Capture distinct pics in poorly lit or dark environments
If you want to capture the right colors and details, a high-quality flash is a must. With this accessory, it is possible to take excellent pictures even in poor lighting conditions. Besides, a flash helps get better exposure in daylight. This guide covers both Sony A7 III external flashes and the models produced by other manufacturers.
In this article, you will find standalone flashes and kits with remote shutter release, protecting case, cleaning cloth, etc. The majority of models listed here are compatible not only with Sony A7 III but with other cameras as well.
When writing this guide, I’ve considered many aspects. The first important parameter is Guide Number, which shows how powerful an external flash is. A good value is 28 and higher. Another aspect is color temperature. Photographers should look for flashes that offer 5500K. Recycle time is also very important. The lower it is, the more frequently you can take pictures. I also considered the rotation angle. It defines the size of the area a flash can illuminate and its power.
GN value: 28 | Color temperature: 5500K | Recycle time: 0.1–6.4 seconds | Tilting angles: Up 120° | Steps of power output: 25 levels (1/1-1/256) 1/3 steps | Weight: 7.8 oz (219 g)
Sony HVL-F28RM is a compact, solid, and feature-packed Sony A7III flash that offers precise camera control. It is fitted with a wide-angle diffuser panel that comes in handy when photographing landscapes, real estate, etc. The flash head can tilt up to 120 degrees bouncing the light off both vertically and horizontally. To record high-quality videos while moving, think of purchasing a gimbal for Sony A7 for extra stabilization.
When used as a flash commander or remote, this compact model can control a maximum of 15 separate flash or receiver units in up to 5 groups. Besides, a flash duration of 1/625 second is a nice characteristic. Even when high-speed synchronization is disabled, it can capture every move in various environments, including poorly lit spaces.
GN value: 38 | Color temperature: 5600K | Recycle time: 0.1-5s | Tilting angles: vertical — up to 90°, horizontal — up to 270° | Steps of power output: 8 steps | Weight: 1 pounds
Neewer TT560 is a universal camera flash that works well with different Sony cameras, including Sony A7 III. To get more flexibility when shooting, you can rotate a flash maximum to 90 degrees vertically and up to 270 degrees horizontally.
Besides, it is possible to control the flashlight output from 1/128 to 1/1, and shoot in M, S1, and S2 flash modes.
GN value: 36 | Color temperature: 5600K | Recycle time: 0.1-2.2 s | Tilting angles: vertical — -7°-90°, horizontal — up to 270° | Steps of power output: 22 steps | Weight: 310g
The Godox TT350S flash is an excellent companion for Sony A7 III or any other alpha mirrorless cameras by the brand. It stands out among the competitors with its top-rated protection from overheating, Besides, the model offers 22 levels of power output.
The flash supports a High-Speed Sync with shutter speeds as short as 1/8000 that ensure a shallow depth of field. Built-in 2.4G wireless transmission offers Master and Slave functionality and a maximum of three controllable groups. As for the amount of light produced equals GN36.
GN value: 65 | Color temperature: 5500K | Recycle time: 0.1-5.0 seconds | Tilting angles: Up 75° | Steps of power output: - | Weight: 105g (3.7 oz)
Thanks to usability and rich functionality, Sony HVLF20M is a perfect fit for both professionals and beginners. Besides, this model features compact dimensions and weighs only 105g. Surely, you will hardly find lighter flash among the best flashes for Sony A7III.
The recycle time varies from 0.1 to 5 seconds. The number of flashes it can produce during this time ranges from 90 to 150. Flexibility is a weak side of this model: it can only be tilted vertically to 75 degrees maximum. However, you can rotate the head if needed.
GN value: 54 | Color temperature: 5600K | Recycle time: 3.5 seconds | Tilting angles: vertical — -7°-90°, horizontal — -90°-180° | Steps of power output: 8 levels | Weight: 0.75 pounds/340grams
A sturdy body and an extensive set of features make Neewer NW625 the best flash for Sony A7 III for seasoned photographers. A built-in reflector and wide-angle diffuser add to the popularity of the model.
The flash has focused and soft lighting modes. This model is probably the most optimal option for sports and other photographers who have to keep images of moving objects.
