Written by: Mike Musto, Co-Owner of Evermore Imaging
Whether you’re new to using off-camera flash or just looking for some new gear, we’ve assembled a list of our favorite lighting equipment for wedding photography. We’ll cover everything from speedlights and strobes to modifiers and mounting hardware.
Let’s dive in!
Lights
Speedlights, Strobes, Triggers.
Godox V860 II
Every photographer needs a speedlight. The Godox V860 II comes in most camera mounts and has some specific advantages over other flashes on the market:
> Li-Ion battery lasts significantly longer than AA’s. Only worry about charging one battery vs four!
> Built-in transceiver allows you to control other Godox/Flashpoint units while using on-camera, even the larger AD200 and AD600.
Flashpoint Equivalent: Flashpoint Zoom Li-ion R2 TTL
V860 II’s flash controls while set in “Master”
Godox AD200
Your new “go-to” off-camera strobe. The AD200 is the perfect combination of power and portability.
> Has the power of three V860 II units and is the same size.
> Flexible mounting options allows them to be used with most modifiers, even MagMod products!
Flashpoint Equivalent: Flashpoint eVOLV 200
The AD200 and V860 II are practically the same size!
Godox AD600
When shooting large groups or in harsh lighting conditions, sometimes you need something with even more power.
> High power output allows you to shoot in most lighting conditions.
> Accepts Bowens mount modifiers.
> Recommend using heavy light stand or assistant!
Flashpoint Equivalent: Flashpoint EXPLOR600 or EXPLOR600 Pro
The AD600 is also battery powered, making it convenient to take on location.
Godox XPro Trigger
When only using off-camera flash, the XPro trigger’s controls make changing flash power a breeze!
> Easier to navigate and view all flashes’ power compared to the X1T trigger.
> Communicates with the V860 II, AD200, and AD600
Flashpoint Equivalent: Flashpoint R2 Pro
Seeing flash power and making quick adjustments is simple!
Modifiers
Softboxes, Diffusers, Grids, and Gels.
Cheetah SoupBowl 26”
The “Soup Bowl” is an affordable and most importantly, durable softbox from Cheetah.
> Includes a grid and inner baffle, which you typically have to purchase separate with other soft boxes.
> Available in every single mounting style, including Bowens!
Westcott Rapid Box 26”
The Rapid Box is another great portable solution for V860 II and AD200 users.
> Included cold shoe mount lets you use a V860 II right out of the box.
> Softbox and speedlight mounting bracket packs down compact for easy transport.
Please note: to use an AD200, you have to purchase the Rapid Box Switch and Bowens Mount bracket or use an S-Type bracket (as pictured)
An S-Type bracket can be used to rig an AD200 to this softbox, but using the Rapid Box Switch with Bowens mount is a more ideal solution.
MagMod Mag Box 24”
MagMod’s softbox completes their system of flash modifiers.
> Extremely fast setup if MagGrips are attached to your flashes.
> Included double flash bracket (MagRing) allows you to use two V860 II or AD200 units at the same time for more power.
Please note: to use any MagMod product, you will have to put a MagGrip on every one of your flashes.
Add two flashes for double the power, or faster recycle times!
MagMod MagSphere
This diffuser is a perfect companion for your a V860 II or AD200.
> Low profile and light-weight design makes transportation simple.
> Great for shooting in bright rooms bounced or off-camera in windy conditions outside.
Please note: to use any MagMod product, you will have to put a MagGrip on every one of your flashes.
MagSphere size comparison to V860 II.
MagMod MagGrid
Small, compact modifiers that concentrate your flash’s beam.
> Can help spotlight your subject or reduce spill when shooting towards your camera.
Please note: to use any MagMod product, you will have to put a MagGrip on every one of your flashes.
MagGrid mounted on a V860 II.
MagMod MagGel
Easily attached modifiers that change the color of your flash.
> Great for balancing your flash with ambient light sources or creating some unique setups.
Please note: to use any MagMod product, you will have to put a MagGrip on every one of your flashes.
MagGrid and MagGel side by side. Can be stacked for unique effects!
Misc.
Mounting Hardware, Light Stands, Etc.
Manfrotto Air-Cushioned Light Stands
Quality light stands that support your flashes and other hardware.
> Air cushioned stands allow you to lower them without fear of gravity taking over.
> Stands clip together for easy transport.
MagMod
MagShoe + MagRing
MagMod’s flash bracket/cold shoe system.
> Required for mounting the MagBox and flash units with the MagGrip to a light stand.
> Attach flashes faster than S-Type Brackets, but does not accept the Bowens mount.
Please note: to use any MagMod product, you will have to put a MagGrip on every one of your flashes.
Can also be used as a cold shoe that doesn’t suck!
S-Type Brackets
Attaches to any light stand and allows use of Bowens mount modifiers with smaller flash units like the V860 II and AD200.
> Also great for mounting bare flashes to light stands without modifiers. They rarely break compared to plastic “cold shoe” mounts.
Required to use Bowens mount modifiers with an AD200 or V860 II
We hope you found this list helpful! Leave us a comment below if you have any questions about off-camera flash.
Check out our other educational materials:
Have a question about off-camera flash and lighting? Check here first!