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Best Flash for Sony A7riii [2024 Review]

In: 
Published: 22/09/2022

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The Sony A7riii is among the most in-demand mirrorless cameras because of its high ISO performance. However, it lacks a built-in flash, which can help improve exposure in real estate photos. That’s why I'm giving you my picks for the best flash for Sony A7riii, including features and buying tips to help you make an informed decision if you want to buy one.

My Best Flash for Sony A7riii Reviews

While there are several compatible flashes for the Sony A7riii, the Godox V1-S Flash deserves the top spot as the best flash for the Sony A7riii because it balances advanced flash features, functionality, and value for money.

Since there are also different shooting styles, preferences, and budgets, I also included other flash options for the Sony A7riii.

Godox V1-S Round Head Flash

The Sony A7riii features an improved automatic white balance adjustment and noise reduction performance than its predecessors. Still, you can further minimize image noise and set low ISO values when you use the Godox V1-S Flash.

While its coverage runs shorter at 29 to 50mm, this is powerful enough when photographing nearby subjects. However, it makes up by having a fast recycling time of 1.5 seconds at full power.

The unique thing about this flash is that it uses a round head instead of a rectangle one. This shape does a great job spreading the light evenly across the diffusion panel, boosting exposure even if the A7riii is using a narrow aperture.

Sony alpha cameras like the A7III tend to have more saturated colors. You can control this during a shoot by using the flash's color temperature mode. In effect, the flash distributes light effects from the center to the corners for a smoother transition.

Godox V860II-S Speedlite

The Sony A7riiicontains an enhanced sensor system to work in dim light. However, extremely low-light situations may affect the otherwise perfect texture of your real estate images. In such cases, you can attach the Godox V860II-S Speedlite to provide ample light.

Featuring a flash output that ranges from 20 to 200mm, you can continue using ISO 100 in the A7riii. Additionally, the flash can support fast shutter speed and larger apertures.

One of the best things about this flash is its user-friendly interface panel that enables you to access the flash modes easily. With that said, you can also use this flash as a slave unit for other Godox flashes.

Similar to the Godox VS-1, the V860II-S has excellent battery life even when used in full power, letting you fire up to 650 flashes in full charge.

Altura AP-UNV2 Flash

When you want to upgrade accessories, you'll find that the Altura AP-UNV2 Flash is a good budget flash for the Sony A7riii.

Its features can compete with the other external flashes, such as a Neewer flash even with a low price. For instance, its stroboscopic flash mode can support the A7riii's continuous shooting mode by producing multi-flash lighting for moving subjects.

More than that, the Altura AP-UNV2 has an extended flash range of up to 100mm. Hence, you can take advantage of this budget flash different power levels and broadness while retaining low ISO numbers in the Sony A7riii.

While the Sony A7riii has built-in image stabilization, low-contrast scenes can still hinder the camera's autofocus system from working correctly. In such instances, you can adjust the flash's power output and intensity to neutralize the exposure.

Godox Thinklite TT685S Flash

While brands typically advertise mirrorless cameras as beginner-friendly, there's still a learning curve in the settings and functions. To solve this dilemma, you can stick to an entry-level flash like the Godox Thinklite TT685S Flash, so you'll have more time to focus on handling the Sony A7riii.

If this is your first time using a mirrorless camera, one of the hurdles you will face is learning where to point the flash while considering how the light would enter the camera sensor.

This is where the flash's rotating head helps, as this feature allows you to tilt or swivel the head up to 360 degrees. You can also modify the flash output at three-stop increments. What's more, you can add gel inserts to produce creative light patterns.

Yongnuo YN560-III Speedlite

The Sony A7riii comes with advanced shooting modes, including single shot, continuous AF, and many more. When managing various shooting modes, the Yongnuo YN560-III Speedlite is the best flash for the Sony A7riii because it offers complete control over the flash intensity and other settings.

It boasts a long-range flash coverage of up to 328 feet above and 100 meters in distance, despite wireless communication. The only downside is that the YN560-III Speedlite has a slower recharge time of 3.5 to 4 seconds.

Unlike the Godox flashes, this Yongnuo flash focuses on convenience rather than color accuracy. Thus, you may notice variations in light intensities or color temperatures when taking a stream of pictures.

