Godox V1 Pro S Review for Sony: Powerful but Limited
Pumping out 100 consecutive full-power flashes without overheating, the Godox V1 Pro S Flash for Sony has been called “a champ” by seasoned shooters. Rated 9/10 by the community, it blends pro-level performance with practical usability that appeals equally to event photographers and portrait specialists.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — A great buy for advanced Sony shooters seeking a round-head TTL flash with innovative fill light, but if you don’t use the detachable sub-flash or need wireless sync for it, alternatives may fit better.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable build with smooth tilt/swivel joints | Detachable SU-1 sub-flash doesn’t work with wireless transmission/HSS |
| 500+ full-power shots per charge | Pricier than previous V1 model |
| Tight, precise hot shoe fit | Some accessories feel “like an afterthought” compared to main unit quality |
| Quick TTL/Manual mode switch | Small fill flash won’t trigger from XPro II |
| Even, soft round-head light | |
| Multiple charging options (USB-C, VC26) |
Claims vs Reality
Godox promotes the V1 Pro S with its detachable SU-1 sub-flash designed to enhance fill lighting. Marketing emphasizes agility—switching between bounce and fill configurations on the fly. While this holds true for studio or on-camera work, Reddit user feedback highlights a limitation: “However the small fill flash doesn’t work if triggered by the XPro II,” meaning off-camera wireless setups won't leverage its unique fill capability.
Another flagship claim is the 100 full-power continuous flashes without overheating. Cross-platform buyer reports support this. 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.” Fakespot reviewers repeatedly confirmed the absence of thermal cut-offs during high-intensity shooting.
Godox also markets quick TTL/Manual switching via a physical toggle for time-critical shoots. Twitter reactions echoed this advantage: “No hay una manera más rápida de cambiar modos durante una situación en la que cada segundo cuenta,” praising the tangible control in fast-paced events.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Build quality earns constant applause. One Trustpilot reviewer emphasized: “Tilt and swivel joints are tight, but move smoothly. Made of a thick, durable plastic material. LCD panel is crisp, bright and clear.” Event shooters value this combination—tight adjustments prevent accidental shifts, while durability reassures through heavy travel and set changes.
Battery life is another high point. Equipped with the VB-30, shooters reported over 500 full-power flashes per charge. Reddit user accounts describe never exhausting the battery during prolonged wedding coverage—a clear boon for professionals who can’t change batteries mid-ceremony.
The round-head design consistently meets its promise of producing flattering, even lighting without harsh edges. A Twitter user noted the pleasant shadow transitions even “sin suavizadores adicionales,” making setup faster and modifiers optional for casual work.
Multiple charging options (USB-C, VC26 cradle) cater to travel and field shooters. This flexibility results in fewer gear constraints: pack one cable and charge from laptops, power banks, or wall outlets.
Common Complaints
Despite the detachable SU-1 fill light’s innovation, its limitations frustrate some. Wireless shooters discovered the fill light’s lack of HSS/wireless compatibility curtails creative setups. This drawback affects portrait photographers using multi-light, off-camera arrangements.
One verified Trustpilot review hints at accessory quality mismatches: “Hidden at the bottom of the nice packaging, it comes with some microfiber cleaning cloths, some gels I probably won’t use, and a couple of diffusers… they do not match the quality of the flash itself.” For high-end buyers, this less luxurious accessory feel detracts from the premium experience.
Price is a recurrent sticking point. “This newer version is obviously pricier than the previous version,” a Reddit comment points out, though they concede “for me personally it is worth it” due to added features and speed. For hobbyists, it may be a budget stretch compared to alternatives like the original V1.
Divisive Features
The physical TTL/Manual toggle wins over event shooters but divides studio users accustomed to digital menu control; some find it an extra mechanical element that can be accidentally switched. Similarly, magnetic modifier mounting speeds changes but requires investment in proprietary Godox modifiers—versatile, yet limiting for users with third-party gear collections.
Performance compared to OEM flashes sparks debate. Fakespot reviewers claim “the V1 Pro-S offers an impressive bang for your buck without compromising on quality.” Others wonder if the price difference from OEM units justifies overlay features they won’t use frequently.
Trust & Reliability
Durability stories are steady positives. Photographers describe months of dependable kicks at events without degradation. One Trustpilot reviewer highlighted “hot shoe mount was right on spec” and fill flash delivering subtle light “without too much power” to facial areas—consistent control, shoot after shoot.
There is, however, caution regarding deceptive reviews flagged by Fakespot, indicating the need for buyers to weigh verified long-term accounts more heavily than early-stage praise. Still, the consistency in multi-platform feedback around core features like battery life, output quality, and physical build strengthens its credibility.
Alternatives
Against higher-end Profoto on-camera flashes, community consensus is the V1 Pro S wins value points. “If compared with higher-end tools like Profoto, this is for sure a good bargain,” one Trustpilot post asserts, while admitting Profoto may excel in specialized workflows.
Compared with the previous V1, differences are subtle—battery redesign, added sub-flash, and faster recycling. Several recommend “you should compare both before making your purchase,” weighing the price bump against incremental benefits.
Price & Value
Market listings place the V1 Pro S around $279–$299 USD for new units, with auction resales near €160 for lightly used gear—holding decent value. Resale stability indicates a mature demand among Sony shooters for this form factor and capability set.
Buying tips from community voices emphasize purchasing bundled kits for modifiers or spare batteries to reduce future accessory costs, as proprietary mounts limit third-party options.
FAQ
Q: Does the SU-1 sub-flash work in wireless or HSS mode?
A: No. Multiple users note the detachable fill flash doesn’t operate with wireless transmission or high-speed sync, limiting it to on-camera TTL/manual uses.
Q: How many shots can the battery handle?
A: Reports suggest over 500 full-power flashes per charge, and 100 consecutive full-power cycles without overheating—ideal for event coverage.
Q: Is the light quality better than rectangular head flashes?
A: Yes. The round head produces softer, more even illumination with smoother shadow gradients, often eliminating the need for additional diffusers.
Q: Can I charge the battery without its cradle?
A: Yes. The VB-30 battery features a built-in USB-C port for direct charging, adding field convenience beyond the VC26 cradle.
Q: How does it compare to OEM Sony speedlights?
A: Community consensus calls it more versatile and better value, especially with HSS, TTL, and magnetic modifiers, though OEM models may integrate tighter with Sony’s menu systems.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a Sony shooter needing versatile, pro-grade lighting with long battery endurance and soft, round-head quality, and especially if you value the on-camera fill flash for portraits. Avoid if your workflow depends heavily on wireless fill-light functions—the SU-1’s limitation there could frustrate.
Pro tip from community: Pair it with the Godox AK-R1 modifier kit to fully exploit the round head’s potential without bulky third-party gear.
