I have to say, watching this in 2022... I wish I would have found you years ago! Thank you for such great explanations of the modes and how they work. I have been flying by the seat of my pants with Godox, and wondering why sometimes things work, and sometimes they don't. You have shed the light on all that stuff! Thanks, this really ups my game for location work, and dials things in so I don't have to test as much!
Hi Robert! Found this video after a lot of try and error with my new V860IIs/X1T-s kit. The products seem to be awesome, but their interface is not designed to be super intuitive (or maybe not for people like me), and I was struggling to find an entry point on how to configure my gear. I did it with your short, clear, and well explained video. Thank you so much!
I was the same. Actually, I was a flash beginner when I got this and found it so difficult to use I gave up for over a year. Then I wanted to do model photography and found I needed flash so I knuckled down and got it. Now I can use it ... but still a beginner lol.
SO glad I found out about this flash! I currently have 3 AD400 Pros, and 2 Ad200s- but I was using a Canon EX580ii as my speedlight. I didn't realize the V860ii could act as a master controller for all other Flashpoint lights! Picking one up today since it's on sale for $149 from Adorama, and am selling all of my Canon speedlights! Thanks for all of the great info, Rob.
Excellent tutorial. Thank u for making life easier. Question: Why would one want to use the FP Zoom R2 TTL flash to control other lights versus using a trigger?
Thank you for this video - it really helps a lot. I am trying to use three flashes -- The V860II as the Master, an AD200 as a slave, and a Nikon SB-600 as a slave. They are all set to TTL, they are all on the same channel, and under group they are Master, A, and B. I assume this means they are in three separate groups, because I can get the V860 to trigger one of the other flashes at time, but I want all three flashes to work at the same time and I can't figure out what I am doing wrong. All are set to TTL. Wondering what I might be doing wrong. Thank you
Hey man... your stuff is always valuable but you don't always know why it's gonna be. - Today, this old flash demo video contained a 12-second explanation of why my last 2 weeks of flash tests have all failed: BECAUSE THE TRANSMITTER WAS TOO CLOSE TO THE RECEIVER so they could never fire. - I was watching EVERY video on these units because I thought my answer would be in the technical info about these units. - It wasn't. It was you making an off-hand comment about wave-width that let me know: move them apart. Your test work now. Everything you've been testing works now. :P Damnit. :)
Hey Robert, I currently have a Nikon D750 and one Nikon SB-910 Speedlite, but I want to get one to two more flashes. So, at the moment, from within the camera I tell the SB-910 how much power to use etc and it fires via the optical signal from the pop-up flash, so I'm just wondering if the V860IIN will play just as easily if I add it to the mix. I know I should get a radio trigger, but that's on my wishlist.
Hey Robert I just purchased an entire new flashpoint kit. Ad600 Pro TTL x 2 plus a zoom to Li ion canon and a regular zoom ttl (because I still want a AA battery fallback). I am figuring everything out except for one thing. I came from the phottix Mitros system. When I am using one flash on top of the camera as the master to control other flashes, is it possible to change the zoom of the slave flash heads? My phottix system allowed this. I cannot figure it out with the flashpoint. I love your work. Your videos have been very helpful in making my decision to jump to the godox/flashpoint system. I know the video says it can’t be done, but curious if anything has been updated since this video was made.
nice tuto just purchased 2xV1 and magbox and they are not compatible so looking for this old flash. i will perhaps use ad200pro in the future what about using v860 with Xpro ? do you still recommend this very old design to switch easily between on-camera flash and off-camera flas (magbox or not) ?
great video! i like godox products and recently bought their pb960 power pack. question: when one uses godox speedlights with the godox pb960 pack, there is no need for other batteries to power the speedlight? when i use my nikon speedlight with the godox pb960, i still need to install batteries for the speedlight electronics. so with the godox pg960 pack and godox speedlights, the pack will power the speedlights completely, right?
I owe you a very late thank you for this video: this is what got me started in flash photography in 2018 with the v860ii. 3 years on I have 5 light setup, all Godox. QT600ii key with 105cm soft box, QT400ii rim with 35x95 strip, AD300pro with S65W, AD200pro with various AD mods, v860ii with beauty dish as hairlight. Please share any insights into what is the best way to gel the AD300pro.
Hello - thanks for the video. Just switched from my Nikon SB 910 to the Godoz V86011. Loving it! However, I hate the beep!! how do I turn that thing off? it beeps when it recycles.
@@robhallphoto Hi I know, but it was just a comparison not a proper review. What I did not now was about the second video on it. So you are correct. Thanks.
great video. You forgot to mention how to access main menu screen, where you can turn the menu screen light on and off (and here you can also access other main menu items). I ran into a situation where my screen light was off and I couldn't figure out to turn it back on. To access the main menu and turn the screen light on, hold down the 2nd button from the left for 3 seconds. The main menu screen will then appear and you can navigate to the menu item for turning light on and off.
@@ajayreddavena6940 if in the manual mode, you should be able to select it and then use the rotation wheel to change the zoom distance. But if it is broken, then to the shop or apply warranty
Dude... First off I love you intro. Second, Thank you. So much help mang. If you are ever in Pittsburgh let me know and I will buy you a malted beverage of your choosing.
Hello. Thanks for your video. I don't know what I did to get the RMT on my flash. It messed me up for a wedding and some of my pics came out bad. How can I take it off?
Hello, thanks for the video. You are very familiar with the devices, great tips! I have a question and can not find a solution: if I am in slave mode and the flash is unleashed via the X1T trigger - the flash unit flashes red on the front at an interval of 1 second for the entire time. Can you turn off this stupid blinking somehow / somewhere? It's frustrating!!!
Quick tip: when you're showing the details on the LCD screen of the flash, it would be better if you reduce the overall exposure so that the screen is clear. In the current settings, the LCD screen is a bit over-exposed and not very clear.
Hi Robert. Thank you for this video. I need a quick info of how to fire the wireless slave without your master flash actually "firing". Simply, how to turn your flash into a wireless trigger..?
Hi Robert; great video. Quick and to the point. Question; how does the re-cycle time on the lithium version compare to the external battery pack version?
