The Best DSLR Camera Flashes of 2024

You won't be left in the dark with these top camera flashes

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These are the best camera flashes currently on the market for experienced and amateur photographers.

Best Overall

Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT Flash

Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT

Amazon

Pros
  • Compact size is great for travel

  • On-screen menu is easy to use

  • Quality build

Cons
  • Expensive

  • Not weather-sealed

If you’re in the market for a professional-grade flash, one of the best is the Canon Speedlite 430EX III-R. Although it commands a premium price, Canon photographers are rewarded with a quality flash for versatile shooting in just about any environment. Setting up your controls and taking the perfect shot is easy with an on-screen menu.

The Speedlite 430EX gives users a compact, portable product that can cover a range between 24 and 105 millimeters, with a maximum guide number of 141 feet/43 meters at ISO 100 and a quick recycling time. Thanks to radio transmission, you can also remotely control it to use as an off-camera flash.

The Speedlite 430EX is a smaller, more lightweight, and portable version of Canon’s 600EX II-RT. If you don’t need such an extensive range, you might find that the 430EX is more than enough for your needs. It’s a durable, reliable product that can swivel, tilt, and be adjusted so you can set up the ideal lighting conditions. 

This flash bounces light evenly, creating beautiful light for portraiture. However, it’s an excellent choice for many types of photography. With a higher price point, this flash is designed to appeal to professionals and experienced amateurs who will appreciate everything it can.

Guide Number: 141 (ISO 100) | Zoom Flash Range: 24 to 105mm | Recycling Time: Approximately 0.1 to 3.5 seconds

Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT Flash

Lifewire / Jonno Hill

Budget Buy (Canon and Nikon)

Neewer TT560 Flash Speedlite

Neewer-tt560-flash-speedlite

Amazon

Pros
  • Budget-friendly price

  • Wide compatibility

  • Includes transmitter flash feature

Cons
  • Lesser build quality

  • No display

It’s no secret that photography gear can cost a small fortune, so the inexpensive and high-quality Neewer TT560 is a pleasant surprise. It’s an effective flash with no frills for an affordable price—this makes it a great entry-level model for photographers looking to try an external flash for the first time.

Even better, it’s compatible with a wide range of DSLRs, including Canon and Nikon. While you don’t have an LCD screen or wireless capabilities, you have a built-in bounce card and a wide-angle diffuser. Transmitter mode, another cool feature, lets you automatically set off your flash when it senses another flash go off, giving you additional light and creating more brightness. This is usually seen only on more expensive models, so it’s a top inclusion in the TT560.

However, because the range of features is smaller, photographers can quickly master external flashes. Overall, it’s an affordable flash that can take your photography to the next level, especially for portraits and indoor studio shooting. While it might not have enough pizazz to impress the pros, the TT560 is aimed at beginner and intermediate shooters who want to improve their abilities.

Guide Number: 38 (ISO 100) | Zoom Flash Range: Not specified | Recycling Time: Approximately 0.1 to 5 seconds

Neewer TT560 Flash Speedlite

Lifewire 

Best For Nikon

Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight Flash

Nikon-sb-700-af-speedlight-flash

Amazon

Pros
  • Impressive recycling time

  • Flash can be vertical or horizontal

  • Durable build quality

Cons
  • Expensive

  • Has a lower guide number

The brand's SB-700 AF Speedlight Flash is a top option for Nikon users. It's quite an investment, and experienced photographers will find it a solid wireless flash for indoor and outdoor use.

It's compatible with most modern Nikon DSLRs. While it may not have the highest guide number, it's still effective, thanks to i-TTL Flash Control. "i-TTL" stands for intelligent through-the-lens metering, meaning the flash will automatically communicate with the camera and work out the proper lighting. This is an excellent feature at events or when shooting in varying conditions, as the set-up work is done for you.

We also like the SB-700's flexibility, with 360-degree rotation and 90-degree tilting. The flash is ideal for portrait and landscape shots since you can easily position it. Combined with a great recycling time and durable, high-quality build, the SB-700 is the perfect addition to your camera bag if you shoot with Nikon.

Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight Flash

Lifewire 

Guide Number: 92 (ISO 100) | Zoom Flash Range: 24 to 120mm | Recycling Time: Approximately 2.5 to 3.5 seconds

Budget Buy (Most DSLRs)

YONGNUO YN560 IV

Yongnuo-yn560-iv-wireless-flash-speedlite-master

Amazon

Pros
  • Great price point

  • Wireless

  • Plenty of options for manual control

Cons
  • Doesn't offer TTL metering

  • Controls aren't always intuitive

The YONGNUO YN560-TX is worth checking out if you plan to shoot with manual controls, as it's compatible with most DSLRs.

It includes built-in wireless and can also be used as a transmitter, controlling up to three lighting devices. It's fast, versatile, and lightweight but still rugged, so it offers good value for money in terms of longevity. Once you master the controls (some of the buttons aren't very intuitive), it's easy to use. 

