Has anyone here tried GODOX Flash equipment..

[JFG]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone here has tried or owns GODOX gear?  Since I'm now getting into Macro photography, and the Cygnustech Diffuser I ordered from Cairns, Australia, will take two weeks to arrive, I decided to purchase a GODOX MF-R76C TTL Macro Ring Flash.  Since, I hadn't heard of the brand I did a deep dive research and found to my surprise that it's a highly regarded brand among retailers and photographers and has become a significant player in the photography industry.  GODOX's affordable and high-quality products have disrupted the market, forcing established brands to reevaluate their pricing strategies. and product offerings.  Also, I found that GODOX is not a new brand but was founded in 1933.

Having researched and read various reviews, article and data comparison between GODOX, Canon and various competitors, I like to hear if any here have used their products and what they think of it. I was thinking of purchasing the Canon MT-26EX-RT Macro Ring Lite but after doing a comparison, although Canon is the Premium choice, I decided to go with the GODOX as it is comparable to Canon in terms of features and quality at 1/3rd the price.  While charging the battery so that I can give a test run, I decided to write this post and get some insight from you all.  

🤔

[shadowsports]

Hi Joe,

Demetrius, Peter or Mike Sowson  might be good resources for flash info.  

Ricky (RSEOS) uses Profoto.  One thing I do know is third party flashes cannot be controlled from the camera's menu.  So using a Canon flash ensures compatibility and the highest level of control.  I don't use a flash often enough to speak definitively on what might be best.  

[JFG]

Hi Rick, 

I researched it to make sure that the Canon GODOX MF-R76C is fully controlled from the Canon R5 Mark II and R6 Mark II and it is.  I don't know about other 3rd party Flashes but the GODOX model made for Canon has 100% Canon camera control.  The battery finally charged to 100% and I set it up for Macro photography and the Canon R5 Mark II controls the GODOX MF-R76C flash just like my Canon 430EX III-RT Flash does.  It works really well for Macro photography as I tested taking shots of a small tiny blueberry and it produced a well evenly lit sharp picture with no white out areas from the flash.  The MF-R76C is really a high quality product made for Macro photography, insects, jewelry and for up close portrait photography.  I can attest that it really is a high quality product and  I'm really happy with it.  Below is a comparison chart for the GODOX, Canon and Meike Ring Flashes.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the three TTL macro ring flashes for Canon bodies:

Feature	GODOX MF-R76C	Canon MR-14EX II	Meike MK-14EXT
Camera Compatibility	Canon E-TTL / E-TTL II	Canon E-TTL / E-TTL II	Canon E-TTL / E-TTL II
TTL & Flash Modes	TTL, Manual; HSS; 1st & 2nd-curtain	TTL, Manual; no HSS; 1st & 2nd-curtain	TTL, Manual; no HSS; 1st & 2nd-curtain
Guide Number (ISO 100)	14 m / 46 ft	11 m / 36 ft	14 m / 46 ft
Power Range	1/1 → 1/256 (in 1/3-stop steps)	1/1 → 1/32 (in 1/2-stop steps)	1/1 → 1/128 (in 1/2-stop steps)
Flash-Ratio Control	Yes (A :B)	Yes (A :B)	Yes (A :B, 8:1–1:1–1:8)
Output/Increments	1/3 EV	1/2 EV	1/2 EV
Flash Duration	1/300 → 1/20 000 s	~1/100 → 1/20 000 s	1/300 → 1/20 000 s
Recycle Time	0.1 → 1 s	0.2 → 2.9 s	~3 s
Pops per Full Charge	~550	~100–800 (AA)	~100–800 (AA)
Wireless Operation	Godox 2.4 GHz radio (TTL/Manual)	No	No
Wireless Channels/Groups	32 channels / 4 groups	N/A	N/A
Sync Interface	Radio; PC-sync	Optical; PC-sync	PC-sync
Modeling / AF-Assist Light	Yes	Yes	Yes
Power Source	Internal 3 000 mAh Li-ion	4 × AA (alkaline or Ni-MH)	4 × AA (alkaline or Ni-MH)
External Power Option	No	Yes (Canon CP-E4 pack)	Yes
Weight	578 g	~385 g	398 g
Dimensions	Ring: 129.5 × 129.5 × 25.4 mm; Ctrl: 119.4 × 68.6 × 48.3 mm	Ring: ~135 × 135 × 30 mm; Ctrl: ~100 × 60 × 40 mm	Ring + Ctrl combined: Ø130 mm ring; overall size ~145 × 110 × 165 mm
Adapter Rings Included	49, 52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 72, 77 mm	40.5–82 mm (multiple sizes)	40.5, 52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 72, 77 mm

