First impressions of the [F version -two units]: Compared to the price of other flash units this model seems to offer really good value for money. The flash unit feels solid and robust, and well put together. It seems well thought through with good attention to detail and ease of use, although there are a few very minor - "could be improved further points" on first use: The control dial and multi-way button on the rear feel a bit small, and like they will need to be handled a little more carefully. The multi-way button and dial (dial forms the buttons) is a little difficult to use (for people large/insensitive fingers) and doesn't feel quite as robust as the rest of the unit - a mini joystick and non-button action dial (like the joystick on Fujifilm cameras) could ... MoreFirst impressions of the [F version -two units]: Compared to the price of other flash units this model seems to offer really good value for money. The flash unit feels solid and robust, and well put together. It seems well thought through with good attention to detail and ease of use, although there are a few very minor - "could be improved further points" on first use: The control dial and multi-way button on the rear feel a bit small, and like they will need to be handled a little more carefully. The multi-way button and dial (dial forms the buttons) is a little difficult to use (for people large/insensitive fingers) and doesn't feel quite as robust as the rest of the unit - a mini joystick and non-button action dial (like the joystick on Fujifilm cameras) could have been a better option.The head rotation is smooth but a bit stiff, with soft clicks at particular angles, it feels quite nice; however twisting it does feel like it puts quite a lot of force on the shoe. The stiffness does seems to ease a little if the movement is worked (off camera). The head won't easily be rotated by accident. The head tilt is also a good stiffness with heavier more definite clicks.The lock button on the shoe mount does not feel as robust as the rest of the unit, but it does lock securely and seems quick and reliable to operate. The flash does have a little rotational movement once the lock is closed, but it is tight enough not to wobble about.Initial shots with the flash(es) look very good (standard and HSS mode, TTL and Manual). The controls are quite easy, but the remembering my way around the menus/buttons might take a little time.The front modeling LED light has not been tried yet. (GFX100s - not listed as supporting/needing AF assist beam - so, not tried.)When the bounce card is in use the flash zoom control does lock into wide angle - didn't see a note on this in the manual.The unit is not waterproof, there are warnings not to use in damp conditions or rain - (clear plastic bags are handy).The supplied pouch seems well padded and nicely made. There is a pocket hidden at the rear for the off-camera foot and a strap with a sandwiched Velcro closer. An additional small internal pocket to keep the hot-shoe blanking plate would have be useful.A small case/pouch could be provided for the charger and wall plug. These are reasonably small units. The charger stand is very compact and does have a full charge indicator -connected to the wall plug by standard USB B(at wall) to C lead.For my applications: non-pro event recording and portraiture with their compact size and ease of use/flexibility (multi-flash system) these units seem to be exceptional value.

Decent flash, but support from Godox is horrible

My last nice flash was Nikon branded and worked great. This flash is hard to use but most importantly is not able to be updated with a modern computer.Not that I would know this by going to their site. If you own a Mac which is less than 3 years old or many modern PC's with only USB C it will not work. Very frustrating....install Mac version, not recognized, Install Windows version, not recognized, search internet and now I need to buy an old computer to update. It re

Fast refresh, great feel, but breaks easily

I have bought three of these flashes for Sony in the last three months because I loved the responsiveness of the flash compared to other systems. I love the ease of use with the trigger and the TTL works great. My biggest issue is that they are fragile. All three have broken in various places after three months of use, from covering DC news to weddings. As a working photojournalist, I keep my gear in pretty good shape but of course the ware-and-tear of a fast-paced environment seemed to harm the flashes. Two of them snapped the hot shoe off when bumped into and one’s hot shoe pins are skewed so my Sony A9ii reads “this accessory isn’t supported” causing a blacked out screen when shooting.I want to support Godox as the flashes produce beautiful light and are ... MoreI have bought three of these flashes for Sony in the last three months because I loved the responsiveness of the flash compared to other systems. I love the ease of use with the trigger and the TTL works great. My biggest issue is that they are fragile. All three have broken in various places after three months of use, from covering DC news to weddings. As a working photojournalist, I keep my gear in pretty good shape but of course the ware-and-tear of a fast-paced environment seemed to harm the flashes. Two of them snapped the hot shoe off when bumped into and one’s hot shoe pins are skewed so my Sony A9ii reads “this accessory isn’t supported” causing a blacked out screen when shooting.I want to support Godox as the flashes produce beautiful light and are powerful enough for daylight, but after paying $220 per unit and having each one break so quickly, I can’t endorse them anymore.

Flash Head Melted

At first I really liked this flash and it's functionality. After a few uses with my Canon 70d the clear plastic on the flash head started to overheat and melt. It got so hot it left a burn mark on the plastic wide angle diffuser as well. B&H was very accommodating with my return and gave me a new flash. Unfortunately a few months and a few uses later the same thing happened again. Once again B&H was very accommodating and gave me another new flash. I'm hoping the 3rd time is a charm but I don't think this flash has any sensor to let itself know when it's overheating. Wish me luck.

It won’t be useful after a year

When I first received it, I thought it was very useful. I don't use it very intensively, and recently I found that the flash never flashes. The shutter only flashes once every 6-14 times in a row, and the shutter may not flash even 10 times in a single shot. I restored it to factory settings and upgraded the firmware, but this problem has not been solved. Website I can't find the answer to this question even after searching. I can no longer trust such a product.