Both AA and li-on battery units say recycles at 1.5s. I did find for both, sometimes it was 3 or more seconds and I have missed many shots. But I do enjoy not buying and carrying around AA batteries.
I think it's important to have one speedlite first, because there are lots of situations where on camera run-and-gun flexibility are important (events, weddings, personal work). But, if I had to pick one i'd take the AD200 for it's power output and it's omnidirectional head option.
Not being able to change the zoom level remotely is a bummer. You can do that with the yongnuos. Not sure if I would call it a deal breaker if you are looking to get into your first lighting system, but I don't know if I want to switch from one to the other now. I suppose the fact that they have those battery packs and are compatible with the 360II makes it worthwhile. Do you know if the remote master mode works with the older trigger systems? The ones that you have to clip on.
Hi Robert, Great video. Can I use the V860II as master and triggered wirelessly with X1TC and Canon Speedlight 600EX-RT as slave? If yes, will you please how? Thanks!
While in group mode, does the master unit belong to any group or is it just the brain? Is there a way to make adjustments to the master or turn off the Flash function?
HI Very good demonstration , thanks for explaining the menus . Sir I have question as I have V860IIc how I can connect this to my canon 600RXT flash system as master and slave .
Make sure the bounce card isn't out, even just a little bit. That just happened to me today, I couldn't adjust the zoom, the card was out and as soon as I pushed it completely in I could adjust it.
Hey there! I have a flashpoint zoom li-on R2, but they both seem to have the same menu set up... I have no idea why and cannot seem to find out why the flash assist does not work on my flash! I'ts very frustrating and have been trying to research, if you have any tips i'd love to hear them! Great video btw!
Most common culprit for the AF assist not working is cause people have their camera set to shoot in continuous AF, which doesn’t trigger the AF assist beam (because that wouldn’t make sense since continuous autofocus never “holds” a focus distance). And the menus look different across various brands to match the brands flash features (such as ratios on Canon).
For the more bank for the buck I would invest in the Godox AD200 instead of the V860II, is the AD200 worth $100 more? For my shooting yes all the advantages go to the AD200 as far as battery life, number of full pops per a charge and pure light output and they are almost the same size. In my opinion, you and others will have different opinions. Thanks for the opportunity.
Hey there, I have the 860 for canon and no matter what I did I could not get the flashes to communicate with each other like you did in the video. Were you using a trigger at all or strictly the flash units? If the flashes talk to each other in radio mode without anything else needed can you please tell me how to put the exact settings to do that? You made it look very simple in the video which is why I’m so frustrated with not being able to get mine to do it. Thank you
No trigger was used, this is exactly how you do it to get the flashes to work with one another.. I know the interface is a bit different on Canon to accommodate ratios but otherwise it's the same process. I really have nothing to add outside of what's included in this video because it covers the entire process.
Robert Hall Photography ok thank you for your help. I guess I got unlucky with my flashes because I followed you carefully and can’t get them to work like that. I figured they must be defective. I’ll have to send them back and try again. Thank you.
I like this video and it gives a good top and tail of using this flash. On another note I locked mine up and don't quite know what I pressed. It just reads LOCKED across the bottom of the screen. I was trying to reset it at the time.
Hi Robert! Thank you for this video! There isn't much help around when it comes to Godox ;) I wonder, if one can switch off the bliniking lights in the slave mode? It can be quite irritating, but I couldn't find it anywhere in the instructions. Do you think it is possible? Thank you for all your input anda great video!
I have 2 Flashpoint Li-on speed lights for Sony (a73) and setup everything as you were doing it. It all looks very simple but nothing worked. On or off the camera. Both are on the Green Radio screen, One master on the Sony is set to display Master and also "Group A" and channel 1, and the other flash as the off camera unit has just the "Group A" and channel 1. I reversed the flashes and still no dice. It will work as just a direst slave but that make no sense in a wedding situation. Thanks for any advice you can give. FW
Good and Quality Video . But I'm not satisfied with godox 860iis . Even i have two flashes . Most of the time flash missing the click. Sony Flashes also very weak in build quality . Do you have any good suggestion for sony cameras ?
Flashes misfiring can be for a lot of settings reasons on Sony. Make sure EFCS is off. Make sure its set to fill flash. And make sure your waiting for it to recycle completely, as unlike a AA flash it doesn't partially fire if it's not fully recycled. I would not suggest any other speedlight on the market over the V860ii (except the V1) on any camera because they are the fastest option.
I usually just use TTL. It would be helpful when you explain the different buttons/funtions on why you would want to use those buttons and in what situations.
Flash is too nuanced to incorporate what to do with a particular flash's controls. Either the recommendations would be vague and potentially misleading, or the video would be thorough and hours long. Plus, I've already made tons of tutorials on how to use lighting equipment, including a 10 part series on introduction to flash.
Hi, a very informative video... I checked out a friend using V860iiC in HSS mode with ettl. As that flash got option of sync in ettl mode unlike nikon one which gets that option only in manual mode. How does this matter? And should it matter at all anyway?
Hi Robert, thank you so much for your video. I'm about to switch from Yongnuos to Godox and I have a quick question: It seems that if I were to buy two Godox V860II, one is capable of controlling the other... Now, if I were to set one up on a stand across the room (for a wedding, for example) and have another on my camera for fill light, do I need a transmitter mounted between by Nikon camera and the Godox speedlight (I do need it now for my Yongnuo 685)? Thanks.
No transmitter or receiver required, that’s where the built-in master control of the V860ii comes into play. You just set up the off-camera V860ii as a slave and it will automatically receive the power as set on the master. The YN685 doesn’t function like this???
I've always used a trigger (Yn622N II) on my camera with a fill flash on top. Maybe I'm not setting it up correctly. So what would be the need to buy a Godox trigger, other than just having the main one (without a hotshoe) to control my flash group settings in different places of the room)?
This definitely helped me understand the wireless transmission modes a little better, however , still a bit confused as to what is the difference in Slave mode optical (the orange screen with thunderbolt in left hand corner) and S1/S2 ... if those modes are also optical sensor triggered... whats the difference? when would i use either or? ..... this question has come up as I thought my trigger wasnt working anymore but turns out i was in Slave optical , instead of Slave radio... didnt realize this unit had 2 slave modes
Optical is an antiquated flash triggering system in which a flash fires when it sees another flash fire. It’s rather pointless when you have built in 2.4Ghz communication, which is why those screens have been removed on lights like the V1.
