02 Nov Review: Godox V480 Flash for Macro Photography – modern, compact and powerful
The V range of Godox flashes is my favorite choice when it comes to using a flash for macro photography.
However, the Godox flashes are also reliable work beasts for all sorts of photography.
With features such as modeling lights, high power output, HSS, TTl, various accessories and many more, they are also great for portrait, street or wedding photography.
Let´s have a look at why I think the Godox V flashes are the perfect choice for macro photography, and also what additional features the new Godox V480 has and how it performs.
Is the Godox V480 a good choice for a flash for macro photography?
With a Guide Number of 50 (GN50) the Godox V480 has plenty of power for its compact size – even deeper focus stacks and brackets are no problem for the V480.
Despite being a relatively fresh release, there are already macro diffusers available customized to pefectly fit the Godox V480.
Both Cygnustech and AK offer diffusers for the V480 flash.
Regarding features, the Godox V480 has everything on board to make it a great choice for macro photography.
The integrated modeling light can be used as a focusing light in low light conditions and when doing macro photography at night.
It shines directly into the diffuser and illuminates your scene, making finding and focusing on your often tiny subject considerably easier.
Much like the bigger brother, you will hardly ever be able to empty the battery during a day.
If you own a spare one, that´s more power than you´ll ever need on a trip.
With its medium size it offers a choice to all those that think the V350 is too small and the V860III is a tad too tall/big.
The features and specs of the new Godox V480
Let´s take a look at the core features that are either new to the Godox V series or important for macro photography in particular.
LED Modeling light
The 2W modeling light, which I use as a focusing light is set at 5300K±300K and can be fine-tuned with 10 levels of brightness via a slider in the touch screen settings.
It is integrated in the flash body unit instead of the flashhead (like the Godox V1), which I prefer.
Since I am never using bare flash but pair it with a macro diffuser, I feel that the light in the body is illuminating my subjects better, when used as a focusing light.
Rechargeable Li-ion Battery with USB-C charging port
With 7.2 V/2200 mAh the VB22 battery of the Godox V480 packs enough power for all you ever need for macro photography.
At full power, the flash can emit 650 flashes with a rapid 1.7 s in an ideal scenario.
This is more than enough for a full day macro tour as most of the time we will photograph at considerably lower power settings anyways.
Personally, I never shoot at 1/1 power but rather at 1/16, 1/32, 1/64 and even lower…
The lower the power, the better the movement-freezing effect of the flash.
What really makes the VB22 battery of the Godox V480 special, is the USB-C port directly in the battery.
No need to place it in a charging tray anymore: you can plug your USB-C cable directly into the battery, which means 1 item less that we need to carry.
You can also charge the battery via a powerbank while you are out in the field, which is super convenient.
Tip: do not try to charge the battery while it is still IN the flash as this will not work. You have to remove the battery from the flash first, probably as a security measure.
The USB-C port on the flash itself is for firmware updates, not charging.
What´s also very nice, is, that the V350 batteries (VB20) also fit in the V480.
So, if you own a V350 already, you have an extra spare battery – just in case.
Touchscreen
The 2.0″ color touchscreen integrates seaminglessly with the tactile buttons and control wheel.
To access the different controls and menus, you can swipe down/up and left/right on the screen, which makes navigating them pretty fast.
It took me a while before I realized that, so, just in case you are wondering where the focusing light can be activated for example, you now know where to look.
If you need to change settings super quickly, then the touchscreen might slow you down a tad, compared to physical buttons, as you have to actually look at the screen to see what you are doing.
However, for my workflow I never felt that there was any real issue.
I have used the V480 in light rain and also proactively sprinkled the display with water drops to see if that messed with the touch controls: it did not.
Everything was working flawlessly – that´s a big plus.
Nothing worse than a touch screen you cannot control when it´s wet a bit.
Hot shoe attachment mechanism
With the quick lock mechanism, the V480, just like its bigger brothers, can be attached to the camera super quickly.
Personally, I prefer the mechanism over the wheel mechanisms.
I have heard that some photographers have experienced the flash breaking off the shoe, but to be honest I did not have any problems with that in over 10 years of using various models of Godox flashes.
I sometimes even carry my complete macro setup holding only the flash (with diffuser attached as well) – no problems so far.
Other features
The V480 works in 4 modes: manual, TTL, Multi Mode and HSS High speed sync up to 1/8 000 s.
