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  • 10 Best Flashguns UK 2024 | Canon, Nikon and More 1
  • 10 Best Flashguns UK 2024 | Canon, Nikon and More 2
  • 10 Best Flashguns UK 2024 | Canon, Nikon and More 3
  • 10 Best Flashguns UK 2024 | Canon, Nikon and More 4
  • 10 Best Flashguns UK 2024 | Canon, Nikon and More 5

10 Best Flashguns UK 2024 | Canon, Nikon and More

Flashguns, also known as speed lights, are essential if you're passionate about photography. They perform quicker than in-built camera flashes, and won't drain your camera's battery as they use their own dedicated power supply. Flashguns can also be operated remotely, allowing for experimentation and professional photography in a studio setting.


Read our guide for tips and advice on everything you  need to know, from power ratings and recycle speeds, to ensuring that you purchase a flashgun that's compatible with your camera. We've even included a ranking and reviews of the 10 best flashguns in the UK from Canon, Nikon, Nissin and more!

Last updated 28/03/2024

Quick List - Top Flashguns

1

Hähnel

Modus 600RT MK II
Modus 600RT MK II

Long-Lasting Power and Impressive Performance at a Budget Price

2

Canon

Speedlite EL-1
Speedlite EL-1

A Professional Flashgun That’s Durable and Dependable

3

Nikon

Speedlight SB-5000
Speedlight SB-5000

Internal Cooling System for Lightning-Fast Recycling Speeds

4

Canon

Canon Speedlight 430 EX III-RT
Canon Speedlight 430 EX III-RT

Intuitive Flashgun With Wireless RF Communication

5

Nissin

i40
i40

High Performance Flash With a Compact Design

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Guide
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Flashgun in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Go For a Flashgun With a High GN Measured at ISO 100 for a More Powerful Flash
  2. Choose a Flashgun With a Recycle Speed Under 4 Seconds and More Than 200 Flashes per Charge 
  3. Opt For a Manual Flashgun for Full Control, or TTL for Automatic Exposure Compensation
  4. Pick RF Wireless Remote Communication for Studio Shoots, or IR for TTTL Metering
  5. Look for Extra Features and Modes Like High-Speed Sync and Rear Curtain Flash 
1

Go For a Flashgun With a High GN Measured at ISO 100 for a More Powerful Flash

Look to the guide number or ' GN'  to help you decide, as a flashgun with a higher GN will create a brighter and more powerful flash. Just be aware that GNs vary significantly depending on factors such as setting, modifications and zoom angles. Unfortunately, this means some sellers provide guide numbers measured at small distances to make a flashgun appear more powerful than it really is.


It's standard practice for all manufacturers to measure the power of their flashguns under the same conditions, which is why reputable retailers give their guide numbers at ISO 100. If the product description doesn't state the ISO number, it's probably wise to steer clear!


So what GN should you aim for? To get the most out of a flashgun, it's sensible to opt for the most powerful flash you can afford. This'll enable you to experiment with tons of different lighting effects. Don't worry about your flashgun being too bright as any decent flashgun will automatically adjust to account for factors such as distance.

2

Choose a Flashgun With a Recycle Speed Under 4 Seconds and More Than 200 Flashes per Charge

Power isn't everything, and you should also consider how you wish your flashgun to perform. For a rough idea of how it'll handle under professional settings, check the recycle speed and how many flashes it can emit per cycle.


Recycle speed refers to how long a flashgun must wait between each flash. How fast a recycle speed you need will depend on how you use your flashgun as lower speeds will suffice for casual photography. Some high-end flashguns may even be slower, on account of being a more powerful unit.


You'll also need to consider how many flashes you need your flashgun to perform per charge cycle. Constant flashes put quite a strain on batteries, and if you're conducting a lengthy photo session, you'll want to ensure they'll last. One method is to carry a spare battery, but you might be better opting for a flashgun that offers more flashes per charge cycle.

3

Opt For a Manual Flashgun for Full Control, or TTL for Automatic Exposure Compensation

Every flashgun falls into one of two categories: manual or TTL (Through the Lens). Both describe different methods a flashgun uses to determine how much power to use per shot. As the name suggests, the power of a manual flashgun is set manually, whereas a TTL flashgun uses your camera’s exposure reading to automatically compensate for the amount of light generated by the flash.


The benefit of a manual flash, aside from generally being more affordable, is that it allows full control. However, a TTL flash is more adaptable and suited to situations where quickfire photography is necessary. TTL flashes also allow for more effects, and because they also allow manual flash options, meaning that they're almost always the superior option, where your budget allows.

4

Pick RF Wireless Remote Communication for Studio Shoots, or IR for TTTL Metering

Many flashguns allow for wireless remote communication. This means that with the right setup, you can fire your flashgun from the other side of the room, allowing for some truly creative photography. Most flashguns communicate wirelessly via either infra-red (IR) or radio frequency (RF). 


