For years, when people asked me which flash I used and recommended, my answer was always the same: the Lightpixlabs FlashQ Q20II. This tiny, innovative flash became a trusted companion, for my Leica Q3 and every Leica Q camera I’ve owned since 2015. I loved it so much that I bought several units myself and enthusiastically told others to get one too. But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

Recently, I’ve stopped recommending the FlashQ Q20II and no longer use it myself. Today, I’ll share the reasons behind my decision, the challenges I’ve faced, and introduce you to an alternative that has not only met but exceeded my expectations.

Why the FlashQ Q20II Was My Go-To Flash

Let’s rewind to 2019. When I first picked up the FlashQ Q20II, it was love at first sight. Its compact size made it perfect for street photography. It was packed with clever features like:

Built-in wireless receiver and a tiny transmitter.
Rechargeable batteries, with the ability to charge them directly in the unit.
Easy off-camera setup, making it versatile.
A set of color gels for creative lighting effects.

For a street photographer, this was the dream package. The flash quickly became an essential part of my gear. However, over time, I started noticing flaws that made me rethink its place in my toolkit.

The Problems I Encountered

While the Q20II offered an excellent starting experience, three recurring issues led to my decision to move on:

1. Overheating

The first problem surfaced after an extended trip through Asia. After heavy usage, I noticed the reflector in the flash head was burned, as was one of my color gels. I contacted the company, and to their credit, they replaced the unit. However, they warned that the flash wasn’t designed for frequent high-power use. Despite being careful with subsequent units, the same overheating issue cropped up again—even with minimal use of full or half power.

2. Slow Recycle Time

In fast-paced environments, like crowded streets or events, every second counts. Unfortunately, the Q20II’s slow recycle time became a liability. At even moderate power levels like 1/8th, the flash would take over a second to recharge, causing me to miss potentially great shots. For a professional or passionate photographer, that’s a frustrating limitation.

3. Misfires and Interference

The Q20II’s tendency to misfire grew more frequent over time. Worse, because it randomly assigned wireless channels, I often found myself battling interference in crowded settings where others were using the same flash. Imagine someone else’s trigger firing your flash—or vice versa. That’s a dealbreaker for me. That happened a few times for me when I was shooting with friends who were using the same flash or the Lightpixlabs flash triggers. Especially, when teaching workshops it got rather annoying.

What’s a better alternative?

After enduring these issues, I knew it was time for a change. My criteria were clear: I needed a compact flash system with better reliability, faster recycle times, and no overheating problems. That’s when I discovered the Godox X3 flash trigger and TT350/V350 flash. The V350 is basically the same flash that is using a rechargeable battery instead if double AAs and it that lasts up to 500 shots at full power. On top of that, the recycle time is even a little bit faster over the TT350.

Why Godox?

The Godox system checked all the boxes:

Increased Power: The TT350 offers nearly double the power of the Q20II, making it more versatile for different lighting conditions.
Faster Recycle Times: No more waiting around—the TT350 recycles much faster, even at higher power settings.
Overheating Protection: Built-in safeguards ensure the flash can handle demanding usage without damage.
Compatibility: Godox has now released a Leica-specific version of the X3 trigger, but I’ve decided to stick with the Panasonic version that I picked up earlier. It works seamlessly with my Lumix cameras, Leica Q3, and even my Leica M6 in manual mode. However, it’s crucial to set the trigger to “legacy hot shoe” mode in the menu to ensure everything functions properly.

The system also offers the flexibility of using AA batteries, which are readily available—a lifesaver for travel photographers.

An even better alternative would be the Godox V350. It’s essentially the same flash but uses a rechargeable battery instead of AA batteries, lasting up to 500 shots at full power. Additionally, the recycle time is slightly faster compared to the TT350.

I have both the TT350 and the V350, but I tend to grab the V350 more frequently out of convenience. Its rechargeable battery and faster performance make it my go-to choice for most situations.

Master Street Photography with flash

If you want to master using flash in street photography, check out my video course! It’s designed to help you understand how flash works and how to use it to your advantage, enabling you to create incredible images out on the streets.

Farewell, FlashQ Q20II

Despite its flaws, the Q20II deserves credit for being the flash that introduced me to using flash in street photography. Many of my favorite shots wouldn’t have been possible without it. However, for photographers who rely on dependable gear, reliability is non-negotiable.

If you’re an occasional flash user or working in less demanding scenarios, the Q20II might still be a viable option. But for those like me who need a flash that keeps up with fast-paced environments, the Godox TT350 or V350 paired with the X3 trigger are far better alternatives.

Final Thoughts

The FlashQ Q20II had its moment in my camera bag, but I’ve moved on to a more robust solution. If you’re experiencing similar frustrations or just want to explore better options, I highly recommend checking out the Godox X3 and TT350/V350 setup.

What About You?

Have you experienced similar issues with the FlashQ Q20II? Or have you found a flash system you swear by? Let me know in the comments!

Which Flash To Use For Street Photography