GN value: 28 | Color temperature: 3300K | Recycle time: 1.5 seconds | Tilting angles: 0° to 330° horizontally and -7° to 120° vertically | Steps of power output: 1/1 output 76Ws | Weight: 420 g
Godox V1-S flash boasts speedy performance in a range of shooting scenarios. It is the best match for Sony A7III and A7RIII cameras. Thanks to a round shape and extreme flexibility, the unit produces soft and even lighting.
As it is possible to rotate the head up to 330 degrees, this model works great for practicing interior and landscape flash photography. It is fitted with a wireless transmission system of up to 328ft, which is 214ft further than what Sony HVL-F28RM is capable of. TTL mode makes the shooting process even more convenient.
GN value: 52 | Color temperature: 5600K | Recycle time: 0.01-1.8s | Tilting angles: - | Steps of power output: 200Ws in 9 steps | Weight: 590 g
The AD200Pro is a highly functional Godox flash for Sony A7III. It has an expanded nine-stop power range, from 1/256 to 1/1. The recycling time is rather short – 0.01 to 1.8 sec.
Flash duration ranges from 1/15,380 sec, so you can take stop-action shots. Its removable battery lasts for 500 full power and thousands of low-power flashes.
GN value: 36 | Color temperature: 5500K | Recycle time: 0.1–5 seconds | Tilting angles: - | Steps of power output: 8 levels | Weight: -
Portrait photographers who are on the lookout for a powerful flash for their Sony A7 III should pay attention to this unit.
A remote trigger for intuitive setting up and a helpful built-in diffuser are considerable pluses. Besides, this model is ideal for multi-flash shooting thanks to high-speed synchronization.
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sony HVL-F28RM
OUR CHOICE
|
CHECK PRICE → | |
|
Neewer TT560
BEST PRICE
|
CHECK PRICE → | |
|
Godox TT350S
RECYCLE
|
CHECK PRICE → |
Before visiting your favorite web-store and placing an order, you need to thoroughly study the product with all its characteristics. Color temperature, GN value, recycle time and brand reputation are the most important aspects to consider. Besides, it is necessary to check the model’s compatibility with other flashes, as well as its ability to serve as the slave unit.
My recommendation is to choose a flash with a minimal GN value of 28 meters. But, of course, it depends on a place and conditions of a photoshoot. If you are going to purchase a unit with a higher GN number, the light hitting your object will be brighter. So, big values are recommended when your photoshoot happens in a poorly lit environment or at night. As for models that have the most powerful flash output, you should pay attention to Godox AD200Pro and Neewer NW625 flashes.
External flashes are quite large units that consume much power. As they tend to heat up, checking temperature control specs are very important. No one can endure holding a hot flash for long, especially those photographers who usually work at events that last long.
Recycle rate is the amount of time a unit needs to reach full power to produce the next flash. When looking for the best flash for Sony A7 III, remember that the maximum flash recycle time should be as low as possible.
The recommended value of flash recycling depends on the mode you usually use. If you shoot with fast shutter speeds to capture moving objects, a flash needs from 0.1 to 2.2 sec to fire again. Note that Godox TT350S, Godox V1-S, Godox AD200Pro have the lowest recycle time.
The AF and zoom settings that are well calibrated with your camera ensure an excellent quality of shots. So, the possibility to adjust flash levels to zoom and focus is of paramount importance. An assist beam helps an external flash system does it work right. Besides, if this option is available, you can take stunning pictures even in low light.
A top-rated speedlight should have a rugged design. It is very important for photographers who just need a studio flash and are not going to shoot in extreme environments. Make sure your flash features hot and cold shoes so that you can easily attach it to a camera.
As external flash serves as an additional source of illumination, it helps take distinct and high-quality pictures. Moreover, when shooting with an attached flash, even pictures taken in harsh sunlight will feature soft shadows.
First, it helps to achieve a well-balanced daylight exposure. With this mobile light source, you can practice handheld flash photoshoots and get great results. The accessory allows shooting underwater, in poor lighting conditions like in temples or on a cloudy day.
It depends on recycle rate your flash unit has. Each model has its specific recycle times usually measured in seconds.
