If you’re using the Sony A7C mirrorless camera, you’re already ahead of the game when it comes to image quality. But to take your photos and videos to the next level, you’ll need to invest in a good flash. There are plenty of Speedlite flashes on the market, but not all of them are created equal. In this article, we’ve reviewed and tested some of the latest and greatest flashes available and narrowed down the top-rated options for the Sony A7C.
Overview of the Sony A7C
Before we dive into the best Speedlite flashes for the Sony A7C, let’s take a closer look at the camera itself. The Sony A7C is a full-frame mirrorless camera that combines high-quality image capture with a compact, easy-to-use design. It boasts a 24.2MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor and a BIONZ X image processor, delivering 15 stops of dynamic range and increased light sensitivity from ISO 50 to 204800. The A7C also has a continuous shooting rate of 10 fps, making it perfect for capturing fast-moving subjects. In addition, the camera excels in video recording, offering resolutions up to 4K UHD at 30 frames per second, and features a Fast Hybrid AF system with Real-time Eye AF and Tracking AF.
Why You Need a Flash for Sony A7C
While the Sony A7C is a powerful camera in its own right, using a flash can significantly improve the quality of your photos and videos. A good flash can help you achieve better lighting in low-light conditions, reduce harsh shadows and highlights, and provide greater control over the look and feel of your images.
Top Picks for Best Speedlite Flashes for Sony A7C
Without further ado, let’s take a look at our top picks for the best Speedlite flashes for the Sony A7C:
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Bolt VD-410 Manual Flash | Check Price |
1. Sony HVL-F46RM Wireless Radio Flash
The Sony HVL-F46RM Wireless Radio Flash is a fantastic flash that is perfect for Sony a7C users. With its compact design, it packs a lot of functionality, making it one of the top-selling Sony wireless radio flashes. It is built with high-grade materials, making it resistant to dust and moisture, ensuring that it will last for a long time. This flash can function as both a commander and a remote and provides full support for all of Sony’s previously released radio commanders and receivers. It also has radio control, allowing for up to 15 flashes to be grouped into five different groups and access to 14 channels. Furthermore, the flash is compatible with Sony’s optical wireless flash technology, allowing it to act as both a commander and a remote unit.
Specifications:
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Model | Sony HVL-F46RM Wireless Radio Flash |
| Compatibility | Sony a7C |
| Wireless | Radio and optical |
| Channels | 14 |
| Groups | 5 |
| Flashes per group | 15 |
| Commander | Yes |
| Remote | Yes |
| Ratio Control | Yes |
| Resistance | Dust and moisture resistance, high-grade materials |
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Compact design
- High-grade materials
- Dust and moisture resistance
- Can be used as both commander and remote
- Ratio control
- Compatible with Sony’s optical wireless flash technology
Cons:
- Only compatible with Sony cameras
- Expensive compared to other flashes
Why Should You Buy This?
If you are a Sony a7C user, the Sony HVL-F46RM Wireless Radio Flash is a great addition to your photography gear. Its compact design and high-grade materials ensure that it will last for a long time. Additionally, it provides full support for all of Sony’s previously released radio commanders and receivers and is compatible with Sony’s optical wireless flash technology, making it incredibly versatile.
Conclusion:
Overall, the Sony HVL-F46RM Wireless Radio Flash is an excellent flash for Sony a7C users who are looking for a versatile, high-quality flash. Its compact design, high-grade materials, and functionality make it a top choice among photographers.
2. Sony HVL-F60RM2 Wireless Radio Flash
The Sony HVL-F60RM2 Wireless Radio Flash is the best flash currently available for Sony a7C cameras. It is a significant improvement over the previous model, the HVL-F60RM, and is specifically designed to take full advantage of the capabilities of Sony’s Alpha camera series. The flash utilizes face detection and TTL metering, providing unmatched adaptability when it comes to on-camera illumination. It can fire up to 200 times in a row at a rate of ten frames per second, with a recharge period of 1.7 seconds.
Specifications:
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Model | Sony HVL-F60RM2 Wireless Radio Flash |
| Compatibility | Sony a7C |
| Wireless | Radio and optical |
| Channels | 14 |
| Groups | 5 |
| Flashes per group | 15 |
| Commander | Yes |
| Remote | Yes |
| Ratio Control | Yes |
| Face Detection | Yes |
| TTL Metering | Yes |
| Maximum Power | GN60 |
| Recycle Time | 1.7 seconds |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 200 times at 10 frames per second |
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Face detection and TTL metering
- Excellent adaptability for on-camera illumination
- Can fire up to 200 times in a row at a rate of ten frames per second
- Quick recharge period of 1.7 seconds
- Versatile use as both a commander and a remote unit
- Ratio control
- Compatible with Sony’s optical wireless flash technology
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other flashes
- Only compatible with Sony cameras
Why Should You Buy This?
