10 Best Speedlights 2025 in the United States

The Profoto A10 On-Camera Flash Light for Nikon is an impressive speedlight that excels in several key areas. With a Guide Number that promises powerful illumination, it is well-suited for both amateur and professional photographers seeking reliable performance. The round flash head design ensures natural light with smooth fall-off, which is beneficial for creating professional-quality, evenly-lit images. The flash also supports TTL (Through-The-Lens) metering, allowing for automatic and accurate exposure adjustments in varying lighting conditions, which is a great convenience for users who prefer not to manually adjust their settings constantly.

Additionally, the flash duration is efficient at 1 second, sufficient for most standard photography needs. However, users who require extremely fast recycle times might find this limiting. The zoom range is adaptable, catering to various shooting distances and focal lengths, enhancing its versatility. Wireless capabilities are a standout feature, with built-in AirX Bluetooth sync technology and compatibility with Profoto Air, AirTTL, and Connect triggers, making it future-proof and easy to integrate into a wireless setup. The build quality and durability are strong, reflecting Profoto's reputation for producing robust equipment.

The product's smart connectivity with the Profoto app for iOS adds an extra layer of convenience and control. On the downside, the flash sync speed at 1 second might be slower than some high-end options, and the reliance on a dedicated app may not suit users who prefer more traditional control methods. The Profoto A10 is a versatile, high-quality speedlight that caters well to various photography needs, particularly for Nikon users who value wireless capabilities and ease of use.

The Nikon SB-5000 AF Speedlight is a robust option for photographers looking for advanced lighting capabilities. With a Guide Number of 113' at ISO 100 and 35mm, it provides powerful illumination, making it suitable for various shooting conditions. Its fast recycle time of 1.8-2.6 seconds allows for quick consecutive shots, which is further enhanced by its cooling system that supports up to 100 consecutive flashes without overheating. This feature is particularly advantageous for event photographers who require rapid and continuous shooting.

The TTL compatibility ensures accurate and automatic exposure control, simplifying the lighting process, especially for beginners or in challenging lighting situations. The zoom range of 24-200mm, extending to 14mm with the panel, offers versatility in lighting wide to telephoto shots, and the flexibility in tilt and rotation (tilts from -7° to 90° and rotates 180° both left and right) offers creative lighting angles and bounce capabilities. Wireless capabilities via radio control provide ease of use in multi-flash setups, adding to its professional appeal.

The build quality is sturdy and durable, capable of withstanding regular use. However, at 14.9 ounces, it is relatively heavy, which might be cumbersome for extended handheld use. Additionally, while it requires 4 AA batteries, the operational battery life is adequately long but necessitates carrying spare batteries for prolonged shoots. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Nikon SB-5000 delivers excellent performance and reliability, making it a worthy investment for both amateur and professional photographers.

The Nikon SB-910 Speedlight Flash is a solid choice for Nikon Digital SLR camera users looking for a reliable external flash. One of its key strengths is its guide number, providing a powerful burst of light suitable for various shooting conditions. It also features improved thermal cut-out protection, which helps prevent overheating – a significant advantage during extended shooting sessions.

The improved user interface makes it more user-friendly, especially for those who might not be familiar with advanced flash settings. The expanded auto power zoom range from 17-200mm offers flexibility for different lens focal lengths, making it quite versatile. Additionally, the new hard type color filters and a soft case included are nice touches for those who like to experiment with different lighting effects and need a durable storage solution.

However, the recycle time of the flash might be a bit slower compared to some newer models, which could be a drawback for photographers needing rapid, successive shots. The flash duration may also not be the shortest in its class, potentially affecting its performance in high-speed photography. Despite these limitations, the build quality and durability are commendable, as expected from a Nikon product. It's a dependable flash for most photography needs, especially for those already invested in Nikon systems.