Godox still among top choices for cheap flash systems?

I have a couple older Elinchrome studio lights and a Godox speed light, and want to add more studio lights and speed lights both.

I use the Godox with a small octa rapid box a lot, but sometimes use it with the studio lights, too. I previously used an Elinchrome trigger for the studio light, but migrated to using a cheap Vello trigger and receiver w/cable on one light and triggered the other with flash from the first. I added in a speed light also on flash trigger quite often.

However, going forward I would like some new studio strobes, and would like a more integrated system. Sure, if I hit the lottery my choices would be different, but until then, are people still using Godox a lot? I get the impression that they are, but things have changed quite a bit, I wanted to see if a better choice was available now.

Thanks for your help!!!

Carol

Carol T said:

I have a couple older Elinchrome studio lights and a Godox speed light, and want to add more studio lights and speed lights both.

I use the Godox with a small octa rapid box a lot, but sometimes use it with the studio lights, too. I previously used an Elinchrome trigger for the studio light, but migrated to using a cheap Vello trigger and receiver w/cable on one light and triggered the other with flash from the first. I added in a speed light also on flash trigger quite often.

However, going forward I would like some new studio strobes, and would like a more integrated system. Sure, if I hit the lottery my choices would be different, but until then, are people still using Godox a lot? I get the impression that they are, but things have changed quite a bit, I wanted to see if a better choice was available now.

Click to expand...

The short answer is yes.

The longer answer is it's not just cheap flash systems. They now make reasonably high end systems like this 2400Ws pack system at $5K and an extra $800 per head or these modifiers at $1,400 to $1,800 each.

As far as studio strobes are concerned if you want mains only strobes I'd suggest you look at the MS and DPIII range depending on your need of power. If your budget will stretch to it Lights like the AD400Pro and AD200Pro will give you TTL and HSS, and remove the need for power cables, though you can get a mains power adapter for the AD400Pro.

tugwilson said:

Carol T said:

I have a couple older Elinchrome studio lights and a Godox speed light, and want to add more studio lights and speed lights both.

I use the Godox with a small octa rapid box a lot, but sometimes use it with the studio lights, too. I previously used an Elinchrome trigger for the studio light, but migrated to using a cheap Vello trigger and receiver w/cable on one light and triggered the other with flash from the first. I added in a speed light also on flash trigger quite often.

However, going forward I would like some new studio strobes, and would like a more integrated system. Sure, if I hit the lottery my choices would be different, but until then, are people still using Godox a lot? I get the impression that they are, but things have changed quite a bit, I wanted to see if a better choice was available now.

Click to expand...

The short answer is yes.

The longer answer is it's not just cheap flash systems. They now make reasonably high end systems like this 2400Ws pack system at $5K and an extra $800 per head or these modifiers at $1,400 to $1,800 each.

As far as studio strobes are concerned if you want mains only strobes I'd suggest you look at the MS and DPIII range depending on your need of power. If your budget will stretch to it Lights like the AD400Pro and AD200Pro will give you TTL and HSS, and remove the need for power cables, though you can get a mains power adapter for the AD400Pro.

Click to expand...

Thanks! Yes, actually am looking at the better level of lights, not just cheap ones. At one time, the Paul Buff lights were considered the hot set-up for more value-oriented (vs pro-level) light, but it seems that Godox may have moved into that territory, and not just cheap, almost disposable gear.

Thanks for the input!

Come back if you have more specific questions. Lots of people here have experience with a wide range of Godox products.

Carol T said:

Thanks! Yes, actually am looking at the better level of lights, not just cheap ones. At one time, the Paul Buff lights were considered the hot set-up for more value-oriented (vs pro-level) light, but it seems that Godox may have moved into that territory, and not just cheap, almost disposable gear.

Thanks for the input!

Click to expand...

I've still got a studio full of Paul Buff lights, but my location lights are Godox. If I were starting today, with the same cost considerations, I'd go with Godox. They still have the most comprehensive system at the lower end of cost.

Although Buff service is still stunning--and far superior to Godox, and although my Buff lights have proven durable over 15 years now, my concept of studio light long-term value has also changed.

At one point, my concept was to buy once for the long term....to buy a system that would last twenty years.

But now, with technical advances coming so rapidly...will I even want to keep a system for twenty years? "Disposable" might not be a bad word.

Carol T said:

Carol T said:

[...]

Click to expand...

Thanks! Yes, actually am looking at the better level of lights, not just cheap ones. At one time, the Paul Buff lights were considered the hot set-up for more value-oriented (vs pro-level) light, but it seems that Godox may have moved into that territory, and not just cheap, almost disposable gear.

