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“Elf” is possibly the most perfect name for Godox’s entry-level flash… in part because it’s a small and playful little unit. But also because it doesn’t quite belong in this world. Let me explain.

The Godox Lux Elf flash is designed for casual flash users who want something light, and with a little bit of style. Its design is both futuristic and retro, with an internal battery that can produce roughly 400 full-strength flashes. WIth a Guide Number of just 6, it’s only going to illuminate subjects, like people, who are fairly close— say an upper body portrait. There’s a rear dial offering five steps from 1/16th to full power. In many ways it’s designed for simplicity and ease of use… but that’s exactly where things get complicated. Because most casual users don’t know much about flash photography and are used to the camera choosing the power. Amateurs will likely resort to taking a picture, checking the outcome, adjusting the power, taking another, checking the outcome… and so forth.It’s true that professional flashes have ridiculously complicated menus and processes, with Godox flashes being some of the worst offenders here.

At full power it takes roughly 3.5 seconds to charge up for the next shot. That’s an eternity in the professional world. But given its price point of just $50 one shouldn’t expect a professional flash– those cost two to six times more. It does come with a neat– more advanced feature– which is an optical trigger. You can trigger the flash from another flash, making it decent option for a secondary flash (which is how I’ll use it). Overall, it’s not the best option for a beginner because you need to understand and have the patience for manual settings; and it’s not the best option for budding enthusiasts because once you master the manual settings its doesn’t have the power or speed to grow with your skill set. It’s a bit of a trendy accessory that’s designed more for looks than function. Which means it doesn’t fit comfortably in any one world.