Review: Viltrox Vintage Z2 TTL for Canon Cameras Adds a Small Burst of Light to Your Travel Kit

Recently, I’ve been thinking about how few cameras have an included flash when purchased. Few still have the luxury of some kind of pop-up flash on the camera itself. It’s a feature that is typically relegated to entry-level cameras or point-and-shoot cameras (now possibly only “scameras” you find on places like AliExpress or Temu). It’s a shame because what if you’re not a pro and you’re not looking to literally cancel out daylight? Viltrox’s new Vintage Z2 TTL Flash might just be the answer.

Viltrox Vintage Z2 TTL (Canon) Key Features

The following key features list was taken from the B&H Photo-Video product page:

• Compact Shoe-Mounted On-Camera Flash
• 5 Output Levels: 1/16 to 1/1
• 2 Second Recycling Time
• Guide Number: 6′
• Up to 700 Full-Power Flashes
• Manual and Auto Mode
• Local Buttons & Indicator on Trigger
• Built-In 420mAh Rechargeable Battery
• USB-C Charging Interface
• Includes Diffuser

In terms of features, this pocket-sized flash is tiny enough to be thrown into your bag and forgotten until it’s time to add a little light to a scene. With a guide number of 6 (GN 6) and a two-second recycle time, this isn’t going to replace a proper flash gun or strobe, but it is handy for more casual settings. Its built-in, rechargeable battery can be quickly topped off with a USB-C cable in about an hour or so. Best of all, you can get up to 700 full-power flashes per charge (you will almost always need to fire this at full power).

Additional product images below:

Real-World Use and the Viltrox Vintage Z2 TTL

The Viltrox Vintage Z2 TTL is a tiny flash with a minimal design. The flash itself is as Spartan as they come, with only three physical buttons and a USB-C port for charging. Operation of the Z2 TTL is just as simple – a long press of the power button turns the flash on and off, and a long press of the minus (-) button sets the flash in Manual or Auto (TTL) mode.

The plus button (+) is really only active when in manual mode and will allow you to cycle the flash’s power output from 1/16 power to full power. That’s it. The heavy lift will most likely be done on the camera end as you fine tune your flash settings. For me, that meant that I had to make any fine adjustments to the flash were done on the Canon EOS R8 that I used for this review. For Canon users, that means going into your main Camera Settings, Page 3, External Speedlite Control. Ensure that Flash Firing is set to Enable. From there, it all becomes a matter of taste and intent.

It’s important to remember that this flash has a Guide Number of 6 which means that it’s most effective roughly within 6 feet of the camera/flash and will require to get up close to your subject for the most illumination potential of the flash. That said, because of its simple setup and basic operation, it’s extremely user friendly – even if you’ve never used a flash before. The Viltrox Vintage Z2 TTL’s direct flash can be a bit harsh, and for that reason Viltrox’s included diffuser will come in clutch.

Sample Gallery

A Flash You Can Take Wherever You Go

I remember when I first opened the packaging of the Vintage Z2 TTL flash – it was tiny. In fact, there was more bubble wrap in the box it came in than anything else. I cannot over emphasize how small this little flash is and that’s one of the biggest draws to a peripheral like this. While I wouldn’t consider carrying this with me to a paid job (I did and the results weren’t the greatest), I wouldn’t think twice about throwing it in my bag, or even pocket, on my way to a casual event – like dinner, a party, or even vacation.

That’s the real draw to this flash. This isn’t a “serious” photography flash – though admittedly, if you’re looking for that direct flash aesthetic for street photography, it can absolutely work – but it is one of the smallest, lightest options you can carry. With such a small form factor and even smaller price tag – less than $40 USD – there’s no reason not to consider this fun, TTL flash for your travel bag.

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