IR models are generally cheaper and support TTL metering. However, they require a clear line of sight between the transmitter and receiver, without any obstructions. This makes them ideal for outdoor use. On the other hand, RF flashguns can be operated through walls or objects, giving you more flexibility when it comes to positioning. Although, they often don't support TTL functionality.


You'll also need to take into account whether a flashgun allows wireless communication as a 'master' or 'slave'. For example, some flashguns allow RF communication, but only as a slave, meaning you'll need additional equipment to fire it remotely. On the other hand, you might find a flashgun that works as both master and slave, meaning it can activate and be activated remotely.

5

Look for Extra Features and Modes Like High-Speed Sync and Rear Curtain Flash for Stunning Shots

Extra features and modes are more than just gimmicks when it comes to flashguns, and depending on your photography style, they can mean the difference between a game-changing flashgun and one that's all-but-useless to you. 


Some of the most popular modes include;


  • High-speed sync - This allows you to use your flash at faster shutter speeds. 

  • Stroboscopic mode -  You can use this mode to fire multiple flashes within a single, long exposure.

  • Rear curtain flash - This creates the illusion of movement by firing at the end of a fast exposure. 

Whether you need these modes is up to you, but they can create some truly arresting photographs.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Flashguns in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Hähnel

Modus 600RT MK II

Hähnel Modus 600RT MK II 1

Long-Lasting Power and Impressive Performance at a Budget Price

2

Canon

Speedlite EL-1

Canon Speedlite EL-1 1

A Professional Flashgun That’s Durable and Dependable

3

Nikon

Speedlight SB-5000

Nikon Speedlight SB-5000 1

Internal Cooling System for Lightning-Fast Recycling Speeds

4

Canon

Canon Speedlight 430 EX III-RT

Canon Canon Speedlight 430 EX III-RT 1

Intuitive Flashgun With Wireless RF Communication

5

Nissin

i40

Nissin i40 1

High Performance Flash With a Compact Design

6

Godox

TT600 Flash Kit

Godox TT600 Flash Kit 1

Two Flashguns and Accessories Bundle for a Low Price

7

Phottix

Mitros+ TTL Transceiver Flash

Phottix Mitros+ TTL Transceiver Flash 1

Sturdy Flashgun With a Built-in RF Wireless Transceiver

8

Metz

52 AF-1

Metz 52 AF-1 1

Low Price and Intuitive Control That’s Perfect for Beginners

9

Nissin

Di700A + Air 1

Nissin Di700A + Air 1 1

A Reliable Third-Party Buy With a Choice of Slave Modes

10

Neewer

TT560

Neewer TT560 1

Entry-Level Flashgun With GN 38 Power Rating and 270° Rotation

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Hähnel
Modus 600RT MK II

Modus 600RT MK II 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Modus 600RT MK II 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Modus 600RT MK II 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Modus 600RT MK II 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Modus 600RT MK II 5
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£329.00
Mid
Reference price
£329.00
Mid

Long-Lasting Power and Impressive Performance at a Budget Price

The Modus 600RT MK II has a GN 50 power rating, a 20-200mm motorised zoom head, and plenty of advanced flash options, including high-speed sync and stroboscopic mode. However, what sets this flashgun apart, is that it uses a long-lasting Li-ION battery rather than regular AAs, giving you an impressive 550 flashes at full charge.


It also has an in-built RF transceiver, allowing wireless communication at a range of up to 100m. It doesn't have weather seals to protect it from the rain, and the LCD screen is pretty basic, but the Modus 600RT MK II more than holds its own against the big names at a fraction of the price!

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Canon
Speedlite EL-1

Speedlite EL-1 1
Source:currys.co.uk
Speedlite EL-1 2
Source:currys.co.uk
Speedlite EL-1 3
Source:currys.co.uk
Speedlite EL-1 4
Source:currys.co.uk
Reference price
£1,199.00
High

A Professional Flashgun That’s Durable and Dependable

The EL-1 is a flashgun you can depend on. Its sealed design is weather-resistant, it has its very own internal cooling system to prevent overheating, and the lithium-ion LP-EL battery gives about 335 flashes with minuscule recycle times.


Specs-wise, it offers 180-degree rotation in both directions, a 24-200mm zoom and infra-red and radio frequency communication as both wireless master and slave. All of this comes at a price that's way above the average consumer's budget, but it may just be worth forking out if you're a professional in need of something they can rely on.

No.3

Nikon
Speedlight SB-5000

Speedlight SB-5000 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Speedlight SB-5000 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Speedlight SB-5000 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Speedlight SB-5000 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Speedlight SB-5000 5
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£549.00
High Mid
Reference price
£549.00
High Mid

Internal Cooling System for Lightning-Fast Recycling Speeds

The SB-5000, Nikon's new flagship flashgun, boasts a respectable GN 55m power rating and a 24-200m zoom range. Better yet, it features high TTL accuracy and an internal cooling system for lightning-fast recycling speeds.


Communication has been updated since the previous model, and as well as infrared, the SB-5000 now allows radio frequency wireless communication, albeit only as a slave. Unfortunately, this means additional expenses if you wish to use multiple flashguns with RF.