If you are a professional photographer or a serious enthusiast, the Sony HVL-F60RM2 Wireless Radio Flash is an excellent choice for your Sony a7C camera. It provides unmatched adaptability when it comes to on-camera illumination with its face detection and TTL metering capabilities. The ability to fire up to 200 times in a row at a rate of ten frames per second with a quick recharge period of 1.7 seconds is impressive. Its versatility as both a commander and a remote unit, along with ratio control and compatibility with Sony’s optical wireless flash technology, makes it an excellent investment for any Sony camera owner.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Sony HVL-F60RM2 Wireless Radio Flash is an exceptional flash for Sony a7C cameras. Its face detection and TTL metering capabilities, quick recharge period, and versatile use as both a commander and a remote unit make it a top choice for professional photographers and serious enthusiasts. While it may be expensive compared to other flashes, its unmatched adaptability and functionality make it a wise investment for any Sony camera owner looking for the best flash available.
3. Godox V1 Flash for Sony
The Godox V1 Flash is a powerful and versatile on-camera light source that offers impressive 76Ws of output. Its unique round head design emits soft, smooth light with progressive fall-off, producing a flattering output. Its compatibility with Sony ADI / P-TTL makes it an ideal choice for Sony a7C camera users. The head of the flash is flexible, with a 330-degree rotation and a tilting range of -7 to 120 degrees. It also includes a magnetic surface that enables easy attachment of additional light modifiers offered by Godox. With its excellent features, the Godox V1 Flash is a top contender for the title of best flash for Sony a7C.
Specifications:
Here are the specifications of the Godox V1 Flash:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Guide Number | 76m at ISO 100 |
| Flash Coverage | 28-105mm |
| Flash Duration | 1/300 to 1/20000 sec |
| Color Temperature | 5600K ± 200K |
| Wireless Transmission | 2.4GHz |
| Channels | 32 |
| Groups | 5 (A, B, C, D, E) |
| Power Source | Lithium-Ion Battery Pack (7.2V/2600mAh) |
| Recycle Time | 1.5 seconds |
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- High output power of 76Ws
- Soft, smooth light with progressive fall-off
- Flexible head with 330-degree rotation and a tilting range of -7 to 120 degrees
- Magnetic surface for easy attachment of light modifiers
- Compatible with Sony ADI / P-TTL
Cons:
- Relatively expensive compared to other flash options
- Some users have reported issues with the battery life
Why should you buy this?
The Godox V1 Flash is an excellent choice for Sony a7C camera users who require a powerful and versatile on-camera light source. Its impressive 76Ws of output and unique roundhead design make it stand out from other flash options. The flexible head, wireless transmission, and magnetic surface for attaching light modifiers make it a convenient and user-friendly option. Its compatibility with Sony ADI / P-TTL ensures that it is an ideal choice for Sony a7C camera users who want to achieve high-quality lighting in their photos.
Conclusion:
Overall, the Godox V1 Flash is a 3rd contender for the title of best flash for Sony a7C. With its impressive output power, flexible head, and user-friendly features, it offers a great combination of performance and convenience. Although it is relatively expensive, its excellent features make it a worthwhile investment for photographers who want to achieve high-quality lighting in their photos.
4. Sony HVL-F28RM External Flash
The Sony HVL-F28RM External Flash is an impressive portable flash that is perfect for Sony a7C mirrorless cameras. With a guide number of 92′ at ISO 100 and 50mm, this flash is highly capable of delivering excellent lighting results. It’s built-in 2.4 GHz radio transceiver makes it easy to set up portable lighting setups with complete support for P-TTL / ADI metering. Moreover, this flash can act as either a commander or a remote, making it a versatile tool for photographers. It can also collaborate with up to 15 flashes organized into five groups, making it easy to manage multiple lighting setups. The HVL-F28RM features a compact and pocketable design, making it highly portable. Additionally, its tilting head can be adjusted from 0 to 120 degrees to provide adjustable bounce control, giving photographers more control over their lighting. Finally, the flash’s durable construction protects it from dust and moisture, and it comes with a sturdy metal foot for added stability.
Specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Guide Number | 92′ at ISO 100 and 50mm |
| Flash Duration | 1/1000 to 1/20000 Second |
| Exposure Control | ADI / P-TTL |
| Flash Modes | Hi-Speed Sync, Second-Curtain Sync, Slow Sync, Wireless |
| Wireless | Radio (TTL / Manual) |
| Radio Frequency | 2.4 GHz |
| Wireless Channels / Groups | 14 / 5 |
| Power Source | 2 x AA Batteries |
| Dimensions | 2.4 x 3.7 x 2.6″ / 61.0 x 93.0 x 66.0 mm |
| Weight | 7.23 oz / 205 g (without batteries) |
Pros:
- Compact and portable design.
- Built-in 2.4 GHz radio transceiver for wireless setup.
- Can act as either a commander or a remote.
- Support for up to 15 flashes organized into five groups.
- Tilting head for adjustable bounce control.
- Protected from dust and moisture with durable construction.
