Godox TT520 II Speedlite – Unboxing and First Impression
When it comes to affordable and reliable external flashes, Godox has built a strong reputation in the photography world. The Godox TT520 II Speedlite is an entry-level flash designed for both amateur and professional photographers looking for a budget-friendly yet powerful lighting solution. In this blog, we’ll go through the unboxing experience and share our first impressions.
Unboxing Experience
The packaging of the Godox TT520 II Speedlite is simple yet functional. Upon opening the box, you’ll find:
- Godox TT520 II Speedlite unit
- Flash stand
- Protective pouch
- User manual
The inclusion of a flash stand is a nice touch, allowing users to set up the flash independently for off-camera use. The protective pouch adds a layer of security when transporting the flash.
First Impression: Everything is neatly packed, and the flash itself feels sturdy despite its affordable price. The build quality is surprisingly good for an entry-level speedlite.
Design & Build Quality
The Godox TT520 II follows a traditional speedlite design, with a rotating and tilting flash head for versatile lighting angles. The buttons on the back are simple and intuitive, making it easy for beginners to operate. The unit is made of durable plastic, ensuring a lightweight feel without compromising on durability.
Pros: ✔ Sturdy and lightweight design
✔ Intuitive control buttons
✔ Rotating and tilting flash head for flexible lighting
Cons: ✘ No LCD screen for advanced controls
✘ Plastic construction might not feel premium
Performance & Features
The TT520 II Speedlite comes with manual flash control, allowing photographers to adjust the power output according to their needs. It supports multiple power levels, ranging from 1/1 full power down to 1/128 power, giving users fine control over the lighting intensity.
One of the key highlights is its optical slave mode, which enables the flash to sync with other flashes for multi-light setups. However, it lacks TTL (Through The Lens) metering, meaning all settings must be adjusted manually.
Pros: ✔ Adjustable power levels for customized lighting
✔ Optical slave mode for multi-flash setups
✔ Fast recycle time (approx. 2.9 seconds at full power)
Cons: ✘ No TTL support (manual control only)
✘ Lacks high-speed sync (HSS)
Battery Life & Compatibility
The Godox TT520 II runs on four AA batteries, which are not included in the box. Battery performance varies depending on usage, but a set of quality AA batteries can last through multiple shoots.
The flash is compatible with a variety of camera brands, including Canon, Nikon, Sony (with adapters), Olympus, and Fujifilm. However, since it is a manual flash, it doesn’t have dedicated brand-specific functionalities.
Pros: ✔ Wide camera compatibility
✔ Decent battery efficiency
Cons: ✘ Batteries not included
✘ Requires adapters for some Sony cameras
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The Godox TT520 II Speedlite is an excellent choice for photographers looking for an affordable manual flash. While it lacks TTL and advanced features, it delivers strong performance for off-camera flash setups and studio work. If you’re comfortable with manual flash control and need an affordable lighting option, this speedlite is a solid investment.
Who Should Buy It? ✅ Beginners learning flash photography
✅ Budget-conscious photographers needing a reliable speedlite
✅ Users looking for a manual flash for creative lighting setups
Who Should Skip It? ❌ Photographers who require TTL automation
❌ Those needing High-Speed Sync (HSS) for fast shutter speeds
❌ Users looking for a built-in rechargeable battery system
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
The Godox TT520 II Speedlite offers a great balance between price and performance. It’s a fantastic entry-level flash for those willing to work with manual controls, making it an excellent value-for-money product in the photography world.
Would you consider adding the Godox TT520 II Speedlite to your gear? Let us know in the comments!
