p.1 #1 · Godox V1 Pro vs. Neewer Z2 Pro speedlite flash
I know there are a lot of Godox users and the V1 flashes are pretty popular. But I haven't seen much discussion about Neewer. I noticed that the Neewer Z2 Pro appears to be a Godox V1 Pro rebrand with very minor feature tweaks (no HV battery port, no secondary sub-flash but with a more modern design for the LCD graphics (but not touch)). Even the manuals for each are very, very similar and most specs are identical.
Yet here in Canada, the Z2 Pro is currently available for less than half the cost of the Godox (CAD 145 vs. CAD 410). In the US at the Neewer store, it's USD 138 after 40% off (until Oct. 12).
What's the catch? Shopping around for Godox from various sources and I noticed pricing is very, very consistent. Their newer gear is quite an upgrade from their offerings years ago, but also isn't necessarily the 'bargains' that they used to be.
I'd probably mostly use the Z2 Pro as OCF and Neewer says it's compatible with the Godox X radio system. It's Godox's radio system that is primarily why I'm transitioning to them from the now unreliable Canon RT system. I don't really use off-camera speedlites all that much but like the specs of the lithium battery powered options from Godox for OCF use at events, etc. Actually the V850III manual speedlite appeals somewhat more to me than the rather bulky looking V1 design, but with the sale price of the Neewer Z2 Pro being less than even the V850, it seems like the most logical solution, from an economics perspective.
Anyway, if anyone has any experience with the Neewer Z2 Pro relative to the Godox equivalent, and as a bonus, use of the Z2 Pro in the Godox radio ecosystem, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
p.1 #2 · Godox V1 Pro vs. Neewer Z2 Pro speedlite flash
So to answer my own questions in case it interests anyone: I couldn't resist getting a couple of these Neewer Z2 Pros (Canon version) for CAD 145 and received them today.
After a quick tryout, the flash works fine on a Canon R5II on-camera. It's flaky if used as a master/controller and won't trigger my Godox flash, but I'm not 100% sure I have set all the settings correctly and I have only tried it with the R5II so far. In this mode the flash appears to cause a roughly quarter-second delay taking the photo between fully pressing the shutter release and the actual exposure happening. It's definitely way longer than any kind of regular camera response time. But this only happens when it's used as the master/controller. As a remote unit, it works when triggered via a Godox V480, but I haven't tried anything else yet from Godox. The Z2 Pro when used as a remote can be used as expected: turned on/off, switched between manual and TTL, change manual power settings, adjust TTL flash exposure compensation. As a remote unit with no exposure compensation in TTL it's about 2.5 stops under. But as an on-camera flash TTL exposure is OK and seems consistent. There are a few little quirks I need to understand but overall as OCF units controlled through the Godox radio system, where I'll probably use them in manual output 99% of the time, the Z2 Pro appears to work OK.
Build quality seems OK, if not quite perfect. Maybe a slight notch below OEM or a premium/traditional brand.
We'll see how things shake out in actual 'real world' use when it actually matters. But for now I'm cautiously optimistic about these. The sale price is great and I'm tempted to get more.
p.1 #4 · Godox V1 Pro vs. Neewer Z2 Pro speedlite flash
It's tempting not to hoard these for speedlite-based OCF situations at this price point.
Even if they didn't work with the Godox radio system, you could put them on an X1R receiver and control them that way. Or even just plug them into Pocket Wizards, though I find it annoying that Godox and Neewer appear to like 2.5mm connectors, whereas 3.5mm seems more common, at least for my other lighting and radio systems.
If you're interested, check out the Neewer website. The Z2 Pro is 40% off for Canon, Nikon and Sony, IIRC, until the 12th. Or see if you can buy from Amazon Canada, where CAD 145 is just over USD 100. Sometimes the shipping cost is negligible, at least when I buy from Amazon USA, but not sure about it going the other direction now with the Trump tariffs.
Additionally, even for existing Godox V1 users, Neewer sells the same accessories rebranded for their Z1/Z2. At least on Amazon Canada, these were on sale for Prime Days and also a bit less expensive to begin with. The Z2's battery is on sale and it's about half what the Godox version is selling for...
