You can create fantastic shots with a DSLR camera. However, you will need additional accessories like detachable camera flashes to elevate your creativity.
An external flash unit helps you capture better images by adding more light, reducing red-eye, and enabling special effects. However, you will have to pick the best among numerous options.
This article will explain how you can find the best detachable camera flash. Later, we will explain how the accessory works so that you can spot the ideal options.
- Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT Flash
- Tronixpro Digital Camera Flash with Shoe Bracket
- Focus Camera Professional Zoom TTL Speedlite Flash
- Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight Flash
- Sony External Flash with Wireless Radio Control Camera Flash
- Profoto A10 On/Off Camera Flash Kit with Connect Flash Trigger
- Flashpoint Zoom Li-on X R2 TTL On-Camera Round Flash Speedlight
- Leica SF 60 Flash
- Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT
- Meike MK-MT24S Macro Twin Lite Flash
1. Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT Flash
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Price: $210.00
Most photographers know Canon Speedlites are some of the highest-quality detachable camera flashes.
Its zoom range covers 24 to 105 mm. Also, it can last up to 1,200 flash triggers using four AA batteries.
Its unique features include the Canon user-friendly control panel and wireless trigger functionality. Despite its compact size, the Canon Speedlite has a quick recycle time of 0.1 to 3.3 seconds.
You may tilt the Canon Speedlite 430ex iii at multiple angles to use more positions for directional flash. Also, few people posted complaints about its flash online.
- Guide Number: 141 ft. at ISO 100 and 105mm
- Zoom Range: 24-105mm (14mm with Panel)
- Max. Number of Flashes: 180-1200
- Recycle Time: 0.1-3.5 seconds
- Battery: 4 AA Batteries
- Weight: 295g (10.41 oz)
2. Tronixpro Digital Camera Flash with Shoe Bracket
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Price: $12.79
The best detachable camera flashes do not have to be from popular brands. For example, the Tronixpro Digital Camera Flash is one of the best indoor and outdoor photography choices.
Moreover, it uses a pair of AA batteries so that you can continue working immediately. You do not have to wait for it to recharge.
The Tronixpro helps bring out your inner professional photographer, even in low or no light conditions. Also, this external flash kit with a complementary microfiber cleaning cloth.
- Guide Number: 33 (ISO 100/1m)
- Zoom Range: 24-105mm (14mm with Panel)
- Max. Number of Flashes: 230
- Recycle Time: 1.5s
- Battery: Two AA Batteries (not included)
- Weight: 2.72 ounces
3. Focus Camera Professional Zoom TTL Speedlite Flash for Canon cameras
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Price: $49.99
If you need powerful and versatile zoom, you need Focus. This brand of detachable camera flash sets itself apart from the competition with intelligent zoom.
The feature allows ultimate control over your images. Moreover, this accessory has a built-in transmitter and receiver for wireless connection.
The Focus detachable camera flash also has a steel hot shoe mount that fits any DSLR or digital camera.
- Guide Number: GN58
- Zoom: 18mm – 180mm
- Recycle Time: 2.9 seconds
- Battery: Two AA Batteries (not included)
- Additional features: Built-in diffuser and metal hot shoe stand
4. Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight Flash
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Price: $219.89
Besides Canon, Nikon is one of the most well-known brands for flash photography. Its Speedlight Flash Kit is one of the most versatile options in the market.
Moreover, the AF Speedlight has Commander Mode that lets you control Nikon’s Creative Lighting System. It allows you to set up four external flashes.
You may choose three flash modes: Standard, Center-Weighted, or Even. The Center-Weighted option works well for macro photography, and the Even option suits interiors or groups.
- Guide Number: 92′ at ISO 100 and 35mm
- Zoom Range: 24-120mm (12mm with Panel)
- Recycle Time: 2.5-3.5 Seconds
- Battery: 4 AA Batteries
5. Sony External Flash with Wireless Radio Control Camera Flash
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Price: $698.00
This detachable camera flash provides the quality you expect from a prominent brand like Sony.
The External Flash’s design allows it to fit snuggly into your pocket. Yet, its performance rivals competitors at the same illumination angle.
Its shoe foot has a rugged side frame that enhances strength and reliability. Moreover, Sony offers flash control directly from a compatible camera.
As mentioned, this off-camera flash unit offers wireless radio communication. It lets you set up 15 detachable flashes in 15 spots divided into five groups.
The remote control works distances of up to 114 ft. Also, the off-camera works in bright light and around obstacles. You may also install it behind the camera.
- Guide Number: 28
- Zoom Range: 24-120mm (12mm with Panel)
- Recycle Time: 2.5-3.5 Seconds
- Battery: Four AA-size Batteries
- Dimensions: 2.56 x 3.29 x 3.6 in
- Weight: 7.8 oz
6. Profoto A10 On/Off Camera Flash Kit with Connect Flash Trigger
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Price: $1,195.00
Profoto focuses on improving user experience. It says, “you don’t need to read a long instruction manual to understand how it works.”
That is why its detachable camera flash is easy to use. The A10 features a large clear interface that lets you connect it to other Profoto flashes.
Another way it sets itself apart from competitors is its design. The A10 has a round flash head that enables natural light with smooth fall-off.
Its smart magnetic mount lets you compose fantastic shots with the Profoto Clic light shaping tools.
Due to its fast recycling time, you can go overboard with this flash unit. Even better, it has a Li-ion rechargeable battery that lasts four times longer than AA.
The A10 is the best detachable camera flash if you want easy updates. You may download the latest firmware version with the Profoto app and send it to the external flash via Bluetooth.
