Every photography beginner will sooner or later yearn to take their work to new heights of quality. The most popular solution to this issue are camera flashes, which have been accompanying artists in capturing portraits, products or public events for more than a century. Still, how to discern among the hundreds, if not thousands of models available on the market? Start with our review, in which we present the most popular Quadralite and Godox on-camera flash models!

Quick navigation:

• First steps towards flash photography
• Quadralite on-camera flashes
• Godox hot shoe flashes
• Which brand should I choose?

First steps towards flash photography

Choosing the right flash can be a hassle for those beginning their adventure with this type of lighting. There are many different models in a very wide price range available on the market, all having different parameters and capabilities. The cheapest ones can cost as little as €30 - €70, while more advanced devices reach the cost of up to €1000! For these reasons, the question "what flash should I buy?" can remain unanswered for a long time. 

Buying expensive lights made by top photography brands is not a necessity though. Thanks to the surging technological development, a number of smaller manufacturers have appeared on the market with the goal of providing gear at a lower price point, that maintains the best performance and high quality workmanship. These include brands such as Quadralite and Godox - both of which also offer studio flashes and light modifiers. All the equipment offered by these manufacturers is within the medium price range, so that any photographer can enjoy them - whether a beginner or a professional.

Quadralite on-camera flashes

The first of the brands in question has decided to guarantee photographers maximum simplicity of choice. Among the Quadralite-branded reporter lights, which bear the Stroboss name, we distinguish three base models: 36, 60 and V1. They can be used not only when attached to the camera, but also remotely - their design includes both a receiver and a radio transmitter that's compatible with the Quadralite Navigator X and Godox X flash triggering systems.

Models with a classic rectangular head come in two different versions - the classic, powered by AA type cell, and the slightly more advanced EVO, which uses a dedicated rechargeable battery, designed specifically for its needs. Thanks to it, these lights are able to offer a higher number of flashes, as well as faster recharging time.  

Stroboss 36 • Stroboss 36 EVO

Extremely lightweight and compact flash units that support all the features known from larger units - flash automation (TTL), strobe mode and high-speed sync (HSS). Despite their low price and pocket-sized dimensions, they offer quite powerful flash that can handle most of the intended tasks.

See their Godox counterparts, TT350 & V350 »

	Stroboss 36	Stroboss 36 EVO
	SHOP NOW	SHOP NOW
Guide  Number	36
TTL	✓
HSS	✓
Zoom	24–105 mm
Flash charging	2,2 s	1,7 s
Full power flashes	210	530
Power supply	2 ⨯ AA cell	VB20 battery

Stroboss 60 • Stroboss 60 EVO

A classic hot shoe flash, fully compatible with automatic camera exposure metering (TTL) and ultra-short shutter speed (HSS). With its powerful flash, it will be perfect as part of a larger outdoor strobing kit.

See their Godox counterparts, TT685 II & V860 II »

	Stroboss 60	Stroboss 60 EVO
	SHOP NOW	SHOP NOW
Guide  Number	60
TTL	✓
HSS	✓
Zoom	20–200 mm
Flash charging	2,6 s	1,5 s
Full power flashes	230	650
Power supply	4 ⨯ AA cell	VB18 battery

Stroboss 60 Basic

True to its name, it is a basic flash, supporting only manual mode - which means all flash parameters must be set by the photographer. However, it is the somewhat limited functionality that makes it the cheapest of all the flashes mentioned here.

The Stroboss 60 Basic is also truly universal - it works with the vast majority of cameras available on the market. The only exceptions are older models of Sony DSLRs with an iISO shoe, and entry-level Canon cameras without a center pin, such as the 2000D.

See its Godox counterpart, TT600 »

	SHOP NOW
Guide  Number	60
TTL	✗
HSS	✓  (off-camera only)
Zoom	24–200 mm
Flash charging	2,6 s
Full power flashes	Min. 200
Power supply	4 ⨯ AA cell

Stroboss V1

This one definitely stands out from the others - its round head shape produces light that's definitely more eye-pleasing, compared to rectangular models. They also feature a modeling light and a magnetic mount for accessories such as diffusers, correction filters or even barn doors.