If this flash has caught your eye, note that it shoots only manually, as it doesn't offer TTL. This makes it great for shoots with consistent lighting, such as studio or real estate shots, but it might not be great for events or travel. However, as long as the manual mode is what you need, you'll find the YN560-TX to be a powerful flash, great for beginners or those with basic flash needs.

Guide Number: 19 (ISO 100) | Zoom Flash Range: 24 to 105mm | Recycling Time: Approximately 3 seconds

YONGNUO YN560 IV Wireless Flash

Lifewire 

Pros
  • Built-in cooling system

  • Lots of features

  • Controls up to six lighting groups

Cons
  • Very expensive

  • Menu system and controls aren't straightforward

If you're willing to open your wallet, the Nikon SB-500 has an imposing list of features. One of its best is adding a cooling system, which Nikon claims allows users to fire off up to 100 flashes in a single burst, reducing downtime. Photographers also use the SB-500's Radio-Controlled Advanced Wireless Lighting system, making it easy to shoot with multiple devices, even in challenging conditions. 

This flash can tilt from -7 to 90 degrees and covers a zoom span of 24 to 200 millimeters, giving you versatility. The SB-500 came onto the market after Nikon discontinued one of its most popular flashes, the SB-910, making the SB-500 the first Nikon flash with advanced wireless technology.

However, many users report that the SB-500's menu system is overly complex, so learning its acronyms and controls may take some time. But once you've mastered the flash's functionalities, experienced photographers will surely appreciate the SB-500's innovative features.

Guide Number: 113 (ISO 100) | Zoom Flash Range: 24 to 200mm | Recycling Time: 4 seconds of recycling gives users 100 shots

Pros
  • Dust and moisture-resistant

  • Manual and TTL controls

  • Compact and easy to use

Cons
  • Battery life isn't the longest

  • Higher price

The Sony HVL-F32M is a multi-interface flash, making it easy to use with various Sony options, from DSLRs to the Alpha line. It's a powerful flash packed with plenty of features, all in a dust and moisture-resistant build. A wireless remote control is included, and the compact, lightweight flash offers both manual and TTL modes.

A high-speed shutter synchronization and Advanced Distance Integration tech automatically adjust the flash response depending on how far away the subject is. The LCD is small and unassuming, but it does contain most of the info you'll want in an external flash unit. You can tilt the flash from -8 to 90 degrees with a 270-degree, side-to-side swivel for versatile control and unique shadow-bouncing techniques.

While the HVL-F32 M's brightness is lower than the Nikon or Canon options, you can't beat a Sony-branded accessory that pairs perfectly with your Sony camera. Photographers find it an effective flash for both indoor and outdoor use.

Guide Number: 31.5 (ISO 100) | Zoom Flash Range: 24 to 105mm | Recycling Time: Approximately 0.1 to 5 seconds

Four digital camera flashes

Lifewire / Jonno Hill

What to Look For in a Camera Flash for DSLR

Experienced photographers know the right external camera flash can be a game-changer. They're a must for studio shooting, as the best camera flashes can evenly diffuse light, removing unwanted shadows to create a beautiful, bright subject.

A good one can reduce red-eye when taking portraits and extend your camera's battery life since you won't depend on its flash for lighting. 

Camera System

If you are okay with setting the flash power manually, most flashes can be used interchangeably with different camera systems. However, if you want one that can automatically adjust its output depending on the scene, you must ensure the unit offers TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic) compatibility for your camera brand.

Flash Output

How bright do you need your flash to be when shooting? Look for a flash’s guide number, which tells you how far it can reach. Typical budget flashes will have a guide number of around 35 to 45, meaning they can get 35 to 45 feet at ISO 100, while more expensive and powerful flashes can easily have guide numbers that surpass 100.

Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight Flash

Lifewire

Recycle Time

How long will your model need to wait before you can use your flash again, or will your flash recharge fast enough for you to capture sports? Some high-end flash gear can take up to 100 photos without a recharge, but others will need a few seconds after each shot—generally called recycling time.

FAQ
  • If your camera comes with a built-in flash, do you need an external flash too?

    While the built-in flash that you’ll find on most DSLR cameras is sufficient for most scenarios, they don’t have much in the way of adjusting options. Investing in a dedicated flash option will give you the versatility that professional photographers use.

  • These are pretty expensive, how long can you expect an external flash to last?

    This largely depends on how much use your flash gets and can also be influenced by other factors such as the intensity of the flash, what bulb you’re using, or weather conditions. As a general rule, however, you can expect your external flash to provide anywhere from 100,000 to 300,000 flashes before giving up the ghost.

  • If you're using a flash, but now your subject appears too light or washed out, what should you do?

    It helps to have something to bounce or diffuse your flash before it gets to your subject. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways. The easiest way is to not point the flash directly at your subject, instead bouncing the light off a nearby surface. Some covers will help soften it while providing adequate light to whatever you’re shooting.

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