Godox V860iii Review (vs V860ii & V1) Li-on III R2 TTL

Godox just updated one of their most successful products, the V860ii. How does the new V860iii stack up against the competition, and against Godox's own lineup now? Let's have a look, real world, hands on, and super in depth. (Also known as the Flashpoint Zoom Li-on III R2 TTL)

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*Disclosure: This product was provided to me free of charge by Pergear for my honest review. Additionally, I am a member of Amazon, Adorama and Pergear affiliate/associate programs, and anything that you purchase by clicking on/through my links could result in me getting a commission. That being said, I greatly appreciate you doing so, as it helps to fund this channel's operations, as well as feed my family.

[essychan]

I love editing Wes who’s not trying to sell presets. Edit your own photos, just fiddle with the sliders! You are so right, love this 😆

[marat]

Thank you!
It is so great that you combine numbers, statistics and your impressions in reviews!
It really sets you apart from other reviewers.

Could you also add next things to feature reviews:
- Recycle time measurement at high powers. Maybe from 1/1 to 1/16.
- Power stability in serial shooting. Some low price flashes decrease power in duration of series. Good flashes stop firing when can't emit required energy.
- Light distribution at different zoom levels and with integrated diffuser.

It you review radio triggers:
- Maximal shooting speed. For Godox there are two cases: single user mode and when multiple photographers share the same flashes.

[ViciousXUSMC]

Thanks for the video. Been looking at the V1 vs 860mk3 all day.

Currently $30 cheaper to get the 860.

Decided to go for the 860.
I like the built in flash card, smaller to pack and looks a little less obnoxious on camera.

Where I really had to make the decision is what can one do that the other can not.

The 860 has the LED light that may or may not be useful.

The 860 has the further zoom setting that may or may not be useful.

I have a soft box that accepts the AD200 or the 860 where the V1 will not work.

And you can get the round adapter for $10 to use all the round accessories.

So in theory the 860 can do everything the V1 can, and a few things it can not.

However not so much the other way around.

Based on my research, a lot of old school shooter's just happened to prefer the way light is projected with the 860 over the V1, apparently less waisted light. But I know myself personally I always prefer soft diffused light.

I always bounce when I can, and when I couldn't usually had a dime diffuser on my old setup.

Despite this preference, my analytical and logical brain said go for the 860MK3 as it seemed more versatile in the end, and also at a slight cost savings.

What I am curious of is how the fresnel head preforms using the adapter for the round mag accessories.

Being a mismatch in form factor, have you noticed any impact on overall quality of diffusion or directionality of light?

[mhaustria]

I went through most of your stress tests and reviews of the V1, AS200 and the V8600iii and ii. Thanks a lot for all of your time and the details you went into. It was very informative. You really got into details I was looking for - like color accuracy. I was looking for something to replace my canon 600ex strobes. I quite like them, but I never know how full the batteries are. And the new Canon one with lithium battery costs 4 times more than this one - and normally I carry 4 of the Canon speedlites with me ;) Again, thanks for all your efforts, you just made my search (and life) easier.

[mfratino]

Hey Wes, great video! I like the modeling light. I shoot hybrid and if I need to capture video in a dark situation on the fly, the modeling light works great!

[smalltalk.productions]

just picked up a used V860ii/$140 for my new to me Sony A7R3. i now wonder if i should have waited. thanks for the effort and sharing.. i am an appreciative subscriber. thumbs up.

[dharuacharya]

That one direction bit was subtle but hilarious. Thanks. Love the review

[intrinsicimagery]

With regard to the "obnoxiously bright" focus assist, I think it is brilliant for wedding receptions. I use it to trigger my AD200Pro / MagMod setup.

[ayfj]

Very comprehensive, thanks for the information. I will not be upgrading as the VII is more than adequate for me.

[jer]

Wes, your knowledge and experience was very evident in this helpful review, thank you. With 2x V860II, an XPro-N Trigger, and 1x AD200 Pro coupled with NO knowledge and experience, I listened to every word. I'm not planning an upgrade, just hungry for info about using what I have in-and-around my small home studio. Thanks for a few tips in this video. BTW, just last week my cell phone batt swelled up and popped the back cover off the bottom of the case. Thanks to you, I now know what happened. Think I'll investigate whether there is a new "A" version for the Godox VB18 batt. And I see a few more of your videos I want to check out. Thank you!

[EvanWisheropp]

The buttons on the V1 wheel drive me absolutely nuts. I always end up changing the mode or some other feature when I am trying to spin the dial. I was desperately hoping the new version of the 860 would solve that, but it just added the same problem. Fail 😢

[micknificent]

I have to disagree with you about the modeling lamp or focus assisting lamp. I own the Canon R5 and used the led modeling lamp from the V860iii in a dark lit wedding reception space. I used the older EF 85mm 1.2 lens on people moving across the dance floor and was able to land 90% of my shots. Wherever I pointed the focusing point were tack sharp in comparison to using the AF assist beams. My only complaint is that leaving it on will drain the battery a lot faster. So its best to shut off the led light when switching to another camera. The Godox V860iii and the RF 28-70mm f2.0 was my best investment for the year. I plan on getting a second V860iii.

[LinDeHai]

Just got mine. The mode button is a bit annoying. Sometimes it works fine and sometimes I have to press a bit harder. And the rotating wheel seems fragile. It's also too easy to turn.

[ForeverYoung]

Thank you Wes for your thorough and honest review. I personally find the godox menus (I have v1s) somewhat confusing and I usually need to look things up to refresh as I don't use them very frequent.

[dmenaced]

Great review! I liked that you showed the prices of similar flashes at the end. And that editing bit was great. 👍

[smalltalk.productions]

i have a VB18 that was less than 6 months old and is now DEAD. it will NOT charge. i put it into the charging station and the red lights keep blinking but no charge NADA. i am VERY disappointed since these batteries are not inexpensive. as for their power delivery, i have had no issues with my V1 or TT685 but i am not pleased with the Godox VB18. thanks for your effort and sharing. i am an appreciative subscriber. thumbs up.

[bjnslc]

I personally wanted stronger angle detents or a locking mechanism from Godox. The weak detents often slip when I'm using a light modifier.

[leohd]

I followed and like just for his "presets", that was truly amazing

[gordonkako]

That One Direction pun and picture 😂🙌🏽 It got me rewinding

[misahorna]

Thank you for the useful information about mark III. I have V860 mkII and TT600 and I'm happy. I would like AD200 pro but I can't afford it at this time.