Godox has launched a retro-styled camera flash. The company says the new Godox Lux Junior II draws on the golden age of photography, but the feature set is thoroughly modern.
Hybrid hot shoe
The Lux Junior II uses a hybrid multi-function hot shoe, so one unit covers Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm and OM SYSTEM/Panasonic bodies. Sony shooters get a separate version, the Lux Junior II S. A built-in Auto mode rounds it out, which matters if you’re switching between systems or running a film body alongside a digital one.
Dual-axis design
The body rotates a full 180 degrees and the head tilts from 0 to 90 degrees. That combination lets you bounce light in both horizontal and vertical orientations without repositioning the camera. Anyone who has tried to bounce a fixed-head flash off a side wall while shooting portrait orientation knows why that matters.
TTL metering
TTL metering sets flash output automatically, which keeps beginners from chasing exposure settings shot to shot. The pro features are here too. You get 1/8000s high-speed sync, front- and rear-curtain sync plus Multi flash. The Sony-specific II S adds global shutter sync, and paired with a Sony global shutter camera it reaches sync speeds up to 1/80,000s.
Sync port
A 2.5mm sync port connects the flash to film cameras with a PC sync socket. Match the camera’s ISO and aperture to the flash and it handles fill in low light. There’s also a built-in 2.4GHz receiver for triggering the unit remotely from a compatible transmitter.
Other features
At 5.4 ounces (153 grams), the Lux Junior II is light for a unit carrying a built-in lithium battery. Godox rates that battery at 400 full-power flashes with a 1.5-second recycle time. Magnetic MA02 color filters attach to the front if you want to shift color temperature or add an effect.
What we think
If you shoot stills alongside video, a flash earns its spot in the bag. Continuous lighting covers plenty of situations, but not run-and-gun work, and there are creative looks a flash gets you that no LED panel will.
The catch with most flash units is that they’re locked to one brand. The hybrid hot shoe is what makes this one worth a look, especially if your kit is mixed. The retro styling doesn’t hurt either. to check out.
Pricing and availability
The Lux Junior II and Lux Junior II S are available to preorder now. Both cost $79.