Cons:
- Requires AA batteries instead of rechargeable ones.
- Limited range for wireless setup.
Why you should buy this?
If you’re a Sony a7-series mirrorless camera user looking for a portable and versatile external flash, the Sony HVL-F28RM is an excellent option. Its compact design and wireless capabilities make it easy to set up and use, and its versatile features allow for a wide range of lighting setups. Its durable construction also ensures that it can withstand harsh environments and last for a long time.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Sony HVL-F28RM External Flash is a highly capable and versatile tool for photographers who require a portable and reliable lighting setup. With its impressive guide number and wireless capabilities, this flash is a great addition to any Sony a7-series mirrorless camera user’s gear.
5. Bolt VD-410 Manual Flash
The Bolt VD-410 Manual Flash is a simple yet versatile option for photographers who require an external flash for their Sony a7C camera. With a guide number of 124.7 feet at ISO 100, this flash can deliver adequate lighting results. Its manual operation allows for precise control over the flash output, which can be adjusted from 1/1 to 1/128 power. Additionally, the flash head can be tilted from 0 to 90 degrees and swiveled up to 90 degrees to the right or 180 degrees to the left, providing flexibility in positioning the light. This flash also offers on-camera, off-camera, and wireless triggering options, making it adaptable to different lighting setups. The flash provides standard coverage for lenses that are 35 millimeters and longer, and it comes with a diffuser that can broaden the flash’s coverage down to an 18-millimeter lens.
Specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Guide Number | 124.7′ / 38 m at ISO 100 (105mm) |
| Flash Duration | 1/800 to 1/20000 Second |
| Exposure Control | Manual |
| Flash Modes | Off, M, S1, S2 |
| Wireless | Optical pulse |
| Wireless Channels / Groups | 4 channels |
| Power Source | 4 x AA Batteries |
| Dimensions | 7.3 x 2.4 x 3.3″ / 186 x 61 x 84 mm |
| Weight | 12.35 oz / 350 g (without batteries) |
Pros:
- Simple and straightforward manual operation.
- Versatile positioning with tilting and swiveling head.
- On-camera, off-camera, and wireless triggering options.
- Comes with a diffuser for broader coverage.
- Standard coverage for lenses that are 35 millimeters and longer.
Cons:
- Requires AA batteries instead of rechargeable ones.
- Wireless triggering only available through optical pulse with limited range.
Why you should buy this?
If you’re looking for a no-frills external flash for your Sony a7C camera, the Bolt VD-410 Manual Flash is a great option. Its manual operation allows for precise control over the flash output, and its versatile positioning options make it easy to set up in different lighting scenarios. Its included diffuser also makes it capable of providing broader coverage for wider lenses. However, its wireless triggering options are limited to optical pulse with a limited range, and it requires AA batteries instead of rechargeable ones.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Bolt VD-410 Manual Flash is a simple yet versatile option for photographers who require an external flash for their Sony a7C camera. Its manual operation and versatile positioning options make it a great addition to any photographer’s gear, especially those who prefer a straightforward approach to their lighting setups.
6. Yongnuo YN560-IV Speedlite
The Yongnuo YN560-IV Speedlite is a powerful and versatile manual flash unit that ranks 6th on the list of Best Flash for Sony a7C. It boasts an impressive guide number of 190 feet at ISO 100 and 105 millimeters, making it capable of illuminating even large subjects. With a zoom range of 24-105mm, and a built-in wide-angle diffuser, this flash can adapt to various shooting scenarios. Moreover, the YN560-IV can be triggered remotely by RF-603 and RF-602 wireless transmitters, making it a convenient choice for photographers who need to shoot from a distance of up to 100 meters (328 feet). The flash’s power output can be adjusted in 1/3 and 1/2 EV increments from 1/1 to 1/128, providing users with precise control over their lighting.
Specifications:
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Guide Number | 190ft |
| Zoom Range | 24-105mm |
| Wireless Range | 100m |
| Power Output | 1/1 – 1/128 in 1/3 and 1/2 EV increments |
| Transmitter Compatibility | RF-603 and RF-602 (sold separately) |
Pros:
- Long-range wireless trigger capability
- Impressive guide number
- Adjustable power output
- Versatile zoom range with a built-in wide-angle diffuser
Cons:
- Manual flash unit may not be suitable for beginners
- Compatibility limited to RF-603 and RF-602 transmitters
Why you should buy this?
If you are a professional or an advanced photographer looking for a powerful and versatile manual flash unit, the Yongnuo YN560-IV Speedlite is a great choice. Its impressive guide number, adjustable power output, and wireless trigger capability make it a versatile tool for lighting any subject in any scenario. However, beginners may find it challenging to use, and it may require additional purchases to achieve full functionality.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Yongnuo YN560-IV Speedlite is an excellent option for photographers looking for a powerful and flexible manual flash unit. With its impressive range, power, and control, this flash unit is sure to enhance the quality of your photographs.
