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■ Godox
They have one unified base trigger called the Godox X5S ($25). The “S” stands for Sony, so if you wanted a Canon trigger, it is called X5C, etc. Not all Sony camera is compatible, just make sure your hotshoe has a round center metal contact. However, my camera Sony A7C is on their compatibility list, but not the A7IV, so I’m not sure what’s going on. I am assuming it’ll still work because it uses the same shoe contact.

Ulanzi Spark Lite SL03

As you know, I was in the market for a Flash for my Sony A7C. The system that I was looking to get into was the Godox Flash for its base trigger system… but after much debate about its pricing ($105), I have decided to go with the much cheaper alternative, the Ulanzi Spark Lite SL03 for $20. The main reason was that this Mini Flash comes with a Flood Light.

Although the Amazon page doesn’t list the Sony A7C as compatible, I can confirm that it works with the A7C. In fact, any camera with a hotshoe with a metal connector in the center, it will work.

After fiddling with the Flash, here is what I discovered:

(1) Does not work with a long lens – you will see lens shadow. You need a short lens or shoot at a long distance.
(2) Maximum Flash is too bright up close. Works best if used at a distance or lower the Flash power setting.
(3) Fill Light doesn’t really work that well – at least for usage. It’s not bright or wide enough, and shooting at a distance doesn’t work.
(4) Bouncing lights works fairly well if you have a reflective backdrop
(5) Shutter speed needs to be 250 or less. Alternative, you can shoot with burst and select the one frame that the Flash is caught.

Once I figured out what worked best, I have concluded that I can’t really use it on my A7C, due to the lens that is attached to it. On my A7IV, due to the 200mm lens attached, the Flash will work (at maximum brightness), because the lens will crop out any lens shadow at 200mm. So, the funny thing about the Flash is that I bought it for the A7C, but ended up going to use it for the A7IV.

Look, for $20, can’t really complain. If your camera doesn’t have a flash or the built-in flash is not good, I think the Ulanzi SL03 will fulfill your needs. It’s versatile, thanks to the ability to angle the flash. The static fill light is fine, as long as your lens is not long. Recycling the flash (the time it takes to get ready) is fast, but keep in mind there is a delay at the maximum flash power. The whole package is small enough that you can keep it in your pocket and take it out when you need to use the Flash.

What I am planning on using the Flash on is taking product photos, especially in dimly lit rooms. Originally, I was going to use it for a cat camera, but due to the lens shadow, I had to scrap that idea. Just keep that in mind when you are buying a mini-flash. You may be better off paying a little more money and buying a real flash (something that is taller and bigger). If you have a small lens, I don’t think you’ll have my problem.

Kiwifotos Long Eyecup

This is the second time that I bought the Kiwifotos Long Eyecup for my Sony A7C, so durability-wise, it’s probably not great. However, I sort of baby my cameras, so I don’t really see myself having to re-buy this item a third time.

One of my biggest problems for the A7C, trying to be as compact as possible, doesn’t have anything covering the digital eye. This is unusable to me, but I think most people don’t really care or they just learn to live with it. Getting the eye hood was something that I absolutely needed.

The one negative that I have for this design is that you need the A7C’s hotshoe to make it work. This means, if you have an external flash, you need to remove the eyecup. On the bright side, one can argue that the eyecup protects the hotshoe. Since my Mini-Flash does not work with a long lens (due to the lens shadow)… it is not a problem that the eyecup is using the hotshoe.

Pricewise, it’s cheap enough ($15-$20) that buying one (or two in my case) won’t break the bank.

Zwxejcb Camea Strap

I have been meaning to get a camera strap for my Sony A7C. I can’t seem to find the strap that originally came with it, so basically, I just needed a cheap strap. It doesn’t have to be fancy; it just needs to be functional. I ended up buying a $6 Zwxejcb Camera Strap. I am somewhat worried about the cord on the anchor or the plastic buckle – I just hope it does not not snap or break. I’m sure it’s fine, otherwise you would hear complaints and negative feedback.

Besides the nice price, the strap has an embroidered design that is widened (5cm) with “genuine leather, nylon, and plastic.” That is how they described it, whether it’s real leather or not, I can’t really tell.

The second thing I like is that it comes with a quick-release buckle system. Unfortunately, you only get one set of buckle, so if you want to use the strap on multiple cameras, you either have to buy additional buckles (which seemed like knock off of the Peak Buckles or any standard design like that) or for an additional $6 you can simply buy another strap. It is cheap enough that you can own two or three of them. I plan on buying another one (in a different color) for my little RX pocket camera.

Another minor complaint is that I wish the strap was longer. Maybe a different art design? There are no instructions. There is no packaging (it just comes in a plastic bag). But for $6, who cares… it’s all forgiven. There are no missing parts. It is comfortable, and it works!

Bonus: You don’t have to use it as a camera strap. I read that someone bought it to use on their binoculars. Maybe you have a water bottle bag or anything that you want to wear around your neck.