Comparing Godox V860III, Godox V1, vs. Godox V1 Pro: Which Flash Is Right for You?

When choosing a speedlight, it's essential to explore your options thoroughly. This comparison examines the Godox V860II, the Godox V1, and the newer Godox V1 Pro. At the time of this writing, the Godox V1 Pro is priced at $550 AUD, the Godox V1 sells for $390 AUD, and the V860II is priced at $340 AUD. So, what sets these flashes apart?

Here are some key specifications for comparison:

Light Output Comparison

Examining the light output, we'll consider brightness and balance. Starting with balance, the Godox V1 and V1 Pro exhibit smooth and gradual light falloff, without prominent lines or contrasting bright and dark areas. In contrast, the V860II displays the pattern of its fresnel head, with a large bright circle in the middle and sudden, uneven waves of light. While this may not matter when using light modifiers or bouncing off surfaces, it becomes a consideration for direct flash photography without additional modifiers.

Godox’s product page have the V1 Pro listed as having a colour temperature of 3300k. We believe this could be a typo as our tests with our Sekonic C800 spectrometer rated the V860III at 5835k, the V1 at 5910k and the V1 Pro at 5945k.

          

The Round Head Difference

The primary distinction between the Godox V1 series and the V860II lies in the round head design. Apart from providing smoother and more balanced light output, the round head enables compatibility with the Godox AK-R1 Accessory Kit for Round Flash Head. This magnetic ring system offers quick and easy mounting of various accessories, including colour filters, grids, snoots, bounce cards, barn doors, and omnidirectional dome diffusers.

Additional Features of Godox V1 Pro

• Upgraded thermal protection allows the Pro model to last almost twice as long as the standard V1 before going into heat protection mode
• External Flash SU-1 as an additional fill light when shooting on camera
• Physical switch between TTL and manual modes for quick mode changes.
• Multiple charging options, including VC26 charger or universal USB-C socket.
• Compatibility with additional power sources like the Godox Propac P960 power pack.

Which One to Choose?

Ultimately, the decision between the Godox V1 series, V1 Pro, and the cheaper V860II depends on your specific needs:

Go for the V1 Pro if:

• You shoot in fast past environments such as weddings, parties or event photography and take high volume shots.
• You prefer a smoother and more balanced light output.
• Quick and easy accessory attachment is essential to you.
• You plan on using direct, unmodified flash frequently.

Consider the Godox V1 series if:

• You prefer a smoother and more balanced light output.
• Quick and easy accessory attachment is essential to you.
• You plan on using direct, unmodified flash frequently.
• The round head accessory kit appeals to you.

Opt for the Godox V860II if:

• You primarily use larger modifiers and rarely utilize small modifiers.
• Your photography often involves bouncing light off walls, umbrellas, or other reflectors.
• You seldom use direct, unmodified flash.
• You already own a collection of traditional speedlight accessories and modifiers.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the decision between the Godox V860III, Godox V1, and Godox V1 Pro depends on your specific photography requirements, shooting style, and budget. Each flash offers unique features and benefits, catering to different preferences and needs. Take the time to consider your priorities and evaluate which features align best with your workflow. Whether you prioritize affordability, versatility, or premium functionality, Godox has a speedlight option tailored to suit your needs.