Godox V1 Pro S Review: Power, Speed & Verdict
The Godox V1 Pro S Flash for Sony has sparked attention for its ability to fire up to 100 continuous full-power flashes without overheating—something rarely seen in speedlights at this price point. Scoring a strong 9/10 from cross-platform user feedback, it seems to bridge the gap between pro-grade performance and accessible pricing.
Quick Verdict: Yes — Ideal for event and portrait photographers seeking fast recycle times, versatile lighting, and durability.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast recycle time (~1.5s) keeps up with action | Higher price than previous V1 |
| 500 full-power flashes per charge | Fill flash not compatible with all triggers |
| Detachable SU-1 sub-flash for fill/bounce | Slightly heavier than some competitors |
| Round head delivers soft, even light | Small accessory quality doesn’t match main unit |
| Solid build and durable metal hot shoe | Continuous high-power shooting heats unit over time |
| Magnetic accessory mount for rapid changes | Not app-controllable |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing heavily promotes the 100 consecutive full-power flashes capability, a claim that immediately grabbed photographers’ attention. Digging into user reports, this claim largely holds true in controlled conditions. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: "I shot an entire session with bursts at full power, and it kept going—never hit thermal cut-off." That said, some Reddit reports indicated that this performance depends on ambient temperature and battery health.
Godox’s promise of fast 1.5-second recycle times also tracks with real-world use. Fakespot reviewers highlighted that on a Sony A7R IV and A7 III, “it performed like a champ... we never exhausted the battery in one session.” Event shooters valued this speed for catching critical moments without lag.
Finally, the detachable SU-1 sub-flash was marketed as an auxiliary fill or bounce flash for portrait work, and users confirmed its utility—within limits. Several noted that “the small fill flash doesn’t work if triggered by the XPro II,” meaning integration varies depending on the triggering system.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The rechargeable 2980mAh lithium battery is the biggest crowd-pleaser. Wedding shooters reported shooting all day without swapping packs. One Fakespot reviewer wrote: "I have used it twice, and the battery gave me over 500 shots both times—excellent value for the money." This endurance is bolstered by USB-C charging, a godsend for travel photographers.
The round flash head earns praise across Reddit, Amazon, and Twitter posts for delivering more natural light fall-off than rectangular heads. Event photographers appreciated that even without modifiers, the V1 Pro S produced flattering skin tones and soft shadows—critical for high-volume portrait work.
The magnetic accessory mount combined with compatibility for the AK-R1 kit was singled out by multiple buyers as a workflow game-changer. One Amazon buyer explained how switching to a dome diffuser mid-shoot “took seconds, without fumbling with straps or brackets.”
Common Complaints
Weight and price came up often. While not excessively heavy, the V1 Pro S is heavier than the original V1, and some street photographers found this tiring during long handheld sessions. Additionally, several users on Fakespot felt the higher cost over the previous version was justified by added features—but still a sting for budget buyers.
Accessory quality was another gripe. While the flash itself is described as “thick, durable plastic, crisp LCD”, the bundled microfiber cloths and gels “do not match the quality of the flash itself” according to multiple accounts.
Trigger compatibility with the SU-1 sub-flash is another sticking point. Photographers relying on certain Godox triggers were disappointed to find the fill flash was inoperative. This limits creative setups for some wireless shooters.
Divisive Features
The 100 full-power shot capability divides opinion between high-volume event shooters (who value the feature immensely) and studio photographers (who rarely need it). Similarly, the round head styling converts some users immediately, while others prefer the precision of rectangular coverage patterns.
The SU-1 detachable sub-flash sees polarizing reception. Portrait shooters love it for subtle facial fill, as one user noted: “The fill flash would gently fill the facial areas without too much power.” But others see it as unnecessary complexity and a feature they rarely detach or adjust.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot input via Fakespot flagged “high deception involved” in some review patterns, but the product itself drew praise for consistent build quality. Six-month follow-up posts on Reddit show units holding up well under professional use—with tilts, swivels, and hot shoe connections described as “tight but smooth” even after travel and repeated mounting.
Long-term reliability is supported by the metal hot shoe upgrade—solving previous complaints about fragile mounts. Twitter reactions noted it “resists the greatest difficulties of a photography session”, suggesting durability in demanding field work.
Alternatives
The original Godox V1 remains a cheaper option with fewer features, appealing to those who don’t need a detachable fill flash or 100-shot endurance. Comparisons with Profoto units appeared in Fakespot reviews: while Profoto offers higher prestige and marginally finer tuning, users felt “compared to OEM speed lights... this is for sure a good bargain.”
Price & Value
Pricing ranges from $329 on Amazon to $448 from specialty camera shops, with eBay resale around €160–$258. Community advice favors buying new for warranty coverage, given the electrical complexity. eBay auctions confirm good resale potential, especially with original accessories.
Several users encouraged factoring in the AK-R1 kit cost, as modifiers significantly expand the light’s utility. Given battery endurance, soft light quality, and robust build, event pros generally rate this as high value despite the premium over basic speedlights.
FAQ
Q: Can the SU-1 sub-flash work in wireless setups?
A: No, multiple reports confirm the SU-1 does not operate in wireless transmission or high-speed sync. It’s primarily for on-camera fill when the main head is tilted or bounced.
Q: How long does the battery last in real shooting?
A: In mixed shooting, users regularly report 500 full-power flashes per charge, with battery life extending further at lower power levels.
Q: Is the V1 Pro S compatible with older Godox modifiers?
A: Yes, its magnetic round head integrates with all AK-R1 accessories and can use other Godox magnetic modifiers like the AK-R21.
Q: Does it work with Sony ADI / P-TTL automatically?
A: Yes, and users report accurate exposures across various Sony Alpha models with minimal adjustment needed.
Q: How heavy is it compared to the original V1?
A: At 580g with battery, it’s slightly heavier than the original V1—noticeable in prolonged handheld use.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a wedding, event, or portrait photographer who values long battery endurance, quick recycle times, and versatile lighting options in a portable form. Avoid if trigger compatibility for the sub-flash is critical to your workflow or if budget is tight compared to the non-Pro V1. Pro tip from community: Pair the V1 Pro S with the AK-R1 modifier kit and a spare VB30 battery to unlock its full creative potential on location.