Click to expand...

Godox is disposable in the plain meaning of the word: there are no service depots. Adorama provides full-replacement warranty on their re-branded Godox. Once out of warranty you are reliant on their good graces.

Buff's service is good. Repair is great in the US, good in Canada, and the support is great in both countries (calling or emailing).

The Buff line is "integrated" to use your word. If you find the Cyber Commander too complex or feature-rich ( pick a phrase ) then they offer the CyberSense controller.

I hear that the app for the newest controller (the "Hub") is quite good. I have not used it. It looks good in the demos.

Anyway, here's the website, something for everybody: https://www.paulcbuff.com/

RDKirk said:

Carol T said:

Thanks! Yes, actually am looking at the better level of lights, not just cheap ones. At one time, the Paul Buff lights were considered the hot set-up for more value-oriented (vs pro-level) light, but it seems that Godox may have moved into that territory, and not just cheap, almost disposable gear.

Thanks for the input!

Click to expand...

I've still got a studio full of Paul Buff lights, but my location lights are Godox. If I were starting today, with the same cost considerations, I'd go with Godox. They still have the most comprehensive system at the lower end of cost.

Although Buff service is still stunning--and far superior to Godox, and although my Buff lights have proven durable over 15 years now, my concept of studio light long-term value has also changed.

At one point, my concept was to buy once for the long term....to buy a system that would last twenty years.

But now, with technical advances coming so rapidly...will I even want to keep a system for twenty years? "Disposable" might not be a bad word.

Click to expand...

Yes, sounds like a very wise approach!

And what I meant by 'disposable' was the same as someone else mentioned below: If they break, probably cannot get them repaired, and even if you could, probably cheaper to just replace them, esp if you count your time for anything.

rumple said:

Carol T said:

rumple said:

[...]

Click to expand...

Thanks! Yes, actually am looking at the better level of lights, not just cheap ones. At one time, the Paul Buff lights were considered the hot set-up for more value-oriented (vs pro-level) light, but it seems that Godox may have moved into that territory, and not just cheap, almost disposable gear.

Click to expand...

Godox is disposable in the plain meaning of the word: there are no service depots. Adorama provides full-replacement warranty on their re-branded Godox. Once out of warranty you are reliant on their good graces.

Buff's service is good. Repair is great in the US, good in Canada, and the support is great in both countries (calling or emailing).

The Buff line is "integrated" to use your word. If you find the Cyber Commander too complex or feature-rich ( pick a phrase ) then they offer the CyberSense controller.

I hear that the app for the newest controller (the "Hub") is quite good. I have not used it. It looks good in the demos.

Anyway, here's the website, something for everybody: https://www.paulcbuff.com/

Click to expand...

Thanks!

And yes, that is exactly how I meant 'disposable': if they break, probably cannot be fixed or worth being fixed, though that perhaps is less true of their newer, higher-end models, I don't know.

I have not looked at the Paul Buff website in years. Looks mostly the same, and the prices even seem the same! I like that system because they sell a lot of well-priced light modifiers. No speed lights, though. That is one thing about Godox, one controller can do everything, I think.

tugwilson said:

Come back if you have more specific questions. Lots of people here have experience with a wide range of Godox products.

Click to expand...

Thanks, I will! Just looking for a general direction at this point. I used to read Flash Havoc, do not know if it is even still around, but wow, got pretty confused with all the competing products!

Elvis is still around he just stopped updating that site.

rumple said:

Godox is disposable in the plain meaning of the word: there are no service depots. Adorama provides full-replacement warranty on their re-branded Godox. Once out of warranty you are reliant on their good graces.

Buff's service is good. Repair is great in the US, good in Canada, and the support is great in both countries (calling or emailing).

The Buff line is "integrated" to use your word. If you find the Cyber Commander too complex or feature-rich ( pick a phrase ) then they offer the CyberSense controller.

I hear that the app for the newest controller (the "Hub") is quite good. I have not used it. It looks good in the demos.

Anyway, here's the website, something for everybody: https://www.paulcbuff.com/

Click to expand...

When Paul Buff was alive, he stated that that his intention was to produce studio flash units, and explicitly not portable flash units. He put out some batteries that would run his studio flash, but true portability was not on his agenda.

The Buff line is not integrated in the sense that it doesn't offer a decent range of truly portable flash units. They've recently started selling their big and powerful "Link" flash (which has an attached battery, TTL, and HSS), It's controls are not truly integrated the rest of the system, meaning that the Link doesn't speak directly to the Cyber system, but requires a separate Hub system that kinda connects to the Cyber system.