I was even kind of tempted by their new Q6 600W/s unit. Kind of an odd design, but USD 420 on sale at the moment. That said, the Paul C Buff Celestial is currently $200 off at $450. But I think I like the versatility and ubiquity of the Godox AD400ProII more, especially now that I've kind of settled on the Godox radio system.
p.1 #5 · Godox V1 Pro vs. Neewer Z2 Pro speedlite flash
rscheffler wrote:
It's flaky if used as a master/controller and won't trigger my Godox flash, but I'm not 100% sure I have set all the settings correctly and I have only tried it with the R5II so far. In this mode the flash appears to cause a roughly quarter-second delay taking the photo between fully pressing the shutter release and the actual exposure happening. It's definitely way longer than any kind of regular camera response time. But this only happens when it's used as the master/controller...
Following up on this: the Z2 Pro has a setting that you have to turn on for it to work only as a receiver with the Godox radio system. Turning off this setting reverts the flash to the Neewer radio system and it works as one would expect as a receiver or a sender unit, the latter only controlling other Neewer units. But not Godox. When operating on the Neewer radio system the very noticeably lag I mentioned earlier is no longer present. Or at least not as obvious. With all flashes on manual output it still feels slightly laggy. It's more so when they're on TTL due to the need for the TTL pre-flash. I'd have to dig out my Canon speedlites to compare but I don't remember them being quite this laggy. Anyway, point being the Z2 Pro appears to work as expected when operating with the Neewer radio system and is only functional as a receiving unit with the Godox system. And here it seems to work fine, so far.
p.1 #7 · Godox V1 Pro vs. Neewer Z2 Pro speedlite flash
In my books going with Godox is already cheaping out, so might as well go all the way to the bottom with the Neewer units. /joking
The lag I mentioned above when using these on Neewer's own radio network is barely perceptible and might be more of a thing when remote units are set to TTL (due to the need for a pre-flash).
The only thing lacking, IMO with the Neewer units is 100% interoperability with the Godox radio system. It works 50% - as receivers only, which is fine for my needs if I want to use the Godox radio system. They were so cheap while on sale that I bought a couple more and will have four in total. Plus I bought a controller unit for 2/3 the price of a Godox one, and a bunch of 'dumb' receivers for CAD 35 ea to connect to my Elinchrom and Buff strobes. Which means now I'll also be able to run everything through the Neewer Q system radio network if I want to and not need any Godox compatibility. I currently only have one Godox speedlite and after loading up on Neewer units, I'm not sure I will actually get many, or any more Godox speedlites. I'm more interested in maybe adding some AD400ProII units.
The Neewer Z2 Pro doesn't seem any 'cheaper' than what I've seen from Godox so far, and shouldn't physically be substantially different than the Godox V1 Pro. Instead of seeming like I went cheap, I feel like I actually got a bargain. Maybe that was previously the case with Godox, but their more recent releases are no longer true bargains, IMO. Sure, they're less than OEM speedlites or mid and upper tier studio systems (Elinchrom, Profoto, etc.), but there seems to be little pricing flexibility or irregularity, which makes me wonder if Godox is strict about keeping pricing in a certain range relative to traditional brands.
p.1 #8 · Godox V1 Pro vs. Neewer Z2 Pro speedlite flash
Just received mine and the build quality is decent however ttl is pretty inconsistent and can vary by a stop or more. Photographing the same scene and taking a photo one after the other, pausing in between to recycle, the exposures are all over the place. Both on and off camera. YMMV
p.1 #9 · Godox V1 Pro vs. Neewer Z2 Pro speedlite flash
jorgegarcia wrote:
Just received mine and the build quality is decent however ttl is pretty inconsistent and can vary by a stop or more. Photographing the same scene and taking a photo one after the other, pausing in between to recycle, the exposures are all over the place. Both on and off camera. YMMV
OK, good to know. I will have to give mine a good test before a real outing. My initial impression was that in ETTL mode they had a tendency to underexpose 1-1.5 stops whereas the Godox V480 I recently got was better. My initial plan was to use these mostly as manually controlled OCF, therefore didn't really care much about TTL performance. But now that I ended up with four of them, I may actually use them as primary on-camera TTL units. We'll see.
