Godox XPro Flash Trigger Review
If you're looking for a low-cost, high-quality wireless flash trigger for your camera, read this review of the Godox XPro for Sony, Canon, Nikon & Pentax.
By Athol Hill
Godox has built a good reputation in the photography world in a short period of time, by lowering the entry point to good quality lighting gear, without sacrificing functionality.
My personal switch to Godox came from my need to experiment more with lighting and a limited budget (thanks to the budget restraints imposed by having children!)
The OEM speedlights had gold plated pricing and with Godox I found I could progressively build my lighting gear.
From the trigger perspective, I started with the X1 trigger. It was usable and functional, but user experience and ergonomics clearly weren’t the priority when Godox designed the X1. It had some annoyances that left users wanting, like a dial positioned directly where your forehead was when you looked through the viewfinder.
Never miss a moment: Powerful, reliable high-speed wireless flash trigger with an impressive range of features.
I couldn’t count the number of times I would accidentally adjust the flash power. I’d sit there scratching my head when the under or over-exposed photo popped up on the rear of the camera only to realise what had happened!
When Godox released the XPro trigger for Sony cameras, I went to the extent of having one shipped in from overseas to see if it was any good.
The version shown in this review is the S version for “Sony”, reviewed with my Sony a7III mirrorless camera. Godox also offers versions for Nikon (N), Canon (C), Fujifilm (F), Olympus (O) and Pentax (P).
It’s important to note that Godox is sold under a number of names in different countries including Cheetah and Flashpoint.
Read my review to discover where I think it’s the best budget flash trigger of 2023.
Godox XPro Trigger Specs
- Value for money
- Ergonomics and usability massively improved over X1
- Features to match the top premium products
- Not supplied with soft case
- Adjustments only in 1/3rd stops
- Battery door not attached permanently
- 2 AA Batteries
- TTL Autoflash, Multi Flash, Manual Flash
- 1/8000s High-Speed Sync
- Flash Exposure Compensation
- One-Shoot & Multi- Shoot Setting
- TTL-Convert-Manual Function
- 01-99 WIRELESS ID, Avoid Signal Interference effectively
- 16 Groups and 32 Channels to Wirelessly Control and Trigger
- Large Dot Matrix LCD, Full Graphic Display of 5 Groups simultaneously
- FE lock
- 11 Customizable Functions
- Manual Flash 1/1 – 1/256 Power
- Modelling Light Status Control
- Adjusts the Flash Zoom Coverage for Each Group
- Selective Transmission of Data Conserves Energy and Battery Life
- Magnification Function Displays Details of Each Group Settings
- Global Adjustments to Exposure Values for Multi-Group in M Mode
- 5 Group Buttons and 4 Function Buttons Offer Convenient Manipulation
- Support Type-C USB Firmware Upgrade and Wireless Triggering by 2.5mm Sync Cord Jack
Build & Appearance
The XPro trigger conveniently uses two regular AA batteries.
The build quality of XPro is very good given the price range for this model. Often you can feel the poor quality plastic on budget photographer gear but the plastic quality on the XPro is a considerable improvement over the X1 model.
The tactile feel of the buttons is also improved. The X1 buttons and dials felt cheap, whereas the Godox XPro feels closer to a premium product.
It doesn’t quite match a Profoto level of build quality, but it’s also not Profoto pricing.
It’s great that Godox has gone the USB-C path, however, they do not provide a cable so keep this in mind if you want to do firmware updates.
Ease of Use
The updated design ensures the trigger is kept away from the controls on top of the camera – a welcome improvement.
The layout of the buttons on the Godox XPro is another big improvement over the X1, and now requires very little access to the menus. Almost everything can be accessed from the major buttons.
Godox updated the design to use a sloped profile as opposed to a flat profile. This is a welcome improvement as this provides access to the dials on the camera where the X1 limited this.
As far as problems go, with Sony, I did notice that often the first shot gets blown out after the camera goes into standby.
This may not be a big issue for many people but those who run with dual bodies and triggers may encounter this often.
Areas for Improvement
The back-lighting on the Godox XPro is great for low light, and a welcome addition at this pricepoint.
The Godox XPro is a great flash trigger, but like all products, I feel there are some areas for improvement:
- Switching groups on and off could be simplified. Maybe a double-tap of buttons would be the best approach.
- Modelling lights are all or nothing. It would be great to switch them on and off individually so when you are building a set you can see the impact.
- Adjustments are only 1/3rd stop. 1/10th stop would be a welcome improvement for stronger strobes although this would require updates to their strobe line.
- I would prefer a battery door that is permanently attached to ensure it isn’t lost.
- A soft case would be appreciated
Value for Money
The Godox XPro trigger retails at around $70 and works perfectly with all models of Godox strobe, including the latest DP400III studio unit.
When you compare the Godox XPro Trigger to the competition, it’s really hard to say anything bad from a value for money perspective.
The Profoto version, for example, is 5 times the price… and whilst you don’t get the same quality, is it really 5 times the quality?
In the Godox range, the X1 trigger is nearly $30 cheaper. I would say that paying just that little bit more and opting for the XPro is a no brainer. It is worth every dollar more than the X1.
Godox XPro Trigger Review | Conclusion
The Godox XPro trigger is a big improvement over the X1, and it shows Godox is listening to what their customers want.
It offers a very powerful trigger for customers invested in the Godox range and it’s hard to fault given the price range and functionality you are getting.
Never miss a moment: Powerful, reliable high-speed wireless flash trigger with an impressive range of features.
Athol Hill is a sports and portrait photographer based in Melbourne, Australia
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