The best photographic lighting slave will help you achieve the highest quality of photos possible. A photographic lighting slave is a tool used to help light up a subject in a photograph. It is used in place of or in addition to a flash. Some of the renowned brands are Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm. They offer different types of photographic lighting slaves in the market.
Choosing the right photographic lighting slave is difficult as there are many factors to consider. The type of camera you use, the features of the photographic lighting slave, and the price are all important factors. To make it easier to find the exact photographic lighting slave you’re looking for, we rounded up the best photographic lighting slaves on Amazon, according to thousands of customer reviews.
Check out our favorite photographic lighting slaves in the list below, and keep reading for our buying guide.
Our Editor’s Best Photographic Lighting Slaves Reviews
- Screw into universal E27 standard household Lamp Socket
- It expands your capabilities without sync cables. It is an excellent complement to the Master AC Slave
- Color temperature 5500K±200K and wide illumination angle, and work well if it is used together with umbrellas and umbrella reflectors
- E27 Bulb Holder can be Mounted on any standard photo studio light stands, also can be added a umbrella reflector bowen and so on
- The D-120 AC Slave is Small and light, suitable for shooting small objects advertising and portrait art photos, children's photography, fashion photography, identification photo,etc.
- YN560TX II S supprt two Flash Modes: M/Multi. Remote control of Flash Output and Zoom per group, up to 6 groups. 16 Channels, Transmission Range: 100 Meters.
- YN560-TX II S works with Yongnuo YN200 in TTL mode, works with Yongnuo YN560III, YN560 IV, YN720, YN860Li, RF603 II, RF605 in Manual/Multi mode.
- Compatible Sony Cameras Alpha 7RIV Above Ver.1.1, Alpha 7RIII Above Ver.1.1, Alpha 7II, Above Ver.1.1, Alpha 7S III, Alpha 7C.
- Compatible with Wireless Shutter Receiver of RF-602, RF603(II), RF605. Large and Clear Screen, User Friendly Interface.
- Grouping show supports paging and scrolling mode; Customizable maximum grouping. Can work with any model of camera as long as it has standard hot shoe.
- 【NOTE】--Godox RT-16 trigger for photography is widely compatible with Canon Nikon Sony Fujifilm Olympus Pentax Cameras that have the universal electrical contact.Not Compatible with Canon EOS Rebel SL3/2500D,R50,Rebel t7/1500D/200D Mark II/Rebel T100/3000D/4000D
- 【Easy Multi Groups Control】--Supports multi groups of camera flashes and studio flash Synchronization.Maximum synchronous speed up to 1/250s in M mode,transmitting distance up to 30m
- 【16 Channels,Stable transmission】--433MHz Wireless flash trigger with 16 channels allows for independent triggering of the flash, reducing interference and improving shooting stability
- 【Wide Compatibility】--Included 3.5mm sync cord and 6.35mm covert adapter,Seamlessly work with other brands of studio lights, cameras,and photography equipment.Meets basic photography needs and for beginners and seasoned professionals
- 【Package Contents】--Godox 3 in 1 Camera flash trigger kit including 1x flash transmitter, 2x flash receiver, 2x sync cable,2x convert adapter,1x clean cloth
- Compatible with Sony TTL Autoflash DSLR Cameras and Godox X1T-S transmitter. It can be used to trigger camera shutter, studio flash and camera flash
- Built-in 2.4G wireless transmission provides 100 meters further transmission distance and creative triggering methods.
- It Can Be Used with X1T-S Transmitter to Trigger Cameras Can Be Used as A Shutter Release
- compensation, flash exposure lock, modeling flash etc.
- Wireless remote control and grouping system; support 5 groups and 32 channels to triggering flash, with Big and Clear LCD Panel for easy operation.
- 【Command Center at Your Fingertips】Touchscreen interface displays 4 lighting groups in real-time (controls up to 16 groups total). Adjust parameters universally across all groups or fine-tune individually via one intuitive interface.
- 【Precise Group-by-Group Control】Independently adjust TCM modes, zoom values, and modeling lights for each group. Save and recall complex settings instantly in a compact design for professional lighting management.
- 【2.4GHz Wireless X System】Reliable 2.4GHz transmission with anti-interference channel scanning. Supports 16 groups and 32 channels for stable triggering even in high-density shooting environments.
- 【3 Pro Shooting Modes】Adapt to any scenario: One-Shoot (trigger only, ideal for solo use), All-Shoot (settings + trigger, perfect for teams), and L-858 Mode (seamless sync with Sekonic L-858 light meters).
- 【Bluetooth App & Creative Shutter Control】Remote adjustment via Godox Flash App (power, group settings). Program single-shot, time-lapse, and long exposures on-screen; minimize vibration with PC sync or receivers.
- Compatible Camera Models: Use the X5F Flash trigger with the GODOX iT32 (𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲)for These camera models:A:X-Pro2,X-T20,X-T2,X-T1, GFX50s,GFX50R,X-T30, X-T4,X-T3,X-S2O,X-T5;B:X-Pro1,X-T10,X-E1,X-A3;C: X100F,X100T
- 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗲 & 𝗪𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗻𝗲: The X5F functions as both a hotshoe and a 2.4GHz wireless trigger. When paired with the separately available iT32 mini flash, it supports smooth transitions between on-camera and off-camera lighting.
- 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸-𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻: A flexible magnetic interface allows rapid switching between on-camera use, off-camera lighting, and multi-light setups—no mechanical alignment or locking needed.
- 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗪𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: The X5F and iT32 (sold separately) automatically recognize each other when connected. Once detached, the X5F immediately enters trigger mode with no channel pairing required.
- 𝟮.𝟰𝗚𝗛𝘇 𝗪𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗫 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺: When used with the iT32 mini flash (sold separately), the X5F can trigger multiple Godox flashes including AD100Pro II, AD200Pro II, AD600Pro II, iT30Pro, V100, V480, Lux Master, and other 2.4GHz X System units.
- Compatibility: Godox first TTL wireless flash trigger receiver X1R-S compatible for Sony Cameras and TTL Autoflash, support for the cameras that have a PC sync socket
- Wireless Transmission: Built-in 2.4G wireless X system provides 100 meters further transmission distance and creative triggering methods; Use with X1T-S/X2T-S/XPro-S/XProII-S/X3S(sold separately) transmitter to trigger camera flash, studio flash and camera shutter
- Useful Functions: Godox X1R S wireless receiver support for TTL Autoflash, 1/8000s High Speed Sync, Flash exposure compensation, flash exposure lock, modeling flash etc; Receiver can control cameras shooting through 2.5mm shutter release interface
- Wireless Grouping System: Wireless remote control and grouping system, support 5 groups and 32 channels to triggering flash, Featuring multi-channel triggering, stable signal transmission, and sensitive reaction
- Advanced Features: Big and Clear LCD Panel for easy operation, Versatile features like synchronization delay setting, Wireless Shutter Release, wireless, zoom setting, etc; Use the Micro USB port to upgrade
- 【Multi-Operation Mode】Godox X3Pro for fuji features a 2.4" LCD full-color touchscreen,paired with UI menu for one-touch synchronization of multi-group parameters;Godox X3 Pro for Canon has a built-in Bluetooth module,enabling seamless connection to Godox Flash APP for remote configuration;Godox X3Pro-F is equipped with Godox 2.4G wireless X system,delivering stable and efficient wireless control even in complex high-density lighting environments.
- Godox X3Pro F offers three shooting modes:'Single Shooting Mode' for individual scenes,'Group Shooting Mode' for multi-person mixed scenarios,and'L-858 Mode' that connects to L-858 light meter to synchronize parameters for precise exposure.
- 【Innovative Shutter Control】Godox X3 upgraded provides powerful shutter control,enabling direct touchscreen setup of delay duration,exposure length,interval settings for single shot,time-lapse,and long exposure operations;Godox X3(2025) supports PC sync port or pairing with XR/TR-RX receivers to trigger cameras,achieving reverse shutter control via the transmitter.
- 【Precision Lighting】Godox X3Pro flash trigger for Canon supports comprehensive independent adjustment per group,fast switching between TTL and M modes,precise control over power,zoom,modeling lamp and other parameters.X3 Pro for fuji also supports preset function,enabling quick saving of lighting configurations to enhance shooting efficiency.
- 【Outdoor Companion】Godox X3 Pro F features a compact and lightweight design while maintaining industrial-grade durability and comprehensive functional interfaces.Godox X3Pro Flash Transmitter for Canon supports USB-C universal port,requires only 2 hours for full charge,and delivers over 1 month standby time on a single charge(approximately 5 times that of X3).
- Vivitar SF-3000 Digital Slave Flash with Hot Shoe Bracket
- Use 2 AA Batteries
- Auto Pre-Flash Sensor
- Ultra-Light Weight Compact Design
- For Use with Digital SLR Cameras
- Work with most flash units using universal hot shoe like , , , (except flash)
- Use this flash trigger to make the master flasher to control remotely the auxiliary one flash synchronously without the need of connecting wires
- To sense light from the master flash so as to trigger the slave flash wireless
- This slave trigger NOT fit for / / flash
Best Photographic Lighting Slaves Buying Guide
Before choosing the best photographic lighting slaves you should consider following options:
1. Wattage: The first thing to look for is wattage. This refers to the brightness which the flash can generate. The higher the wattage, the brighter the flash.
A higher wattage helps in freezing the action with a proper exposure even from a distance. If you are looking for a flash for your DSLR, then you should get one with a wattage of 600W to 2000W.
2. Flash Duration: The flash duration is the time for which the light is generated after the trigger is pressed. A shorter duration is preferable since it freezes the action better.
A longer flash duration is better for lighting up large areas. In this case, the flash is fired for a longer duration and then re-fired for a short duration.
3. Flash modes: The flash modes indicate the number of times the flash can be triggered per second. For example, if the flash can be triggered at 3fps, then it is suitable for photographing moving subjects.
For a studio setup, a flash with a 1 or 2fps mode is ideal.
4. Sync Speed: This is the fastest shutter speed at which the device can sync with the camera. If you are photographing moving subjects with an open aperture and a long shutter speed, then the camera will be out of focus.
The sync speed indicates the shortest shutter speed at which the camera can be focused. A higher sync speed ensures that the image is in focus.
5. Recycling Time: Recycling Time refers to the time taken for the flash to charge for the next shot after every shot is fired. If the recycling time is faster, then the flash is ready for the next shot faster.
A faster recycling time is preferable as it reduces the downtime between shots.
6. Power Output: Power output is indicated in terms of peak and balanced flash. Peak flash refers to the maximum power that the flash can generate for a short duration.
Balanced flash refers to the average power that the flash can generate for a long time. Balanced flash is suitable for taking photographs whereas the peak flash is suitable for freezing the action.
7. Battery Life: The battery life of the flash is important to consider. This indicates the number of shots that the flash can take on a single charge of the battery.
A longer battery life ensures that you can shoot for a long time without having to charge the flash.
8. Battery Capacity: Battery capacity refers to the amount of charge that the battery can hold. The higher the capacity, the longer the flash can be used without charging.
9. Recycling Time: Recycling Time refers to the time taken for the flash to charge for the next shot after every shot is fired. If the recycling time is faster, then the flash is ready for the next shot faster.
A faster recycling time is preferable as it reduces the downtime between shots.
10. Battery Indicator: A battery indicator indicates whether the battery is low or not. This will help you to plan your shoot accordingly.
What else you should know about photographic lighting slaves
1. What are the best photographic lighting slaves?
There are many different types of photographic lighting slaves, and the best type for a particular photographer will depend on their specific needs and preferences. Some of the most popular types of slaves include wireless slaves, infrared slaves, and optical slaves.
2. What are the benefits of using photographic lighting slaves?
There are many benefits of using photographic lighting slaves, including the ability to create more complex lighting setups, to control multiple lights with one trigger, and to sync light output with the camera’s shutter.
3. How do you use photographic lighting slaves to get the best results?
The best results are achieved by using photographic lighting slaves in conjunction with a light meter. By taking a light meter reading, you can determine the correct exposure for your subject. This will ensure that your subject is properly exposed, and that the background is correctly exposed as well.
4. What are the different types of photographic lighting slaves?
There are three different types of photographic lighting slaves: optical, infrared, and radio.
5. What are some tips for using photographic lighting slaves?
-Use a light meter to determine the proper exposure for the scene.
-Set the camera to manual mode and set the shutter speed and aperture accordingly.
-Use a flash with a built-in slave trigger or an external slave trigger.
-Position the slave flash units around the subject, taking into account the direction of the light and the distance of the subject from the camera.
-Test the lighting setup before taking the actual photo.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best photographic lighting slaves. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best photographic lighting slaves will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.