooters praise the softer, more uniform output, reducing harsh shadows even without diffusers.
Q: Is the TTL/manual switch really faster than menu changes?
A: Absolutely. Field users emphasize its speed advantage during live events where lighting conditions shift rapidly.
Q: How quickly does the flash recycle between shots?
A: Around 1.5 seconds, fast enough for most event and portrait work without slowing shooting pace.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re an event or portrait shooter needing long battery life, soft light quality, and rapid mode switching. Avoid if you rely heavily on wireless fill lighting or want a budget unit without premium pricing. Pro tip from community: Pair with Godox’s magnetic accessories (AK-R1 kit) to maximize creative lighting quickly on set.