– GODOX excels in power range, wireless integration and super-fast recycle.
– Canon offers rock-solid build, full feature-set and external-pack support.
– Meike gives you core TTL/macro functionality at the lowest cost with standard PC-sync.

[deebatman316]

From my experience with Godox they need to work on their reverse engineering. They have flashes that are not very old and lock up EOS R series cameras with Error 70. This problem dates back to 2018 with the release of the original EOS R. Some of their flashes don’t work when set to E-TTL & HSS. The pictures come out overexposed because they fire at full output. Canon’s MR-14EX II does support HSS and wireless flash. Though it’s the older optical line of sight system and not radio. I believe that ring flash was released before the RT system came out. So it wouldn’t support it so it’s no surprise. Canon does not update their macro flashes as much as their regular speedlites. Canon had the MT-24EX in production from 2000-2017. Yes it was in production for 17 years before being replaced by the MT-26EX-RT in 2017. That was one of the longest flash products in production for that long. The next flash to be in production for a long time was the 220EX. It was in production from 1996-2009 before being replaced by the original 270EX which was released alongside the original EOS 7D. All of Canon’s EX & EL series speedlites support HSS. When Canon made the switch from A-TTL to E-TTL in 1995 they added that functionality to all new cameras and speedlites released. Older cameras didn’t support this even if an EX series speedlite was used. Older EX series supported fall back to TTL for older film bodies that did NOT SUPPORT E-TTL. None of Canon’s later EX series supported this nor does the newer EL lineup. That includes the EL-1, EL-1 version II & EL-100. All E-TTL flashes are controlled by camera. Now in camera menu support is a different story. Some 3rd Party flashes support and some don’t. Not even all of Canon’s speedlites support the in camera flash menu. All speedlites released from 2007 onwards support it. Speedlites released prior that are not compatible. Though the camera menu will display the speedlite’s current settings but they cannot be changed from the camera. The camera will simply display grayed out or missing menu options. Which is expected from an old flash. They don’t have the necessary hardware to be controlled from the camera menu. Like newer flash units support today. Some lower end cameras without a full mechanical shutter. Often display banding with 3rd party flashes. There’s no workaround for this other than using a Canon flash. This was especially noticeable on the EOS RP, EOS R8, EOS R50 & EOS R100. There’s no fix from Godox on this problem or the Error 70 problem. This plagues ALL EOS R series cameras and Godox hasn’t found a fix to this day. Canon at one point advised users to discontinue using certain 3rd party E-TTL flashes products. This was due to so many people reporting the Error 70 code. But Canon could not replicate the problem. Canon found out later that it was in fact the 3rd Party speedlite causing the problem. In 2018 with the release of the original EOS R camera. Canon changed the AF Assist Beam communication the camera sent to the flash. This broke compatibility with certain 3rd Party E-TTL flashes. Since the IR AF Assist Beam is INCOMPATIBLE on Mirrorless cameras. Canon utilizes Intermittent Flash Firing on ALL speedlites instead for AF Assist. Even on their own speedlites that never previously used them on a DSLR.