See its Godox counterpart, V1 »

	SHOP NOW
Guide  Number	ok. 42
TTL	✓
HSS	✓
Zoom	28–100 mm
Flash charging	1,5 s
Full power flashes	480
Power supply	VB26 battery

Godox hot shoe flashes

Godox offers a far wider selection of flashes. However, as in the case of Quadralite lights, this manufacturer's devices also come in two versions: TT (powered by classic AA cells) and V (using a special rechargeable battery). The choice of the power supply directly affects the parameters of the flash - a dedicated cell will handle more flashes with faster recycling times.

Each Godox flash is also equipped with a radio transmitter and receiver, compatible with both the Godox X and Quadralite Navigator X Remote Flash Trigger Systems - they can be used to control and trigger other flash units or receive a signal for wireless operation from a matching camera-mounted controller, such as the Godox X2T.

TT350 • V350

Another example of a small, yet surprisingly powerful flash. It features everything that more advanced models are known for - flash automation (TTL) or high-speed sync (HSS). Thanks to its lower-than-standard power, the flash will work best for indoor shooting.

See their Quadralite counterparts, Stroboss 36 & Stroboss 36 EVO »

	TT350	V350
	SHOP NOW	SHOP NOW
Guide Number	36
TTL	✓
HSS	✓
Zoom	24–105 mm
Flash charging	2,2 s	1,7 s
Full power flashes	210	530
Power supply	2 ⨯ AA cell	VB20 battery

TT685 II • V860 II

We return to the classic, most popular form of hot shoe flash. Although at first glance these two models are very similar, each of them has special features that provide additional assistance on set. Tese are proven gear choices that can perfectly tackle outdoor photoshoots or wedding photography.

The Godox V860 II is also available in the latest third version, which features  a modeling LED light, allowing a quick preview of the final effect even before pressing the shutter button.

See their Quadralite counterparts, Stroboss 60 & Stroboss 60 EVO »

	TT685 II	V860 II
	SHOP NOW	SHOP NOW
Guide Number	60
TTL	✓
HSS	✓
Zoom	20–200 mm
Flash charging	2,6 s	1,5 s
Full power flashes	330	650
Power supply	4 ⨯ AA cell	VB20 battery

TT600

An excellent option for any photographer with a modest budget. Godox TT600 is the only fully manual flash in the brand's offer - it will prove perfect in the hands of those taking their first steps with flash photography andwould like to thoroughly explore all its secrets, without having to spend a fortune right at the very beginning.

See its Quadralite counterpart, Stroboss 60 Basic »

	SHOP NOW
Guide Number	60
TTL	✗
HSS	✓  (off-camera only)
Zoom	24–200 mm
Flash charging	2,6 s
Full power flashes	Min. 200
Power supply	4 ⨯ AA cell

V1

This unique type of flash has been in the spotlight for several recent years. Unlike the rectangular heads mounted on most units, the oval shape of the light source provides an attractive, evenly spreading lighting, more akin to that of studio lights. Magnetic modeling accessories available separately will allow you to adjust the flash to suit the needs of your frame easily and quickly. 

See its Quadralite counterpart, Stroboss V1 »

	SHOP NOW
Guide Number	42
TTL	✓
HSS	✓
Zoom	28–100 mm
Flash charging	1,5 s
Full power flashes	480
Power supply	VB26 battery

Which brand should I choose?

Such questions often occur to photographers who are buying their first camera flash or switching systems. Although the models available from Godox and Quadralite don different names that bear no resemblance, they're quite similar - not only in appearance, but also in terms of performance or compatibility.

Thankfully, the Navigator X and Godox X triggering systems are perfectly compatible with each other - they can be used interchangeably or even simultaneously. The trigger of one brand will easily communicate with the lamp of the other, and vice versa. This means you don't have to decide between the two - you can get any lights of your choice from both manufacturers, without worrying about them not working together.

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