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The Sony a6500 uses Sony’s Multi Interface Shoe and supports pre-flash TTL, wireless control and High-Speed Sync with compatible Sony-system flashes. Buy the Sony-mount/S version of a third-party flash—not a Canon, Nikon or old Minolta Auto-lock version. The a6500 predates Sony’s digital-audio shoe, so a normal flash with a Sony Multi Interface Shoe foot is the straightforward choice.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Godox V1Pro S Flash for Sony | $300-$340 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | Godox V860III-S TTL Flash | $210-$240 | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | Godox TT685S II Flash | $120-$140 | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | Godox TT350S Mini Thinklite Flash | $80-$100 | Amazon · eBay |
| 5 | Godox V1-S Flash for Sony | $190-$230 | Amazon · eBay |
| 6 | Godox V480S TTL Flash for Sony | $150-$190 | Amazon · eBay |
| 7 | Sony HVL-F60RM2 Wireless Radio Flash | $600-$700 | Amazon · eBay |
| 8 | Sony HVL-F28RMA External Flash | $270-$310 | Amazon · eBay |
| 9 | Profoto A10 AirTTL-S Studio Light for Sony | $850-$950 | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
Godox V1Pro S Flash for Sony
A current round-head Sony ADI/P-TTL flash with 76Ws output and built-in 2.4GHz Godox X radio.
- Sony ADI/P-TTL
- 76Ws round head
- 2.4GHz X radio
- TTL and wireless system
- Detachable fill sub-flash
- Large and costly on an a6500
Godox V860III-S TTL Flash
A lithium-ion Sony-mount speedlight with TTL, HSS and Godox X radio, suited to frequent event shooting.
- Sony TTL/HSS
- Li-ion battery
- 2.4GHz radio
- Fast-recycling battery system
- Works as radio master or receiver
- Bigger than compact flashes
Godox TT685S II Flash
A full-power AA-powered Sony-dedicated TTL/HSS flash with Godox X radio at a much lower entry price.
- Sony TTL/HSS
- AA batteries
- 2.4GHz radio
- Excellent value
- Swivel and bounce head
- AA recycling is slower than Li-ion
Godox TT350S Mini Thinklite Flash
A compact Sony TTL/HSS speedlight that balances more naturally on the small a6500 body.
- Sony TTL/HSS
- compact body
- 2.4GHz radio
- Small-camera friendly
- Can join Godox wireless system
- Less output than TT685 or V1Pro
Godox V1-S Flash for Sony
The prior current V1 Sony version gives the a6500 a round head, Sony TTL/HSS and Godox radio for less than the V1Pro.
- Sony TTL/HSS
- round head
- Li-ion battery
- Often discounted
- Magnetic accessory ecosystem
- No V1Pro detachable sub-flash
Godox V480S TTL Flash for Sony
A newer mid-size Sony-mount TTL/HSS flash that sits between the tiny TT350S and full-size V860III-S.
- Sony TTL/HSS
- Li-ion battery
- Godox X radio
- More portable than full-size speedlights
- Rechargeable battery
- Less output than V1Pro
Sony HVL-F60RM2 Wireless Radio Flash
Sony’s current flagship Multi Interface Shoe flash offers HSS and 2.4GHz radio commander or receiver roles.
- Sony Multi Interface Shoe
- HSS
- 2.4GHz radio commander/receiver
- Native Alpha-system integration
- Very high output
- Costs more than the a6500 body on used market
Sony HVL-F28RMA External Flash
A current compact native Sony flash for straightforward bounce and TTL shooting on the a6500’s Multi Interface Shoe.
- Sony Multi Interface Shoe
- compact external flash
- bounce head
- Native fit
- Much smaller than flagship flashes
- Not the power choice for large rooms
Profoto A10 AirTTL-S Studio Light for Sony
A premium Sony-dedicated round-head flash for photographers already committed to Profoto AirTTL lighting.
- Sony AirTTL foot
- round head
- Profoto Air system
- Access to Profoto ecosystem
- Consistent premium build
- Very expensive
Buying tips
- A Sony a6500 needs a Sony-dedicated flash foot for on-camera TTL/HSS; a Canon or Nikon version is not interchangeable.
- For off-camera Godox TTL/HSS, use a Sony-mount transmitter on the camera; flash mount variants can then be radio receivers.
- Start with bounce flash before buying more power—it usually improves indoor portraits more than direct flash.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.