Love it but no TTL HSS when using with Canon R5/ R6

I really wanted to like this flash. (Love the recycle time, great battery life, quick switch from TTL to manual and how it can work with the other flashes in the godox line via their triggers etc,) but if you use this with the Canon R5 / R6, the HSS does NOT work in TTL mode. It will only fire at 100% output @ 1/250 or faster.(Yes, you can adjust the flash compensation to -3 and correct the exposure when at 1/250 sec but you are limited only to 1/250 sec. since the flash exposure compensation is limited to -3 when in TTL.)Many vendors list it as fully compatible and would not give me a straight answer so I contacted Godox directly to see if they were working on a fix for this and they said that they are aware but are working on it. So there is no ETA for a ... MoreI really wanted to like this flash. (Love the recycle time, great battery life, quick switch from TTL to manual and how it can work with the other flashes in the godox line via their triggers etc,) but if you use this with the Canon R5 / R6, the HSS does NOT work in TTL mode. It will only fire at 100% output @ 1/250 or faster.(Yes, you can adjust the flash compensation to -3 and correct the exposure when at 1/250 sec but you are limited only to 1/250 sec. since the flash exposure compensation is limited to -3 when in TTL.)Many vendors list it as fully compatible and would not give me a straight answer so I contacted Godox directly to see if they were working on a fix for this and they said that they are aware but are working on it. So there is no ETA for a fix.This obviously will not be a deal breaker from everyone but since I shoot events I am really disappointed that I can only use this great flash in the evenings. Using this flash as a ETTL daylight fill is not possible with my cameras.Tip- look at Godox's website directly to view the actual list of cameras that are 100% fully compatible, before you buy.

Not consistent and misfire, do not trustable!

I have been using two 600EX-RT and ST-E3 RT since 2009 and never get any trouble. Said that! I've used the Godox AD 600 PRO for two years and I was looking for a way to make it easier on events as I need to pair more lights on it for photo sessions, and real estate, so I switched the trigger X-Pro for the 860III making it dinamic on events, and for my surprise the behave of the flash and how it interferes on my R6... I just read the other review having the same problem on R6, but not on R5sList of crashes:- flash on the camera and turned off, the camera detects some times as flash on and bring down to 250 shutter speed, event the flash never was on;- after I bring down to -1 on TTL the flash misfired, I have to turn it off and on to bring work again, and one ... MoreI have been using two 600EX-RT and ST-E3 RT since 2009 and never get any trouble. Said that! I've used the Godox AD 600 PRO for two years and I was looking for a way to make it easier on events as I need to pair more lights on it for photo sessions, and real estate, so I switched the trigger X-Pro for the 860III making it dinamic on events, and for my surprise the behave of the flash and how it interferes on my R6... I just read the other review having the same problem on R6, but not on R5sList of crashes:- flash on the camera and turned off, the camera detects some times as flash on and bring down to 250 shutter speed, event the flash never was on;- after I bring down to -1 on TTL the flash misfired, I have to turn it off and on to bring work again, and one of those times the flash once on backed from -1 to 0, kinda deleting my recent configuration.- from stand by (camera and flash) on the R6 took like 5 photos until black to live and fire the first flash...it never happened with 600RT's- two times the flash overpower the situation on TTL, like doing manual 1/1, turned off and on to back to normal.I was thinking to send it back, but I think it can be solved with firmware because the version II have been working well, I asked a lot photographer before deciding to try it, I never trusted on third party brands.I hope to hear soon something from Godox!!

Not perfect but does a great j

I like this flash better than the V1. The 860V3 recycles a bit faster, the rectangle head is better for bounce flash and the TTL feature works amazing unlike the V1. My first 860V3 I had over 9 months then the hot shoe started to get loose. I returned it to B&H for a full refund then bought a 2nd one. The main drawback on all these godox and I'm sure other flashes they aren't designed to shoot 1/1 full power for long. Eventually they will start to overheat and the recycle time will decrease. So you have to be smart on how you use them. Having said that I also use AD100 & AD200 for off camera flash with the 860.

Something I learned makes me question if I should buy Godox

My all intents and purposed, Godox is a reliable brand of flash. All the stuff on Google, and the B+H site attest to this.But, then after what I learned today, I started to think what if...You see, once the warranty expires, Godox does not have an authorized repair center in North America . So, all repairs go to China. Imagine the cost of sending your flash to China, and waiting months for the flash to return.Something to think about before buying Godox.

Works until it stops working

This is my second V860iii. Both have suffered the same two problems. One is the hot shoe mount locking mechanism starts to get loose and the flash can walk out of it and fall to its death. This ultimately got my first flash.The second, and more annoying, is that after several months, it becomes entirely inconsistent in firing. At first it misfires once in a while, not popping at all or firing full blast unnecessarily in TTL mode. Then it happens more and more often until it becomes completely unreliable, in spite of not showing any mechanical issues.Most of my shots are done on tripod, so loose shoe fitting shouldn't be an issue.Also own the X2 trigger, and it is having the same issues with the trigger as with the hot shoe.