- Lamp Type: LED
- Zoom: 24-105mm (14mm with Panel)
- Max. Number of Flashes: 230
- Battery: Li-ion
- Charging Time: 115 minutes
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
7. Flashpoint Zoom Li-on X R2 TTL On-Camera Round Flash Speedlight
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Price: $219.00
Flashpoint offers the best detachable camera flash in terms of versatility. Its flash head can rotate 330 degrees and tilt more than 120 degrees.
That component has a magnetic ring flash accessory with numerous modifiers:
- Barn doors with four flags
- 30½ Honeycomb Grid
- Diffusion dome
- Wide angle diffuser
- Six hard plastic color correction gels
The Flashpoint Zoom’s ring flash provides fresh, even diffused light. Also, it has a rechargeable battery that enables up to 480 full-power shots.
Even better, this detachable camera flash is compatible with numerous brands. Flashpoint Zoom can provide extra flash output for all your digital cameras.
- Recycle time: 1.5 seconds
- Zoom: 28-105mm
- Max. Number of Flashes: 480
- Battery: Li-ion
- Charging Time: 3.5 hours
- High-Speed Sync: up to 1/8000 seconds
8. Leica SF 60 Flash
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Price: $614.95
The Leica SF 60 detachable camera flash works well as a first-timer’s first unit. It lacks flashy features, but it provides all the necessities.
Its power output can create a powerful flash that covers long distances. Also, it can provide soft, indirect bounce light from a reflector, wall, or ceiling.
The clip-on softbox enables users to adjust the built-in flash. Also, the Leica SF 60 can quickly sync to cameras with shutter speeds of up to 1/8000 seconds.
You may rotate its swivel head at a horizontal rotation angle. Like the other detachable camera flash units, you may power the Leica SF with four AA-type batteries.
However, you may use an external power pack for extended battery life.
- Radio mode access: 8 channels and 3 groups
- Flash exposure compensation settings: ±2 EV in 1/3 EV steps
- Manual power control: 1/1 to 1/256 in 1/3 EV steps
9. Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT
Photo Credit: www.amazon.com
Price: $469.99
This detachable flash is another straightforward choice if you need more than your camera’s built-in flash.
Its flash head can reach 20 to 200mm and has a guide number of 197 ft./60m at ISO 100. Also, the Canon 600EX can improve your continuous camera flash by roughly 1.1 to 1.5 times for fast firing.
It has wireless shooting support for both optical and radio transmission. Like the other detachable flash units, it lets you control up to five other groups of flashes.
Because of its dust and water-resistant frame, you do not always have to keep the Canon 600EX in your camera bag.
Also, it has a red charging indicator lamp, flash-readiness indicator, dial operation, and manual flash output.
- Guide Number: 49.2 ft./15m at ISO 100
- Zoom: 24-105mm (14mm with Panel)
- Max. Number of Flashes: 700
- Recycle Time: 0.1 to 3.3 seconds
- Battery: Four AA-size batteries
- Weight: 15.34 oz.
10. Meike MK-MT24S Macro Twin Lite Flash
Photo Credit: www.amazon.com
Price: $299.99
The Meike Macro Twin Lite is a good choice if you need a budget-friendly detachable camera flash. However, it only works with specific Sony models.
It supports numerous sync modes like high-speed, front-curtain, FE lock, and rear-curtain. p
The built-in camera settings let you set the flash duration, power output control, connected channels, and lamps with seven levels.
As the name implies, the Meike detachable camera flash unit has a macro ring flash. Also, you may rotate its swivel head independently from your camera for full control.
- LED light: 0.5W, 5500K±200, Ra 90
- Group and Channel: Group A/B/C and channels 1/2/3/4
- S1/S2 transmission: indoor＞20m outdoor＞10m
- Cover angle: cover light of 24mm lens
- Recycle time: 4s 1/1 output (2.4-2.8V)
What is a detachable camera flash?
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Smartphones are enough for the usual selfie and lunch pics. However, any professional photographer prefers digital single-lens reflex or DSLR cameras.
Some may prefer a more powerful flash, so they look for detachable camera flash units. As the name suggests, these accessories can provide additional light power or light sources.
It could provide natural lighting when bounced off ceilings or walls. Also, you may attach a diffuser to soften lighting conditions further.
A detachable flash usually has longer battery life than a built-in flash, letting them withstand a prolonged flash duration.
It also lets you have flashes from other angles outside your camera body. For example, you may place the camera flash beside your subject to prevent red-eye.
How to pick the best detachable camera flashes
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You can find many detachable camera flashes in physical stores and online marketplaces. However, you should know how to choose the right one for your camera.
Start by checking your camera brand and model. You can make your search easier by selecting accessories from the same brand.
On the other hand, you can buy a third-party option. However, you should know your camera’s hot shoe measurements.
The detachable camera flash needs to connect to the hot shoe to function. Also, you must know the features you need from the accessory.
For example, you may want one that can rotate in sharp horizontal and vertical angles. If you take photos of fast-moving objects, you need a detachable flash with a high-speed recycling system.
It would enable you to take a quicker flash photo than built-in flashes. Moreover, your flash unit should be able to keep up your camera’s shutter speed.
You must also check the battery life to ensure your gadget can handle an extended flash duration. Finally, you should consider the price.
Higher-quality DSLR cameras usually demand similarly expensive flash units. Still, the price is worthwhile if you need features like an E-TTL flash and automatic control.
Conclusion
A professional photographer would need a detachable camera flash to compose high-quality and creative photos.
If you only take photos casually, most cameras would do fine. You probably do not need a detachable camera flash for color temperature and TTL flashes.
You could purchase high-quality smartphones like an iPhone. Then, you may download a photo-editing app to enhance images.