Godox Lux Master Retro Camera Flash

rechargeable battery rocks.the design is gorgeous and the quality of light resembles a much softer light modifier. was not expecting that. expected harsh and shiny reflections on people, but it looks soft on skin tones (from about 3 feet away from subjects).

I bought it to use on my Nikon Z9 and Nikon ZF. There is no port on the cameras to use the cord between the camera and the flash. I need to buy an attachment for the camera hot shoe so I can use the flash. Other than the accessory that is needed the flash is great. I am buying the other reflector to use instead of the one that came with it. The original will be my back up.

Build Quality,It's plastic but still feels substantial, the main handle is a decent pleather the rest is chromed plastic. Controls are simple, 3 buttons a wheel and a small OLED Touch screen. It's little more intuitive to use than the X3 Nano. The Reflector had a bayonet connection, it's little fiddly but it attaches strong. The bracket is sturdy and has a lockable hinge to be able to fold the bracket away while attached to the flash.Use.Like the Lux senior the Flash bulb retracts there is a button on the side that pop's it out. It comes with a little cover for the bulb when not in use though it's small and may get lost easily. The flash head tilts from forward to straight up.It was very easy to set-up and it connects wirelessly to all the X-series Triggers I tested with the X1, Xpro, XproII, and X3 nano, they all fired the trigger with out issue and I was able to fully control the flash with each trigger.Running through the menus on this thing It seems that good plans to release multiple modifiers to attach to the Reflector Bayonet connector. As you can set what modifier you have attached in the menu of the flash. I suppose this changes light intensity depending on the modifier.I took on a job and here is my experience with it:Initial Concerns:Initially, I wasn't sure if I would be able to use the Lux Master at this job since I didn't have warming gels for the flash( not sure how it would work this this design) Thankfully, the venue had ample daylight. So color temp was not an issue. I mounted the flash bracket to my camera, set up my X3 nano for TTL with the flash, and started shooting.Pros:Light Quality:I was surprised by the quality of light produced by the Lux Master. It nearly matched the results I get with modifiers on my speedlights, despite the silver reflector, which I expected to be harsher.TTL and Recycle Time:The TTL function worked flawlessly, and the recycle time was impressively fast. I was able to capture multiple photos in quick succession without waiting for the flash (shooting at ISO 640-800 in a brightly lit space) so refresh wasn't expected to be an issue in the 1st place. The flash also did a great job illuminating the large event space.Battery Life:The battery life is phenomenal. I shot from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM, capturing approximately 400 photos, and the battery gauge (a simple three-bar battery icon) remained unchanged.Bracket:The bracket features an Arca-Swiss style dovetail, making it compatible with many tripods.Weight and Portability:The Lux Master is significantly lighter than my speedlights with modifiers attached, or at least having the flash next to the camera instead of on time made for a better feel in handTilting Head:I appreciate the tilting head for adjusting the flash angle to bounce off tehc eilingCons:Mounting and Strap Compatibility:This might be a subjective point. I use Black Rapid straps, and since the bracket utilizes the tripod mount, I had to set down my camera when switching to my other camera with the long lens. The flash itself has a slot for a wrist lanyard, but it resembles a Wiimote strap rather than a proper camera strap.Detachability:There's no quick way to detach the flash from the bracket. You're essentially committed to having it attached to the camera or using it handheld. A quick release mechanism for the flash would be great.Vertical Mounting:The bracket doesn't currently allow for vertical mounting or easy switching between orientations. While I didn't attempt vertical shots with the current setup, the lighting might have worked well.Tilting Head Lock:Similar to most godox speedlights, the tilting head doesn't lock into place.Gels and Color Modifiers:As purchased, there's no way apparent to use warming or color gels with the Lux Master. However, there might be solutions available with it's accessories. I'm looking forward to the release of accessory reflectors and potential gel compatibility.Internal Battery:The internal, non-user-replaceable battery raises concerns. Over time, the battery life will diminish, and for DIY repairs folks, the flash might become e-waste once the battery fails.Overall Impression:Overall, using the Lux Master was a positive experience. While it wouldn't be my go-to flash for every shoot, I'll definitely keep it in my bag for specific situations. I can see myself finding creative solutions for some of the limitations I mentioned. Based on my experience so far, I would recommend this flash.

I don't care at all about the retro stying. The reason that I bought it is purely for the function and form factor. It is a powerful bare-bulb flash that can be comfortably hand-held off-camera in wireless TTL mode. The folding fan reflector gives a nice quality of light when held close to portrait subjects, and the bare bulb and coming modifier options make it very versatile. Very pleased with the form factor: 8.25 inches long, x 1.5 x 4 with the reflector folded but attached, weight 1 lb .06 oz. I'm comparing it to my Godox AD100 which weights 1 lb 3.3 oz, 5 x 3 inches. The Lux Master fits nicely in a padded Tamrac pouch and will be easy to strap on a bag. As for tested output, at 10 ft ISO 100 the Lux Master reads f/5.6.5 vs AD100 at 35mm setting f/8.5. So about a stop slower. At 45 degrees off access it looses about 2/3 stop. I'm guessing equivalent watt seconds at about 50. I will use it hand-held off camera with the compact XNano transmitter for documentary work, sometimes with reflector and sometimes bare bulb. (Do wish battery was interchangeable.)Paul