Neewer Z3 Flash Review – Big Power, Big Feel
The first thing you notice about the Neewer Z3 Flash is its sheer size and weight. There’s no easing into it. At just over 600g with the battery, this is a chunky speedlite, and for someone like me with cranky hands, it’s not my favourite thing to have sitting on top of a camera for long periods. Short stints are fine, but extended handheld shooting definitely had me feeling it.
Please note: That Neewer sent this Z3 flash for review, all thoughts are my own.
That said, once I got past the physical heft, the Z3 won me back with how easy it was to actually use. I ran it in TTL during a location shoot in natural light and it behaved beautifully. I was working in open shade and just needed a bit of extra oomph to lift the subject. The Z3 delivered consistent, reliable light without fussing or second-guessing me. TTL exposure was solid, recycle times were quick, and it never felt like it was struggling.
Power-wise, this thing is closer to a compact strobe than a traditional speedlite. At 100Ws, it has plenty in reserve, which makes it particularly handy outdoors or when you want to overpower ambient light a little without dragging full studio gear along. The touchscreen is bright, responsive, and genuinely intuitive, which is a nice change from menu-diving with tiny buttons while a client waits.
The built-in 2.4G Q system is also a big plus if you’re already in the Neewer ecosystem. Used off-camera, the weight becomes far less of an issue, and that’s honestly where I think this flash makes the most sense.
In use images thanks to Lisa Lewis
Real-World Use in Natural Light
I put the Z3 to work on a location shoot in natural light, mainly to lift my subject in open shade. Using TTL, exposure was consistent and dependable, but it’s worth noting this flash also offers Manual, Multi, and High Speed Sync up to 1/8000s, so you’re not locked into automation if you prefer full control or need to freeze motion.
Recycle times were fast, output was consistent, and it kept up without hesitation. The large colour touchscreen is a standout, bright, responsive, and genuinely easy to adjust on the fly and easy to read in sunlight.
Modes, Modelling Lamps & Control
The Z3 covers all the bases when it comes to shooting modes:
TTL for fast-paced or changing light
Manual for precise, repeatable setups
Multi (stroboscopic) for creative motion effects
High Speed Sync for shooting wide open or controlling ambient light
It also features dual LED modelling lamps, which is a nice bonus. They’re not designed to replace continuous lights, but they’re genuinely useful for previewing light direction, catchlights, and shadow placement before firing the flash.
An optical slave mode is also built in, making it easy to trigger the Z3 alongside other flashes without relying solely on radio triggers. Add in burst mode, capable of firing up to 70–100 flashes at full power, and you’ve got a flash that’s happy to work hard when needed.
Off-Camera Power & Wireless Options
Off-camera is where the Z3 really makes sense. It works with Neewer Q system triggers and can also be used with Godox triggers, which makes integrating it into an existing kit refreshingly painless. (Note, it may need to be updated to the latest software; check the website).
Please note: You do need to go into the menu and turn the RX setting on, so that it works as a receiver with the Q trigger. But once turned on it works like a dream.
It also pairs beautifully with the Neewer Q6 Strobe. Using the Q6 as a key light and the Z3 as a hair or rim light is a very practical setup. The power balance feels right.
Once the Z3 is off the camera and on a stand, its weight stops being a drawback and starts to feel like part of its solid, professional build. Even using the little foot stand on a desk for product shoots, works really well.
Modifiers & Accessories (optional extras)
This flash might benefit greatly from the right accessories:
A light stand holder is highly recommended for off-camera use
Magnetic diffuser (optional extra) is far easier to live with and worth upgrading to. The included diffuser is clip-on, not magnetic. It works, but it’s a little fiddly to remove, especially if your fingers aren’t fans of tiny clips
Magnetic grids and gels (optional extras) add excellent creative control for rim lights, colour accents, and background effects
With a stand and magnetic modifiers attached, the Z3 would become far more comfortable and enjoyable to work with, I’m sure.
Pros
Powerful 100Ws output, closer to a compact strobe than a speedlite
TTL, Manual, Multi, and High Speed Sync support
Dual LED modelling lamps for lighting preview
Fast recycle time around 1.7 seconds
Large, intuitive colour touchscreen (even outdoors)
Optical slave and burst mode included
Works with Neewer Q triggers and Godox triggers
Pairs well with Neewer Q6 as a hair or rim light
Strong battery life with up to 500 full-power flashes
Intuitive and easy to use
Cons
Heavy and bulky for extended on-camera use
Can be uncomfortable for photographers with hand or wrist issues
Included diffuser is clip-on rather than magnetic
Best accessories are optional extras
Q system and X system can’t be used simultaneously
Specifications
Model: Z3
Type: Speedlite Flash
Power: 100Ws
Flash Output: 1/256–1/1 (0.1EV steps)
Flash Duration: 1/556–1/13500s
Recycle Time: Approx. 1.7s
Colour Temperature: 6000K ±200K
Sync Modes: HSS (1/8000s), Front & Rear Curtain
Modes: TTL, Manual, Multi
Battery: 3000mAh Lithium
Full Power Flashes: Up to 530
Burst Performance: 70–100 flashes at full power
Wireless: 2.4G Q system, Master/Slave, Optical Slave
Controls: Buttons + 2.8" colour touchscreen
Mount: Hot shoe
Dimensions: 73 × 78 × 211mm
Weight: 629g (with battery)
Modelling Lamps: Dual LED, 3300K ±200K, 10 brightness levels
What’s in the box
What’s in the Box
Neewer Z3 Flash (Sony)
3000mAh Lithium Battery
Clip-on Diffuser
USB-C Charging Cable
Mini Stand
Storage Bag
User Manual
Final Thoughts
The Neewer Z3 isn’t trying to be a delicate little speedlite, and honestly, that’s both its strength and its weakness. If you want serious power, multiple shooting modes, and flexible off-camera control in a portable package, it delivers. If lightweight, all-day on-camera shooting is your priority, the size and weight may wear thin.
Used off-camera with the right accessories, the Z3 is a powerful, versatile lighting tool that earns its place in a modern kit.
