Godox iT32 review: an insane (TTL!) bang for the buck

The iT32 is a tiny TTL flash with a genuinely clever idea at its core: instead of buying a new flash for each camera system you own, you buy one flash and swap the hot shoe.

This review is not sponsored by Godox.

The iT32 has no mounting foot of its own. That job belongs to the X5, a separate unit that connects magnetically and acts as both a hot shoe mount and a wireless trigger. Buy the X5 transmitter for Canon, another for Nikon, and the same flash body works on both. Extending to a new camera brand costs only $20, a fraction of buying a new flash. I said 20 bucks for a flash radio transmitter, yep, you read it right…

Specs at a glance

Guide number: GN 18 (ISO 100, fixed 28mm coverage)

Power range: 1/128 to 1/1

Recycle time: ~1.5 seconds

Battery: Built-in USB-C rechargeable, up to 510 full-power flashes

Sync speed: HSS up to 1/8000 sec (1/80,000 sec with Sony global shutter cameras)

Wireless range: Up to 80m (263ft) when attached; 20m (66ft) when separated

Flash modes: TTL, Manual, Multi (stroboscopic)

Display: Color touchscreen

Dimensions: 10 x 6 x 4 cm / ~170g with X5 (it’s tiny!)

Compatible systems: Canon, Fujifilm, Leica, Nikon, Olympus/Panasonic, and Sony.

Price: $79 for the flash body, $19–25 for each X5 trigger, or $99–104 for a kit with one X5.

Real life test

I was in Brazil last week. I did a photowalk with my friend Renato Rocha Miranda, from the newsletter A OBSCURA, and we went to Arpoador with the iT32. We shot fill flash in daylight and used it as the primary light source after dusk.

Check out the difference of what the GN18 did as a fill flash:

And as a primary light source (wait a minute! I recognize that…)

What makes it interesting

The modular design is the whole point. When the X5 is attached, the iT32 works like any TTL on-camera flash. Pull the X5 off, and it automatically switches to wireless trigger mode, controlling the iT32 remotely. No re-pairing, no menus. Just pull them apart and keep shooting.

The magnetic mount is stronger than it looks. The flash physically slots into a recessed mount; the magnets assist but do not do all the work. Pushing it from front, back, or side does not budge it, even on my heavy Leica M body.

TTL is reliable and consistent for close work: portraits, macro, still life, and small products. High Speed Sync works as expected for balancing flash with bright ambient light, although, I don’t recommend it too much due to color variation. Recycle times are quick enough that you are mostly not waiting between shots.

The tradeoff is light power. GN18 has limits. Bouncing off high ceilings, lighting large groups, or overpowering strong sunlight from a distance will push it past its range. Close to your subject, or with deliberate off-camera placement, it performs well.

Who it is for

Multi-system shooters who are tired of carrying multiple flashes. Film photographers who want a light travel flash that still supports TTL. Anyone stepping into off-camera flash for the first time without wanting to spend a lot.

For professionals who need real output power, the Godox V350 or AD100Pro makes more sense. The iT32 is aimed at semi-professionals who want to work with light without the bulk, and have a handy flash ready to go in any ocasion.

At $99 all-in, the system is hard to argue with. Just buy one and put in your bag, and you’re good!