Godox iT32 Flash & X5S & X5N Trigger Review
A compact modular flash system that punches above its size
Godox has been quietly shaking up the flash world for years, but the Godox iT32 Flash paired with the Godox X5S & N trigger feels like a genuine rethink of how on-camera and off-camera flash can work together.
Instead of a traditional speedlight bolted to your camera, this is a modular system. The flash and trigger are separate units that magnetically snap together when you want on-camera flash, then separate instantly when you want to work off-camera. No re-pairing, no menus, no fuss. I must confess I had to fire with the flash on the trigger first before it would fire separated.
It’s small, light, and clearly designed for photographers who want flexibility without hauling around a full-sized flash kit.
What Is the Godox iT32 + X5 System?
The iT32 is a compact TTL/M flash that belongs to the Godox X wireless ecosystem. The X5 trigger (X5S for Sony, X5N for Nikon, X5C for Canon, etc.) acts as both a hot-shoe mount and a wireless transmitter.
Magnetically attach the two and you have an on-camera TTL /Manual flash. Detach them and the X5 becomes your trigger while the iT32 runs wirelessly off-camera. It’s a clever, practical design that makes a lot of sense in real-world shooting. I loved I could shoot with it on, then snap off the flash pop on the foot and set it on a shelf or even hold it by hand.
Key Specifications
Godox iT32 Flash on stand
Godox iT32 Flash
Guide Number: GN18 (ISO100, metres)
Power Range: 1/128 – 1/1 in 1/3-stop increments
Flash Modes: TTL, Manual, Multi
High Speed Sync: up to 1/8000s (and higher on compatible Sony bodies)
Flash Exposure Compensation: ±3 EV
Recycle Time: approx. 1.5 seconds at full power
Flash Duration: as fast as ~1/30,000s at lower power
Modelling Light: built-in LED
Battery: built-in 900mAh lithium-ion
Approx. 510 full-power flashes per charge
Charging: USB-C
Weight: approx. 169g
Godox X5S & X5N Trigger (Sony & Nikon version)
Wireless System: Godox 2.4GHz X
Channels: 32 channels, ID 1–99
Wireless Range:
Up to ~80m when attached to iT32 (according to specs, but when attached seems irrelevant?)
Around ~20m when used separately
Battery: built-in rechargeable (USB-C)
Weight: approx. 23grams
What’s in the box
Build Quality & Handling
The first thing you notice is how small and light this setup is. If you’re used to full-size speedlights, the iT32 feels almost toy-like at first, but in a good way. Build quality is solid, with a clean, modern design and no unnecessary bulk.
The magnetic connection between the flash and trigger is strong and reassuring. It snaps into place with confidence and doesn’t feel like it’s going to pop off accidentally. For location shooting, workshops, or fast-paced sessions, this is a big win.
Controls are straightforward. The touchscreen and dial combo make adjustments quick, and the interface is easy to understand even if you’re new to flash. Apart from turning the trigger on and off, there are no dial or settings to change, they are on the flash only.
Performance in Real Use
Despite its compact size, the iT32 performs very well within its intended range. I did find that using a additional diffuser helped a lot. You really can’t get much more than a few metres away from your subject, without losing flash altogether.
TTL is reliable and consistent, particularly for still life, macro, and small product work. High Speed Sync works as expected and is useful for balancing flash with bright ambient light. Manual is self-explanatory and easy to use as well.
Recycle times are quick enough that you’re not waiting around between shots, and battery life is surprisingly good for such a small unit.
That said, this is not a high-power flash. With a GN18 output, you’ll feel the limits if you’re trying to bounce off high ceilings, light large groups, or overpower strong sunlight from a distance. Used close to your subject, or with intentional off-camera placement, it shines. I also found it caused red-eye when photographing my dogs.
As per most of these mini flashes, I have found where they truly shine is when mixed with low ambient light, on TTL with the exposure compensation set to -1, as per sample images taken in late afternoon outside. I was using a 35-100mm lens.
Godox iT32 Touchscreen
Pros
Clever modular magnetic design
The different X5 triggers (Sony, Nikon, Canon etc) are all marked by different colours
Extremely compact and lightweight
Full TTL, Manual, Multi and HSS support
Built-in rechargeable batteries with USB-C charging
Easy transition between on-camera and off-camera use
Compatible with the wider Godox X ecosystem
Affordable entry point into wireless flash
No shadow on wider lenses for Sony (ie Zeiss 16-35mm wide angle @ 82mm)
No shadows on wider Nikon Z lens either
Cons
Lower power than traditional full-size speedlights
Fixed flash head with no zoom control, although you can tilt the head itself
X5 trigger is very basic compared to XPro or X3 triggers
Wireless range drops when trigger and flash are separated
Requires a separate X5 trigger per camera system
Who Is This Flash For?
The Godox iT32 and X5 system is ideal for:
Portrait photographers working close to their subjects, on- or off-camera. I do suggest additional diffusion or a mini softbox for portraits.
Travel and street photographers who value light-weight gear, that are not working with larger distance
Workshop environments where fast setup matters
Multi-brand shooters who want one flash across different cameras (you would need to purchase additional triggers)
If you regularly shoot large spaces, bounce flash off tall ceilings, or need maximum output, a bigger speedlight or strobe will still be the better tool. Perhaps the Godox AD100Pro or AD200Pro II or similar.
Optional magnetic gel filter covers (2 are supplied with product)
Sample images
Playing in the studio with some still life, I found the images far more pleasing with extra diffusion. I believe I took these images on AP Mode on my Sony A7RV and TTL mode on the iT32 -1 exposure compensation.
Even in ambient low light, the iT32 does an amazing job, especially on TTL, as per the images below. No extra diffusion was required.
A Note on Nikon
I have been trialling many mini flash on the Nikon Z7iii camera and it’s bulky wider diameter lenses and they all seem to fall flat, due to the flash hitting the edge of the lens and causing unwanted shadows. The Godox iT32 outperformed them all on that one single point. It sits up high enough on the hot shoe to easily reach out over an 82mm lens. Some sample images below with the flash on-camera, taken by my Husband.
Being able to easily take the flash off the camera and put it on a floor, bench or light stand is a winner. Makes the flash so much more versatile. Even on a kitchen bench with light bounced off a metal fridge with the dog. Also avoids red eye.
When taking portraits, where possible bounce the flash off a white ceiling, rather than directly at the person, makes a much nicer portrait, with more depth and contrast. Even if it is my horrible old face lol. The tiltable head makes this easy to do. My ceilings are standard 8 foot high.
Final Thoughts
The Godox iT32 with X5S & X5N trigger isn’t trying to replace every flash in your kit. Instead, it offers a smart, flexible, and genuinely useful alternative for photographers who want portability without giving up TTL, HSS, and wireless control.
For portraits, creative off-camera work, and everyday shooting, it’s a thoughtful little system that proves bigger isn’t always better. Once you use the magnetic modular design in the field, it’s hard not to appreciate just how practical it is.