For macro photography I use it in manual mode exclusively.
The other modes could interfere with the OM SYSTEM´s automated focus stacking mode.
You can read more about how to make your Godox flash work again in such a case, here.
With a guide number of GN50 (105mm zoom) the V480 has lots of power despite its compactness.
For comparison, the V860III has GN42 (105mm), the V350 has GN36 (105mm).
If these infos are correct, the V480 should be as powerful as the V860III if not even a bit better.
Info: comparing flashes is a challenge nowadays, as the guide numbers (GN) provided by the brands´ advertisements are often measured at different zoom settings. Often the max. GN is measured at a max. zoom and ISO100. Using a flash at a wider zoom of the flash head results in a lower GN.
By doubling the ISO, the Guide number will grow by the factor 1.4. If you need to double the GN and want the reach doubled at the same time, you will have to 4x the ISO.
Flashes of other brands with simlar GN for comparison:
Sony HVL-F60RM2 GN49 (105mm), Sony HVL-F46RMA GN46 (105mm), Nikon SB-700 GN37 (105mm), Nikon SB-900 GN49,5 (105mm), Nikon SB-5000 GN37 (105mm), Canon EL-5 GN41 (105mm), Canon 580EX II GN48 (105mm), Canon EL-10 GN40 (105mm), Canon EL-1 (Ver.2) GN34 (105mm), Olympus FL-700 WR GN42 (75mm, I coulnd´t find a GN at 105mm in the manual)
Info: I did a web based search to find the guide numbers at 105mm flash head zoom for these flashes (where possible) for better comparison and they will be different from the max. GN that they are advertised with, so don´t be confused by that.
For macro photography I always use the widest zoom setting actually.
The flash head can turn almost 360°, which is impressive (similar to the V860).
Integrated 2.4 GHz X wireless system
The built-in Godox 2.4 GHz X wireless system lets the V480 act as both sender and receiver across 32 channels up to 100 m away.
You can control multiple flashes directly with your main unit—without using extra triggers.
This is particularly helpful if you are using an MF12 to get a rim light on your subject, for example, or additionally illuminate the background.
Weight: 282 g (361 g with battery, the V860III weighs 530g for comparison)
Dimensions: 16.6cm x 7.1cm x 4.9cm (W×H×D)
Size comparison of Godox V350, V480 and V860III
Regarding its size, the new Godox V480 squeezes in just perfectly between the compact V350 and the tall powerhouse that is the V860III.
It is a bit taller than the V350, and shorter than the V860III, the tallest and strongest of the range.
With the flash head facing forward, the V480 is approx. 1 cm shorter than the V860III and 0,5cm taller than the V350.
Which Macro Diffusers fit the Godox V480?
I would recommend getting a customized diffuser for your specific setup that includes the V480.
This way you have the perfect angle and travel distance for your light to create a nice and even diffusion at the best illumination.
In case you use various setups and change flashes depending on the lenses´ length, most diffusers for the V350 will also work with the Godox V480.
So far, I have tried the V350 version of the Cygnustech and AK and while they may not fit 100%, the results are still great and the diffusers sit tight.
As mentioned earlier, these manufacturers have dedicated versions for the V480 though.
Conclusion
The Godox V480 is the next evolutionary step in Godox´ flash range.
It offers enhancements and also new features, that set it apart from the other V models, but still fits into the range nicely.
When it comes to choosing your flash for macro photography (with a diffuser), all the Godox V flashes are great, to be honest.
It does make sense to select the flash in regards of your camera and lens combination:
for a long lens, choose a tall flash (like the V860III) – for a short lens, choose a low profile flash (like the V350).
The V480 sits right in the middle, leaning a bit more towards the V350 and thus making it more suitable for more compact setups.
With a customized diffuser you can use it with whatever setup you like, though.
If you are a fan of a touch screen display and the battery, that´s rechargeable via USB-C directly, then the Godox V480 is your best choice within the V series.
The only thing, that could make the Godox V series flashes even better now, would be an IP53 rating to make them immune towards rain – thinking of tours in the jungle here.
Buy the Godox V480 flash here
Price: 179€ or 169$ or 165£
Buy here at Foto Koch (Germany)
Firmware and Manual
You can find the latest firmware and manuals on the Godox website, here.
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