@@robhallphoto Thanks , i don't think you answered my initial question im still confused ... what's the difference in the S1/S2 mode Vs. Slave mode with the thunderbolt?... thanks in advance
@@Kayotified The thunderbolt screen are master / receiver function that transmit optically but also communicate the power level. S1/S2 is just a dummy mode that will fire whenever it see's another flash - so it will work with any flash equipment, but will only fire at whatever power level it's set at from the main page. S1 is the default mode, will fire with any flash. S2 is to use with a master in ttl, as this mode will ignore a preflash.
Great video -- so helpful. Question: How to set it up to shoot a 3 shot burst for bird photography at highest power possible -- using Nikon D7200 on Continuous High mode (3 shot). Thank you.
Im new to flashes and i needed some information and u did it briefly... Thanks.. Mmm and i have the tt685N its the same interface i guess. But if the trigger each other so why do we need a trigger like X1?
In case you prefer not to have the additional speedlight weight on your camera, or if you only have 3 speedlight and want a 3 light off-camera setup, then it's cheaper to get an extra X1 trigger than it is an extra flash.
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Great video, very informative and helpful. I'm planning to get one for my Canon equipment, does it work identically as it works for the Nikon version? Especially asking about setting it to TTL as master and manual modes for the slave ones? Thanks for answering....
There is a little difference for Canon. Specifically when using one V860ii as a master. On Nikon, The master group is marked with group "M" with 3 external groups of A, B, and C. On canon, the master group is A, with external groups of B, C, D, and E. This is great for canon because you can create four off camera groups or even 5 if you want one to be the same mode / power of the on camera master. Right now this flash is on sale for $110 at Adorama bit.ly/2gBWqxE
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Robert Hall Photography thank you for the quick answer!!!
Thanks for the informative video, very helpful! Is it safe to assume that this flash will control other Godox flashes via radio? I have the v850II which I use off camera...(with an R2 Transmitter) Thanks!
Hello Robert. First off, thank you for sharing this video it has been very helpful for me. I'm wondering if you'd be able to demonstrate how you use HSS? I recently purchased a Flashpoint Zoom ttl R2, with a Godox X1Ts trigger. I'm having trouble getting HSS on my Sony A7ii. I've switched the flash mode in camera and it shows HSS on screen but it doesn't work. And advice or help would be greatly appreciated☝🏼️, thank you.
+Ricardo Dorame demonstrate how to activate it on the flash or how I actually incorporate it into my work? When you say it doesn't work are you getting black bars or what?
Robert Hall Photography I'd really like to see how you use it with your own work. I had a little trouble because of the flash mode on my Sony A7ii, I was told to leave it on Wireless, but found it worked with just Flash. Also your demonstration with color gels and talk in temperature was extremely helpful
the 860 is a great speed-light, however I'm running issues with bulb overheating quit quickly...I have to stop frequently to let the speed-light cool and start working again...seems like the power and recycle time is great with a penalty...I usually use normal strength to shoot macro in the field
Yeah, normally speedlights are limited by the speed at which the AAs can recycle the capacitors. The Li-on battery can deliver it much faster, but you have to protect the battery and tube from overheating. You can't just deliver the same power to the bulb in half the time and not have any consequences.
i think it needs some venting cooling option, it’s a little bit ironic. Speed up recycle time then halt it because of heating...this is early spring...what will happen in summer?
Hi Robert. Great review. Quick question, when having one on master and lets say you have two other in slave. Can you choose if you only want one of them to fire, the two at the same time, or none?
Yes. In separate groups you can either toggle the mode to "--" which is basically a standby and will not fire the group. Or you can change the manual power setting to "OFF"
Thanks for the quick reply this made up my mind. Any chance on doing Cactus products reviews? The new RQ250 is coming soon, hopefully you can get your hands on one and do a test. Thank you again!
I've already talked to Cactus about the RQ250. I really am not interested in checking out other companies products until they have a lineup that competes with Godox (ecosystem of lighting with built in receivers and both a speedlight, portable monolight, and high powered monolight). Really the only companies I see having that potential in the near future is Jinbei/Orlit and Cactus (excluding the Profoto with their A1 due to the poor price/performance ratio).
I’ve got the Godox tt685 and X1t trigger. I can’t get the x1t to work with my Canon 80D. I’m sure there are camera settings I haven’t got right. Update: Yep it was settings on my 80D that needed tweaking. The 80D has some more advanced features than the 70D and earlier model Canon’s when it comes to flash. Takes adjustment of tt685c, x1c and 80 D to get everything working right. Love it now.
Tim Baker im not good in english but ill try my best.. in ur speed light make sure its in radio slave mood A.. then in x1t also make sure its in A groub.. that should work.. if dosnt work go to the settings minue in ur dslr and make sure to enable external flash light from the flash mineu.. sorry for my bad english but thats my best and hope it will help u
Hi Robert, I have the V860ii and a X2t trigger to use with my Canon T5i. I had it set up and working for off camera lighting. Then I bought a second V860ii and now neither one will work when I press the shutter button. The test button will fire the flashes. I am getting the "This menu cannot be displayed. Incompatible flash or flash's power is turned off" under the external flash func. setting and external flash C.Fn Setting. My flash firing is Enabled. HELP!!!
+sixyears you sure can. On Nikon you can just set the dedicated M group (on camera) power to off or just leave it in the "--" standby. On canon it's the A group so you wouldn't be able to use the A group off camera either.
Hello Robert, I got the same Flashpoint Zoom R2 TTL Lithium Ion and I had an error message "E 5". Do you know how to fix it or reset it? Please share so I can fix mine. Thanks.
Thank you, I use both the Godox Xpro O trigger and Godox 860ii O flash on Panasonic G9 , can you shoot in burst mode? multi frams per second and the flash will fire at every frame ?? Also it does not seem to control the zoom on the flash remotely?