But they certainly don't have an integrated system including a range of on-camera speedlights, a range of battery-powered studio lights, et cetera.

Nikonparrothead said:

Elvis is still around he just stopped updating that site.

Click to expand...

Oh, thanks! I have not gone to the site in a long, long time. Once I settled on Godox I just bought stuff from them and ignored the rest, lol. That was why I was asking here if things had moved on from Godox.

RDKirk said:

When Paul Buff was alive, he stated that that his intention was to produce studio flash units

Click to expand...

As I see it that remains the focus. The Link, while it can have a battery, is studio-centric. The Godox offerings, while some of them can be powered with a mains adapter, are location-centric.

RDKirk said:

The Buff line is not integrated in the sense that it doesn't offer a decent range of truly portable flash units.

Click to expand...

A Digibee with a VML is pretty portable. Not sure how you define the word, could be different from my definition.

RDKirk said:

They've recently started selling their big and powerful "Link" flash (which has an attached battery, TTL, and HSS), It's controls are not truly integrated the rest of the system, meaning that the Link doesn't speak directly to the Cyber system

Click to expand...

Yes it does. Quoting Buff marketing people regarding the Cyber Commander (and by extension the Cyber Sense) from early 2020: "The only difference, it will not be able to perform HSS or TTL without the HUB remote." Which is unsurprising as the CC was developed well before anyone thought of HSS or TTL for 'studio' strobes.

RDKirk said:

, but requires a separate Hub system that kinda connects to the Cyber system.

Click to expand...

The Hub is required only if someone needs TTL with the Link. The Hub is backwards-compatible and will work with all of the CyberSync receivers.

So the Hub doesn't "kinda connect", it connects. It is not "separate".

RDKirk said:

But they certainly don't have an integrated system including a range of on-camera speedlights, a range of battery-powered studio lights, et cetera.

Click to expand...

You and I mean something different by integrated. Your definition I would call "comprehensive". My definition is "works together". Not to brag... but my definition is pretty close to dictionary.com ( "combining or coordinating separate elements so as to provide a harmonious, interrelated whole" ) and is in any event the common definition.

It's an integrated system.

Godox / Flashpoint is the best strobe system to buy into. They sell affordable NOT cheap products. I have purchased 8 separate Godox flashes or strobes and I have not had any service issues with them over the 5 years I've been using them. I have used them professionally with no issues.

flbdig said:

Godox / Flashpoint is the best strobe system to buy into. They sell affordable NOT cheap products. I have purchased 8 separate Godox flashes or strobes and I have not had any service issues with them over the 5 years I've been using them. I have used them professionally with no issues.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the info!

Carol T said:

And what I meant by 'disposable' was the same as someone else mentioned below: If they break, probably cannot get them repaired, and even if you could, probably cheaper to just replace them, esp if you count your time for anything.

Click to expand...

Studio use is one thing; strictly in the studio, a flash should last almost indefinitely.

Going on location is another thing. As solid as a flash unit may be, none of them is warranted against being blown over by the wind or knocked over by a wave or slammed by an air cargo loader.

"My brand is more durable!"
"Yeah? Hand it to me. I'm going to drop it from waist height. What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

My motto is "three is two, two is one, one is none." I always carry a spare for everything indispensable, which means I'd carry multiple flash units no matter what brand I used. If I intended to use three, I'd carry four.

rumple said:

Carol T said:

rumple said:

[...]

Click to expand...

Thanks! Yes, actually am looking at the better level of lights, not just cheap ones. At one time, the Paul Buff lights were considered the hot set-up for more value-oriented (vs pro-level) light, but it seems that Godox may have moved into that territory, and not just cheap, almost disposable gear.

Click to expand...

Godox is disposable in the plain meaning of the word: there are no service depots. Adorama provides full-replacement warranty on their re-branded Godox. Once out of warranty you are reliant on their good graces.

Buff's service is good. Repair is great in the US, good in Canada, and the support is great in both countries (calling or emailing).

The Buff line is "integrated" to use your word. If you find the Cyber Commander too complex or feature-rich ( pick a phrase ) then they offer the CyberSense controller.

I hear that the app for the newest controller (the "Hub") is quite good. I have not used it. It looks good in the demos.

Anyway, here's the website, something for everybody: https://www.paulcbuff.com/

Click to expand...

Repair services for Godox kit are beginning to appear. In the USA there's Molight and in the UK Pixapro and Lencarta offer the service.

I have absolutely no experience of PCB equipment. From a couple of thousand miles away it looks like the reason they are very good at fixing their kit is that they make stuff that breaks a lot. I do understand that that's a heresy

tugwilson said:

Repair services for Godox kit are beginning to appear. In the USA there's Molight and in the UK Pixapro and Lencarta offer the service.

