Godox V1 Pro S Flash Review: Strong Buy for Sony Shooters
The Godox V1 Pro S Flash for Sony has been hailed by photographers as a leap forward from its predecessor, with one verified buyer on Amazon calling it “an incredible flash… worth it for both beginners and pros.” Scoring 9.3/10, it blends speed, power, and flexibility, appealing most to portrait, wedding, and event shooters who need reliable on-camera lighting with advanced creative control.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy – excellent for photographers who value high-speed sync, consistent light quality, and a detachable fill flash, but may be overkill if you shoot casually or rarely use advanced lighting setups.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Detachable SU-1 sub-flash enhances fill light | SU-1 doesn't operate in HSS or wireless modes |
| Up to 100 full-power continuous flashes | Pricier than earlier V1 models |
| Fast 1.5s recycle time | Small fill flash incompatible with some triggers (e.g., XPro II) |
| Magnetic modifier mount for quick changes | Packaging accessories feel lower quality than the flash itself |
| Dual charging (USB-C or VC26) | Slightly heavier than competitors in the same category |
| Excellent build: strong, smooth tilt/swivel joints | Some question resale value due to rapid new model releases |
Claims vs Reality
One standout marketing claim is the “100 times full-power continuous flashing without overheating.” While this might sound like bravado, multiple sources confirm its accuracy. A Reddit user testing on Sony A7R IV said: “We never exhausted the battery in one session… 500 full-power flashes no problem.” This aligns well with Godox’s promise and impacts event shooters who often face rapid succession shots under tight timelines.
Another claim is the “detachable sub-flash SU-1” as a portrait fill light. Photographers did find it useful, but with caveats. One Trustpilot reviewer noted: “The fill flash would gently fill facial areas… without too much power,” but also pointed out “it doesn’t work with wireless transmission or high-speed sync.” This limits use in certain professional setups.
Finally, Godox promotes its round head for soft, even light. Here again, the reality mirrors the promise. The round head’s light spill is frequently praised for reducing harsh shadows, particularly for on-camera wedding work, with users emphasising that even without diffusers attached, the light was “more pleasant to the eye.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit, Trustpilot, and Twitter, the detachable SU-1 consistently earned praise from portrait shooters. Being adjustable from 1/128 to full power gives control over subtle fill, important for close-up work where overpowering the main light would be distracting. Event shooters value this flexibility in dynamic lighting.
The battery performance is another unanimous win. A verified buyer on Amazon reported: “I have used it twice, and the battery gave me over 500 shots both times.” Wedding photographers working 8+ hour events emphasized the reassurance of low battery anxiety combined with USB-C convenience when charging mid-set.
Build quality receives universal approval too. Trustpilot noted “tilt and swivel joints are tight, but move smoothly… made of thick durable plastic.” Those in fast-paced environments benefit because robust hardware withstands constant repositioning without loosening.
Common Complaints
The SU-1’s limitations in HSS and wireless modes frustrated advanced strobists. Reddit feedback bluntly warned that “it does not operate in high-speed sync,” meaning multi-flash setups at fast shutter speeds could leave the auxiliary light disabled.
Accessory quality lagged behind the flash construction. As one Trustpilot comment put it, “Hidden at the bottom… microfiber cleaning cloths, gels… probably won’t use.” This was echoed by photographers preferring to source modifiers elsewhere due to Godox’s included pieces feeling “like an afterthought.”
Price was another sticking point. “Obviously pricier than the previous version… worth it for me but you should compare both before making your purchase,” cautioned one photographer, hinting newcomers might be better served by the original V1 if budget is tight.
Divisive Features
High-speed sync up to 1/8000 sec drew praise for daylight portraiture with wide apertures—but only for those who use it regularly. For casual shooters, this feature carried less weight and didn’t justify higher cost.
Magnetic modifier mounts split opinion. Studio photographers loved the “lightning-fast attachment” mentioned on Reddit; those shooting outdoors feared accidental detachment, preferring screw-in or lock mounts for security.
The modern charging convenience—dual port—was lauded by travel shooters but considered non-essential for local, short sessions. While some found USB-C a game-changer, others stuck with the VC26 charger and didn’t touch the cable.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot reports reveal mostly positive experiences with quality and reliability over months of use. Even after heavy deployment on multiple Sony camera bodies, users claimed “performed like a champ” and maintained structural integrity. The hot shoe was “right on spec” after repeated removals, hinting at strong long-term durability.
Scam concerns were minimal, though Fakespot flagged high deception signals in reviews—suggesting buyers should rely on verified purchases or known retailers. Despite this, there were no documented widespread failures or misrepresentation cases in community threads.
Alternatives
Several users compared the V1 Pro S to OEM Sony speedlights and premium brands like Profoto. “Impressive bang for your buck without compromising on quality,” wrote one Trustpilot reviewer. Compared to Profoto, Godox delivered similar creative flexibility at a fraction of the price.
Some photographers still lean toward the older Godox V1 for its lower cost, noting only marginal differences like the added SU-1 sub-flash and slightly faster firing capabilities. If budget is tight and you don’t need the new fill light module, the standard V1 could suffice.
Price & Value
On eBay, current listings for the V1 Pro S range from $248.99 to $324.00 depending on bundle extras. Prices are higher than the retired V1 models but hold competitive value against similarly specced OEM flashes.
Resale value trends reveal a moderate drop after release—used units still fetch around 75% of retail if kept in good condition, due to strong demand among Sony shooters. Buying tips from the community include sourcing from authorized dealers for warranty support and checking for inclusion of the SU-1 module if purchased used.
FAQ
Q: Can the SU-1 sub-flash be used in high-speed sync?
A: No. Multiple users confirmed it does not operate in HSS or wireless transmission, limiting certain setups.
Q: How fast is the recycle time at full power?
A: Officially 1.5 seconds, with users reporting consistent performance even during long shooting engagements.
Q: How does the light quality compare to rectangular flashes?
A: The round head produces softer, more even light, reducing harsh shadows—and many users loved it for portrait and wedding work.
Q: Does the battery really provide 500 full-power flashes?
A: Yes. Verified accounts achieved those numbers in real-world events, aided by USB-C quick charging mid-session.
Q: Is it worth upgrading from the original V1?
A: Only if the detachable SU-1 fill flash or extended rapid full-power firing matters to your workflow.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a Sony shooter in portrait, wedding, or event photography seeking consistent light quality, advanced sync, and a smart fill light option. Avoid if you’re on a tight budget or rarely use HSS. Pro tip: test the SU-1 in your specific lighting scenarios before relying on it for paid work—its limitations could surprise you.
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