In the world of professional photography, capturing the perfect shot often requires a delicate interplay between light and shadow.
The Sony A9 II, renowned for its exceptional speed and remarkable image quality, stands as a pinnacle of photographic innovation.
However, even the most powerful camera needs a reliable and versatile flash to truly unlock its full potential.
Whether you’re an experienced photographer or an enthusiastic newcomer, finding the best flash for the Sony A9 II can significantly elevate your creative possibilities and ensure unparalleled image illumination.
A high-quality flash unit can effortlessly transform a scene by adding a burst of artificial light, compensating for inadequate lighting conditions, or enabling creative lighting techniques.
Note:
All the Flashes mentioned here are compatible with a Sony A9 II camera and work perfectly fine.
| Best Flash for Sony A9 II |
|---|
| NEEWER Z1-S (Best TTL Flash)
 |
| Sony HVL-F60RM2 (Most High-end and Advanced TTL Flash)
 |
| Godox TT685II-S (Budget TTL Flash)
 |
| Godox V850III (Best Manual Flash)
 |
| NEEWER NW620 (Budget Manual Flash)
 |
From freezing fast-paced action to enhancing subject details in dimly lit environments, the right flash can be an indispensable tool for photographers across genres.
Whether you’re a wedding photographer seeking to capture memorable moments or an avid nature enthusiast yearning to immortalize breathtaking landscapes, a well-matched flash unit can be the key to capturing images that truly shine.
Join us as we dive into the world of flashes, illuminating the path toward enhancing your photographic prowess with the Sony A9 II.
Before we head into a different flash, let’s have a quick glance at Sony A9 II.
About Sony A9 II Camera
The Sony A9 II is a high-performance mirrorless camera designed for professional photographers and enthusiasts seeking exceptional image quality and speed.
With its 24.2-megapixel full-frame Exmor RS CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor, the A9 II delivers stunning clarity, detail, and dynamic range.
Its advanced autofocus system with 693 phase-detection points covers approximately 93% of the image area, ensuring precise and swift subject tracking, even in challenging shooting conditions.
The A9 II boasts an impressive shooting speed of up to 20 frames per second with full autofocus and auto exposure tracking.
This remarkable speed, combined with a blackout-free electronic viewfinder, allows photographers to capture fast-moving subjects with unparalleled accuracy and confidence.
Additionally, the camera offers a buffer capacity of up to 361 compressed RAW images, ensuring that no critical moment is missed during continuous shooting.
In terms of video capabilities, the A9 II supports 4K UHD recording at up to 30 frames per second, providing filmmakers with exceptional detail and clarity.
It also offers various professional-grade features such as S-Log3 gamma, 10-bit color depth, and enhanced focus peaking, enabling precise control over the final video output.
Built for durability and reliability, the A9 II features a robust magnesium alloy body that is dust and moisture-resistant.
It also includes dual memory card slots (SD and CFexpress Type A) for extended storage and flexible workflow options.
With its exceptional image quality, speedy performance, and professional-grade features, the Sony A9 II is a top choice for photographers and videographers who require uncompromising performance in a compact and reliable package.
Specifications of Sony A9 II
- 24.2 megapixel full-frame Exmor RS CMOS sensor
- BIONZ X image processor
- 693 phase-detection AF points covering approximately 93% of the image area
- 20 frames per second continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking
- Blackout-free shooting with an electronic shutter
- ISO range of 100-51,200 (expandable to 50-204,800)
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization
- 3.0-inch tiltable touchscreen LCD with 1.44 million dots
- 0.5-inch OLED electronic viewfinder with 3.69 million dots
- 4K UHD video recording at up to 30fps
- Full HD 1080p recording at up to 120fps
- Dual UHS-II SD card slots
- Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for easy sharing and remote control
- Ethernet port for wired LAN connection
- Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body
- Built-in Bluetooth for seamless camera and smartphone connection
- 3.5mm microphone and headphone jacks for audio recording and monitoring
- Long-lasting NP-FZ100 rechargeable battery
- Weight: Approx. 678g
- Dimensions: Approx. 128.9mm x 96.4mm x 77.5mm
Now that we know a bit about the camera, we are sure you will understand why we have picked out the list mentioned below of different flashes. Without further ado, let’s dive in.
Best Flash for Sony A9 II
1. NEEWER Z1-S TTL Round Head Speedlite Flash for Sony Cameras
The NEEWER Z1-S TTL Speedlite Flash is a versatile and feature-rich accessory designed to enhance your photography experience.
With its round head design and powerful output, this flash unit offers exceptional lighting capabilities for a wide range of shooting scenarios.
Equipped with TTL (Through-The-Lens) technology, the Z1-S ensures accurate and automatic flash exposure, making it easier to achieve well-balanced lighting in various lighting conditions.
It supports both Canon and Nikon wireless systems, allowing for seamless integration with your existing camera setup.
The round head design of the flash provides a more natural and even light distribution, resulting in softer shadows and more flattering portraits.
It also features a zoom function that allows you to adjust the flash coverage to match your lens focal length, ensuring optimal lighting for your subject.
