Flashpoint has taken an exceptional flash and made it that much better. The Flashpoint Zoom Li-on X PRO is Flashpoint’s next generation of roundhead on-camera flash. With 76 watt-seconds of power, a USB rechargeable lithium ion battery, and built-in R2 radio control, this small flash is loaded with features a Pro wants. Precise color accuracy and improvement in cooling make this an excellent tool for Professional photographers. Meanwhile a simple interface makes this a great choice as your first flash. The detachable SU-1 fill-in flash unit gives photographers more options when bouncing light. Working as a command center, the Zoom Li-On X Pro is also an excellent choice for studio shooters.
Key Specs of the Flashpoint ZOOM LI-ON X Pro R2
- Round zoom head design delivers smooth and pleasing light
- Built-in Flashpoint R2 Remote TTL System
- Includes a detachable sub-flash SU-1 for a balanced fill-in flash
- SU-1 offers manual control from 1/256 to Full power
- Advanced nanoglass technology keeps the flash from overheating
- Command 4 R2 remote groups independently
- Optional external BP-960 Lithium Battery Pack Power for extended continuous high-speed Superspeed recycling and longevity
- 76 watt-second TTL auto-exposure reliability
- Manual mode from Full power (1/1) down to 1/256 (in 81 steps)
- Interchangeable Internal Lithium Ion Polymer battery cells deliver 500 full power flashes
- Eliminates troublesome Overheating via flashtube and reflector technology
- Recharge cell packs with USB convenience
- Auto-Sensing Canon / Nikon / Sony / Panasonic / Olympus / Fuji / Pentax TTL Radio Remote Modes
- High Speed Sync for shutter speeds up to 1/8000 second
Biggest Features of the Flashpoint ZOOM LI-ON X Pro
Newly Designed Li-Ion Polymer Battery
The Zoom Li-On X Pro features a newly designed Li-Ion Polymer battery, allowing for speedy recycling and longer life. With up to 500 full power shots and fast 1.3-second full power recycle, the X Pro’s new battery is ready for any challenge.
There is no need to carry a charging block, as photographers can charge the Li-Ion battery directly with a USB. The optional Flashpoint VC26T Multi Battery Charger can charge up to three cells simultaneously for full-day shoots with multiple batteries.
The Zoom Li-On X Pro R2 provides connectivity to the external Flashpoint BP-960 Lithium Battery Pack. This allows for extended continuous high-speed Superspeed recycling and longevity.
R2 Control Center
With its built-in R2 controller, the Zoom Li-On X Pro R2 will become the command center for your shoots, both in the studio and on location. Allowing for Direct Group access, controlling power and mode, sync, and zoom head position for extreme off-camera work.
The Li-On X Pro has a bright LCD panel that displays the status of all remote R2-compliant strobes. Including a wide range of flashes that work seamlessly together via R2, such as:
The lithium-powered Zoom Li-on TTL family speedlights, the Zoom AA alkaline speedlights, the fantastic Streaklight 360 TTL bare bulb strobes, the portable eVOLV200 and Pro TTL, 600ws XPLOR600 TTL/M, XPLOR600 Pro TTL, prize-winning XPLOR400Pro and XPLOR300Pro’s, the heartwarming XPLOR 100 Pro, and the manual AC powered Rapid 400/600/1200ws units, and Studio300/400 monolights.
Use the R2 remote designed for your camera brand. The Flashpoint R2-enabled family communicates seamlessly with Nikon, Canon, Fujifilm, Olympus, Panasonic, and Sony.
Advanced Cooling Technology
Flashpoint made The Zoom Li-On X Pro R2 for serious professional work, and the nano-glass face helps keep the flash cool even when fired rapidly. Consequently, The Li-On X Pro does not succumb easily to overheating, with this innovative technology helping to dissipate the heat.
Detachable Sub Flash
The Zoom Li-On X Pro R2 includes a second small detachable flash for even more creative control: The SU-1 Sub. This additional fill-in flash can be controlled manually from full power down to 1/256 for a perfectly natural, balanced look. Using the SU-1 is an excellent option when bouncing the main flash head. In essence, you are getting two lights here: a big bounce to cover the main scene and a small fill that gives some direct shape to your subject.
Simple Interface, Familiar Feel
If you have been creating with Flashpoint, The X Pro R2 should feel familiar in your hands. For those new to the line, the simple design is quick and intuitive to understand and master. Certainly, this means soon, you will be controlling your flash in groups, so you’ll also be taking advantage of advanced features such as High-Speed-Sync (HSS) and Stroboscopic Flash as if you have worked with this flash your entire career. Work with the 330-degree swivel head and 28-105 zoom to get your light exactly where you want it—or bounce it with over 120 degrees of tilt.