I have the godox v860ii . I am using the x2T for my different lights to control. My problem is I can not figure out how to set the godox light to have more groups. I need to have 5 groups. The x2t has ability to send to 5 groups. I looked up the light on a website selling the godox showing that the light had more groups. Hope you can help thanks diane
Hi Thanks for excellent tutorial. Question: when holding the zoom button and scrolling the wheel we have another menu showing various settings such as APO: SvAPOT: Beep:light: LCD and others....can you explain these please.
Robert can you please help giving an advice which softbox to buy for this flash and what stand to mount all together... cause I realy don't know what will be compatible with this flasgh.... what mount should be for buying a softbox.... Thanks!
I appreciate this video, but I find this flash to be very confusing. Somehow I get myself into Menu1 and Menu2 and I have no idea how I got there or what these menus do, but the only way to get out of these menus is to hit the far right selector button. It also took my quite a while to figure out the slave setting for radio transmission and optical flash reception. I've also noticed that the flash behaves differently when on and off the camera, which only adds to the confusion (I miss the old days when photography was about film speed, shutter speed and aperture. Now you have to be a total computer nerd to do everything). I just wish there was a straight forward tutorial or a PDF file I could look at that explained everything in a comprehensive way so I could study it and finally wrap my head around it.
+Angela Monetti I'll be honest Angela, I haven't had a Nikon flash on my camera in 4-5 years. I do know I felt the Yongnuos were a step down in color/ power consistency and ruggedness compared to Nikon SB910, but when I originally bought the Godox TT685 I felt that I was back up to Nikon level in terms of build and light quality. I do think they could improve a little, in both shoe design (they need to switch to the switch lock instead of the twist lock) and for some reason the head on both these and tt685 is very stiff. Other than that I think they are excellent and have huge benefits over the Nikon series flash that make the Godox flashes superior overall.
+Angela Monetti And they don't say APS-C. When I made this video I borrowed them from my friend Kellie since mine hadn't arrived yet. So they say "KSP C / KSP B" which are just her company initials and marking them so she can keep them in the same group to quickly grab.
Hi Robert. Great Video. Thank you. I'm actually trying to get the Godox V860II as Master to fire my Canon 580EXII as slave. The Godox website definitely says that this is possible. Unfortunately I can't seem to get it to work. I've tried setting the Godox on Master (in Optical mode) and Canon as Slave, and vice and versa without any luck. Really not sure what I'm doing wrong. Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Are you sure you don't need a receiver? If you put a X1R-C on your Canon 580EXII and put the Canon in TTL, you should have full control with the V860II.
Hi Rob, Hopefully, you can help me. I have two Godox V860IIc speedlites. I also have a AD200. I want to create a three-point lighting setup using one of the V860IIc on my camera as a commander/trigger to fire the other two flashes. I also want to control the flash on my camera in ETTL mode. For some reason, the canon version does not display a Master or "M" group along with A - E groups in Group mode, unlike the example in your video. So can I ask, how do I control the flash on my camera through the "Gr" function
Hey Paul, Canon's off camera system designates group A as your on camera flash group (you can put additional off camera flashes on group A, but then they'd be stuck at your on camera's power level). Then groups B-E are off camera only.
3:09 !!! Waiiit ?? You said "radio master" ?? So it can trigger any Godox units being radio equipped around ? Can you remotely adjust their power or zoom ? Can they fire in HSS ? Thanks for the video !
Ok I saw you remotely adjusted the power of the slave flash... But not the zoom. Although while you're browsing the zoom focal on the slave flash, I saw a brief "--" (around 5:57) instead of a number... could it mean the flash would accept remote input ?
I have to say, watching this in 2022... I wish I would have found you years ago! Thank you for such great explanations of the modes and how they work. I have been flying by the seat of my pants with Godox, and wondering why sometimes things work, and sometimes they don't. You have shed the light on all that stuff! Thanks, this really ups my game for location work, and dials things in so I don't have to test as much!
Thank you for your explanations. Easily the best explained tutorial I have seen on these lights. Still of value in 2023.
Hi Robert! Found this video after a lot of try and error with my new V860IIs/X1T-s kit. The products seem to be awesome, but their interface is not designed to be super intuitive (or maybe not for people like me), and I was struggling to find an entry point on how to configure my gear. I did it with your short, clear, and well explained video. Thank you so much!
Glad you found it helpful!
I switched to these from yongnuo and found the interface really not intuitive, but this video was super clear and informative-great job!
I was the same. Actually, I was a flash beginner when I got this and found it so difficult to use I gave up for over a year. Then I wanted to do model photography and found I needed flash so I knuckled down and got it. Now I can use it ... but still a beginner lol.
I had a heck of a time understanding how to adjust this flash. Your video cleared it up for me.
SO glad I found out about this flash! I currently have 3 AD400 Pros, and 2 Ad200s- but I was using a Canon EX580ii as my speedlight. I didn't realize the V860ii could act as a master controller for all other Flashpoint lights! Picking one up today since it's on sale for $149 from Adorama, and am selling all of my Canon speedlights!
Thanks for all of the great info, Rob.
oh man, I gotta imagine that felt great to discover! Enjoy upgrading your flash while making money :)
I almost returned my brand new860ii until you said they need space to use the xpro to trigger the flash! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
I keep forgetting that!!
Excellent tutorial. Thank u for making life easier. Question: Why would one want to use the FP Zoom R2 TTL flash to control other lights versus using a trigger?
I used this and a TT685 to create a cheap, on-the-go portrait lighting setup for a graduation party yesterday. They proved surprisingly easy to use.
Thank you, thank you!! I have been desperate to learn how to use flash set ups and this really helped.
Thank you for this video - it really helps a lot. I am trying to use three flashes -- The V860II as the Master, an AD200 as a slave, and a Nikon SB-600 as a slave. They are all set to TTL, they are all on the same channel, and under group they are Master, A, and B. I assume this means they are in three separate groups, because I can get the V860 to trigger one of the other flashes at time, but I want all three flashes to work at the same time and I can't figure out what I am doing wrong. All are set to TTL. Wondering what I might be doing wrong. Thank you
I actually found out, what I was hoping to find out. Kudos man!!
