Godox V1 Pro S Sony Flash Review: 9/10 Verdict
One standout statistic catches immediate attention: multiple verified buyers report over 500 full-power flashes per charge without exhausting the battery. The Godox V1 Pro S Flash for Sony has become a praised yet occasionally debated upgrade to the original V1 series. Based on cross-platform feedback, it earns a solid 9/10 for professional reliability and creative versatility.
Quick Verdict: Yes for professionals and serious enthusiasts; Conditional for casual shooters due to cost.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful 76Ws output | Higher price than entry-level models |
| Detachable SU-1 sub-flash for fill | Included color filters rated low quality |
| Up to 100 continuous full-power shots | Carry case lacks space for all accessories |
| 500+ full-power flashes per charge | Sub-flash limitations in wireless/HSS use |
| Fast 1.3–1.5s recycle time | Not necessary for daylight-only shooters |
| Round head for uniform, soft light | Slightly bulkier than some compacts |
Claims vs Reality
One of the biggest marketing points is the “100 times full-power continuous flashing” capability. Digging deeper into user reports, this claim holds up. On Trustpilot, a verified reviewer noted: “We tested it on our Sony a7R IV and a7 III cameras… with 500 full flashes, we never exhausted the battery in one session.” For event photographers, this means shooting entire segments without pause for overheating.
Another claim revolves around the SU-1 detachable sub-flash as a revolutionary fill-light system. Reddit threads and retailer descriptions confirm its utility for portrait fill and bounce simultaneously. However, Trustpilot analysis reveals caveats: “The small fill flash doesn’t work if triggered by the XPro II,” suggesting limitations in certain wireless configurations.
Finally, Godox pitches the round head design as delivering softer, more uniform light without extra diffusers. This aligns strongly with community opinion — a Twitter product note stated: “Even without softeners, the V1Pro gives pleasant light and soft shadows.” Studio shooters in dim environments find this a major timesaver.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Photographers across Reddit, Amazon, and Trustpilot consistently highlight the power output and speed. The 76Ws burst paired with 1/8000s HSS allows daylight shooting with wide apertures. A verified buyer on Amazon.fr raved: “Une heure et demie de flash continu à pleine puissance — libre cours à votre créativité.” For outdoor portraitists, this means controlling background exposure without sacrificing aperture choice.
Battery endurance appears in nearly every positive review. Trustpilot feedback emphasizes more than just numbers: “I’ve used it twice, and the battery gave me over 500 shots both times — excellent value for the money.” Wedding shooters explain that this frees them from carrying multiple spares or chargers during ceremonies.
The TTL/manual one-click switch is another boon. From Twitter’s official store listing: “No faster way to change modes when every second counts.” Event photographers often deal with fast-moving subjects; rapid mode change ensures exposure consistency without fiddling through menus.
Common Complaints
The most repeated frustration relates to accessories, specifically the included color filters and carry case capacity. On VeriReview, one user said: “Carrying case doesn’t accommodate all accessories… filters are not high quality.” Several buyers end up sourcing third-party cases or proprietary Godox AK-R1 kits for better organization.
Wireless behavior of the SU-1 sub-flash is another sticking point for advanced shooters. Trustpilot’s diagnostics flagged this: “Does not operate in wireless transmission or high-speed sync,” which constrains lighting setups in multi-strobe environments.
Pricing also causes hesitation. While many acknowledge its price-per-feature value, one Trustpilot review states: “It’s pricier than its predecessors for sure… but compared with high-end tools like Profoto, it’s a good bargain.” For hobbyists, this upfront cost can be hard to justify.
Divisive Features
The round head enjoys broad praise but divides those preferring traditional rectangular coverage patterns. Studio photographers accustomed to specific modifier shapes sometimes view the magnetically attached options as an unnecessary step.
Continuous shooting capability impresses action shooters but might be overkill for those doing staged work. As one long-form review put it: “Not ideal for casual users who only occasionally need extra light — features and price point might be overkill.” This makes the V1 Pro S a strategic investment, not a default choice.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot’s automated analysis flagged potential review manipulation patterns but still surfaced important insights into durability. Multiple buyers report using the V1 Pro S for months without performance degradation. One expert review notes: “The build quality feels very good… made of thick, durable plastic material.”
A recurring “six months later” sentiment from Reddit emphasizes consistent recycle times and no battery memory issues. The hot shoe mount was described as “right on spec,” avoiding fitment problems seen in cheaper models.
Alternatives
Within the Godox lineup, the original V1-S is the closest comparison — costing roughly $192 on eBay versus $248–$258 for the V1 Pro S. While cheaper, users across Reddit and Trustpilot link that saving to fewer flashes per charge and slower recycle speeds.
Higher-end alternatives like Profoto A1 introduce premium build and integration but at two-to-three times the cost. Multiple comments state the V1 Pro S delivers “impressive bang for your buck without compromising on quality” compared to OEM competitors.
Price & Value
Current retail listings vary: $248.99 on eBay US, $329 at MoLight, and spikes above $500 in Australian markets. Resale remains strong — used copies list for ~$195 only slightly below MSRP, signaling high retention of value.
Community buying tip from Trustpilot: “Compare both (V1-S and V1 Pro S) before purchase. There are not many differences — but enough that you should make the comparison.” For serious shooters, the battery and SU-1 improvements often justify the premium.
FAQ
Q: Can the SU-1 sub-flash operate in high-speed sync?
A: No. Multiple retailer descriptions and Trustpilot reports confirm that SU-1 does not function in HSS or wireless transmission, limiting its use in some setups.
Q: How many full-power flashes can the battery deliver?
A: Verified accounts show approximately 500 per charge, with up to 100 continuous shots before heat protection kicks in.
Q: Is the recycle time consistent in real use?
A: Yes. Users report 1.3–1.5 seconds consistently, even during extended shooting sessions, avoiding lag between shots.
Q: Does the round head really improve light softness?
A: According to multiple buyers, yes. One Twitter listing noted it produces “soft shadows” even without additional diffusers.
Q: Is it worth upgrading from the V1-S?
A: Upgrade is most worthwhile for event and action shooters who benefit from faster recycle and greater battery endurance.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a professional or serious enthusiast needing high output, excellent battery life, and versatile fill options for dynamic shoots. Avoid if you shoot primarily in bright daylight or have no need for continuous output. Pro tip from the community: pair it with an AK-R1 magnetic accessory kit to fully exploit the round head design while keeping setup changes fast.
