While they’re not necessarily essential for casual photographers, camera flashes do provide some worthwhile advantages—the right flash can reduce “red-eye” when taking portraits and they can also extend your camera’s battery life, since you won’t be dependent on your camera’s flash for lighting. If you’re in the market for a new flash, or want to try one out for the first time, here are the best camera flashes currently on the market for both experienced and amateur photographers. We’ve taken into account factors such as price, size, ease of use, functionality, and compatibility— but keep in mind that not every flash will work with every DSLR or mirrorless camera. If you’re looking for more ways to get the most out of your new flash, make sure to dive into our guide to taking awesome flash pictures. Here are the best camera flashes on the market from top brands including Canon, Neewer, and Nikon. The Speedlite 430EX gives users a compact, portable product that can cover a range between 24 and 105 millimeters, with a maximum guide number of 141 feet/43 meters at ISO 100 and a quick recycling time. Thanks to radio transmission, you can also remotely control it to use as an off-camera flash. The Speedlite 430EX is a smaller, more lightweight and portable version of Canon’s Speedlite 600EX II-RT. If you don’t need such a large range, you might find that the 430EX is more than enough for your needs. It’s a durable, reliable product that can swivel, tilt, and be adjusted so you set up the ideal lighting conditions. This flash bounces light evenly, creating beautiful light for portraiture, however it’s a great choice for many types of photography. With a higher price point, this flash is designed to appeal to professionals and experienced amateurs who will appreciate everything it’s capable of. Guide Number: 141 (ISO 100) | Zoom Flash Range: 24 to 105mm | Recycling Time: Approximately 0.1 to 3.5 seconds Even better, it’s compatible with a wide range of DSLRs, including Canon and Nikon. While you don’t have an LCD screen or wireless capabilities, you do have a built-in bounce card and a wide-angle diffuser. Slave mode, another cool feature, lets you automatically set off your flash when it senses another flash go off, giving you additional light and creating more brightness. This is usually seen only on more expensive models, so it’s a top inclusion in the TT560. However, because the range of features is smaller, this means photographers can quickly master the use of external flashes. Overall, it’s an affordable and basic flash that can take your photography to the next level, especially for portraits and indoor studio shooting. While it might not have enough pizazz to impress the pros, the TT560 is aimed at beginner and intermediate shooters who want to improve their abilities. Guide Number: 38 (ISO 100) | Zoom Flash Range: Not specified | Recycling Time: Approximately 0.1 to 5 seconds It’s compatible with most modern Nikon DSLRs, and while it may not have the highest guide number, it’s still effective, thanks to i-TTL Flash Control. “i-TTL” stands for intelligent through-the-lens metering and means the flash will automatically communicate with the camera and work out the right lighting. This is a great feature to have at events or when shooting in varying conditions, as the set-up work is done for you. We also like the the SB-700’s flexibility, with both 360-degree rotation and 90-degree tilting. It makes the flash ideal for both portrait and landscape shots, since you can easily position the flash just as you need it. Combined with a great recycling time and durable, high-quality build, the SB-700 is the perfect addition to your camera bag, if you shoot with Nikon. Guide Number: 92 (ISO 100) | Zoom Flash Range: 24 to 120mm | Recycling Time: Approximately 2.5 to 3.5 seconds It includes built-in wireless and can also be used as a transmitter, controlling up to three lighting devices. It’s fast, versatile, and lightweight, but still rugged, so it offers good value for money in terms of longevity. Once you master the controls (some of the buttons aren’t very intuitive), it’s easy to use. If this flash has caught your eye, note that it shoots only in manual, as it doesn’t offer TTL. This makes it great for shoots with consistent lighting, such as studio or real estate shots, but might not be great for events or travel. However, as long as manual mode is what you need, you’ll find the YN560-TX to be a powerful flash, great for beginners or those with basic flash needs. Guide Number: 19 (ISO 100) | Zoom Flash Range: 24 to 105mm | Recycling Time: Approximately 3 seconds This flash can tilt from -7 to 90 degrees and covers a zoom span of 24 to 200 millimeters, giving you lots of versatility. The SB-500 came onto the market after Nikon discontinued one of its most popular flashes, the SB-910, making the SB-500 the first Nikon flash with advanced wireless technology. However, many users report that the SB-500’s menu system is overly complex, so it may take some time to learn all of its acronyms and controls. But once you’ve wrapped your head around the flash’s functionalities, experienced photographers are sure to appreciate the SB-500’s innovative features. Guide Number: 113 (ISO 100) | Zoom Flash Range: 24 to 200mm | Recycling Time: 4 seconds of recycling gives users 100 shots While there’s no LCD screen and the flash can operate only as a manual flash, this is to be expected in flashes at a lower price point. However, it’s still an easy-to-use flash that also offers a power-saving mode, great for longer shooting sessions, and temperature protection for heating control. You can also rotate the flash horizontally and vertically, making it possible to nail the shot. It also offers the very useful slave feature, so new flash users can learn how to maximize this feature. Try out the Neewer NW-561 if you’re after a basic flash at a fair price. Guide Number: 35 (ISO 100) | Zoom Flash Range: Fixed zoom | Recycling Time: Approximately 2.9 seconds A high-speed shutter synchronization and Advanced Distance Integration tech automatically adjust the flash response, depending on how far away the subject is. The LCD display is small and unassuming, but it does contain most of the info you’ll want in an external flash unit. You can tilt the flash from -8 to 90 degrees, with a 270-degree, side-to-side swivel for versatile control and unique shadow bouncing techniques. While the HVL-F32M’s brightness isn’t as high as Nikon or Canon options, you really can’t beat a Sony-branded accessory meant to pair perfectly with your Sony camera. Photographers find it an effective flash for both indoor and outdoor use. Guide Number: 31.5 (ISO 100) | Zoom Flash Range: 24 to 105mm | Recycling Time: Approximately 0.1 to 5 seconds That being said, the battery life has been increased from the previous model, now at 450 full-power flashes instead of the previous 350. This flash is AirTTL compatible with Nikon, Sony, and Canon DSLR cameras, plus a 2.4Ghz wireless receiver to coordinate multiple flashes off-camera. The A1X is also small and stylish, in a lightweight design that takes up a small amount of space in your camera bag. There’s no getting around the fact that this flash is seriously pricey, but with advanced features such as quick recycling, High-Speed Sync, and autofocus assist, it’s ideal for photographers who need a powerful, fast flash. Guide Number: Not specified | Zoom Flash Range: 32 to 105mm | Recycling Time: Approximately 1 second Jonno Hill is a writer and digital camera expert who covers tech such as computers, gaming equipment, and cameras for Lifewire and publications including AskMen.com and PCMag.com.
What to Look For in a Camera Flash for DSLR
Camera System
Most flashes can be used interchangeably with different camera systems if you don’t mind setting the flash power manually. However, if you’re looking for a flash that can automatically adjust its output depending on the scene, you’ll need to make sure the unit offers TTL compatibility for your camera brand.
Flash Output
How bright do you need your flash to be when shooting? Keep an eye out for a flash’s guide number which tells you how far a flash can reach. Typical budget flashes will have a guide number of around 35 to 45, meaning they can reach 35 to 45 feet at ISO 100, while more expensive and powerful flashes can easily have guide numbers that surpass 100.
Recycle Time
How long will your model need to wait before you can use your flash again, or will your flash recharge fast enough for you to capture sports? Some high-end flash gear can take up to 100 photos without having to recharge, but others will need a few seconds after each shot—this is generally referred to as recycling time.
