Introduction
Viltrox previously released the retro-styled manual flash Z1. Now they’ve followed up with a new flash that operates in both Manual and Auto (TTL) modes.
As I haven’t had enough time with the flash to make a full review, I’ve put together a preview with a handling section here. Later on, I’ll test the flash in the field and complete the review with my experience and sample images.
I tested these falshes on a Nikon Zf and a Nikon Zfc.
You can see this review as a YouTube video here!
Sample images in high resolution here.
Sample Images
Most of the sample images in this review and many more can be found in higher resolution here.
Specifications
| Model Name | Spark Z3-N |
| Light Type | |
| Colour Temperature | 6500K (±200K) |
| Power (1/1 output) | 26 Ws |
| Flash duration T0.5 | 1/3000 s – 1/30000 s |
| Flash mode | M (Manual) / A (TTL Auto mode) |
| Trigger | Hot shoe, Wireless trigger (S1 synchronous trig. mode and S2 pre-flash avoidance trig. mode) |
| Flash Count | 650 times (1/1 power) |
| Power | Built -in Lithium Battery (3.7 V, 350 mAh) |
| Charging Method | USB-C contact fv/2A (About 70 min) |
| Size & Weight | 78.4 x 67.2 x 55.9 mm, ≈144 g |
| Available for | Nikon, Sony, Canon, Fujifilm |
| Buy new: Viltrox Store, Amazon $52 (Affiliate links) |
Disclosure
Viltrox kindly provided a flash for review purposes.
Handling
The Viltrox Flash Z3 is a compact unit, made—like most flashes—of hard plastic. For reference, here it is mounted on a Nikon Zf full-frame camera.
The flash works in both Manual and Auto TTL modes for Sony, Nikon, Canon, and Fujifilm cameras, but you need to get the correct model for your system.
All controls and settings are mechanical—there’s no LCD display or digital interface. The buttons, switches, and knobs are relatively large and easy to use. On the back of the flash, there are two knobs: a large one on the right to switch the unit off or set it to M or A mode, and an even larger knob—almost oversized relative to the flash itself—for selecting output power in Manual mode. There are seven power levels to choose from: Full, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, and 1/64.
On top of the unit, there’s a test-fire button that lights up green when the flash is on; otherwise, it remains white.
On the left side of the flash, there’s a switch to set it to S1 or S2 triggering modes, along with a USB-C port for charging the built-in battery, which, according to the specifications, should last for up to 650 full-power flashes.
The flash can be triggered either directly via the hot shoe or wirelessly by another flash through the built-in optical sensor. S1 synchronizes the flash to fire simultaneously with the first burst of the master flash, while S2 bypasses pre-flash interference in multi-light setups and synchronizes with the second burst. Note that the wireless modes work only in Manual mode.
The flash head has no tilt or swivel capability. However, a snap-on white diffuser is included in the box to soften the otherwise harsh light.
Field Experience
To be added.
Conclusion
To be added
Most of the sample images in this review and many more can be found in higher resolution here.
| Buy new: Viltrox Store, Amazon $52 (Affiliate links) |
Further Reading
- What camera gear and accessories do I use most frequently?
- REVIEW: FotoPro Origin Plus Travel Tripod
- Review: Walkingway Effect Filters: Black Mist, Streak, Star, Prism, and Soft Filters
- Review: TTArtisan Dot Sight
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Martin
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Some comparison with the YONGNUO YN6 would be really nice for the full review. While that one has no TTL, it is cheaper, and above all you can angle it upwards for indirect lighting indoors. Or alternatively angle upwards but still have the lamp point forward to avoid shading by long lenses, and to minimize red eyes.
That YN6 is a far simpler flash, only 4 power levels, no TTL, and no off-camera trigging, so not sure if that is a worthy contentder.
The Godox iM30 comes actually closer, it has 7 power output levels, and it can also be triggered off-camera in S1 and S2, but no TTL.