Speedlight or a Strobe?Updated 2 minutes ago
How do I choose between a speedlight and a strobe?
- A speedlight is a small, hot-shoe (on camera) flash.
- A strobe is a more powerful flash unit (often called a monolight) designed for bigger modifiers and more control.
Choose a speedlight if you need:
- Maximum portability (travel, run-and-gun, weddings/events)
- A budget-friendly way to start learning Flash
- On-camera flash options (bounce flash, quick setups)
- Simple off-camera use with small modifiers (small softbox/umbrella)
Choose a strobe if you need:
- More power (overpowering window light or sunlight, large rooms, groups)
- To use bigger modifiers (large softboxes, octas) without struggling for exposure
- Faster recycling and more consistent output during longer shoots
- More features like stronger modeling lights, wider power range, and often better durability
- A lot of photographers start with one or two speedlights to learn fundamentals, then add a strobe later when they want more power and easier modifier use.
Check out the following videos for more information about lights and lighting!