Godox TT685C Review

Godox TT685C ThinkLite front view — Godox TT685C Speedlite

Introduction

The Godox TT685C speedlite is very similar to the Canon 600EX ii-RT except that it uses the Godox X radio wireless system rather than the Canon RF system. It has similar power (60m@ISO 100@200mm) and zoom(20-200mm), full E-TTL II and can communicate with Canon EX speedlites using optical “line-of-sight” wireless. The Godox TT685C is basically a Godox V860II that runs on standard 4 x AA batteries rather than a lithium battery giving it a slightly slower recycle time and fewer full power “pops”.

The Godox TT685C was released in 2016

Godox TT685C Price

£91.20 / US$110 (guide price only, updated 17 Feb 2021)

WEX (UK) / Amazon (UK) / B&H Photo (US) / Adorama (US) / Amazon (US)

Compatibility

The Godox TT685 is compatible with the Canon ETTL II flash system and can therefore be used with most Canon EOS cameras. The TT685 uses the Godox X radio system that can work at a range of up to 100m. It can act as either a master or slave flash. When using it in radio slave mode it’s recommended to use a dedicated radio controller/master such as the Godox XPro-C (highly recommended and quick to use), the XT32C (still a good option) or the X1T-C controller (works fine but the controls are smaller and it’s more fiddly to use). Using a speedlite on-camera as a master is generally a waste of a speedlite and adds unnecessary weight that you are better off without.

When using the optical wireless system (line of sight) this speedlite can act as both master or slave with any Canon EX speedlite.

Godox TT685C Specification

Power

Maximum Guide Number 60m @ 200mm & ISO 100
Comparative Guide Number 34?m @ 35mm & ISO 100
Speedlite power is given as a Guide Number (GN) and can be shown as a distance either in metres (m) or feet (ft or ‘). Manufacturers typically give the Guide Number when the flash is zoomed at it’s maximum focal length (mm), in the case of the Godox V860 II this is 200mm. If you plan to compare the power of various speedlites then it is standard practice to compare the GN when measured at ISO 100 and using a focal length of 35mm.

Zoom Head

Zoom head: Yes
Focal length coverage: 20-200mm
Coverage with flip-down diffuser: 14mm
Auto zoom for sensor size: Yes
Flash bounce card: Yes

Flash Head Tilt & Swivel

Up: 45, 60, 75 and 90°
Down: 7° (for shooting close subjects in the range 0.5 to 2m)
Left: 60, 75, 90, 120, 150 and 180°
Right: 60, 75, 90, 120, 150 and 180°

Manual Exposure

Manual / output settings: Yes – 1/1- 1/128
Manual steps: 1/3 stop intervals

ETTL Exposure

Canon ETTL with flash exposure compensation (FEC), flash exposure lock (FE lock) and flash exposure bracketing (FEB)

Wireless Communication

Radio Wireless (RF) 2.4GHz (master & slave)
Adopts the Godox radio wireless X system
Maximum range approximately: approx 100m
No. of groups: 3 (A, B & C)
No. of channels: 32
Master/Slave: Can act as both a master and a slave unit

Optical Wireless (master & slave)
Line-of-sight communication.
Fully compatible with other Canon EX speedlites and Canon’s optical wireless ETTL II metering system
Transmitter maximum range approximately: Indoors: 12-15m, Outdoors: 8-10m
No. of groups: 3 (A, B & C)
No. of channels: 4
Master/Slave: Can act as both a master and a slave unit

Auto-Focus (AF) Assist

AF-assist beam: Yes
Number of AF points supported: 1-
AF-assist beam type: Infra-red
Beam range: 0.6-10m at centre, 0.6 to 5m at periphery

Other Features

High speed sync (HSS): Yes
Second-curtain flash sync: Yes
Modelling flash: Yes (fired with camera’s depth-of-field preview button)
Multi (stroboscopic) flash: Yes
Colour temperature info communication: Yes
Remote shutter release: No
Custom function: 9
Flash settings from camera menus (with compatible cameras only): Yes
External flash exposure sensor (S1, S2): Yes
PC terminal: Yes 3.5mm sync port
Micro-USB socket for firmware updates: Yes

Batteries & Recycling Time

Battery: 4 x AA batteries (alkaline or rechargeable Ni-MH)
Recycling time: Approx. 0.01 to 2.6 sec
Number of flashes (approx): 230 full power flashes using Ni-MH
Flash duration: 1/300-1/20000sec
Flash Colour temperature: 5600K +/-200K
Optional external power supply: Yes

Build Quality

Dust and water resistance: No
Mounting foot material: Metal
Size: 64 x 76 x 190mm (2.5 x 3.0 x 7.5″)
Weight: 410g/14.46oz (excluding battery). 4 x AA batteries adds 120g

Compatible accessories:

External battery pack Godox PB960 with a Godox CX power cable

Godox S-R1 adapter allows the use of Godox AK-R1 magnetic accessory set

Alternatives

Godox V860II – almost the same speedlite but with a lithium-ion battery for quick recycle time and more flashes before having to change battery. More expensive.
Godox TT600 – similar spec but without the E-TTL. Still has HSS. Cheaper option.
Yongnuo 600EX-RT II – equivalent spec made by Yongnuo, uses RT radio system.
Canon 600EX II-RT – similar spec, better build quality at a Canon price.

Godox V685C Manual

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Godox V860II Review

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Godox TT600 Review

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This page was last checked and updated on 17 Feb 2021