What system and camera(s) are you using?
Have you checked the Neewer website for firmware updates? I noticed my Z2 Pro-C units are one version older than what's currently available. I'm holding off updating only because the most recent version's fw improvements seem low priority.
My experience with Godox and Neewer is both at about the same place right now: very minimal. My initial limited impression is that Godox might have better firmware compatibility with respect to things like TTL consistency. That said, the Godox XT2-C transmitter I recently got is having compatibility issues with my Canon R5II - it won't trigger a flash mounted on the pass-through hot shoe - and is on the most recent fw version. Works fine with my older R6II and R6 cameras... This is my one hesitation about these third party flash brands - compatibility out of the box and also whether things will break whenever the camera's fw is updated.
p.1 #10 · Godox V1 Pro vs. Neewer Z2 Pro speedlite flash
rscheffler wrote:
OK, good to know. I will have to give mine a good test before a real outing. My initial impression was that in ETTL mode they had a tendency to underexpose 1-1.5 stops whereas the Godox V480 I recently got was better. My initial plan was to use these mostly as manually controlled OCF, therefore didn't really care much about TTL performance. But now that I ended up with four of them, I may actually use them as primary on-camera TTL units. We'll see.
What system and camera(s) are you using?
Have you checked the Neewer website for firmware updates? I noticed my Z2 Pro-C units are one version older than what's currently available. I'm holding off updating only because the most recent version's fw improvements seem low priority.
My experience with Godox and Neewer is both at about the same place right now: very minimal. My initial limited impression is that Godox might have better firmware compatibility with respect to things like TTL consistency. That said, the Godox XT2-C transmitter I recently got is having compatibility issues with my Canon R5II - it won't trigger a flash mounted on the pass-through hot shoe - and is on the most recent fw version. Works fine with my older R6II and R6 cameras... This is my one hesitation about these third party flash brands - compatibility out of the box and also whether things will break whenever the camera's fw is updated....Show more →
Off camera using a Godox Nano x3 on a Nikon Z8. The firmware is the latest and tends to lean under exposed but will blow things out as well. On camera it works more consistently.
p.1 #11 · Godox V1 Pro vs. Neewer Z2 Pro speedlite flash
A comment by Neewer on another site:
“Thanks for bringing this up! Neewer Z2Pro uses a TTL wireless flash system that follows the full metering process of the camera, so it measures light three times to ensure accurate exposure. Meanwhile, Godox triggers simulate on-camera flash and only need one measurement, so they respond faster. That's why TTL exposure with Z2Pro may appear slightly slower or less bright.“
p.1 #12 · Godox V1 Pro vs. Neewer Z2 Pro speedlite flash
Ok that’s good to know. I appreciate you mentioning it here. I’ll be sure to check this as well. Even with my Canon flashes when they’re used as remotes in TTL there would be a slight but noticeable delay and was a reason I’d try to use manual output as much as possible. Worst case, if the Neewer radio system ends up being annoyingly laggy, I’ll use other triggers to fire them with less delay. Their reasoning for possible TTL underexposure though doesn’t sit well if all the extra metering is supposed to be better, yet the actual results are inconsistent.
The only concern I have is support and firmware. Adorama's Flashpoint house brand lighting is made by Godox. But many of the lights have their own flashpoint specific firmware. Godox firmware does not work (I've tried). Often Godox updates are available long before similar version become available for the Flashpoint devices. Neewer seems to be hosting their own firmware for their lights and not redirecting to godox downloads.
The only concern I have is support and firmware. Adorama's Flashpoint house brand lighting is made by Godox. But many of the lights have their own flashpoint specific firmware. Godox firmware does not work (I've tried). Often Godox updates are available long before similar version become available for the Flashpoint devices. Neewer seems to be hosting their own firmware for their lights and not redirecting to godox downloads.
It does, you just have to turn on this compatibility with a menu setting.
