Godox ML150II Macro Ring Flash on Camera Ring Flash Light
Quick take
The Godox ML150II is a compact macro ring flash that mounts to your camera’s hot shoe and provides circular, lens-axis lighting for subjects like insects, flowers, food, and portraits. It’s designed for easy manual use with multiple power steps, but you must match its single-contact hot shoe requirement and the ring adapters for your lens diameter, and it does not offer TTL or continuous lighting.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Shadow-reducing, lens-axis ring lighting for detailed close-ups and eye-catching catchlights.
- Adjustable power output across 6 power levels (from 1/32 to 1/1).
- Lightweight design (about 420 g) powered by 4 AA batteries (not included) for portability.
- Includes an adapter rings kit for common lens diameters (49, 52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 72, 77 mm).
Cons
- No TTL support, so exposure adjustments are manual.
- Only compatible with certain hot shoe types (single-contact) and specific cameras, so compatibility must be checked before buying.
- Not a continuous light source, it’s a flash only, which limits video use.
- Some cameras and lens sizes are explicitly not supported, so you may need the correct adapter ring.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence is limited, but the feedback themes are clear and product-relevant: the flash is reported to mount and fire as expected on compatible camera models, and buyers who are using it for close-up work describe the output as bright and useful. Users also highlight the setup as straightforward once the correct adapter ring and camera compatibility are confirmed (for example, macro work and specialized close-up tasks like dental photography). A separate low-rating mentions incompatibility or missing accessory expectations, which reinforces the importance of checking hot shoe type and adapter-ring fit before purchase.
What this ring flash is for
The ML150II is built for close-up photography where you want even illumination right around the lens. Because it uses a ring design aligned with the optical axis, it can help reduce harsh shadows and keep subject details clearer at short working distances. That makes it a practical tool for macro-style shooting and also for portrait setups where you want a controlled, circular catchlight effect.
Lighting experience: even and adjustable, but flash-only
This is a flash light, not a continuous LED. That means it will help you freeze moments and capture still subjects effectively, but it will not provide ongoing illumination for composing in low light or for video.
On the control side, you get manual power adjustment. The flash offers 6 power output steps (from 1/32 to 1/1 in 1/2-stop increments), giving you a way to balance brightness against exposure and subject distance.
Specs-wise, it’s rated with a guide number of 12 (ISO 100, meters). Flash duration is listed as 1/200s to 1/5000s, and recycle time is described as roughly 0.1 to 2 seconds depending on AA battery use. Battery life is not presented as a guarantee, but the design uses 4 AA alkaline batteries (not included).
Compatibility is the biggest thing to verify
This model is not universal. Before you buy, verify three areas: hot shoe type, camera compatibility, and lens diameter for the adapter ring.
- Hot shoe type: It uses a single-contact hot shoe design, and it will not work with cameras that require different hot shoe behavior.
- Camera model compatibility: Many camera lines are supported, but several specific models are listed as not compatible (for example, certain Canon EOS Rebel and certain Sony and Fuji models, among others). If you are unsure, you should cross-check your exact camera model.
- Lens diameter: The ML150II is compatible with lenses in the 49, 52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 72, and 77 mm diameter ranges, using the included adapter rings. Measure your lens diameter or confirm it from your lens specs so you choose the right ring.
One more key limitation: it does not support TTL, so you should be comfortable setting exposure manually or working with your camera’s manual flash approach.
Setup and usability
On a practical level, the system is meant to be quick to learn. It uses buttons on the controller for power adjustments, and the manual approach is straightforward if you are already comfortable with flash settings. Several buyers describe getting it working quickly after mounting it to a compatible camera and matching the correct lens adapter ring.
Pros and cons for specific buyers
Best for
- Photographers who want simple, consistent close-up lighting with a ring-flash look.
- Macro and product-style shooters who prefer controlling flash power manually.
- People doing still close-up work where a flash can be synchronized on-demand, including specialized tasks like dental photography (when their camera and lens fit the compatibility limits).
- Buyers who want portability, since it’s lightweight and uses common AA batteries.
Who should avoid it
- Anyone who needs TTL flash automation, or wants the convenience of camera-assisted flash exposure.
- Buyers whose camera hot shoe type does not match the single-contact requirement, or whose lens diameter falls outside the adapter-ring support range.
- Anyone expecting a continuous light source for video or ongoing illumination.
Alternatives to consider (by what you care about)
If your priority is TTL convenience, you will likely want to look for a ring flash model that explicitly supports TTL for your camera brand. If your priority is video-friendly lighting, you’ll want a continuous macro light or LED macro ring system instead of a flash-only ring design. And if your lenses are less common in diameter, you may want a system with broader adapter support or adjustable mounting options.
Verdict
The Godox ML150II is a solid, budget-friendly option for photographers who want ring flash lighting for macro-style close-ups and evenly lit portraits. The main tradeoff is not technical, it’s compatibility and workflow: confirm your camera hot shoe type and lens diameter, and plan on manual exposure since TTL is not supported and it is flash-only.
FAQ
Does the godox ML150II support TTL?
No. The ML150II does not support TTL, so you’ll need to manage exposure manually using the camera and the flash power settings.
Is the ML150II compatible with my camera?
It’s compatible with many camera models, but not all. It is designed for cameras with a single-contact hot shoe, and several specific models are listed as not compatible, so check your exact camera model before purchasing.
What lens sizes does it fit?
It supports lens diameters of 49, 52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 72, and 77 mm using adapter rings. Make sure you match the correct adapter ring to your lens diameter.
Does it provide continuous light for video?
No. It is a flash-only ring light, so it does not function as continuous illumination.
How is the power controlled?
The flash uses manual power control with 6 power levels, ranging from 1/32 to 1/1 in 1/2-stop increments.
What batteries does it use?
It runs on 4 AA alkaline batteries (not included).
Specifications
| Product Title | Godox ML150II Macro Ring Flash on Camera Ring Flash Light GN12 CCT 5800K±200K for Fuji, for Canon, for Nikon, for Sony, for Olympus Camera |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Camera & Photo > Flashes > Macro & Ringlight Flashes |
| Brand | GODOX |
| Manufacturer | Godox |
| Model Name | ML150II |
| Model Number | ML150II |
| Screen Size | 5 Centimeters |
| Color | Black |
| Item Weight | 420 Grams |
| Compatible Mountings | Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus |
| Battery Average Life | 6 Hours |
| Flash Sync Speed | Typical flash sync speed for camera flashes (e.g., 1/200 or 1/250) |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Guide Number | 12 |
| Number of Batteries | 4 AA batteries required. |
| Wireless Technology | Optical Pulse |
| Mount Type | Hot Shoe Mount |
| Color Temperature | 5800 Kelvin |
| Has Self-Timer | No |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 1.26"D x 5.2"W x 5.2"H |
| Compatible Devices | Kanon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus |
| Audio Recording | No |
| Light Sensitivity | 100-3200 |
| Minimum Shutter Speed | 0.01 Seconds |
| Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/5000 seconds |
| Shooting Modes | Manual |
| Exposure Control Type | Manual |
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