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Best Flash for Canon 5d Mark III [2023 Review]

In: 
Published: 12/04/2021

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The Canon 5D Mark III has been around since 2012, so it is an old camera by now for many. However; if you can get a good flash that will improve your photography and make things easier, then this camera is still well worth it. Here are 5 contenders for the best flash for Canon 5D Mark III that will help you make the most of this camera.

My Top Flash for Canon 5D Mark III Reviews

If you don’t have the right flash, your real estate pictures will turn out poorly and be not near as good as they should be. That doesn’t mean that any flash will do. I've considered the following flashes options for their features, recycling times, value for the money, and portability. 

 
Brand:
Godox V860II-C
 
Brand:
Neewer NW-561
 
Brand:
Godox TTL TT685S
Product Dimensions:
7.48 x 2.99 x 2.52 inches
Product Dimensions:
31.5 x 90.55 x 41.34 inches
Product Dimensions:
8.25 x 3.7 x 3.25 inches
Item Weight:
2.07 pounds
Item Weight:
14 ounces
Item Weight:
1.23 pounds
4.6
4.4
4.3
Brand:
Godox V860II-C
Product Dimensions:
7.48 x 2.99 x 2.52 inches
Item Weight:
2.07 pounds
4.6
Brand:
Neewer NW-561
Product Dimensions:
31.5 x 90.55 x 41.34 inches
Item Weight:
14 ounces
4.4
Brand:
Godox TTL TT685S
Product Dimensions:
8.25 x 3.7 x 3.25 inches
Item Weight:
1.23 pounds
4.3

Godox V860II-C 2.4G

Whether you're taking pictures in the daytime or nighttime, the Godox V860II-C 2.4G Flash excels in taking stunning shots in a variety of scenarios. If you’re struggling to cast light into a far distance or if you’re looking for sufficient coverage when shooting at an ultra-wide-angle length, then this is the best flash you can get.

Godox V860II-C

This Godox features a wireless X system with built-in 2.4G wireless transmission, which offers up to 100 meters of transmission distance. Because the 5D Mark III doesn’t come with a flash, it becomes challenging to illuminate shots at a distance, often causing your photos to come out dark on the edges. Pairing this flash with your Canon gets rid of this issue, and allows you to take stunning real estate shots.

Moreover, this Canon flash comes with a variety of features that real estate photographers will appreciate. The large LCD screen shows operations precisely and clearly, and the multi-functional buttons offer various and easy processes. The swinging flash head lets you tilt the flash 0 to 360 degrees horizontally and -7 to 90 degrees vertically, making it easier to take ultra-wide angle shots.

Godox V860II-C
4.6
Pros:
  • 1.5 seconds recycle time for quick shots
  • 2000mAh long-lasting, rechargeable battery
  • TTL mode for auto-adjustments
  • High GN for long-distance illumination
Cons:
  • A bit pricey
  • It weighs 560g with the battery making it tedious to carry
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Neewer NW-561

The Neewer NW-561 flash for the Canon 5D Mark III is an excellent choice. Affordable yet high quality, it comes with innovative features such as automatic temperature detection and protection from overheating.

Neewer NW561 Flash

Unlike the Godox V860II-C 2.4G, which illuminates shots up to 100m, the Neewer NW-561 wireless trigger sensor only works at a distance of 30m indoors and 15m outdoors. While it’s not the best illumination for space, it still provides an even flash illumination.

This flash has a high GN (Guide Number) of 38m. The flash guide number is a valuable indicator of the power of the flash. The larger the GN number, the more influential the flash, affecting the final shot’s quality. It also contains a built-in flip down wide angle flash diffuser and reflection panel. These two actions work hand in hand to spread light and not make it so tight on your subject.

This flash is an excellent choice for your 5D Mark III. It’s easy to use with professional features and outstanding build quality, with a price point much lower than the rest.

Best for the Money
Neewer NW561 Flash
4.4
Pros:
  • Stable color temperature and illumination patterns over the entire power range
  • Vertical and horizontal tilting for on and off-camera use for illuminating small spaces
  • Full power, wide zoom range, and built-in wireless transmission across the zoom range
Cons:
  • It doesn't have a TTL capability and Nikon i-TTL support, so you would need to modify the speedlight strength manually
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Godox TTL TT685S

When I talk about recycle time, I mean the lag period between taking each photo with your Canon 5D Mark III. While using an external flash, you need to go for low recycle times to take pictures in quick succession. This is what the Godox TTL TT685S flash excels at the most.