I agree that Neewer is using their own firmware and they do seem to be decent with updates. Their best Godox compatibility is physically with accessories and battery (pretty sure) for the equivalent Godox models. IMO this is a nice perk for existing Godox users because so far all of the Neewer equivalents have been lower priced.
p.1 #15 · Godox V1 Pro vs. Neewer Z2 Pro speedlite flash
The Neewer Z2 lights appear physically distinct from Godox. This must be something unique Godox is making for Neewer and not just a rebranding. The Neewer LCD and button configuration is different from anything Godox or Flashpoint offer.
p.1 #16 · Godox V1 Pro vs. Neewer Z2 Pro speedlite flash
jeffbuzz wrote:
The Neewer Z2 lights appear physically distinct from Godox. This must be something unique Godox is making for Neewer and not just a rebranding. The Neewer LCD and button configuration is different from anything Godox or Flashpoint offer.
Yes, there are external/cosmetic differences meaning it's not just a simple rebranding. The different LCD and graphics will have involved some design work specifically for Neewer, as will the changes to the physical shell. The Z2 Pro is also missing the V1 Pro's HV battery port whereas the Z1 still has what appears to be the physical molding in the external shell for that port (though it's not mentioned in the specs) and the same LCD and button layout as the V1, suggesting it's a more direct derivative of that flash.
But the core Z2 Pro specs are virtually identical to those of the Godox V1 Pro, so without trying one in person to compare against the Neewer, I wouldn't expect there to be much performance difference, if any.
I'd have to re-read the Z1 and Z2 specs, but I think they are very much the same. The difference is the body shell and LCD design of the Z1 is essentially the same as the V1 while the Z2 has a new body and LCD design but the guts of the V1. Based on the specs there is some sort of internal physical difference between the Godox V1 and V1 Pro which also translates to the Neewer Z1/Z2 vs. the Z2 Pro. For one, the Pro has better thermal endurance characteristics.
The interface design of the Z2/Z2 Pro looks nicer but IMO it's more eye candy graphics than substantive. On the other hand, newer Godox flashes like the V100, V480, both with full color touchscreens, are well beyond the graphical and UI design of the Z2 Pro and are fluid and easy to use.
If Neewer is saving money by not going touchscreen and fancier UI, that's fine with me.
p.1 #17 · Godox V1 Pro vs. Neewer Z2 Pro speedlite flash
jorgegarcia wrote:
A comment by Neewer on another site:
“Thanks for bringing this up! Neewer Z2Pro uses a TTL wireless flash system that follows the full metering process of the camera, so it measures light three times to ensure accurate exposure. Meanwhile, Godox triggers simulate on-camera flash and only need one measurement, so they respond faster. That's why TTL exposure with Z2Pro may appear slightly slower or less bright.“
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rscheffler wrote:
Ok that’s good to know. I appreciate you mentioning it here. I’ll be sure to check this as well. Even with my Canon flashes when they’re used as remotes in TTL there would be a slight but noticeable delay and was a reason I’d try to use manual output as much as possible. Worst case, if the Neewer radio system ends up being annoyingly laggy, I’ll use other triggers to fire them with less delay. Their reasoning for possible TTL underexposure though doesn’t sit well if all the extra metering is supposed to be better, yet the actual results are inconsistent. ...Show more →
Update:
I compared TTL controlling four Z2 Pro flashes via a Neewer controller on their Q radio network vs. TTL controlling the same four via a Godox controller (V480 flash) on the Godox X radio network.
The biggest lag/delay difference was when each of the four units was in a separate group.
The Neewer pre-flash sequence and total delay between pressing the shutter release and taking the photo was glacially slow when dealing with units in multiple groups. There was still delay when using the Godox radio network but it was somewhat more tolerable.
If you're lag intolerant (like me), you'll want the remote flashes on as few groups as possible if using TTL, or all on manual power, the latter of which exhibited virtually no lag with both radio networks.
To give you a visual and audio example of the difference, please see the 240fps cameraphone videos here:
The units were lined up with the leftmost in group B and the rightmost in group E. Note that the pre-flash sequence started with group E.
Bottom line: there's no way I'll be using the Neewer Q radio network for TTL OCF in multiple groups simply because of the delay/lag, unless in situations where timing is irrelevant (like a studio still life set up).