Great vid. Currently shoot on camera with canon/Yonguo with ETTL, how does TTL compare with ETTL? Noticeable difference? Thanks
Hey man... your stuff is always valuable but you don't always know why it's gonna be. - Today, this old flash demo video contained a 12-second explanation of why my last 2 weeks of flash tests have all failed: BECAUSE THE TRANSMITTER WAS TOO CLOSE TO THE RECEIVER so they could never fire. - I was watching EVERY video on these units because I thought my answer would be in the technical info about these units. - It wasn't. It was you making an off-hand comment about wave-width that let me know: move them apart. Your test work now. Everything you've been testing works now. :P Damnit. :)
Hey Robert, I currently have a Nikon D750 and one Nikon SB-910 Speedlite, but I want to get one to two more flashes. So, at the moment, from within the camera I tell the SB-910 how much power to use etc and it fires via the optical signal from the pop-up flash, so I'm just wondering if the V860IIN will play just as easily if I add it to the mix. I know I should get a radio trigger, but that's on my wishlist.
Hey Robert I just purchased an entire new flashpoint kit. Ad600 Pro TTL x 2 plus a zoom to Li ion canon and a regular zoom ttl (because I still want a AA battery fallback). I am figuring everything out except for one thing. I came from the phottix Mitros system. When I am using one flash on top of the camera as the master to control other flashes, is it possible to change the zoom of the slave flash heads? My phottix system allowed this. I cannot figure it out with the flashpoint. I love your work. Your videos have been very helpful in making my decision to jump to the godox/flashpoint system. I know the video says it can’t be done, but curious if anything has been updated since this video was made.
Nice to see this one have a metal mount. I broke the mount on one of my Godox TT685, so just using that one in an S-type bracket.
nice tuto
just purchased 2xV1 and magbox and they are not compatible so looking for this old flash. i will perhaps use ad200pro in the future
what about using v860 with Xpro ?
do you still recommend this very old design to switch easily between on-camera flash and off-camera flas (magbox or not) ?
Thank you for this vid Robert. I have just purchased a V860N myself and am looking forward to using it in some upcoming portrait work.
+Ronald Poisson it's a killer quick flash, enjoy it!
great video! i like godox products and recently bought their pb960 power pack. question: when one uses godox speedlights with the godox pb960 pack, there is no need for other batteries to power the speedlight? when i use my nikon speedlight with the godox pb960, i still need to install batteries for the speedlight electronics. so with the godox pg960 pack and godox speedlights, the pack will power the speedlights completely, right?
Appreciate videos that get right to the point. Thanks Robert.
Hi Robert, great video! I just wondered if you knew if the Neewer NW860ii is the same as this one?
I owe you a very late thank you for this video: this is what got me started in flash photography in 2018 with the v860ii. 3 years on I have 5 light setup, all Godox. QT600ii key with 105cm soft box, QT400ii rim with 35x95 strip, AD300pro with S65W, AD200pro with various AD mods, v860ii with beauty dish as hairlight.
Please share any insights into what is the best way to gel the AD300pro.
Hello - thanks for the video. Just switched from my Nikon SB 910 to the Godoz V86011. Loving it! However, I hate the beep!! how do I turn that thing off? it beeps when it recycles.
Thumb up for the first 5 seconds of this video! Ahaha wonderful!! Amazing! :)
Thanks for the video. How do you control it with the trigger? Having trouble with something that should be easy...
Do you know how to turn off the beep?
When are you going to review the Profoto B10? and what about the new Westcott lights?
Thanks for the quality reviews and tutorials.
I compared the B10 in depth to the AD400 already.
@@robhallphoto Hi I know, but it was just a comparison not a proper review. What I did not now was about the second video on it. So you are correct. Thanks.
Great looking flash and all of its functionality. Will it control more than 3 groups? My R2 Pro transmitter does A B C D E
You r such a rockstar man!
This was really helpful!
Thank you. Simple, clear and to the point. Would love a video on how to use these flashes using a Trigger on the camera.
great video. You forgot to mention how to access main menu screen, where you can turn the menu screen light on and off (and here you can also access other main menu items). I ran into a situation where my screen light was off and I couldn't figure out to turn it back on. To access the main menu and turn the screen light on, hold down the 2nd button from the left for 3 seconds. The main menu screen will then appear and you can navigate to the menu item for turning light on and off.
My good v860ii c have zoom problem zoom fixed as 14mm it was not change to any numbers
@@ajayreddavena6940 if in the manual mode, you should be able to select it and then use the rotation wheel to change the zoom distance. But if it is broken, then to the shop or apply warranty
Dude... First off I love you intro. Second, Thank you. So much help mang. If you are ever in Pittsburgh let me know and I will buy you a malted beverage of your choosing.
Hello. Thanks for your video. I don't know what I did to get the RMT on my flash. It messed me up for a wedding and some of my pics came out bad. How can I take it off?
Thank You! Nothing like simplicity! This video is a keeper!
Hello, thanks for the video. You are very familiar with the devices, great tips! I have a question and can not find a solution: if I am in slave mode and the flash is unleashed via the X1T trigger - the flash unit flashes red on the front at an interval of 1 second for the entire time. Can you turn off this stupid blinking somehow / somewhere? It's frustrating!!!
Quick tip: when you're showing the details on the LCD screen of the flash, it would be better if you reduce the overall exposure so that the screen is clear. In the current settings, the LCD screen is a bit over-exposed and not very clear.
Thanks!
This was really great and exactly what I was looking for... quick and easy instruction on how to work the master/slave function! Thanks!
+Amy glad it helped!
Hi Robert. Thank you for this video. I need a quick info of how to fire the wireless slave without your master flash actually "firing". Simply, how to turn your flash into a wireless trigger..?
All you have to do is set master to off.
Hi Robert; great video. Quick and to the point. Question; how does the re-cycle time on the lithium version compare to the external battery pack version?
Both AA and li-on battery units say recycles at 1.5s. I did find for both, sometimes it was 3 or more seconds and I have missed many shots. But I do enjoy not buying and carrying around AA batteries.
Great video! Compared to Godox ad200, which one would you get?
I think it's important to have one speedlite first, because there are lots of situations where on camera run-and-gun flexibility are important (events, weddings, personal work). But, if I had to pick one i'd take the AD200 for it's power output and it's omnidirectional head option.
