5 Best Sony Flashes for Cameras to Buy in 2024

Efficient Sony flashes for great illumination in poorly lit environments

The photography taken with the help of Sony flashes improves the shots captured using in-built pop-up units in times. The advantages of a speedlight are extreme power, overall lighting control, off-camera functioning, as well as ability to be used in tandem with other flashes. Do not think that the only task of an external flash is to produce a burst of light. It can also freeze movement, create flattering light for shooting portraits, etc.

The task of selecting the best flash for Sony camera can be quite discouraging unless you know what specs to consider. First, make sure that the desired flash is compatible with your camera model. Other important parameters are GN number, zoom range, dimensions, types of batteries, recycle speed, price, dimensions, etc.

To choose the right speedlight, you need to define the priority task your external flash should perform. Its price tag is a matter of concern as well. On average, a decent off-camera flash costs about $300. In this guide, you will read the description of popular models with their strong and weak sides described.

Compatibility: Sony ADI / P-TTL | Gn (ISO 100, meters): Gn 20 | Zoom range: 27/50mm (manual) | Dimensions (WxL): 62x114x24mm | Weight: 105g

The HVL-F20M is an ideal flash for photographers who are always on the go. Thanks to a compact design and slim body, the flash can nicely fit your pocket. Besides, it only requires two AAA batteries to function. Of course, this is not the most powerful model, but the illumination it provides is enough for shooting in various locations.

Also, it can bounce light at 75 degrees upward for a soft and even illumination. You can set the zoom head positions in the 27/50mm range manually. HVL-F20M can function as a TTL controller for remote triggering of other external camera flashes.

This camera flash has GN 66 at ISO 100 and 50mm and offers two coverage settings for a 24mm or 50 mm lens (full frame). It has slow, 1st, and 2nd curtain sync modes and the recycle time range from 0.1 to 5 seconds. Considering the capabilities of this camera flash, pairing it with the best lens for the Sony A6000 further enhances the overall photography experience. The Sony A6000 is compatible with a wide range of lenses, each catering to specific shooting needs and styles.

Compatibility: Sony ADI / P-TTL | Gn (ISO 100, meters): Gn 28 | Zoom range: 24/50mm (manual) | Dimensions (WxL): 65.1x83.5x91.4 mm | Weight: 219g

Sony HVL-F28RM works with the camera’s face recognition feature for achieving a perfect balance between light output and the illumination of a shooting location. It allows you to capture excellent portraits. Besides, a water-repellant body makes this model an ideal fit for outdoor photo sessions in any weather conditions. It only needs two either alkaline or NiMH AA batteries to work.

Flash duration of 1/625 sec is another strong point. Such a spec allows taking stunning real estate photography. Benefit from a built-in 2.4 GHz radio transceiver to build portable lighting setups quickly. You can set a flash angle via 0-120 degree click stops to tailor lighting to a specific scene. The flash needs from 0.1 to 6.4 seconds to recycle when powered by alkaline batteries and from 0.1 to 4.1 seconds when powered by NiMH batteries.

Compatibility: Sony alpha7 Series Cameras | Gn (ISO 100, meters): Gn 32 | Zoom range: 24-105mm | Dimensions (WxL): 66x119x82mm | Weight: 235g

Sony HVL-F32M boasts a compact design fitting your camera bags and case with ease.

You can place the flash head to bounce 90 degrees up and 8 degrees down with 90 degrees rotation to the left and 180 degrees to the right. The unit features an automatic 24-105mm zoom in full-frame terms. Moreover, the flash unit sends color temperature info to the camera for the correct WB configuration.

It is great that this Sony speedlight has onboard controls and an LCD status display that allows you to adjust the required settings without heading to in-camera menus. High-speed synchronization mode is additional bonus. Activate it to use flash with up to the highest shutter speed provided by the camera. Note that the maximum power output will be reduced in this case. On top of that, Sony HVL-F32M supports wireless master and slave modes.

Compatibility: Sony ADI / P-TTL | Gn (ISO 100, meters): Gn 60 | Zoom range: 20-200mm | Dimensions (WxL): 80×150×102mm | Weight: 450g

The HVL-F60RM Wireless Radio Flash released by Sony is fitted with a 2.4 GHz radio transceiver, which enables you to build lighting setups wherever you go. It supports P-TTL / ADI metering.

