Godox X3N X3 N X3-N TTL Wireless Flash Trigger

I received this Godox X3-N Flash Trigger through the Amazon Vine program, and as always, you’re getting my honest, unbiased opinion. No one’s paying me to write this review.

In my photography work, off-camera flash is key. It gives me control over multiple light sources, the direction of light, and makes adjustments a breeze from one device. It helps me control everything from the trigger itself, which saves me from running back and forth to adjust the flashes. Honestly, though, I’ve invested a lot in a renowned brand lighting systems over the years. It’s tough to switch when you’ve already built up a collection of gear, especially when you’re happy with what you’re using. But Godox has been making waves in the photography world, with lots of buzz about their quality, reliability, and affordability. That caught my attention. It’s hard to ignore a brand that seems to offer so much for photographers at all levels, from hobbyists to pros. So, while I haven’t completely switched over, I’ve started dipping my toes into the Godox ecosystem. I already own the AD200 and TT600 flashes, and I’m curious to see how their other products stack up against my tried-and-true gear.

Right off the bat, I was impressed by how compact the X3 is. I don’t think there’s a wireless trigger with the same specifications anywhere in the market right now that is as compact as the Godox X3. To say I was impressed with its form factor is an understatement. I took some photos of the X3 and I placed it next to an SD card to compare sizes. If you own flash triggers, you’ll appreciate what I’m talking about here.

It comes in a hard protective storage case, and a USB A to USB C cable. Yup. Its has a rechargeable battery! The battery lasted me 2 full days of shoots with the AD200. The OLED touchscreen is super intuitive. It’s bright, clear, and easy to read in various lighting conditions. The touchscreen is very responsive, and while it’s not super fast, the lag is barely noticeable. you can swipe the menu up and down and sideways. If you’re wearing gloves, you can use the wheel knob on the side to scroll through the menu options. This is useful during cold weather.

I mounted it on my camera and was ready to go in no time. Setting up the channels and groups for my flashes was a piece of cake. Even if you haven’t used off-camera flashe before, you’ll find the set up really simple. The menu system is intuitive. Just turn on your Godox flashes, set them to the same channel and group as your trigger, and you’re good to go. For those unfamiliar with off-camera flash setups, here’s a quick rundown of how to get started with the X3:

1. Power on your Godox flashes and ensure they’re set to the same channel and group as your X3 trigger.
2. Mount the X3 onto your camera’s hot shoe and secure it.
3. On the X3’s touchscreen, select the corresponding channel and group settings to match your flashes.
4. You can now adjust flash power, switch between TTL and Manual modes, and even control the zoom setting of your flash directly from the X3, eliminating the need to constantly adjust your flashes manually.

What really blew me away was how effortlessly I could switch between TTL and Manual modes. This will save you a ton of time when you’re shooting in situations where the lighting is constantly shifting. For instance, during a busy event, I love using TTL because it automatically figures out the perfect flash power for me. But when I’m in the studio or need really consistent lighting for multiple shots, Manual mode lets me fine-tune things to get the exact look I’m going for. This is so handy, especially for portraits where you might start in TTL and then switch to Manual for a more consistent look across shots.

In real-world use, the Godox X3 performed admirably. It reliably triggered my AD200 and TT600 flashes across various shooting scenarios, from studio portraits to outdoor events. The 2.4 GHz wireless system ensured a stable connection with no interference, and the impressive range allowed me to position my flashes creatively without worrying about signal loss. The high-speed sync up to 1/8000 is essential for outdoor shoots in bright sunlight, enabling me to freeze action and achieve stunning results.

Overall, the Godox X3 is a must-have for any shooter using Godox flashes. It’s impressively compact, user-friendly, and loaded with features that make flash photography a whole lot easier. Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, this trigger will definitely up your lighting game!