[JFG]

Hi deebatman316, 

I own a Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT that I use, however I wanted to try a Ring Flash for Macro photography.  I looked at the Canon Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II Flash and the GODOX Canon MF-R76C Macro Ring Lite Flash and extensively researched both and read lots of reviews from retailers and Macro photographers, leading me to Choose the GODOX Canon MF-R76C Macro Ring Lite Flash because it was very highly rated and it was half the price at $289.99 vs Canon's price of $589.00.  Since I already owned  the Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT, I decided to try the GODOX Canon MF-R76C Macro Ring Lite Flash .   I've been testing it out and comparing it to the Canon 430EX III-RT and to my surprise it does everything that the Canon does considering that it is specifically for Macro photography.   I don't know about older GODOX flash products but theThe Godox MF-R76C TTL Macro Ring Flash was released in mid-2023, specifically around May 30, 2023, based on Godox’s official press coverage and product listings. It marked a significant upgrade from their earlier manual MF-R76 model, adding TTL support, Canon E-TTL compatibility, and integration with the 2.4GHz X wireless system.  As for the infamous error 70, the R5 Mark II seems to have improved internal handling and firmware stability, which may reduce the likelihood of this error.  Having said that, I returned the GODOX MF-R76C and ordered the Canon MR-14EX II Macro Ring Lite.  I'll be testing it when I get it, tomorrow.  However, I must say that, that the GODOX MF-R76C is a great performer for its price.   I'll see if the Canon MR-14EX II Macro Ring Lite is as good if not better. If not, I'll be ordering another GODOX MF-R76C.  Stay tuned. 😎 

[JeffXB]

I kicked around the idea of getting that same one, but opted for the V100 from MoLight as I’m using it not only for macro, but for other genres as well. I still might get one as using the V100 with diffusers, including the Cygnustech, can be cumbersome at times.

The only thing I don’t like with ring lights, even at low power settings, is the circular and often blown out reflection(s) you get on shiny subjects like many species of beetles or in peoples eyes. I’m not experienced enough nor have I researched if there are diffusers for ring lights, and if they would make any significant difference. 

Btw, did you try in camera focus bracketing on your R6 M2 with the Godox ring light? Just curious if it’ll work as it doesn’t with the V100 (Canon, if you’re reading this then how about a firmware update to allow all flashes to use in camera focus bracketing!) 

[JFG]

Hi deebatman316, 

So I purchased the Canon MR-14EX II Macro Ring Flash only to find out that it was made for EF lenses, and  I would need to order an adapter for it to work with the 67mm RF100mm f2.8 L Macro IS USM lens.  Racing the price of the Canon to $629.00.  As the Canon MR-14EX II only fitts a 58mm lens  and those that have purchased it to use with RF lenses have had problems with the Canon adapter and caution others to be careful with the canon adapter or other adapters.  It was to late for me to cancel the order so I'll pick it up tomorrow and return it unopened the same day.  I will just stick with the GODOX MF-R76C Macro Ring Lite and reorder new one as it works seamlessly with my R5 Mark II and R6 Mark II, for half the price of only $289.00.  The Godox MF-R76C TTL. It’s more modern, with 2 year old technology, offers better control, faster performance, and integrates beautifully with my Canon R5 Mark II setup and for only $289.00, Including a wide range of adapter rings. The MF-R76-C has a high compatibility with Canon lenses of diameters: 49, 52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 72, 77mm.  With the Canon MR-14EX II your paying $629.00 and getting 11 year old technology, that was introduced in 2014.   Canon needs to keep it's Flash technology more up to date. All my equipment except for one Sigma lens is Canon.  So I would rather have a Canon Flash, however, one made to work with R cameras and RF lenses.  Godox, made for Canon R bodiesnd RF lense, for half the price is a no brainer., I rather have high quality 2 year old technology, than 11 year old technology any day.

😎

[deebatman316]

The L Model 100mm Macro for both EF & RF mounts require the macro lite adapter. The EF L version comes with the lens and is already attached. Now it is on the older side of flashes. Not too many people use Macro flashes. The Error 70 has to do with the AF Assist Beam. I don’t believe Macro lites have this ability. I know Godox flashes tend not to work well with cameras that lack a fully mechanical shutter. Those cameras have a lot of issues with banding. The other thing is that Godox reverse engineering needs more work. HSS & E-TTL for instance don’t work properly on some cameras. Or the flash fires at full output in E-TTL. Who knows if it will work properly on the next camera. Godox has compatability issues on certain cameras. I still believe they need to work on their reverse engineering.