The Z1-S offers a high-speed sync (HSS) mode, enabling you to capture fast-moving subjects with ease. It also provides a variety of flash modes, including manual, multi, and master/slave, giving you full control over your lighting setup.
With its built-in 2.4G wireless transmission, this flash unit allows for easy off-camera flash photography. It can be triggered wirelessly from a distance, providing greater flexibility and creative possibilities.
The NEEWER Z1-S TTL Flash is built to be durable and reliable, with sturdy construction that can withstand the demands of professional use.
Its compact and lightweight design makes it convenient to carry and use in various shooting environments. To sum it up, this Round Head Speedlite offers powerful and versatile lighting capabilities for photographers seeking to elevate their photography with creative lighting techniques.
Whether you’re a professional or an enthusiast, this flash unit is a valuable addition to your photography gear.
Pros
- Versatile and Accurate
- Wireless
- Natural Lighting
- HSS (High-Speed Sync)
- Compact and Durable
Cons
- Limited Compatibility
- Complex Menu System
- Limited Accessories
2. Sony HVL-F60RM2 GN60 Wireless Radio Control External Flash
The HVL-F60RM2 Wireless Radio Control External Flash is a versatile and powerful flash unit designed specifically for the Sony A9 II camera.
With a guide number of 60, it offers a high level of brightness and coverage, allowing photographers to capture well-lit and detailed images even in challenging lighting conditions.
One of the key features of this flash is its wireless radio control capability. It can be wirelessly triggered and controlled from a distance, providing flexibility and convenience during photo shoots.
The wireless functionality ensures reliable and stable communication between the flash and the camera, eliminating the need for line-of-sight between them.
The HVL-F60RM2 flash offers a wide range of adjustable settings, including power output, zoom range, and flash duration, allowing photographers to fine-tune the lighting according to their specific requirements.
It also supports high-speed sync (HSS) mode, enabling users to capture fast-moving subjects with crisp and properly exposed images.
Additionally, the flash is equipped with an integrated bounce card and a wide-angle diffuser, enabling photographers to achieve more natural and diffused lighting effects.
It also features a tilting and rotating head, allowing for greater control over the direction of the light.
Overall, the Sony HVL-F60RM2 is a highly capable and reliable accessory for the Sony A9 II, empowering photographers to enhance their creativity and achieve professional-quality lighting in their images.
Pros
- Versatile
- Reliable as well as Convenient
- Adjustable
- High-speed sync (HSS)
- Integrated bounce card
- Wide-angle diffuser
- Tilting and Rotating
- Professional-quality
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Complex (settings)
3. Godox TT685II-S TTL Speedlite Flash Compatible for Sony A9 II
The Godox TT685II-S TTL Speedlite is a feature-packed flash unit that is compatible with the Sony A9 II camera. This flash offers TTL (Through-The-Lens) functionality, allowing for accurate and automatic exposure metering with the camera.
The high-speed sync (HSS) feature enables photographers to achieve proper exposure even when using a fast shutter speed, making it ideal for capturing action shots or working in bright lighting conditions.
With its 2.4G wireless X system, the TT685II-S provides reliable and stable communication between the flash and camera, allowing for remote control and triggering.
This wireless functionality adds convenience and flexibility to photographers, as it eliminates the need for a direct line-of-sight between the flash and the camera.
Compatibility with the Sony A9 II ensures seamless integration and optimal performance. The flash can be easily mounted onto the camera’s hot shoe and offers full compatibility with the camera’s advanced features and settings.
The TT685II-S TTL flash also features a built-in zoom head, allowing for adjustable coverage from wide-angle to telephoto. It has a guide number of 60, providing ample brightness and coverage for various shooting scenarios.
To sum it all up, the Godox TT685II-S TTL Speedlight Flash is a highly compatible and capable flash unit for the Sony A9 II.
Its advanced features, wireless functionality, and reliable performance make it a valuable accessory for photographers looking to enhance their lighting capabilities and achieve professional-quality results.
Pros
- Versatile as it is
- Wireless
- TTL
- High-speed sync
- Reliable and it provides Full compatibility
- Built-in zoom
Cons
- Costly
- Bulky
- Bit fragile
- Consumes a lot of battery
4. Godox V850III Manual Speedlight Camera Flash for Sony
The Godox V850III Flash is a highly recommended accessory for Sony A9 II users who want to elevate their photography experience.
The V850III offers a maximum guide number of 60 and delivers consistent and reliable performance, ensuring ample lighting for various shooting situations.
It helps to illuminate subjects effectively, even in challenging lighting conditions. With HSS support, the V850III allows you to use faster shutter speeds beyond the camera’s sync limit.
This feature is handy when capturing action or shooting in bright environments, enabling you to maintain proper exposure while freezing fast-moving subjects.
The V850III incorporates a built-in 2.4G wireless X system, enabling wireless control and triggering. The V850III is fully compatible with the Sony A9 II, and as it is a manual flash, you can easily adjust focus, aperture, and sometimes even the lens’s focal length.