Godox TTL TT685S

This flash has a fast recycle time of 0.1 to 2.6 seconds. Comparing this recycle time speed to other flashes on this list, the Neewer NW-561 gives you 2.9 seconds, and the Yongnuo YN600EX-RT II approximately 3 seconds.

With a 2.4G wireless transmission, this flash can trigger a camera shutter over a 100-meter distance. Put in a fresh pair of AA batteries, and you can shoot up to 480 shots per charge. 

Many users simply love the sync modes that this flash offers. You get high-speed sync, first curtain sync, as well as second curtain sync. Each package comes with a mini stand, protection case, USB LED, a diffuser, and a filter.

Godox TTL TT685S
4.3
Brand: Godox TTL TT685S
Product Dimensions: 8.25 x 3.7 x 3.25 inches
Item Weight: 1.23 pounds
Pros:
  • It has a fast recycle time
  • It can trigger a camera shutter over 100 meter distance
  • It has different sync modes available
Cons:
  • It has a small screen
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Neewer NW670

Consider a flash with a head that you can twist around to aim the flash at a nearby reflective surface (such as a wall) before firing. gives you more possibilities for movement with your Canon camera, and in turn, more options for using light creatively without buying additional pieces of gear to redirect light.

Neewer NW670 E-TTL

The Neewer NW670 The Neewer NW670 has a vertical rotation angle of 0-90 degrees and a horizontal rotation angle of 0-270 degrees. Doing this creates light that is generally more pleasing than if the flash is aimed straight at your subject. This flexibility gives you the ability to bounce the light from the flash onto the subject via ceilings, walls, or other objects.

With the NW670, you can enjoy a wireless trigger distance of up to 25 m indoors and 15m outdoors. It’s not the best, but it’s enough to get the job done. It comes with innovative features such as automatic temperature detection and protects your Canon camera from overheating. The package includes a mini stand and a protecting bag along with the flash itself, a manual, and the warranty card.

Neewer NW670 E-TTL
3.9
Pros:
  • It has a vertical rotation angle of 0-90 degrees and horizontal rotation angle of 0-270 degrees
  • It has temperature detection feature
  • It comes with a mini stand and a protecting bag
Cons:
  • It can only trigger a distance of 25 m indoors and 15 m outddors
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Yongnuo YN600EX-RT II

A professional yet compact flash, the Yongnuo YN600EX-RT II is an excellent choice for photographers looking for a portable flash for their Canon 5D Mark III.

Yongnuo YN600EX-RT II Speedlite

This is the updated version from the YN600EX-RT, and while you might find that this is on the expensive side, it’s still an excellent flash for your Mark III. This flash can be triggered by the camera set-top, the PC synchronous trigger, and wireless optical remote trigger.

The Yongnuo YN600EX-RT II features an ultra-fast charging recycle system that supports an external power supply. It just takes 2 seconds to recycle at the total output, and you can use the external power supply to meet higher requirements from your Canon 5D Mark III.

You can also read my review of the best Yongnuo flashes for Canon.

Yongnuo YN600EX-RT II Speedlite
4.5
Pros:
  • It can be triggered by camera set-top, the PC synchronous trigger, and wireless optical remote trigger
  • It features an ultra-fast charging recycle system that supports an external power supply
  • Compatible with Canon wireless systems, Nikon slave modes, Sony's multi-interface hot shoe, or some Fuji systems.
Cons:
  • The radio signal needs to be adjusted and firmware upgrade is needed.
  • Compatible with Canon wireless systems, Nikon slave modes, Sony's multi-interface hot shoe, or some Fuji systems.
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Conclusion

What do you get when you combine a Canon 5D Mark III camera with a quality external flash? A set of photos that awe everyone around you or at least force them to reconsider buying a property. Take this amazing and highly capable camera and add one of the flashes on this list to get stunning effects which separate your photos and video property shoots from the rest.

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