Not being able to change the zoom level remotely is a bummer. You can do that with the yongnuos. Not sure if I would call it a deal breaker if you are looking to get into your first lighting system, but I don't know if I want to switch from one to the other now. I suppose the fact that they have those battery packs and are compatible with the 360II makes it worthwhile.
Do you know if the remote master mode works with the older trigger systems? The ones that you have to clip on.
You need to update the older receiver system to the new 2.4Ghz one and then it will work off the X1 / R2 controller and the speedlites
Hi Robert,
Great video. Can I use the V860II as master and triggered wirelessly with X1TC and Canon Speedlight 600EX-RT as slave? If yes, will you please how? Thanks!
Very helpful, thanks!
Super helpful thanks man !
Very good review Robert. Simple and to the point, thanks.
Sir please make video for High Speed Synce in TTL mode how to connect this Godox v860ii N with Godox x1T
While in group mode, does the master unit belong to any group or is it just the brain? Is there a way to make adjustments to the master or turn off the Flash function?
I'm going to try again after this. Thank you!
HI Very good demonstration , thanks for explaining the menus . Sir I have question as I have V860IIc how I can connect this to my canon 600RXT flash system as master and slave .
+Sandesh Astgikar the only way would be to use a Godox X1R-C or Flashpoint R2 receiver for Canon on the shoe of the 600.
Such a helpful video, after watching many others, this is explained in an easy to understand way.
Great, clear information. Thank you! You wouldn't have any idea why I cannot adjust the zoom on my 860ii, would you?
Make sure the bounce card isn't out, even just a little bit. That just happened to me today, I couldn't adjust the zoom, the card was out and as soon as I pushed it completely in I could adjust it.
Thanks for the video robert. I have a quick question: how do u charge the battery? Do i need to purchase a charger for it? Thanks so much.
It comes included with the flash.
Get the tube inside replaced, I did it and its working like new now!
Such an amazing video. Thank you.
Do you know if they sell replacement batteries?
absolutely
Hey there! I have a flashpoint zoom li-on R2, but they both seem to have the same menu set up... I have no idea why and cannot seem to find out why the flash assist does not work on my flash! I'ts very frustrating and have been trying to research, if you have any tips i'd love to hear them! Great video btw!
Most common culprit for the AF assist not working is cause people have their camera set to shoot in continuous AF, which doesn’t trigger the AF assist beam (because that wouldn’t make sense since continuous autofocus never “holds” a focus distance).
And the menus look different across various brands to match the brands flash features (such as ratios on Canon).
For the more bank for the buck I would invest in the Godox AD200 instead of the V860II, is the AD200 worth $100 more? For my shooting yes all the advantages go to the AD200 as far as battery life, number of full pops per a charge and pure light output and they are almost the same size. In my opinion, you and others will have different opinions. Thanks for the opportunity.
Hey there, I have the 860 for canon and no matter what I did I could not get the flashes to communicate with each other like you did in the video. Were you using a trigger at all or strictly the flash units? If the flashes talk to each other in radio mode without anything else needed can you please tell me how to put the exact settings to do that? You made it look very simple in the video which is why I’m so frustrated with not being able to get mine to do it. Thank you
No trigger was used, this is exactly how you do it to get the flashes to work with one another.. I know the interface is a bit different on Canon to accommodate ratios but otherwise it's the same process. I really have nothing to add outside of what's included in this video because it covers the entire process.
Robert Hall Photography ok thank you for your help. I guess I got unlucky with my flashes because I followed you carefully and can’t get them to work like that. I figured they must be defective. I’ll have to send them back and try again. Thank you.
I like this video and it gives a good top and tail of using this flash. On another note I locked mine up and don't quite know what I pressed. It just reads LOCKED across the bottom of the screen. I was trying to reset it at the time.
press down on the mode button for a few seconds
Hi Robert! Thank you for this video! There isn't much help around when it comes to Godox ;) I wonder, if one can switch off the bliniking lights in the slave mode? It can be quite irritating, but I couldn't find it anywhere in the instructions. Do you think it is possible? Thank you for all your input anda great video!
Thanks,needed reason to believe my old Nikon gives 4,000 sec shutter,has TTL,mode comes on without ask.
I have 2 Flashpoint Li-on speed lights for Sony (a73) and setup everything as you were doing it. It all looks very simple but nothing worked. On or off the camera. Both are on the Green Radio screen, One master on the Sony is set to display Master and also "Group A" and channel 1, and the other flash as the off camera unit has just the "Group A" and channel 1. I reversed the flashes and still no dice. It will work as just a direst slave but that make no sense in a wedding situation. Thanks for any advice you can give. FW
loved it...still relevant, Thanks Robert Hall
Good and Quality Video . But I'm not satisfied with godox 860iis . Even i have two flashes . Most of the time flash missing the click. Sony Flashes also very weak in build quality . Do you have any good suggestion for sony cameras ?
Flashes misfiring can be for a lot of settings reasons on Sony. Make sure EFCS is off. Make sure its set to fill flash. And make sure your waiting for it to recycle completely, as unlike a AA flash it doesn't partially fire if it's not fully recycled. I would not suggest any other speedlight on the market over the V860ii (except the V1) on any camera because they are the fastest option.
@@robhallphoto thank you . I'll check then update here.
Thanks for the video. You clarified the Radio vs. Optical symbols and screen colours. However, how does one activate and deactivate the audible beep?
Custom functions
I usually just use TTL. It would be helpful when you explain the different buttons/funtions on why you would want to use those buttons and in what situations.
Flash is too nuanced to incorporate what to do with a particular flash's controls. Either the recommendations would be vague and potentially misleading, or the video would be thorough and hours long. Plus, I've already made tons of tutorials on how to use lighting equipment, including a 10 part series on introduction to flash.
Hi, a very informative video... I checked out a friend using V860iiC in HSS mode with ettl. As that flash got option of sync in ettl mode unlike nikon one which gets that option only in manual mode. How does this matter? And should it matter at all anyway?
Awesome video!!!
any picture samples taken with these flashes?