If all units are in a single group, in TTL, the lag difference between the Neewer radio network and Godox network is difficult to determine. I did film it at 240fps but would have to compare the two in a slowed down, more controlled matter to spot any delay difference. I think in real world use a single TTL remote group won't matter whether it's on the Neewer or Godox network.
p.1 #18 · Godox V1 Pro vs. Neewer Z2 Pro speedlite flash
So i bought a Z2Pro and would say if it worked properly it'd be great. It listens to iTTL for the most part. The only thing i've found and others have found is that Flash EV comp on camera doesn't get activated on the flash itself. I have to manually change it on the flash.
So if i say -2 EV on flash power to cut down on flash power on camera. The flash will fire at Full power.
The Inferior yet Superior non-touch screen is great. No more casual swipes to change settings. I wish there was a slide power switch. Like on the side they have a useless Manual/TTL slide switch. That could of been power. As Manual/TTL can be set in menu. And i doubt anyone needs a rapid switch between those two settings.
Size wise the head is different than Godox. I had a 3rd party diffuser that fits on Godox because i wanted to slip on friction grip diffuser cap that's shaped different. But it was incompatible.
I hope enough people complain that EV comp doesn't work. I tried on a Z6iii and an older D500 with the same results.
p.1 #19 · Godox V1 Pro vs. Neewer Z2 Pro speedlite flash
Thanks for the feedback. I've used these a few times now. Twice as remotes controlled via Godox master units, both times with the Z2 Pros set to manual output via the master units. And this worked well with almost no issues. In one instance I turned off the group for a couple units but they continued to fire, yet other times when I turned off this group, they did turn off. I was shooting with two cameras, each with a master unit, and don't recall if I turned off the group on the second master unit as well. Maybe not and maybe it confused it.
I've used one of these for on-camera use once so far and think exposure consistency on ETTL is not as good as my Canon units. Sometimes it's considerably under and other times considerably over.
As with @mrgetalife2, I'm not a fan of the on/off procedure. But agree at least it's not touchscreen, which one of my Godox units is, and it just annoys me whenever I want to quickly change a setting. It just takes too long and you have to be careful not to overshoot the setting change (not ideal when in a rush and in a hectic environment). At least the touchscreen on that unit can be locked because it's otherwise way too easy to accidentally change a setting. I'll take buttons and switches any time instead.
The point of the Manual/TTL switch on the Z2 Pro is so that you can quickly switch from TTL exposure to manual, whereby it will translate the TTL output used to the actual manual output amount, allowing you to keep exposure exactly consistent and easily and precisely adjust output. So I'd say it's not totally useless. I may actually use it more because of the unit's TTL inconsistency. When I'm in a relatively static situation, quickly switching to manual after the first shot will allow more control over correct exposure.
Regarding the Neewer flash accessories for the Z1/Z2 Pro and Godox interoperability: I initially assumed they were identical to Godox but they're not. For example, the round magnetic clip-on accessories, such as the filter rings, appear to be magnetized with opposite polarity to the equivalent Godox filter rings. So those cannot be stacked, for example (unless one of the two is reversed). Yet both brands' accessory rings will magnetically mount to both Neewer and Godox units, for some reason. It just seems you can't as easily stack a mix of Godox and Neewer modifiers.
p.1 #20 · Godox V1 Pro vs. Neewer Z2 Pro speedlite flash
I’ve been playing around with the Z2 Pro a bit, and here’s what I’ve noticed.
For manual off-camera work, it’s actually really solid. Build quality is good, it feels reliable, and honestly the specs are almost the same as a Godox V1 Pro. If you’re mainly using manual flashes, it’s a bargain.
TTL is a different story. On-camera or with multiple groups, it can be a little hit-or-miss—sometimes underexposes, sometimes reacts a bit slower. So if you really need consistent TTL, Godox is still the safer bet.
But for manual off-camera lighting, especially if you’re looking to save a few bucks, the Z2 Pro is tough to beat. Just be aware that not all accessories mix perfectly with Godox, so keep that in mind.
