So far, 2025 is already proving to be a banner year for innovative new lighting solutions from the industry’s top brands. In the wake of recent launches, here are some of the latest models that caught our eye.
Godox V100
Available for Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, OM System, Pentax and Sony, the Godox V100 TTL flash offers a significant step up from the company’s similar V1 and V1 Pro models in terms of output, delivering an impressive 100 Ws of power relative to their 75 Ws and making it the most powerful flash in its class to date.
With an adjustable power level spanning 1/256 to full 1/1, the V100 is a versatile choice for scenarios ranging from subtle fill light to high-intensity shots. Supporting shutter speeds up to 1/80,000 seconds, the V100 is compatible with cameras like the Sony a9 III that feature a global shutter.
From the V1 Pro, this new model inherits the super-convenient detachable sub flash, providing the option for creative dual light setups in a single flash unit. It also features a built-in two-watt LED modelling lamp. And for optimum versatility, the flash head rotates a full 330 degree and tilts from minus 7 to 120.
Sony HVL-F46RMA
Regardless of whether you’re an enthusiast or pro, if you happen to inhabit the Sony universe, you’ll appreciate the level of perfection that the Alpha Lighting System aspires to and the phenomenal performance that this particular model delivers.
Relatively compact for a product of this caliber, the HVL-F46RMA operates as on-camera flash, as well as a radio wireless commander or receiver, delivering stable radio wireless communication up to 30m.
The flash seamlessly transfers colour temperature data to the camera where it’s used to precisely adjust white balance, and it works with a camera’s face-detection function to provide ideal lighting for the main subject, even in groups.
Remarkably, the flash illumination angle is automatically adjusted to match the focal length of the lens within a 24-105mm range, and light distribution is also adjusted for optimum illumination whether you’re shooting with a full-frame or APS-C format Sony mirrorless camera.
Westcott FJ400 II and FJ800
Earlier this year, Westcott launched two new strobes in its FJ series at once – the FJ400 II and the FJ800. The FJ400 II is an updated successor to its older sibling and currently Westcott’s fastest 400-watt speedlight. The FJ800 is the company’s first 800-watt AC/DC touchscreen strobe.
Both new models share a 30-watt bi-colour LED modelling light and an intuitive full-colour OLED touchscreen. Both also boast a new Creative Mask feature that gives you control over when each strobe is fired and the number of frames to be captured – it’s ideal for fast-paced shooting environments like sports.
But the thing that really sets these two new strobes apart from the competition is their super-fast recycle times for lights in this class – 0.01-1.8s for the FJ800 and 0.01-0.9s for the FJ400 II – further strengthening their utility in shooting situations where fast-moving action demands full attention and split-second responsiveness.