Hi Robert, thank you so much for your video. I'm about to switch from Yongnuos to Godox and I have a quick question: It seems that if I were to buy two Godox V860II, one is capable of controlling the other... Now, if I were to set one up on a stand across the room (for a wedding, for example) and have another on my camera for fill light, do I need a transmitter mounted between by Nikon camera and the Godox speedlight (I do need it now for my Yongnuo 685)? Thanks.
No transmitter or receiver required, that’s where the built-in master control of the V860ii comes into play. You just set up the off-camera V860ii as a slave and it will automatically receive the power as set on the master.
The YN685 doesn’t function like this???
I've always used a trigger (Yn622N II) on my camera with a fill flash on top. Maybe I'm not setting it up correctly. So what would be the need to buy a Godox trigger, other than just having the main one (without a hotshoe) to control my flash group settings in different places of the room)?
This definitely helped me understand the wireless transmission modes a little better, however , still a bit confused as to what is the difference in Slave mode optical (the orange screen with thunderbolt in left hand corner) and S1/S2 ... if those modes are also optical sensor triggered... whats the difference? when would i use either or? ..... this question has come up as I thought my trigger wasnt working anymore but turns out i was in Slave optical , instead of Slave radio... didnt realize this unit had 2 slave modes
Optical is an antiquated flash triggering system in which a flash fires when it sees another flash fire. It’s rather pointless when you have built in 2.4Ghz communication, which is why those screens have been removed on lights like the V1.
@@robhallphoto Thanks , i don't think you answered my initial question im still confused ... what's the difference in the S1/S2 mode Vs. Slave mode with the thunderbolt?... thanks in advance
@@Kayotified The thunderbolt screen are master / receiver function that transmit optically but also communicate the power level.
S1/S2 is just a dummy mode that will fire whenever it see's another flash - so it will work with any flash equipment, but will only fire at whatever power level it's set at from the main page. S1 is the default mode, will fire with any flash. S2 is to use with a master in ttl, as this mode will ignore a preflash.
@@robhallphoto That cleared it all up ! You're amazing dude 💯💯💯
look forward to see a video using the X1 transmitter with HSS and TTL
waiting for it.. i still dont know how to HSS with Trigger attached to camera and flash is off camera
Great tip at 3:29 I was trying to set 2 together with a x1t on the desk and it wasn't working right because of the distance.
Literally went through the same thing. Ugh - thanks for the vid
Great video -- so helpful. Question: How to set it up to shoot a 3 shot burst for bird photography at highest power possible -- using Nikon D7200 on Continuous High mode (3 shot). Thank you.
Thanks for the very informative video! Can it be used in conjunction with the ad200 and tt685's?
This is lovelyyyyyy. Can u tell me how to set up high sink mode with godox x1 flash trigger?
It will do it automatically, just set your camera to enable HSS.
Im new to flashes and i needed some information and u did it briefly... Thanks.. Mmm and i have the tt685N its the same interface i guess. But if the trigger each other so why do we need a trigger like X1?
In case you prefer not to have the additional speedlight weight on your camera, or if you only have 3 speedlight and want a 3 light off-camera setup, then it's cheaper to get an extra X1 trigger than it is an extra flash.
Great video, very informative and helpful. I'm planning to get one for my Canon equipment, does it work identically as it works for the Nikon version? Especially asking about setting it to TTL as master and manual modes for the slave ones?
Thanks for answering....
There is a little difference for Canon. Specifically when using one V860ii as a master. On Nikon, The master group is marked with group "M" with 3 external groups of A, B, and C. On canon, the master group is A, with external groups of B, C, D, and E. This is great for canon because you can create four off camera groups or even 5 if you want one to be the same mode / power of the on camera master. Right now this flash is on sale for $110 at Adorama bit.ly/2gBWqxE
Robert Hall Photography thank you for the quick answer!!!
Thanks for the informative video, very helpful! Is it safe to assume that this flash will control other Godox flashes via radio? I have the v850II which I use off camera...(with an R2 Transmitter) Thanks!
yup it sure will!
Short enough for quick start. Thanks a ton
Hello Robert.
First off, thank you for sharing this video it has been very helpful for me. I'm wondering if you'd be able to demonstrate how you use HSS?
I recently purchased a Flashpoint Zoom ttl R2, with a Godox X1Ts trigger. I'm having trouble getting HSS on my Sony A7ii. I've switched the flash mode in camera and it shows HSS on screen but it doesn't work. And advice or help would be greatly appreciated☝🏼️, thank you.
+Ricardo Dorame demonstrate how to activate it on the flash or how I actually incorporate it into my work?
When you say it doesn't work are you getting black bars or what?
Robert Hall Photography I'd really like to see how you use it with your own work. I had a little trouble because of the flash mode on my Sony A7ii, I was told to leave it on Wireless, but found it worked with just Flash. Also your demonstration with color gels and talk in temperature was extremely helpful
the 860 is a great speed-light, however I'm running issues with bulb overheating quit quickly...I have to stop frequently to let the speed-light cool and start working again...seems like the power and recycle time is great with a penalty...I usually use normal strength to shoot macro in the field
Yeah, normally speedlights are limited by the speed at which the AAs can recycle the capacitors. The Li-on battery can deliver it much faster, but you have to protect the battery and tube from overheating. You can't just deliver the same power to the bulb in half the time and not have any consequences.
i think it needs some venting cooling option, it’s a little bit ironic. Speed up recycle time then halt it because of heating...this is early spring...what will happen in summer?
Hi Robert. Great review. Quick question, when having one on master and lets say you have two other in slave. Can you choose if you only want one of them to fire, the two at the same time, or none?
Yes. In separate groups you can either toggle the mode to "--" which is basically a standby and will not fire the group. Or you can change the manual power setting to "OFF"
Thanks for the quick reply this made up my mind. Any chance on doing Cactus products reviews? The new RQ250 is coming soon, hopefully you can get your hands on one and do a test. Thank you again!
I've already talked to Cactus about the RQ250. I really am not interested in checking out other companies products until they have a lineup that competes with Godox (ecosystem of lighting with built in receivers and both a speedlight, portable monolight, and high powered monolight). Really the only companies I see having that potential in the near future is Jinbei/Orlit and Cactus (excluding the Profoto with their A1 due to the poor price/performance ratio).
I’ve got the Godox tt685 and X1t trigger. I can’t get the x1t to work with my Canon 80D. I’m sure there are camera settings I haven’t got right.
Update:
Yep it was settings on my 80D that needed tweaking. The 80D has some more advanced features than the 70D and earlier model Canon’s when it comes to flash. Takes adjustment of tt685c, x1c and 80 D to get everything working right. Love it now.
Tim Baker im not good in english but ill try my best.. in ur speed light make sure its in radio slave mood A.. then in x1t also make sure its in A groub.. that should work.. if dosnt work go to the settings minue in ur dslr and make sure to enable external flash light from the flash mineu.. sorry for my bad english but thats my best and hope it will help u
Hi Robert, I have the V860ii and a X2t trigger to use with my Canon T5i. I had it set up and working for off camera lighting. Then I bought a second V860ii and now neither one will work when I press the shutter button. The test button will fire the flashes. I am getting the "This menu cannot be displayed. Incompatible flash or flash's power is turned off" under the external flash func. setting and external flash C.Fn Setting. My flash firing is Enabled. HELP!!!
When using a Godox Flash as a master can you set it to fire or not to fire? I assume the tt685 function in the same way as the 860
+sixyears you sure can. On Nikon you can just set the dedicated M group (on camera) power to off or just leave it in the "--" standby. On canon it's the A group so you wouldn't be able to use the A group off camera either.
Hello Robert, I got the same Flashpoint Zoom R2 TTL Lithium Ion and I had an error message "E 5". Do you know how to fix it or reset it? Please share so I can fix mine. Thanks.
Thank you, I use both the Godox Xpro O trigger and Godox 860ii O flash on Panasonic G9 , can you shoot in burst mode? multi frams per second and the flash will fire at every frame ?? Also it does not seem to control the zoom on the flash remotely?
I have the godox v860ii . I am using the x2T for my different lights to control. My problem is I can not figure out how to set the godox light to have more groups. I need to have 5 groups. The x2t has ability to send to 5 groups. I looked up the light on a website selling the godox showing that the light had more groups.
Hope you can help thanks diane
Hi Thanks for excellent tutorial. Question: when holding the zoom button and scrolling the wheel we have another menu showing various settings such as APO: SvAPOT: Beep:light: LCD and others....can you explain these please.
That is the custom functions menu: full descriptions can be found here
www.godox.com/EN/InstructionManual/Godox_V860IIN_20160310.pdf
Robert can you please help giving an advice which softbox to buy for this flash and what stand to mount all together... cause I realy don't know what will be compatible with this flasgh.... what mount should be for buying a softbox....
Thanks!
I appreciate this video, but I find this flash to be very confusing. Somehow I get myself into Menu1 and Menu2 and I have no idea how I got there or what these menus do, but the only way to get out of these menus is to hit the far right selector button. It also took my quite a while to figure out the slave setting for radio transmission and optical flash reception. I've also noticed that the flash behaves differently when on and off the camera, which only adds to the confusion (I miss the old days when photography was about film speed, shutter speed and aperture. Now you have to be a total computer nerd to do everything). I just wish there was a straight forward tutorial or a PDF file I could look at that explained everything in a comprehensive way so I could study it and finally wrap my head around it.
+Robert Hall How is the quality, is it like an SB-900 ? Why do you have the Flash marked APS-C ? Great video, Thanks Robert!
+Angela Monetti
I'll be honest Angela, I haven't had a Nikon flash on my camera in 4-5 years. I do know I felt the Yongnuos were a step down in color/ power consistency and ruggedness compared to Nikon SB910, but when I originally bought the Godox TT685 I felt that I was back up to Nikon level in terms of build and light quality. I do think they could improve a little, in both shoe design (they need to switch to the switch lock instead of the twist lock) and for some reason the head on both these and tt685 is very stiff. Other than that I think they are excellent and have huge benefits over the Nikon series flash that make the Godox flashes superior overall.
+Angela Monetti
And they don't say APS-C. When I made this video I borrowed them from my friend Kellie since mine hadn't arrived yet. So they say "KSP C / KSP B" which are just her company initials and marking them so she can keep them in the same group to quickly grab.
Bought a used one without a charging station. Can you charge it any other way?
this was great. thanks much
Hi Robert. Great Video. Thank you. I'm actually trying to get the Godox V860II as Master to fire my Canon 580EXII as slave. The Godox website definitely says that this is possible. Unfortunately I can't seem to get it to work. I've tried setting the Godox on Master (in Optical mode) and Canon as Slave, and vice and versa without any luck. Really not sure what I'm doing wrong. Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Are you sure you don't need a receiver? If you put a X1R-C on your Canon 580EXII and put the Canon in TTL, you should have full control with the V860II.
Hmmm. I was hoping that the 580 can just trigger the Godox in Optical mode without the external trigger. Why else would you use optical mode right?
Hi Rob, Hopefully, you can help me. I have two Godox V860IIc speedlites. I also have a AD200. I want to create a three-point lighting setup using one of the V860IIc on my camera as a commander/trigger to fire the other two flashes. I also want to control the flash on my camera in ETTL mode. For some reason, the canon version does not display a Master or "M" group along with A - E groups in Group mode, unlike the example in your video. So can I ask, how do I control the flash on my camera through the "Gr" function
Hey Paul, Canon's off camera system designates group A as your on camera flash group (you can put additional off camera flashes on group A, but then they'd be stuck at your on camera's power level). Then groups B-E are off camera only.
Hey, how to disable or enable the red beam that is usually used to assist for a better focus in low light situations? Thanks!!
That’s a camera setting. Generally called AF illuminator.
3:09 !!! Waiiit ??
You said "radio master" ??
So it can trigger any Godox units being radio equipped around ?
Can you remotely adjust their power or zoom ? Can they fire in HSS ?
Thanks for the video !
Ok I saw you remotely adjusted the power of the slave flash...
But not the zoom.
Although while you're browsing the zoom focal on the slave flash, I saw a brief "--" (around 5:57) instead of a number... could it mean the flash would accept remote input ?