The X Pro R2’s Magnetic Mount is compatible with the Flashpoint AK-R1 Accessory Kit for even more creative options and control. This kit includes modifiers such as Barn Doors with 4 Flags and a Diffusion Dome. Additionally, a 30° Honeycomb Grid, a Wide Angle Diffuser, 6 Hard Plastic Color Correction Gels, Filter/Gel Holders, Spot Light Snoot, and requisite Bounce Scoop.
Who Should Use the Flashpoint ZOOM LI-ON X Pro
With its beautiful round head, fast recycling, and excellent battery options, the Zoom Li-On X Pro R2 is great for wedding and event photographers. The SU-1 Sub Flash and Magnetic accessories make this a perfect single light kit for location portrait shooters. And let’s remember studio shooters like myself who can take advantage of the built-in R2 Controller for a command flash command center right on top of the camera. A small, powerful, reliable flash like this is a tool for any photographer who wants to master their craft by taking control of the light they use.
Flashpoint ZOOM LI-ON X Pro vs Flashpoint ZOOM LI-ON X
The word “Pro” is the best way I can describe the difference between these two amazing flashes. While both are great tools for any photographer, the Flashpoint ZOOM LI-ON X Pro adds those finishing touches that elevate it to the status of “Pro.”
| Flashpoint ZOOM LI-ON X | Flashpoint ZOOM LI-ON X Pro | |
| Energy Output | 76ws | 76ws |
| Flash Exposure Control | TTL Manual Flash Remote TTL (Master or Slave, with Groups) Remote TTL or Manual Flash (Master or Slave, with Groups) using the Integrated R2 Radio System HSS | ETTL II Manual Flash Remote ETTL II (Master or Remote, with Groups) Remote ETTL II or Manual Flash (Master or Remote, with Groups) using the Integrated R2 Radio System HSS |
| Lens Coverage | 28-105 mm with automatic or manual zoom control Wider, with Round Head Accessory Wider, with Round Head Accessory Kit | 28-105 mm with automatic or manual zoom control Wider, with Round Head Accessory Wider, with Round Head Accessory Kit |
| R2 Radio Range | >330ft / 100m | >330ft / 100m |
| R2 Radio Channels | 32 | 32 |
| R2 Groups | 4 Master (A camera/B/C/D) 5 Slave (A/B/C/D/E) | 4 Master (A camera/B/C/D) 5 Slave (A/B/C/D/E) |
| Triggering Modes | Dedicated Hot Shoe R2 Radio Controller (integrated) Sync Port Optical Remote S1 Intelligent Optical Remote S2 | Dedicated Hot Shoe R2 Radio Controller (integrated) Sync Port Optical Remote S1 Intelligent Optical Remote S2 |
| Bounce Function (Tilt and Swivel) | 0 to 330° horizontally (180° in any direction) and -7° to 120° vertically | 0 to 330° horizontally (180° in any direction) and -7° to 120° vertically |
| Auto Focus Assist | Auto sense LED. Range 2.0-32.8’ | Auto sense LED. Range 2.0-32.8’ |
| Detachable Sub Flash | No | Yes (SU-1) |
| Model Light | 10 level SMD LED | 10 level – 2-watt SMD LED |
| Power Source | 7.2V/2600mAh Li-ion polymer battery 2.6Ah 18Wh | DC 7.2V/2980mAh 21.456Wh Li-ion polymer battery Flashpoint DC 10.8v / 5800mAh Lithium-Ion Power Pack |
| Power Control | 1/256th power to full power in 1/3 and 1/10th stop increments | 1/256th power to full power in 1/3 and 1/10th stop increments |
| Recycle Time | < 1.5 seconds | < 1.3 seconds |
| Full power flashes per charge | Approx. 480 | Interchangeable cell = Approx. 500 FP Blast Power Pack = Approx. 2100 |
| Flash Duration | 1/300 to 1/20,000s (t0.1) | 1/300 to 1/20,000s (t0.1) |
| High-Speed Sync | Up to 1/8000s | Up to 1/8000s |
| Exposure Compensation (TTL) | ± 3 stops in 1/3 of a stop increments | ± 3 stops in 1/3 of a stop increments |
| Dimensions | 3.0 X 3.6 X 7.75″ / 76 X 93 X 197mm | 3.0 X 4.8 X 6.1″ / 76 X 122 X 155mm |
| Weight with internal battery | 18.8 oz / 534g | 20.5 oz / 580g |
Conclusion
Taking all the best points of the previous generation and making them that much better is what I look for when a new version is released. The Zoom Li-On X Pro R2 does all this and more. The innovative USB charging battery alone has caught my eye. Still, the improved heat management and SU-1 Sub Flash make this upgrade feel like the next generation. If you are in the market for a small flash that you can take anywhere and act as a command center for larger flash projects, the Zoom Li-On X Pro R2 is for you.
