Last week we devoted ourselves to exploring the virtues of the Godox AD600 Pro, a fabulous studio flash that can hold its own and even challenge the always interesting Profoto B1X at a fraction of its price. But if you feel those cannons are too much for your photographic plans, don't worry. While the rest of the web recommends following the path of the Profoto A1, we offer an alternative in the form of the Godox V1, which has very similar specifications at a third of the cost.
We love seeing the effects of competition, especially in the world of photography. While there are still some components that require very significant investments, the truth is that most manufacturers have accepted the challenge of optimizing their price-performance ratio and launching new products with very attractive numbers.
Few cases are as striking as that of the Godox AD600 Pro, a formidable studio flash that costs less than half of what Profoto asks for its B1X, but if we step down a couple of levels in terms of power and functionality, we discover that the fight is just as interesting. Let's make room for the Godox V1, a circular-head flash that begs for a face-off with the Profoto A1, and has everything it needs for it, from format and power to battery performance, and of course, price.
Godox V1 is compatible with Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Olympus/Panasonic, and Pentax systems.
Godox V1: Specifications
- Compatible with Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Olympus/Panasonic, Pentax systems
- 76 W/s, power range of 9 stops, 1/256 to 1/1
- 2W LED modeling lamp, 3300K +/- 200K, 10 levels
- 7.2V 2600mAh battery pack, with 480 flash capacity (at maximum power)
- Recycling time of 1.5 seconds (maximum)
- Flash duration, 1/300 - 1/20000 seconds
- High-speed sync, 1/8000
- 2.4 GHz wireless system, master or slave, 32 channels, 4 groups
- Color temperature 5600K, +/- 200K
Fortunately, the manufacturer decided not to make any major changes to the appearance of the Godox V1. If you've had the chance to work with a Profoto A1 or similar, I'm sure you'll master it completely in a matter of minutes. Its LED screen is clear, and it's backed by a solid backlight. The power button is actually a switch, which helps avoid accidental presses that turn off the flash. A feature very appreciated by users is the quick release with a locking safety for the shoe connection. Whether you use it on-camera or on a stand, attaching and releasing the flash requires just one motion.
The overall weight of the Godox V1 (that is, with its battery pack installed) comes to 534 grams, and its dimensions are 76 by 93 by 197 millimeters. These numbers place it on par with the Profoto A1 in terms of use, transport, and storage, with a difference of just 25 grams in its favor, and a slightly larger volume (1.39 liters versus 1.33 for the Profoto A1).
Godox V1: Power
In a word, a tie. The Godox V1 and the Profoto A1 don't differ here. Both develop a total power of 76 W/s, divisible into nine stops with 0.1 increments if you see fit (although both brands use a different scale). Unfortunately, Profoto didn't confirm the exact specifications of the A1's modeling lamp, but we can say that on the Godox V1 it's 2W, with a color temperature of 3300K (leaning yellow, with +/- 200K margin) and 10 control levels. What about the unmodified light pattern? I think Godox is definitely a step above. Look at this image:
Now, Profoto insists on promoting the A1 as "the most compact studio flash," but let's be honest. Both the A1 and the Godox V1 are in line with the definition of a speedlight, and you'll most likely use them that way. The power is abundant for that case, and relatively easy to control, however, sooner or later you'll need to take light manipulation a step further, and that's where accessory support comes in. Fortunately, neither flash disappoints thanks to the magnetic system, which makes installation a breeze. Profoto's accessory availability is wider, and on Godox's side, they are more economical.
Godox V1: Flash duration and synchronization
Another point where there aren't too many differences is flash duration. The Profoto A1 reports values of 1/800 - 1/20000, and the Godox V1 is 1/300 - 1/20000. Neither company confirmed whether these values are t.1 (I checked manuals and official sites, without luck), but today I'll give them the benefit of the doubt because they did a good job before.
HSS support is there, with a ceiling of 1/8000 for both flashes. They are also identical when it comes to losing power under that mode, an average of three stops. I admit this sounds a bit more negative than it should, but don't worry. Its performance is consistent indoors and outdoors, and at the end of the day, that's exactly what we want.
Godox V1: Recycling time and battery
The battle for speed continues, and when analyzing recycling time, we find that once again, the Godox V1 and Profoto A1 don't gain an advantage over each other. The Profoto A1 recycles in 1.2 seconds, while Godox announces a maximum of 1.5 seconds. In other words, there's no really noticeable difference. The only situation that puts the Profoto A1 a step ahead is in the number of sustained shots. The A1 doesn't seem to suffer limitations when shooting at maximum power, but the Godox V1 has a thermal protection that kicks in after 30 shots.
On the other side, the Godox V1 essentially destroys the Profoto A1 with its battery. The A1's charge lasts for 350 shots at maximum power, but on the Godox V1, that number rises to 480. Additionally, the battery drain on the Godox flash is very low in stand-by, while on the Profoto A1 they basically recommend charging with an extra couple of battery packs.
Godox V1: Price
They say the sweetest should be saved for last, and on the Godox V1, that's obviously its price. Let's see: At the time of writing, the Profoto A1 floats around 770 euros. Needless to say, if you already own Profoto hardware and prefer to stay within that family or have better support in your region, the logical thing would be to take a deep breath, pay the premium and squeeze that flash to the max to recover the investment quickly.
However, the Godox V1 kicks the table with 270 euros on its label, regardless of the camera model you use. If you're worried about support, remember you have a formidable Godox Spain distributor at your disposal, and it adds free shipping with the purchase of this flash. Good luck!
