Best Products > Camera & Video 42 42 people found this article helpful The 7 Best DLSR Camera Flashes in 2023 You won't be left in the dark with these top camera flashes By Katie Dundas Katie Dundas Twitter Writer University of Massachusetts University of Stirling Katie Dundas is a writer with an affinity for cameras, drones, and fitness tech. She has written for Business Insider, Travel Trend, and more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 23, 2023 We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Tweet Share Email Camera & Video Accessories Experienced photographers know the right external camera flash can be a game-changer when shooting. They're also a must for studio shooting, as the best camera flashes can evenly diffuse light, removing unwanted shadows to create a beautiful, bright subject. While they're not necessarily essential for casual photographers, camera flashes provide some advantages—a good flash can reduce red-eye when taking portraits and extend your camera's battery life since you won't be dependent on it your camera's flash for lighting. If you're in the market for a new flash, or want to try one out for the first time, here are the best camera flashes currently on the market for experienced and amateur photographers. The Rundown Best Overall: Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT Flash at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget Flash for Canon/Nikon: Neewer TT560 Flash Speedlite at Amazon Jump to Review Best Flash for Nikon DSLR: Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight Flash at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget Flash for All: YONGNUO YN560 IV at Amazon Jump to Review Best Features: Nikon SB-5000 at Amazon Jump to Review Best Flash for Beginners: Neewer NW-561 Flash at Amazon Jump to Review Best Flash for Sony DSLR: Sony HVL-F32M at Amazon Jump to Review in this article Expand Our Picks What to Look For in a Camera Flash for DSLR FAQ Best Overall Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT Flash 4.6 Courtesy of Amazon.com View On Amazon What We Like Compact size is great for travel Easy to use, thanks to the inclusion of an on-screen menu Quality build will last for years What We Don't Like Expensive Not weather-sealed Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT Flash Review 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. With an on-screen menu, setting up your controls and taking the perfect shot is easy. 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 Speedlite 600EX II-RT. If you don’t need such a large 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 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 "The Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT Flash is a full-featured speedlight that will cover just about all the bases most users will want in a camera-mounted flash." — Jonno Hill, Product Tester Lifewire / Jonno Hill Best Budget Flash for Canon/Nikon Neewer TT560 Flash Speedlite 4.2 Courtesy of Amazon.com View On Amazon What We Like Budget-friendly price makes this flash easily accessible Compatible with a wide range of cameras Includes transmitter flash feature, not often seen on inexpensive models What We Don't Like Build quality isn't as high as other flashes No LCD display Neewer TT560 Flash Speedlite Review 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, basic 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, this means photographers can quickly master the use of external flashes. Overall, it’s an affordable and basic 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 "This flash will provide fantastic value to anyone looking for additional light and without a lot of advanced control." — Jonno Hill, Product Tester Lifewire Best Flash for Nikon DSLR Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight Flash 4.2 Courtesy of Amazon.com View On Amazon View On Best Buy View On Adorama.com What We Like Impressive recycling time Flash can be positioned both vertically and horizontally Durable build quality What We Don't Like Expensive Has a lower guide number Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight Flash Review The brand's SB-700 AF Speedlight Flash is a top option for Nikon users. This flash is quite an investment, so it's probably not suited for beginners. 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 and means 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. It makes the flash ideal for both portrait and landscape shots since you can easily position it just as needed. 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. Lifewire Guide Number: 92 (ISO 100) | Zoom Flash Range: 24 to 120mm | Recycling Time: Approximately 2.5 to 3.5 seconds "One area where the Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight Flash excels in its recycling time, or the time it takes for the flash to be ready to use again after firing." — Jonno Hill, Product Tester Best Budget Flash for All YONGNUO YN560 IV Wireless Flash Speedlite Master 4.2 Courtesy of Amazon.com View On Amazon View On B&H Photo Video What We Like Great price point Wireless Plenty of options for manual control What We Don't Like Doesn't offer TTL metering Controls aren't always intuitive Yongnuo YN560 IV Wireless Flash Speedlite Master Review The YONGNUO YN560-TX is worth checking out if you plan to shoot with manual controls. This solid flash is compatible with most DSLRs and can be found for less than $70. 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 "The Yongnuo YN560 IV Wireless Flash Speedlite Master features a robust design that doesn’t feel like the manufacturer skimped on build quality — one of our biggest concerns with budget-minded flashes like this." — Jonno Hill, Product Tester Lifewire Best Features Nikon SB-5000 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Adorama.com What We Like Lightning-fast continuous shooting, thanks to the addition of a cooling system Lots of controls and features not found in other flashes Advanced Wireless Lighting system lets you control up to six lighting groups What We Don't Like Very expensive Menu system and controls aren't straightforward Looking for one of the best camera flashes money can buy? 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 wrapped your head around 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 Best Flash for Beginners Neewer NW-561 Flash View On Amazon View On Walmart View On B&H Photo Video What We Like Powerful flash compatible with most DSLRs Beginners can learn how to use it quickly Built-in transmitter mode What We Don't Like Flimsy build Manual only, not TTL Switching from your camera’s flash to an external flash can be challenging, but the Neewer NW-561 Flash makes the process easier. This affordable, entry-level flash is simple to learn but offers enough great features to help you take beautiful photos. It’s compatible with a range of DSLR cameras and can help you learn the basics, letting you decide if you want to upgrade to a higher-end flash. While there’s no LCD screen and the flash can operate only as a manual flash, this is to be expected in flashes at a lower price point. However, it’s still an easy-to-use flash that offers a power-saving mode, great for longer shooting sessions, and temperature protection for heating control. You can also rotate the flash horizontally and vertically, making it possible to nail the shot. Guide Number: 35 (ISO 100) | Zoom Flash Range: Fixed zoom | Recycling Time: Approximately 2.9 seconds The 4 Best Studio Light Kits for Photographers in 2023 Best Flash for Sony DSLR Sony HVL-F32M Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Adorama.com What We Like Dust and moisture-resistant Manual and TTL controls Compact and easy to use What We Don't Like 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 isn't as high as 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 The 5 Best Video Cameras of 2023 Lifewire / Jonno Hill What to Look For in a Camera Flash for DSLR Camera System If you don't mind 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'll need to ensure the unit offers TTL compatibility for your camera brand. Flash Output How bright do you need your flash to be when shooting? Keep an eye out for a flash’s guide number, which tells you how far a flash can reach. Typical budget flashes will have a guide number of around 35 to 45, meaning they can reach 35 to 45 feet at ISO 100, while more expensive and powerful flashes can easily have guide numbers that surpass 100. 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 the majority of DSLR cameras is sufficient for most scenarios, they don’t have much in the way of adjustment 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? Odds are you need 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. There are also covers that will help soften the flash while also providing adequate light to whatever it is you’re shooting. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit