Introduction
For those who find flash photography complicated, the Godox Lux Elf offers a simplified solution. This compact and straightforward flash is designed for beginners, providing ease of use and compatibility with any camera that has a hot shoe.
What is the Godox Lux Elf Flash?
The Godox Lux Elf is a user-friendly flash, perfect for beginners in flash photography. It easily attaches to any camera equipped with a hot shoe, making it versatile and accessible.
The built-in rechargeable battery ensures it is always ready without needing external power sources. However, it is not the most powerful flash, lacks TTL (Through-The-Lens) metering, and the flash head does not move, which might limit some creative control.
Specifications
- Guide Number (GN): 6 (ISO100, in meters)
- Battery: Built-in Lithium Battery, 7.4V⎓350mAh
- Charging Port: USB-C, 5V⎓2A
- Flash Power Steps: 5 (1/16—FULL)
- Colour Temperature (CCT): 6000K±200K
- Recycle Time (1/1 step): 3.6s
- Flash Times (1/1 step): 400
- Dimensions: 70.1mm × 97.03mm × 53.09mm
- Weight: 96g
Build and Handling
The Godox Lux Elf boasts a sleek, retro design that is both compact and stylish. It measures just 70.1mm × 97.03mm × 53.09mm and weighs a mere 96g, adding little bulk or weight to your camera. The materials used are of good quality, providing a sturdy feel despite its small size. The electronics are well-integrated, with a single contact point ensuring compatibility across a range of cameras.
There is also a small internal battery that can be charged via the USB Type-C port. While the battery only has a capacity of 350mAh, it is sufficient to power this flash through 400 full-power flashes.
Features
The Lux Elf stands out with its minimalist design, focused on delivering essential functionality without the complexities of more advanced flashguns.
Its compatibility with any hot shoe-equipped camera makes it versatile, though it lacks TTL metering and camera-based adjustments.
Power Adjustments
Power adjustments are managed via a simple dial, offering five steps from 1/16 to full power.
The flash has a guide number of 6 at ISO 100. The built-in 7.4V 350mAh lithium battery provides up to 400 flashes at full power, and it charges quickly through a USB-C port.
Light Output and Control Modes
The flash produces a color temperature of 6000K with a ±200K variation, ensuring consistent light output. The recycle time is approximately 3.6 seconds at full power, which is respectable for such a compact unit.
The optical control modes, S1 and S2, allow for versatile use with other flash units, adding to its overall flexibility. There is also a standard sync port on the side for expanding the system.
Performance
Ease of Use
The Lux Elf is designed for simplicity and ease of use. It is best suited for smaller mirrorless cameras, making it an excellent choice for those new to flash photography.
To use it, simply slide it into your camera’s hot shoe, and it’s ready to fire. Brightness is adjusted manually using the dial on the back, although this may require some trial and error.
Light Quality
The maximum power output is relatively low compared to larger flashes, but it is sufficient for adding light to portraits and macro shots. The fixed position of the flash head limits creative control over the direction of the light. However, the retro-reflector design effectively balances light on the subject and background.
Despite its small size, the Lux Elf can be part of a larger system due to its optical modes. The pre-flash optical mode is useful for portrait photography. The inclusion of a sync port adds flexibility, allowing it to be used with other flash triggers and setups.
Final Thoughts
The Godox Lux Elf is a fantastic flash for anyone just getting into flash photography. It is incredibly easy to set up—simply slip it into your camera’s hot shoe, and it’s ready to go. Adjusting the brightness is straightforward, with a guide number of 6 providing enough power for most casual photography needs.
The battery life is impressive, offering up to 400 full-power flashes on a single charge, and it recharges quickly via USB-C. This flash is aimed squarely at beginners or those who need a simple, compact flash to add extra light without the complexity of larger units.
Build Quality and Portability
The small size of the Lux Elf makes it easy to carry around, and its retro design is both stylish and functional. The materials used are sturdy, ensuring durability despite its lightweight build. The electronics are well-integrated, with a single contact point ensuring compatibility across various cameras.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Simplicity and Ease of Use: Ideal for beginners, the Lux Elf is straightforward to set up and operate.
- Compact and Lightweight: Its small size and low weight make it highly portable.
- Good Battery Life: Up to 400 full-power flashes on a single charge, with quick recharging via USB-C.
- Versatile Compatibility: Works with any camera equipped with a hot shoe.
- Retro Design: Stylish and functional design that appeals to many users.
Cons
- Limited Power: The maximum power output is relatively low compared to larger flashes.
- Fixed Flash Head: The inability to tilt or rotate the flash head limits creative control.
- No TTL Metering: Lacks advanced features like TTL metering and camera-based adjustments.
Conclusion
The Godox Lux Elf is an excellent choice for those looking to step into flash photography without a steep learning curve or significant investment. It offers a simplified, user-friendly experience that is perfect for beginners. While it lacks some advanced features, its ease of use, portability, and stylish design make it a valuable addition to any photographer’s kit. Whether you’re capturing portraits, macro shots, or just need a little extra light, the Lux Elf provides a reliable and straightforward solution.
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