No.4

Canon
Canon Speedlight 430 EX III-RT

Reference price
£318.99
Mid

Intuitive Flashgun With Wireless RF Communication

It's hard to fault the 430 EX III-RT. It has an impressive GN 43m power rating and a motorised 25-105mm zoom head that swivels 150 and 180 degrees to the left and right, respectively. It also boasts fast recycling speeds.


The 430 EX III-RT is solidly built with highly intuitive controls, eliminating the need for clumsy in-camera menus. Most notably, it allows radio frequency triggering as a wireless master or slave. Unfortunately, it can't be used as an infrared wireless master, which means it's unable to pair with most Canon flashguns, which only support optical transmission.

No.5

Nissin
i40

i40 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
i40 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
i40 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£153.99
Mid
Reference price
£153.99
Mid

High Performance Flash With a Compact Design

The i40 features a compact design that doesn't sacrifice performance. Unlike many smaller flashguns, it uses four AA batteries rather than two, meaning you'll still get a decent 220 flashes per charge, as well as fast recycle times.


It's packed full of features and has a decent GN 40 max power. Plus, it's built well enough to withstand a few knocks and scrapes. It's probably not the right flashgun for a professional studio, but it's more than good enough for casual use.

No.6

Godox
TT600 Flash Kit

TT600 Flash Kit 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
TT600 Flash Kit 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£56.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£56.00
Low Mid

Two Flashguns and Accessories Bundle for a Low Price

First things first, the TT600 is not nearly as powerful as its branded competitors. It's also a manual flashgun, which means no TTL, and its recycle times can be slow. However, its GN 60 power rating is impressive for the price, as is the fact that it's capable of 230 flashes per charge.


What we like best of all is that you get two flashguns and tons of accessories within this kit, including coloured filters, diffusers and more! At such a low price, this bundle is perfect for those looking to get to grips with a manual flashgun. 

No.7

Phottix
Mitros+ TTL Transceiver Flash

Mitros+ TTL Transceiver Flash 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Mitros+ TTL Transceiver Flash 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Mitros+ TTL Transceiver Flash 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Mitros+ TTL Transceiver Flash 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£249.00
Mid
Reference price
£249.00
Mid

Sturdy Flashgun With a Built-in RF Wireless Transceiver

The Mitros+ is a well-built flashgun with a weather-sealed mounting foot to protect your camera's hotshoe. It features a selection of programmable modes, including high-speed sync, rear-curtain and repeat flash.


It also boasts a built-in RF transceiver, so you can use it as a wireless RF master or slave with multiple flashguns without needing to purchase an extra RF transceiver. The Mitros+'s main failure is its slow recycling speed, which becomes even slower when used with alkaline batteries, but that aside, it's a decent flashgun for the price.

No.8

Metz
52 AF-1

52 AF-1 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£139.00
Mid
Reference price
£139.00
Mid

Low Price and Intuitive Control That’s Perfect for Beginners

The simple design of the 52 AF-1 makes it a flashgun that's perfect for beginners. It has only two buttons, but the touchscreen allows access to more sophisticated features. It also boasts infrared wireless master and slave modes and a GN 52 power rating. 


There's no denying that the 52 AF-1 has a few flaws, including a slow recycle speed and no programmable repeat flash mode. However, it's easy to turn a blind eye when this flashgun comes for such a low price.

No.9

Nissin
Di700A + Air 1

Di700A + Air 1 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Di700A + Air 1 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Di700A + Air 1 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£199.95
Mid
Reference price
£199.95
Mid

A Reliable Third-Party Buy With a Choice of Slave Modes

The Di700A features three wireless slave modes. RF communication is enabled via the included Air 1 Commander transmitter that slots into the camera's hotshot, with the option of IR communication and two optical modes; digital, and a film slave mode that triggers on the first pulse of light.


It has an impressive GN 60 power rating, fast recycling speeds and consistent TTL metering. That said, the Di700A's main drawback is its limited onboard interface settings. Consisting of a single-set button and a control wheel, you'll likely need to rely on the host camera's menu system for more sophisticated adjustments. 

No.10

Neewer
TT560

TT560 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
TT560 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£47.49
Low
Reference price
£47.49
Low

Entry-Level Flashgun With GN 38 Power Rating and 270° Rotation

The best thing about the TT560 that it offers decent specs at an entry-level price. It comes with a GN 38 power rating, 270 degree rotation, and S1 and S2 slave modes - which ignore pre-flashes, only firing with the main burst. The universal hot shoe is also compatible with most standard cameras.


It doesn't feature TTL or a zoom head, and in terms of specs, the TT560 pales in comparison to offerings by better-known brands. But, if you're looking to dip your toes in the world of flashguns, there are worse places to start.

Top 5 Flashguns

No. 1: HähnelModus 600RT MK II

No. 2: CanonSpeedlite EL-1

No. 3: NikonSpeedlight SB-5000

No. 4: CanonCanon Speedlight 430 EX III-RT

No. 5: Nissini40

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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