The Sony A7Rii is one of the best middle-ground cameras on the market. While it’s not a pro camera, it is a high-end consumer model with a wide range of premium features. The device brings a lot to the table and helps you take professional shots.
However, as great as it is, there are some ways to improve it. As with so many cameras, the Sony A7Rii benefits from a good flash. Not only will the add-on give you better lighting, but it will also help you take more professional shots in both light and dark conditions.
If you want better photos, the models in this buying guide are for you.
Contents
Quick Summary
- The Godox Ving is a solid flash that bleeds reliability. This machine is well-made, has a strong battery, short recycle time, and comes with one of the most reliable locking systems on the market.
- The Sony HVLF43M is a solid flash thanks to the Quick Shift Bounce system, which enables the device to orbit 90 degrees. That increases your options and helps maintain good light no matter how you shoot.
- If you want a solid budget flash, look no further than the Yongnuo YN560. This affordable option comes with an intuitive LCD panel, a built-in wireless RF receiver, and a PC port.
Who Should Get This?
Every flash here is obviously for anyone who owns a Sony A7Rii. The models give you a lot of extra versatility and will enable you to use the camera in a whole new way. That makes the devices especially useful for people who like to play with light or angles. They are great for portrait photographers as well.
As with so many accessories, the following flashes are not made for just one model. If you’re looking to pick up a multi-functional device to add to your kit, or if you need something that you can strap onto numerous cameras, these flashes will bring that extra quality you seek.
Best Flash for Sony A7Rii: Top 3 Picks
Below is a list of my top recommendations. I’ll also include a quick review of each flash so you understand the pros and cons of each of them.
1. Godox Ving
The Godox Ving is a popular camera flash that happens to work quite well with the A7Rii. This device makes our list because of its strong lithium-ion battery, which both provides ample light and allows up to six hundred flashes on one charge.
The recycle time is also just 1.5 seconds long. The flash will even alert you when it’s fully recycled through two red LEDs that will blink when it’s time to go again.
Another bonus here is the adjustable head, a feature that gives you a lot of options and enables you to find unique angles. It pivots 270 degrees so you’re never caught off guard or without the right shot.
In addition, the Ving comes with a solid screw-down locking system to make sure the flash never slips or falls out of place while you’re moving around. The navigation menu is easy to use as well.
What We Like:
- 20 to 200 zoom flash coverage
- Auto and manual flash
- Optical transmission
- Stable output
- High-speed sync
- 2000mAh Li-ion battery
- LCD display
- 1.5-second recycle time
- Solid locking system
What We Don’t Like:
- Plastic shoe
- Cannot turn off AF assist lights
2. Sony HVLF43M
The Sony HVLF43M is a high-power flash that creates quite a bright light. That advanced illumination takes it to the next level and enables you to get widespread for all of your shots.
Its range extends more than 30 feet, which is plenty for almost all photographs, and the flash has ten variable brightness settings so you can always get the best possible control.
However, what truly makes this stand out is the unique Quick Shift Bounce system. In it, the flash moves 90 degrees to both the right and the left in a way that keeps your horizontal light distribution even.
That creates a lot of versatility and enables you to get the lighting you want each and every time. In addition, the on/off button is easy to reach and the Wireless Ratio Control is simple to use.
What We Like:
- Strong illumination
- Long effective range
- Quick Shift Bounce system
- Incredibly versatile
- Wireless Ratio Control
- Durable construction
- Low price point
- Rubber weatherproofing seals
What We Don’t Like:
- Plastic body
- Battery drains quickly
3. Yongnuo YN560
Few budget flashes give you the power of the Yongnuo YN560. This budget option is one of the cheapest choices available for the Sony A7Rii, but don’t let the low price fool you.
It packs quite a punch. The model may not be the most durable, but its shell can stand up to a lot of use. Not only that, but it comes with built-in wireless receiver technology as well as a PC and external battery pack port.
One of the best features here is the LCD panel. While it’s a bit basic compared to more expensive models, the screen lets you keep track of key information like battery life and enables you to quickly change settings as you need.
This machine is quite durable, works well for any type of photography, and has more than enough features to keep you happy as you shoot.
What We Like:
- Built-in wireless RF receiver
- Rear curtain sync
- LCD panel
- PC and battery pack port
- Long-lasting
- Easy to use
- Solid color consistency
What We Don’t Like:
- A bit noisy
- Not great for fast-paced shooting
How to Choose the Best Flash for Sony A7Rii
I recommend that you take the following factors into account, and your decision-making will be much easier.
Power
Power is one of the most important aspects to consider when getting a new flash. Each model comes with its own power output that’s typically designated by what’s known as a Guide Number (GN) value. Though there are some subtleties, the general rule is to always look for a higher GN rating when possible. That will give you more light, which then leads to more options.
Weatherproof
Certain flashes come with strong shells or tough materials that naturally stand up to the elements. If you’re a photographer who spends a lot of time outside or who takes a lot of pictures of natural settings, you want to get a weatherproof model when possible. That not only makes your camera much stronger, but it helps you not lose your purchase in an unexpected storm. Sleeves go a long way towards that end as well.
Noise
Though not as important as the above two traits, silent or quiet flashes are quite nice to have. High-quality models tend to be a combination of smooth and silent. Those two traits work beautifully together to give you a straightforward model that won’t distract you as you work. It also creates a much more pleasant user experience that’s not quite so jarring.
Useful Tips and Information
Flash photography is another step on your journey to becoming a better picture-taker. As such, it does require a bit of practice to get right. If you want to get into the discipline or learn some of the basics, this guide is a good place to start.
The reason flash creates so many excellent pictures is through fantastic lighting. However, getting good lighting is not as simple as it first seems. While you can figure it out on your own, it always helps to get advice from guides like this one.
Final Words
While many modern cameras come with built-in flashes, nothing can quite live up to an external device. Getting a flash for your camera greatly improves the lighting and helps you take high-quality shots in a range of different environments. There are many that fit the Sony A7Rii, but few can match the models outlined above.
Do you have an external flash for your A7Rii? If so, why do you like it over other options? Let us know in the comments below.
