Implementing artificial light into your photography will undoubtedly lead to some really pleasing imagery. I won't lie; this can be a long path that can be confusing at times so let's start simple. The natural place to start is with a flash unit on your camera. These units can often be referred to as speedlights. A speedlight is usually defined as a battery-powered flash unit that can be mounted onto your camera's shoe.
Ideally, beginning photographers will want to choose a speed light that meets your needs, fits in your budget and leaves you room to grow when you are ready for the next step - which will likely be off-camera flash photography.
For on-camera flash photography, I invested in the Godox ecosystem and it's what I recommend. While it is not the only option on the market - I chose it for several reasons.
1.) Lots of options - There is a huge selection. Godox has everything from small, portable on-camera flash units up to studio grade strobes with all of the latest and greatest. It is nearly identical to the Flashpoint ecosystem. Both platforms are pretty much mirrored and compatible with one another and the only difference being the major retailers (BH & Adorama). Almost all of the flash units in their lineup can connect to a trigger and serve in an off-camera flash workflow when and if you are ready to grow in that direction. While I do not recommend this, it should be noted that many of their on-camera units can also serve as a trigger or transmitter themselves when paired with multiple units. I am drifting and we are keeping it simple in this post - long story short, there are a lot of options. More is always better.
2.) Something for every budget - Name brand flash equipment is pricey. By name brand, I mean equipment produced by the camera manufacturers such as Canon, Sony Nikon etc. Godox and Flashpoint tend to be more affordable. I won't lie, their equipment isn't always bullet proof. In my opinion, the tradeoff is build quality and mainly not having a Canon or Sony logo on it. While not top tier, don't sleep on the durability of these lights. I know working photographers who put Godox lights to work regularly without issue. The name brands have their upsides for sure, but that's not a path I chose or recommend so you will have to do your own research.
3.) Super common - There is a whole heap of users to learn from. So many of my peers are in this ecosystem. It is always super easy to bounce questions off of fellow Godox / Flashpoint users. Additionally, there is more information than a bachelor's degree on YouTube regarding these lights.
Godox V1 or V1 Pro - I want to make it known that I don’t actually own one of these. The V1 is a few years old and the pro model came out not too long ago. When students started to bring these into our lighting class, I was immediately impressed. For an on-camera flash unit, they are POWERFUL. They produce an above average amount light compared to most units that students bring in. They also have a modeling light. A modeling light is basically a small constant light that shows where and how the light will likely fall on the subject. It can be handy in low light situations as well. The modeling light feature is uncommon on most speed light models. It also uses a round head. Some may argue with me, but in my opinion this isn’t a huge deal. Manufactures are are using this more modern idea of round light heads. It likely does spread light more evenly in a modifier so there is that. New heads means the need for newer accessories that I am not familiar with. With a little bit of your own research you will figure if this the direction you want to go.
Godox 860 iii or ii - I own two 860 mark ii's. These are absolutely fantastic for what they cost. They likely won't be as powerful as the V1 model but the are workhorses. I use them for on-camera for event photography and general contrast control. I also regularly use them off camera with a Godox trigger. At the higher power settings and placed close to subject they can without a doubt as a strobe replacement. Mind you, taking these off-camera you will be pushing them to their limit. The rechargeable battery on both versions last more than you will need when starting out. The mark iii is the most current version. I believe it is smaller, claims to have more power and battery life. It also has a modeling light that is kind of a gimmick. I think it is that well designed or useful. The mark ii's are still available new and significantly cheaper. They are worth a look.
Godox TT350 or V350 - This light is SMALL! If you worry about weight or size, forget those woes with this feather weight champ. The TT350 uses AA batteries and is significantly cheaper. For a little more, you can have a rechargeable battery. Maybe an unpopular opinion - I light having the TT350 with AA batteries in my camera bag on important shoots. If you forget a charger, you can grab AA batteries at any corner store. I have both models and they work great. At full power it is comparable to its larger siblings. It obviously won't do well with battery life when used at full power. It is so small, I barely know its there so it is easy to justify in the camera bag. It is also very affordable. The biggest downside would be the lack of growth. You will likely hit the roof of power this unit offers and eventually want more. It is a great place to start or add on a second light weight sidekick.
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These models should compatible with multiple makes: Sony, Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Panasonic and Fuji. Be sure to buy the unit for your brand by making sure they are titled correctly. The letter at the end of the title annotates which brand it is intended for. (i.e V350n would be for Nikon and V350s would be for Sony.)
I hope these suggestions serve as a great starting point. Please know that I do not profit from these links. They are purely for your education and launching place for your research. Feel free to reach out for more information.
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