It offers accurate and automatic exposure control, simplifying the process of achieving proper exposure with certain manual adjustments.
The V850III utilizes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, providing a significant advantage over traditional AA batteries.
The battery offers long-lasting power and reduces the need for frequent battery changes, allowing for extended shooting sessions without interruption.
The V850III manual flash features a tilting and rotating head, allowing you to bounce the flash and adjust the light’s direction according to your creative needs.
It also offers a variety of adjustable settings, including power output and zoom range, giving you precise control over the lighting setup.
Considering its features, capabilities, and performance, the V850III offers excellent value for money compared to other high-end flash units in the market. It provides professional-grade lighting solutions at a relatively affordable price point.
Pros
- Powerful performance
- High-speed sync
- Rechargeable
- User-friendly
- Value for money
Cons
- Bulky
- Learning curve
- Provides limited accessories
5. NEEWER NW620 GN60 Manual Speedlite Flash
The NEEWER NW620 Speedlight Flash is a budget-friendly flash unit that offers a range of features suitable for both amateur and intermediate photographers.
With a compact and lightweight design, it is easy to carry and handle, making it convenient for on-the-go shooting. One of the standout features of the NW620 is its compatibility with a wide range of camera models, including popular brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony, and more.
This versatility allows photographers to use the flash with various camera bodies, making it a flexible option for those who own multiple cameras or plan to upgrade in the future.
The NW620 offers ample power for most shooting situations. It delivers a good amount of light, helping to illuminate subjects and enhance overall image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
Featuring manual exposure control, the NW620 Flash by Neewer is a straightforward and effective shoe-mount speedlight. Another notable feature of the NW620 is its built-in wireless triggering system.
It can be used as a master flash to control and trigger other compatible flash units remotely, adding versatility to your lighting setup. This wireless capability allows for creative lighting techniques and off-camera flash photography.
The NW620 has a rotating head that allows for bounce and swivel adjustments, enabling photographers to direct the light where needed and achieve more natural-looking results.
It also features a built-in diffuser and reflector card, providing options for softer and more even lighting. While the NW620 offers great value for its price, there are a few limitations to consider.
The build quality of this Sony A9 II flash is not as robust as higher-end models, and it may not withstand heavy use or rough handling.
Additionally, the interface and control layout can be a bit confusing initially, requiring some time to become familiar with the settings.
Pros
- Affordable
- Versatile
- Compatibility
- Wireless capability
- Lightweight
Cons
- Build quality could have been better
- Learning curve
- Limited durability
We have seen the different flashes now that you can get for your Sony A9 II, but we know what you might be thinking, what is the benefit of getting a flashlight for your Sony A9 II? Let us get to know,
Benefits of using flash with Sony A9 II
- Enhanced lighting control- Incorporating a flash with the Sony A9 II provides photographers with precise control over the lighting in their images. This enables them to properly expose subjects, reduce shadows, and achieve balanced lighting even in challenging or low-light environments, resulting in well-lit and visually appealing photographs.
- Freeze motion- The high-speed sync (HSS) capability of a flash with the Sony A9 II allows photographers to freeze fast-moving subjects with exceptional clarity. By using a fast shutter speed in conjunction with the flash, they can effectively capture action shots, sports events, or any other situation where preserving the details of rapidly moving subjects is crucial.
- Expanded dynamic range- The use of flash helps expand the dynamic range of the Sony A9 II, allowing photographers to capture images with a wider range of tones and details. By properly illuminating both the subject and the background, a flash can help balance the exposure and prevent loss of detail in highlight or shadow areas, resulting in more vibrant and well-exposed photographs.
- Creative lighting possibilities- Employing a flash with the Sony A9 II opens up a realm of creative possibilities. By utilizing off-camera flash techniques, photographers can experiment with different lighting angles, modifiers, and setups to achieve unique and dramatic lighting effects. This flexibility allows for artistic expression and the ability to shape the lighting according to the desired mood or style of the photograph.
- Professional-quality results- With the combination of the Sony A9 II’s advanced features and the use of a compatible flash, photographers can achieve professional-quality results. The controlled lighting, improved exposure, and ability to freeze motion all contribute to capturing images with exceptional clarity, detail, and visual impact.
Using a flash with the Sony A9 II enhances lighting control and allows for freezing motion, expands the dynamic range, provides creative lighting possibilities, and contributes to achieving professional-quality results.
It empowers photographers to overcome challenging lighting situations, unleash their creativity, and capture stunning images with precision and artistry.
Final thoughts
Choosing the best flash for the Sony A9 II requires careful consideration of its compatibility, features, and performance.
A top-performing flash should offer powerful output, reliable performance, and support for advanced functionalities like high-speed sync (HSS) and TTL metering.
Additionally, wireless capabilities can provide added convenience and flexibility in setting up off-camera lighting. The flash should be durable, lightweight, and easy to use.
It should also offer versatile positioning options with tilting and rotating heads. Value for money is another important factor, as photographers seek a balance between quality and affordability.
Ultimately, the best flash for the Sony A9 II should enhance lighting control, expand creative possibilities, and deliver professional-quality results.
