Godox Lux Master review: a fun retro flash with modern performance

The Godox Lux Master is a tricky light to place with it not being like anything else on the market – except for the other Godox Lux flashes. Godox is a brand that produces both high-end professional strobes and speed lights such as the Godox AD600 Pro II, and that also develops smaller more unique direct flashes like the Godox Lux range, aimed more toward enthusiasts and the everyday consumer. The Godox Lux Master fits into the latter category, however, features elements far above its station!

Godox is alternatively known in some regions as Flashpoint or Wistro, and its Lux range of vintage direct flashes offers an affordable on-camera fill flash inspired by those from eras gone by. The Lux Master is the most substantial of the range, offering a power output of 1/1 -1/256, enough to brighten up any dimly lit scene indoors or out.

The Lux Master blends vintage aesthetics with modern technology effortlessly, making a unique flash inspired by that used by famed photographer Weegee in the 1930s and 1940s. By way of an elongated body, a fanned reflector dish, and a bare bulb, the flash sits alongside the camera, providing a unique look and feel to the images.

At a distance, you'd be remiss by thinking it really was a flash of yesteryear, but on closer inspection, a full-color touch screen, USB-C charging, in-built 2.4GHz flash receiver, TTL, HSS, and rear curtain sync, bring it truly into the 21st century!

Godox Lux Master: Specifications

Godox Lux Master: Price & Availability

The Godox Lux Master is priced at $287 / £236 / AU$453, making it the most expensive in the Godox Lux range and not a cheap flash for limited versatility.

Although the Lux Master can be removed from the camera plate and mounted to a light stand or held manually like a wand, it's fairly limited in its direction with only three rotational points forward and backward. This makes the price a little tough to swallow, however, if you are looking for a modern direct flash for those punchy portraits or family snapshots, the vintage vibe is a real fun experience.

As a specialty design, it's hard to compare it to others on the market, but this also means that it is likely to stick around for a while, and more than likely see a nice discount toward the holiday season. That said, this isn't the flash to buy if you are looking for professional versatility, that would be the Godox AD200 Pro II, which is around a similar price.

Godox Lux Master: Design & Handling

Strikingly similar in design to a lightsaber, the Lux Master looks extremely futuristic which is an odd thing to say about a vintage-looking light. The leatherette handle and chrome finish are extremely well-designed and feel incredibly comfy in the hand.

Everything can be controlled via the touchscreen on the rear which is also full color and very intuitive, but if touchscreens aren't your thing, there are manual buttons and a scroll wheel for the tactile feel.

The light is designed to sit alongside the camera via the provided base plate. The plate enables the camera and light to be perpendicular however has the option for the light to be adjusted to 90º from the camera.

Not since the early 20th century has it been the norm for flashes to sit alongside the camera, but I must admit, it felt right. The handle of the light enabled me to hold both the camera and light for extra security and transported me back to the early days of flash tubes and news reporters.

The bare bulb can be locked away when not in use and then slide into position when needed. Despite the unique nature of the light, it has its very own mount which can house multiple attachments including the included default reflector. The reflector is an aluminum fan dish that reflects a large amount of light directly ahead.

A recent improvement across the Godox ecosystem of flashes is the Godox X3 trigger. This trigger is an amazing new addition and transforms the Godox lights into a plug-and-play setup within seconds. It requires just one touch of a button to sync with the in-built receiver and negates any need for setting up groups and channels, although is capable.

For those without a trigger or with film cameras, a sync cable is included with the light, which is just as easy to use.

Godox Lux Master: Photo Performance

I must admit that direct flash has never been a regular approach in my photography and have only called on it as a style choice when shooting punchy subjects like rock bands. With no rock bands on the docket, and taking inspiration from Nikita Teryoshin's recent book, I decided to take it out on a family day trip to see if I could replicate some 90s nostalgia.

My first impression was that the size of the camera, I guess you can call it a rig, with the Lux Master attached was a lot larger and added significant weight. This was helped however by holding the light handle and camera simultaneously as it spread the weight more evenly.

I used the sync cable for a fast connection, as it was before I had gotten the X3 trigger. This was reliable and never missed a shot.

The light provided a pop of fill light removing shadows and filling the scene with light and color. It gave the impression of a more refined 90s disposable camera aesthetic recently brought back into fashion with the rise of film photography, and certainly brought a sense of nostalgia.

I shot predominately in TTL which could be refined further on the touchscreen, and with the included reflector. The Lux Master has a variety of shooting modes including Manual, HSS, and rear-curtain sync.

Although this was tested during a family outing, it has inspired me to create some more direct flash images for an upcoming photography project as it was incredibly fun to use and provided a shake-up to the photography that I am accustomed to.

Godox Lux Master: Sample Images

Image 1 of 4

Godox Lux Master: Verdict

The Godox Lux Master is a great flash that looks vintage but shoots modern. It produces a great quality of light providing a high key light to subjects and scenes.

As with most lighting, whether this is the right light for you depends on your style of shooting and desired output. The Lux Master offers a small light source, even when used with the softbox attachment, which means that the light on the scene or subject will be quite hard.

Many photographers use this as a style choice, producing highly contrasted shots from the direct light, and it has a dramatic impact on portraits when shot in black and white. If this isn't the way you like to shoot, then I would recommend opting for the Godox Ad200 Pro II instead, as it has more versatility.

I had a great time with the Lux Master and I am already thinking of a project that can utilize its unique look!

Alternatives

The Godox Lux Senior is also part of the Godox Lux range and offers an alternative on-camera flash option. Designed with the same fan-like reflector, it offers a similar direct flash, without the versatility of the Lux Master, and this is reflected in the price tag.

Ideal for point-and-shoot or compact cameras, the Godox Lux Elf is one of the smallest in the Lux range. It offers a direct-fill flash, is ultra-compact, and has a retro 50s/60s style.