You can use the flash in commander or remote mode. It’s compatible with radio commanders and receivers released by Sony. You will have full radio control. It can be used with 15 flashes divided into 5 groups and includes access to 14 channels.

As the recycle time is 1.7 seconds, it will be easier for you to take photos in quick succession. For better convenience, you can tilt it from -8 to 150 degrees and rotate it 180 degrees. The flash comes with a 20-200mm zoom head that can be further widened to 14mm with the help of an in-built diffusion panel. This model is resistant to dust and moisture and has a metal foot.

Compatibility: Sony ADI / P-TTL | Gn (ISO 100, meters): Gn 46 | Zoom range: 24-105 mm | Dimensions (WxL): 69.4 x 114.7x88.9mm | Weight: 308g

The GN461 is a powerful yet portable flash with impressive continuous shooting speeds and shutter speed synchronization of up to 1/400s. It has a durable construction and allows you to adjust the bounce angle. You will easily figure out how to use it via your camera. The device supports wireless radio communication, which accounts for better control. It’s fully compatible with a camera bodies. You to use it as a part of different lighting setups. Thanks to its dust and moisture-resistant construction, it’s suitable for shooting outdoors.

If you use it with the right camera, the GN46 will allow you to shoot up to 60 frames in burst mode at up to 10 fps. You don’t need to worry about any flash synchronization issues as there won’t be any dark frames. Due to its well-thought-out design, this pro-level flash sends information about color temperature to the camera so that it could adjust WB with better precision. It enables you to take photos with natural colors.

A flash is definitely a great investment in your business. Its benefits are hard to underestimate! A good flash helps catch excellent pictures even in darkness. The quality of images will let you increase prices for your services. Not only that, when shooting with an external flash attached, a photographer even appears more professional.

But to choose a highly functional model that will improve your shooting experience, you need to study the product’s specifications. Here are the most important aspects to take into account when selecting a perfect Sony speedlight.

A guide number estimates the distance the light can cover on optimal camera configurations. Of course, this spec is one of the first ones to check when choosing a flash, but sometimes photographers exaggerate its importance.

A unit that has a GN of 120′ offers a greater power output if compared to a flash with a 60′ GN, for example. A high Guide Number means that a speedlight can illuminate subjects that are far away from the setup. Not only that, such models can light closer objects with a narrow aperture allowing you to control the depth of field more effectively.

While some hot shoe flashes are manual, others also feature TTL mode, which is fully automated. TTL is a metering system for your flash. When shooting in this mode, a speedlight sends out a quick pre-burst of light before the actual flash. In such a way, TTL system determines the most optimal exposure settings and uses them to illuminate the subject when making a snap.

The mobility provided by an external flash is its major advantage. You can use modern speedlights off camera and connect both units wirelessly even without an adapter. By placing the unit in the required location, it is possible to illuminate the subject from different angles producing stunning images. Besides, shooting with multiple flashes allows you to create original effects.

Note that before making a purchase, check if the wireless functionality of a flash is compatible with your DSLR. A camera that is older than a flash requires a special hot shoe accessory for controlling the flash performance.

Usually, flashes come with a rear curtain and slow sync modes. But top-rated models also support high-speed synchronization. In this mode, a speedlight fires bursts of light in an incredibly rapid series. It allows you to use your flash at a shutter speed that exceeds 1/250 of a second, which is a normal camera’s flash sync speed.

A fast recycling speed ensures that you don't miss important moments due to waiting for the flash to recharge. It allows you to capture multiple shots in quick succession, making it ideal for events, sports photography, or any situation where timing is crucial.

With a quick recycling speed, you can have confidence in your flash's ability to keep up with your shooting demands.

On the other hand, a slow recycling speed can be frustrating, leading to missed opportunities and delays in capturing critical moments. It can hinder your ability to capture fast-moving subjects or prevent you from taking multiple shots in rapid succession. This spec is very important for photographers who often snap subjects in motion. However, portrait shooters can neglect this aspect without any hesitation.