Neewer Z1-N TTL Round Head Flash Speedlite for Nikon DSLR Cameras

The only way the flash will go into the master transmitter mode to trigger the slaves in a Sony Camera is using the wireless mode in the camera, when you do that, you have almost a second before the photo is taken after the shutter button is released. The flash will only work as a transmitter on that mode in your Sony Camera. This was not an issue with older Neewer Square flashes. I have two Sony a77M2 and also, I have a Sony a7RV and the issue is the same. I contacted Neewer, every time is different people trying to help so the I had to repeat the same issue many times to each different representative, I even updated the Flash firmware. I don't have just one Z1 Flash, I bought 3 of them and it is the same issue. I have been a photographer for 39 years. Neewer just offered a refund on the flashes but not on the 9 extra batteries purchased and all the extra modifiers and 5 extra chargers, so I am keeping the units. My work around is using my MultiMax Pocket Wizards. I purchased the mono Mini 2.5 to 3.5 mm cables to connect my transmitters to the Z1. I use all my units in manual mode as well as the camera for my photography jobs. The issue with the Z1 is that the firmware Neewer installed on them makes them to be dependent to the camera settings, which is bad. Prior Units also have the multi interface but you had the flexibility to use them without setting the camera to wireless mode so there was no lag. You can use the flash in any other mode on the flash without the need to set the camera to wireless but you won't be able to use slaves on this Z1 Units. If you use the slave on S mode, then everyone who takes a picture with a flash will trigger your slaves. If Neewer would add the option to use their Z1 as Master Flash Transmitter without been dependable of the camera wireless mode then the Z1 units will get a 5 star rating. This is odd, their NEEWER QPRO-S TTL Wireless Trigger for Sony works perfectly without the need to set the camera in wireless mode. I tried it with the Camera in wireless mode and then it behaves like the Z1 with the delay. Why the slave works without the camera been set to wireless mode but not the Z1. Neewer Support could not answer that. How many flashes you get per charge on the battery? Well, using a combination of approx. 1/4 power (25% of the shots), 1/2 power (50% of the shots) and (25% of the shots at Full power)- The battery was exhausted at 330 shots. I do shoot pretty fast, may be if you just do one shot here and 30 seconds later another shot may be the battery will give you a little more than that. Still better than carrying my quantum power packs because of the weight and no cords hanging. Recycle time in Full 1.5 to 2 seconds depending if you are shooting fast, the battery heats up a bit when shooting fast and that delays recycling time a bit, but that is normal with any type flash. Overall, the battery life is excellent. The Modifiers from Rogue have strong magnets to hold them to the flash, but because they have limited modifiers I also bought the Godox modifiers which fit perfectly, they stay in place but if you hit them by mistake with something, they can come off, the Rogue have 6 magnets, they stay on the like glue. Hope this review helps every Sony owner, if you are not a photographer shooting with a master and slaves weddings, events and sports, may be the delay on the camera taking the photo while using the Master as a transmitter will not be noticeable, but for me the delay won't allow me to use the units on that mode. My pocket wizards work great triggering the units. If you only use one flash and no slaves you will have no issues because there is no need to put the camera in wireless to use your flash. Also, the light modifiers like the dome or even the diffuser will kill 1.5-2 stops of light on your images.