However, it complements the manual shooting of the Sony A7riii, as the flash also enables you to manually modify the light output to cater to zoom ranges between 24 and 105mm.

Godox Thinklite TT600S Speedlite

Shooting real estate or other subjects may mean the light source is in a different location. You can utilize the wireless flash functionality of the Godox Thinklite TT600S Speedlite for instances where you need to reposition yourself or the Sony A7riii to get better perspective and angles.

While the Sony A7riii features a Pixel Shift Multi-Fwlash shooting mode, it, unfortunately, doesn't produce a photo with more megapixels. However, you can enhance the level of details in your real estate shots as the recycle time of 0.1 to 2.6 seconds allow you to fire the flash up to 230 times at full power.

Like other Godox flashes with rectangular heads, the body of the Godox TT600S seems a bit bulky. However, the design is flexible enough for you to rotate the flash head horizontally and vertically. This is ideal when the A7III's sensor can't capture enough light to even the exposure.

Features to Consider in a Flash for Sony A7riii

A flash is a long-term investment and accessory for a camera. To ensure you'll be getting your money's worth, remember these essential features such as wireless functions when choosing the best flash for Sony A7riii. And, if you have the model down, you might enjoy my Sony A7RII flash review article.

Flash Power

The power is a crucial aspect of an external flash as is it influences how much the flash can illuminate a scene. The higher the flash number, the more a flash can efficiently provide light for your subjects.

Flash for Sony camera A7RIII

If you're usually shooting in dim environments or vast spaces, you need a flash with extreme flash power. In this way, you can keep the ISO levels of the Sony A7riii to a minimum without sacrificing exposure.

Recharge Rate

The recycle or recharge rate refers to how fast you can fire the flash. While most external flashes have quick recycle times, this usually depends on the intensity of your settings. 

When shooting at full power, it would take longer for a flash to fire again. Consequently, using half power allows the flash to recharge faster.

The flash's battery also influences the recharge time. This is why it's vital that you use the recommended battery type for your desired flash.

Advanced Features

While the features depend on the kind of light you need to produce for your real estate photos, having these features in the best flash for Sony a7III would translate into high image quality.

  • Flash Zoom: The zoom range dictates how wide a flash can spread light. Some flashes can automatically detect the focal length of a lens connected to a Sony A7riii, enabling it to modify the power output to match the lens's angle of view.
  • Automatic Mode: When set in auto mode, you still need to select the ISO value, aperture and shutter speed. After that, the camera or transmitter would trigger the flash, automatically measuring the scene and produce the ideal illumination.
  • TTL Metering: This is a metering system that allows the flash to control the light output according to the exposure settings in the camera.
  • Rotating Head: One of the most essential features of the best flash is its ability to rotate, tilt, and swivel the head. This feature gives you more control over where to point and bounce the light.
  • Temperature Control: Flashes can get hot due to prolonged use, especially when operating in full power. The good thing is that several flashes now have temperature control, including a power-saving mode to prevent the body from overheating.

Related: Read my article on the top lens for the Sony A7III.

Durability

The best flash for Sony a7III should last for years. A good flash will be heavily exposed to various environmental conditions, which is why the best flash should be at least weatherproof.

While flashes usually come with rugged designs, the constant rotating of the flash head can also wear out the plastic components.

Related Questions

Do I Need Flash For the Sony A7III?

Yes, you need a flash for the Sony A7riii since this camera doesn’t feature a built-in flash. Getting better high ISO photos without flash might be one of the reasons for upgrading to full frame. A flash, however, is still an essential tool when used correctly.

Do Godox Flashes Work With Sony?

Yes, there are Godox flashes that are compatible with the Sony A7III. Godox flashes are known for their round heads, which produce soft, smooth light with gradual falloff at its base that enhances the flattering effect of this flash.

Can You Use A Canon Flash On A Sony Camera?

Yes, you can use a Canon flash with this Sony camera as most models easily attach to the Sony A7R III's hotshoe without any issues. However. when you use these flashes, you won't be able to use ETTL mode, likely because not all contacts line up.

Conclusion

Whether it's for real estate photography or other niches, the best flash for Sony a7III is a vital accessory for a camera to ensure proper illumination. With the best flash options above, you can make the most out of the Sony A7RIII and produce high image quality for clients.

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