Neewer Z160 Camera Flash — Product Review
The Neewer Z160 Camera Flash is a compact, lightweight, and affordable on-camera flash designed for beginner and hobbyist photographers who want better lighting without breaking the bank. At approximately AUD $160, it offers simple Auto and Manual modes, a built-in rechargeable battery, and optical slave functionality, making it an accessible choice for entry-level users.
The Auto Mode is essentially TTL, with exposure compensation and for new photographers, this is a fantastic way to learn flash. I have been playing with the flash for a while now and like many of these mini-flash, I found it not particularly great with portraits in the studio, but shines with macro and still life.
Please note: While Neewer sent this flash for review, all opinions are my own.
Key Specifications:
Price: ~AUD $160
Guide Number: 14 (ISO 100, meters)
Flash Modes: Auto and Manual
Power Source: Built-in 1500mAh rechargeable lithium battery
Recycle Time: ~1.5 seconds
Full Power Flashes per Charge: ~650
Focal Length Coverage: Fixed at 28mm
Tilt/Swivel: None — fixed head
Weight: 160g
Compatibility: Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Olympus, Panasonic hot shoes
Wireless: Optical slave S1/S2
Dimensions: 120×72×38mm
Pros:
✅ Lightweight and portable (just 160g)
✅ Budget-friendly at ~AUD $160
✅ Simple Auto and Manual modes — very easy to learn
✅ Long battery life — up to 650 flashes per charge
✅ Fast recycle time (1.5 seconds)
✅ Works with most major camera brands
✅ Optical slave modes for creative off-camera setups, worked well with firing studio strobes on Auto Mode.
Cons:
❌ Modest power (GN14) — good only for close-range lighting, not impressed with studio portraits
❌ Fixed head — no bounce, tilt, or swivel
❌ Fixed 28mm coverage — may not suit wider lenses or larger scenes
❌ Basic construction and no weather sealing
❌ No advanced features like TTL, HSS, or Multi flash
❌Larger lens diameters can often leave a shadow on images as the flash does not quite sit high enough.
Sample Images in the studio:
Was not a fan in the studio with portraits, although it did fire the strobes off when in auto mode. I must try with a trigger. Light was harsh and unflattering, with harsh shadows. Maybe others like that look, but I do not. This could be a good fill flash on location, but I was not a fan.
Sample images with still life and Macro:
It truly does shine with a macro lens, in and out of the studio
Sample Images out of the studio:
All captured in my garden with Sony A7RV and Sony90mm macro, I used the Z160 on auto, roughly +3 - +1.
Take the Z160 away from portraits, and THAT is where I believe it shines. Using either Manual or Auto, this was fabulous in the garden for macro or even with still life. It’s still a little on the harsh side, but a diffuser on your lens can work wonders!
I recently ran several macro workshops, and I took the students out in my garden to learn using flash with ambient light for great macro. Most students used their own flash and then tried the Z160 and were impressed with the results and how small, compact and light-weight it is compared to their larger speedlights. It worked well with Sony Mirrorless, Canon DSLR, Nikon DSLR, Nikon Mirrorless cameras.
Verdict:
At around AUD $160, the Neewer Z160 is an affordable, lightweight, and easy-to-use on-camera flash that’s perfect for beginners and casual shooters. Its simplicity and decent battery life make it an excellent first flash or backup. However, its limited power, fixed head, and lack of advanced features mean it’s best suited for small indoor spaces, macro, and as a fill light — not for demanding professional work.
There is a Neewer Z160SE model without the Auto function, but I honestly think the Auto feature is worth the extra money.
