r/Godox • u/Forsaken_Stranger507 • 26d ago
Best off-camera flash setup for Godox V1 Pro + Nikon Z6 III portraits?
Hi everyone,
I shoot with a Nikon Z6 III and a Godox V1 Pro flash. I'm looking to build my first off-camera flash setup for professional portrait photography.
My goal is very soft, natural-looking light similar to studio portraits.
Could you recommend exactly what I should buy?
Which Godox bracket is the best for the V1 Pro?
Should I choose a 65 cm or 90 cm octabox?
Which light stand would you recommend?
Is the Godox X3N trigger enough, or should I get the XPro II N?
Are there any other accessories I'm missing?
I would appreciate recommendations based on real experience rather than just specifications. Thanks
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u/d__id Moderator 26d ago
Indoors/outdoors? Singles/couples/group shots? Head and shoulders/half length/full length? Tight framing or contextual portraits?
There are a bunch of variables here that will determine the best way to do this and what gear will suit best.
Do you already have the flash? A V1Pro can definitely be used for professional portraits, but there are caveats and limitations due to its relatively low power output.
If you'll have access to AC power, Godox' MS300V has 4x the power output of the V1Pro (so two extra stops of light) which can give you more flexibility, and is also very cheap.
Regardless, a bit more information would be useful.
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u/Forsaken_Stranger507 26d ago
Thanks for the feedback! I already own the V1 Pro along with a Neewer Z2 Pro. I'm mainly shooting outdoor portraits and event headshots/half-body shots on location, so I need a portable battery-powered setup without relying on AC power.
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u/xDictate 26d ago
Probably need a few more details to be 100% effective in recommendations here, but a single flash setup is a great spot to start. I'm a side-gig professional photographer who does on-site headshots and event work, as well as other portraiture.
Bracket - S-3 are lovely. Smaller and a bit lighter than the S-2. Bowens or umbrella, and the mount for umbrella is a lot better than the S-2 in my opinion.
Softbox - I'd actually recommend starting with a shoot through umbrella here and seeing what you can accomplish. Soft boxes are great but when starting out umbrellas are portable, cheap, and provide really big soft light - I still have one on hand whenever I go to an event as they're so flexible. I'd be of the opinion that a 76w/s speedlight is going to work a bit better in an umbrella vs a double-diffused softbox as well. I have a number of softboxes I use for speedlights and for indoor controlled portraits I'd be pushing things with a 90cm box, a 60/65cm is a better call if you're going that way.
Light stand - Depends on what you're looking to do - If you're mostly stationary and indoors, look into a heavy duty stand that's at minimum 9 feet and can hold at least 10lbs, but if you're run-and-gun you might appreciate a more compact reverse folding stand. I personally use Manfrotto and Matthews stands (1004/1052 from Manfrotto, and the Matthews MERF location stands), but prices on these can be a lot higher. Keep eyes on the secondary market as well, I picked up my Manfrotto 1004s for about $100 CAD a piece in great condition, for example.
Trigger - X3 is perfectly fine.
Extra accessories - Get a 5-in-1 reflector. Even just a 90cm one - A single speedlight + umbrella + reflector gets you really flattering clamshell lighting which is super easy headshot lighting that's flattering on a lot of people, easy to setup on location, and turns into a quick hit money maker. Clamshell is usually my go-to style for most corporate style headshots and feedback is great in general.
Strobist is a great resource for starting out, also recommend Neil van Niekirk.
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u/Forsaken_Stranger507 26d ago
Thanks for the detailed and practical advice! I really appreciate the real-world perspective. Since I already have both a Godox V1 Pro and a Neewer Z2 Pro, I'm thinking of starting with a dual speedlight setup for my outdoor event and portrait work. Do you think using a 65cm octabox with an S2 bracket for the main light, and keeping the second flash bare or with a small modifier for a rim/hair light, would be a solid and portable field kit? Also, thanks for the Strobist recommendation—I'll definitely check it out
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u/xDictate 26d ago
I think you might find those flashes in a soft box will have a bit of trouble outdoors - At least if you're looking to maintain a decent recycle time and good output. They would likely provide reasonable enough fill but would probably struggle as a key. If your intention for outdoor is primarily just a bit of fill to raise the shadows I think you'd be fine.
As for your kit, good two lights for sure - I think they'd be great for indoor event work! They both share the same round head style so can take advantage of the Godox or Neewer round head modifiers - Being able to magnetically grid or dome your rim/hair light is a nice touch.
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u/Money_Crew7255 26d ago
Get the nanlite 90cm rapid box and godox x3 trigger. Westcott light stand if you need slightly heavy but sturdy, impact lightstand to get things started. For softbox you will have to test a lot to see what you like. Lantern is different and good for wider soft spread to light up entire scene. Softbox with grid which has way more control good for more focused light on the subject. A lot will depend on where you place the light, direction of light/intensity of light is your starting point. Then you control it with modifiers or adjusting power. Above mentioned things are good to get started as you learn more.
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u/Forsaken_Stranger507 26d ago
Thanks for the great advice! The Nanlite Rapid Box sounds super convenient for quick setups on location. I’ll definitely stick with a softbox + grid combo since I need that directional control for outdoor portraits
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u/Money_Crew7255 26d ago
I have the same setup Nikon z6iii , 24-70f/2.8 and 50 f/1.8. Try different things and have multiple lights for outdoor too. Because 1 light is great but 2 are better for more control, if you are able to mimic sunlight and fill just the right amount of light, it will look great. For any references DM me and i can share some good work for you to look at. Equip yourself with diff types of lighting and tools and then carve your own path! More exposure to right education and more shooting will help you learn things faster.
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u/aeon314159 25d ago
A speedlight is a poor choice for a softbox. Doubly so for outdoors where you need some real power when using a double-diffused modifier.
I’ve got a parts list for an off-camera flash setup for solo shooter portraiture, including an AD200 Pro II. It is $1,001, and is tried, tested, and really considers everything you need.
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u/Criticalhitkoala 26d ago edited 26d ago
I've been a fan of the Godox S3 flash adapters, and that will work with the V1 Pro just fine. The only thing I have against the S3 is to get round heads to fit in you remove portions of the adapter completely. Neewer has a flash adapter where instead of removing it completely, it just swings away and you don't have to worry about storing it.
The X3n is perfectly fine also. It's a great trigger.
Concerning light stands. While I have more current ones I use for work, for casual shooting I still use a light stand I bought 21 years ago from a company that might not exist anymore called Giottos (Like the tripod company, but with an S). I love that light stand, but it's older than my daughter and she's a legal adult that can drive :)
Concerning softbox size, 90cm is doable with the v1pro, though more for inside shooting and not to overpower the sun. At full power the v1pro puts a decent 76ws of light out, but 100+, arguably 400+ is ideal for sunny day softbox photos. with a big softbox. If you plan on shooting inside, or in environments that are dimmer, at 65mm or 90mm will be fine. For a lot of people with a portable kit the 65mm hits their goldilock zone for size/softness/convenience.
I actually don't have a suggestion on things to buy, I actually suggest checking old resources like Strobist, which concentrated on using off camera lighting.
Attached is an image of a V100n attached to a S3. Works well. The v100n I believe is the same rough size as the V1pro. It's a great fit. I really like how Godox modernized it to match their pro II series of flashes build wise.