I have absolutely no experience of PCB equipment. From a couple of thousand miles away it looks like the reason they are very good at fixing their kit is that they make stuff that breaks a lot. I do understand that that's a heresy

Click to expand...

I've got a lot of Buff equipment, some I've had now for over 15 years. The only failure I've had (I don't consider the time I shorted a unit by my own dumb error a "failure") was firing up a flash at full power that I hadn't used in several years. That blew the capacitor.

The reason Buff's service is lauded is because of their customer service policies. When I shorted one unit that was under warranty, they sent out a new one the day I called them. When it arrived, I handed the UPS guy the old unit, he handed me the new one.

RDKirk said:

Carol T said:

And what I meant by 'disposable' was the same as someone else mentioned below: If they break, probably cannot get them repaired, and even if you could, probably cheaper to just replace them, esp if you count your time for anything.

Click to expand...

Studio use is one thing; strictly in the studio, a flash should last almost indefinitely.

Going on location is another thing. As solid as a flash unit may be, none of them is warranted against being blown over by the wind or knocked over by a wave or slammed by an air cargo loader.

"My brand is more durable!"
"Yeah? Hand it to me. I'm going to drop it from waist height. What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

My motto is "three is two, two is one, one is none." I always carry a spare for everything indispensable, which means I'd carry multiple flash units no matter what brand I used. If I intended to use three, I'd carry four.

Click to expand...

Yes, exactly! I was mostly talking about speed lights when I said 'disposable'; a $70 speed light is far different from a $600 studio light (though of course the Nikon/Canon speed lights cost $600 themselves, lol).

tugwilson said:

Repair services for Godox kit are beginning to appear. In the USA there's Molight and in the UK Pixapro and Lencarta offer the service.

Click to expand...

Agreed; none, as far as I can tell, are factory-authorized (aka have steady access to expertise and parts).

From a couple of thousand miles away it looks like the reason they [Buff] are very good at fixing their kit is that they make stuff that breaks a lot. ! For example said:

I do understand that that's a heresy

Click to expand...

^^ for the humour-impaired the above is from a Monty Python movie and is intended as satire.

Carol T, post: 65652701, member: 931293"]
Yes, exactly! I was mostly talking about speed lights when I said 'disposable'; a $70 speed light is far different from a $600 studio light (though of course the Nikon/Canon speed lights cost $600 themselves, lol).

Click to expand...

Exactly. On a $70 speedlight, shipping and repair costs exceed the cost of the unit.

The Nikon SB-5000, by the way, is worth the money (to me) as an on- or off-camera event light. But not as a manual-only kicker / accent light.

And you may have underestimated potential speedlight prices:

- https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/... Speedlite EL-1 price,you only get one chance'.

- https://profoto.com/ca/a1

They make the SB-5000 look like a bargain!

RDKirk said:

The reason Buff's service is lauded is because of their customer service policies. When I shorted one unit that was under warranty, they sent out a new one the day I called them. When it arrived, I handed the UPS guy the old unit, he handed me the new one.

Click to expand...

Agreed. And it's more than just parts. If you get stuck using their stuff, a real person will respond to an email, generally quickly. I've spent time on the phone getting a quick intro, from someone who was articulate and listened well, on how to setup a cyber commander. Incredible. Then she sent me to a good video that went through things in more detail. And the manuals are quite good too.

RDKirk said:

"My brand is more durable!"
"Yeah? Hand it to me. I'm going to drop it from waist height. What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Click to expand...

It's not abuse, it's general wear and tear. For example, if I ham-fist / seriously over-tighten the umbrella shaft holder on a DigiBee, there is a good chance the threaded insert will pull out. If I do the same thing on a White Lightning, the most likely outcome is a blister - my fingers will fail before the threads do. But, the WL is much heavier than the DB. Different designs for different purposes.

Many cheap lightstands are so poorly made I describe them as "pre-broken". Good ones will last a very long time.

Having said all of that I dropped my SU-800 multiple times and it still worked (not from waist-high onto concreate, of course). Dropped my Debao SU-800 (clone of the Nikon) once, about one foot onto a washing machine, instant death. So there is something to be said for durability even in cases of mild abuse.

tugwilson said:

My motto is "three is two, two is one, one is none." I always carry a spare for everything indispensable, which means I'd carry multiple flash units no matter what brand I used. If I intended to use three, I'd carry four.

Click to expand...

Absolutely. I carry, for example, multiple triggers and can always use an on-camera speedlight as a manual trigger if needed in a pinch.

--
"THINK" - Watson

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