10 Best Flashguns UK 2024 | Canon, Nikon and More

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.