[JFG]

Hi deebatmant316

I have tested the GODOX Canon MF-R76C that was introduced in 2023, and it works great with my R5 Mark II and it comes the rings to fit it on the RF100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM lens and other canon RF lenses.  I know about the error 70, however that is not an issue with the R5 MRK II and R6 MRK II.   I know that it was a problem with other canon products, but it is not a problem with the R5 Mark II and/or the R6 Mark II.  Canon flash technology is 11 years behind the times.  I think that Canon in their business wisdom decided a long time ago spend most of their R & D dollars in camera body and lens development and Accessories such as Flashes go to the back of the bus and that is why their flash technology is eleven years old.  It is slower, lacks the finer control (1/256 power and 1/3 EV steps), faster recycle times, and wireless radio control. That's ideal for meticulous lighting setups and focus stacking work. The GODOX's internal Li-ion battery means fewer interruptions and 550 pops per charge.  Canon's AA is more flexible but less efficient unless paired with an external pack, which adds to the cost of the unit.  The GODOX is more modern, offers better control, faster performance and integrates beautifully with both of my canon setup.  It is up to date technology not 11 years old technology.  If Canon made a Macro Ring Flash that was up to date, I would not hesitate to buy it. Just my opinion.

[JFG]

Hi Jeff,

I know what you mean about getting circular and often blown out reflection(s) on shiny subjects like many species of beetles or in people's eyes. I was also concerned about that, however, The GODOX is impressively equipped to help prevent blowouts, especially in close-up macro scenarios where lighting control is critical.  It has precise power control that is adjustable from 1/1 to 1/256 in 1/3 stop increments, allowing ultra-fine tuning of flash intensity.  Also, you can dial the "Flash Exposure Compensation" (FEC) in a +-3 EV directly from the flash or your Canon R6 Mark II, helping you reduce over exposure in TTL mode.  The A:B Ratio control lets you balance Left/Right Flash Tubes to avoid flat lighting and hot spots.  Ratio range from 8:1 to 1:8 in 1/2-stop steps.  ETTL Pre-Flash:  Evaluative TTL mode uses a pre-flash to measure scene brightness and adjust output accordingly, minimizing risk of blowouts.  Manual Mode gives you full control when TTL isn't behaving predictably which is ideal for focus stacking or reflective objects.

The GODOX Canon MF-R76C TTL Macro Ring Flash works perfectly with the Canon R6 Mark II.  It handles focus stacking beautifully when paired with the EOS R6 Mark II.  The R6 Mark II does not perform in-camera focus stacking, but it does support focus bracketing, which is the foundation of stacking. Focus bracketing shoots up to 999 frames with incremental focus shifts.  Depth Compositing, not built-in like the R7 or R5 Mark II, but you can stack externally using Canon DPP or third-party tools like Helicon Focus or Zerene Stacker and "Exposure Smoothing" helps maintain consistent brightness across frames.  Where the GODOX excels during bracketing comes in consistent output, fast recycle time (0.1-1s) and stable manual power settings make it ideal for stacking sequences. Manual Mode Recommended:  TTL can very output between frames, so manual flash power (e.g., 1/64 or 1/28) ensures uniform lighting.  The Focus Assist Lamps help with low light subjects but should be turned off during stacking to avoid ambient inconsistencies.  When stacking, tripod stability is essential.  Manual Power: Set and lock flash output.  Use Electronic Shutter as it minimizes vibration.  Start at nearest focus point:  Let the camera bracket toward infinity.  Stack in Software:  Use Helicon Focus or DPP for best results.

I hope the above info helps, Jeff.  Also, if you have tips of your own post, it in KBJFG.

😎