My first introduction to the Godox trigger system was late 2015, I started using a Godox FT16 – it superseded the trigger system I had before. I was in love with the fact that I could control my flash from the top of my camera.

For a while I used two different trigger systems for my Off-Camera Flashes (OCFs) but the Godox system was wooing me. I eventually changed all my OCFs to Godox right about the time when they came out with their 2.4Ghz X radio trigger systems.

I’ve noticed where a few Jamaican photographers have gravitated towards the Godox X1T triggers but I couldn’t get over the fact that it supports 3 to 5 groups and didn’t allow me to turn off the flash (it will only take the flash unit to its lowest power output). I felt like it was giving me less than I had with the FT16 so I decided to look at the Godox XT32c.

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I was fortunate that I use a Canon camera because the Godox XT32c was available from the get go. What I love about it is that it …

  1. Displays the Channel Configuration for Godox XT16 Receivers
    I owned Godox OCFs prior to the release of the 2.4Ghz X system and in order for them to work with the new system I would need new receivers. The display on the Godox XT32c shows me how to configure these receivers eliminating the guesswork.
  2. Enables the Auto Focus Assist Beam/Lamp to be turned ON on the Flash Unit by the Click of a Button
    I’ve used this feature a handful of times in low light situations. I don’t use it very often, primarily because the OCF is often in a modifier and the autofocus assist beam on the Godox XT32c works well.
  3. Facilitates Turning Off the Flash
    This is ideal when I’m using multiple OCFs on the same channel in different groups and I need to isolate each light during setup/testing. I get to see what each light is doing and can make adjustments before starting a session. Also, it comes in handy when I have a light mounted out of reach and it needs to be off during the shoot; possibly to create another look for the client.
  4. Gives the Option to Lock the Settings to Prevent Changes Accidentally
    After I’ve selected the desired output for each OCF I can lock the screen, preventing my settings from being changed accidentally if my hand touches a button or rotates the dial.
  5. Supports 16 Groups
    I currently own 5 lights which I have had to use on the same channel in its own group. I intend to get more OCFs and being able to give the additional flashes their own group won’t be an issue.
  6. Allows the Recycle Indicator (the beep) to be Turned on Remotely by the Click of a Button
    I use the feature to let me know when the flash has recycled after each shot. The minute I don’t hear it after pressing the shutter it’s an indication to me that the battery for the flash is either dying or dead.

Overall, it feels like an upgrade to the Godox FT16.

I did get a Godox X1Tc as a backup transmitter and I must admit that it has a few features the Godx XT32c doesn’t have – like Through The Lens (TTL) support, single pin firing, the ability to change the power output of all groups on the same channel simultaneously, a hot shoe (for a OCF or other transmitter) and the ability to control mixed OCFs (TTL & manual flashes on the same channel in different groups) but that’s not enough to make it my number one. My biggest turn off is the fact that everything I can control with just the click of a button on the Godox XT32c I have to access by going to the custom functions on the Godox X1Tc. This ends up being too much work, especially in a run and gun situation. The Godox XT32c makes my workflow way smoother.

Here is one more reason why I love the Godox X32c …

What trigger system do you use and why?