Video Chat with a Lighting Expert - Live

Bolt VD-420 Wireless Manual Flash

BH #BOVD420 • MFR #VD-420
Print
Bolt VD-420 Wireless Manual Flash
Key Features
  • Manual Flash Unit with 8-Stop Range
  • Guide Number: 108.3' at ISO 100
  • Built-In Reflector and Diffuser Panels
  • Included Radio Transmitter has 50' Range
The VD-420 Wireless Manual Flash from Bolt can be used as both a wireless slave and manual on-camera flash, providing plenty of creative options for flash placement. The included transmitter can be used to fire the flash from up to 50' away. The flash's output level can be manually adjusted from 1/128 to full power in eight full-stop increments. An LED provides a visual reference to the output level in bright or low-light environments. Optical wireless slave modes allow additional off-camera triggering for greater control over the light in your setup.
More Details
In Stock
No Store Display
$59.00
Free 2-Day Shipping
Protect Your Gear
Add a protection plan from $12.99
Ask an Expert
800-606-6969

Bolt VD-420 Overview

The VD-420 Wireless Manual Flash from Bolt can be used as both a wireless slave and manual on-camera flash, providing plenty of creative options for flash placement. The included transmitter can be used to fire the flash from up to 50' away. The flash's output level can be manually adjusted from 1/128 to full power in eight full-stop increments. An LED provides a visual reference to the output level in bright or low-light environments. Optical wireless slave modes allow additional off-camera triggering for greater control over the light in your setup.

Features At a Glance
  • Built-in 433 MHz wireless receiver
  • Wireless hot shoe transmitter included
  • Eight manual flash levels: 1/1 to 1/128 power
  • 16 wireless channels
  • Optical slave with S1 and S2 modes
  • Tilting angle: 90° up, -7° down
  • Rotational angle: -180° left, 90° right
  • 3.5mm sync connectivity
  • High-voltage battery pack connectivity
  • Built-in reflector and diffuser panels
  • Automatic power-saving function
  • Automatic overheating protection
Wireless Operation
The VD-420 offers wireless operation via radio frequency or optical sensor. Using the included transmitter, it can be triggered from up to 50' away. 16-wireless channels allow the flash to be triggered with no interference from other radio triggers. There are two optical modes, S1 and S2. In S1 mode the flash triggers when it sees any burst of light from the master flash. In S2 mode, the flash will ignore 1 pre-flash and fire on the second burst of light.
Eight Manual Flash Levels
Adjust the output power level from 1/128 to full power in eight full-stop increments. Intuitive analog controls and LED indicators display power settings, flash mode, and status.
Adjustable Light Direction
The VD-420 is equipped to laterally rotate the flash head up to 270° and tilt a total of 97°. This is perfect for bouncing the light off a surface for softer, more pleasing illumination on the subject.
433 MHz Wireless Transmitter
The included 433 MHz wireless transmitter is a compact 2.4 x 1.6 x 1.1", and slides onto any camera's hot shoe for easy triggering. It also has a 2.5mm synch input cable for additional triggering options. It has a manual triggering button and LED indicator and operates on a long-life 12V battery.
Batteries and External Power
The VD-420 operates on four AA alkaline, NiMH, or lithium batteries, available separately. In addition, it can be connected to an external power source via the extended interface on the side of the flash. This can greatly increase the battery and reduce the recycle time in between flashes.

NOTE: When using an external power supply, it is still necessary for there to be four AA batteries in the flash unit for operational purposes.

3.5mm Sync Terminal
An integrated 3.5mm sync cable receiver socket allows the VD-420 to be triggered while connected to radio remotes or the camera.
UPC: 847628054899

Bolt VD-420 Specs

Key Specs
Guide Number
108.3' / 33 m at ISO 100
Bounce/Vertical Adjustment
-7 to +90°
Swivel/Horizontal Adjustment
270°
Exposure Control
Manual
Wireless Operation
Radio (Manual)
Up to 49.2' / 15 m
Internal Power
4x AA Alkaline/Lithium-Ion/NiMH (Not Included)
Off-Camera Terminal
1/8" / 3.5 mm
Flash Head
Guide Number
108.3' / 33 m at ISO 100
Bounce/Vertical Adjustment
-7 to +90°
Swivel/Horizontal Adjustment
270°
Flash Duration
1/300 to 1/20,000 Second
Recycle Time
Approx. 0.1 to 5 Seconds
Secondary Illumination
No
Exposure Control
Exposure Control
Manual
Flash Modes
No
Power Range
1/1 to 1/128 (Manual)
Flash Compensation
No
Wireless
Wireless Operation
Radio (Manual)
Up to 49.2' / 15 m
Wireless Channels
16
Wireless Groups
No
Remote Timing Modes
Instant Sync
Skip Preflash
Power
Internal Power
4x AA Alkaline/Lithium-Ion/NiMH (Not Included)
External Power Pack Compatible
Yes
General
Mount
Shoe
Off-Camera Terminal
1/8" / 3.5 mm
Dimensions (W x H x D)
7.3 x 2.8 x 2.1" / 18.5 x 7.1 x 5.3 cm
Weight
10.9 oz / 310 g (without Battery)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
0.985 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
8.95 x 3.4 x 2.85"

Bolt VD-420 Reviews

game changer

By Kristy
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-04-26

as a new photographer who doesn't have a lot of $$ to spend on gear, this flash has been so wonderful. I would recommend it to anyone.

For the price, love the flash

By Kathleen
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2024-09-29

Easy to use and set up. Works well with my Nikon D5600.

See any errors on this page?

Does the recommended power pack BOCBP12C work ...

Does the recommended power pack BOCBP12C work with this flash even though the description says it's for Canon?
Asked by: John
The Bolt P12 Compact Battery Pack for Canon Flashes is not a recommended accessory for the Bolt VD-420 Wireless Manual Flash.
Answered by: Boyd H
Date published: 2025-02-09

Does the wireless transmitter require batteries? ...

Does the wireless transmitter require batteries? if so what size?
Asked by: Bret
Bolt VD-420 Wireless transmitter uses an included (23 A 12V) alkaline battery thats replaceble. The battery last about 2 years.
Answered by: Llinelva D
Date published: 2022-11-17

Can this be used on the camera directly without ...

Can this be used on the camera directly without the transmitter?
Asked by: John
Yes, as long as the camera has a hot shoe with a center pin the Bolt VD-420 Wireless Manual Flash should be compatible.
Answered by: Rachael B
Date published: 2024-11-17

Bolt VD-420 Wireless Manual Flash Will it work ...

Bolt VD-420 Wireless Manual Flash Will it work with leica Q3?
Asked by: Jie
The Bolt VD-420 Wireless Manual Flash will work as a manual exposure flash with the Leica Q3.
Answered by: Boyd H
Date published: 2024-03-28

Will this work on a Canon New F-1 Camera?

Will this work on a Canon New F-1 Camera?
Asked by: Steven
The Bolt VD-420 Wireless Manual Flash (B&H# BOVD420) will work as a manual flash with the Canon New F-1 camera. For general reference, we are referring to the camera that was released in 1981.
Answered by: Yoni S
Date published: 2026-05-15

Will it work with a Nikon D3400?

Will it work with a Nikon D3400?
Asked by: Mr.
Yes, Bolt VD-420 Wireless Manual Flash is a universal unit. You can use it on or off the camera hot shoe. Please be aware there is no TTL service, the flash exposure must be set manually.
Answered by: Llinelva D
Date published: 2022-09-14

Will it work with a Z5?

Will it work with a Z5?
Asked by: Wayne
Yes, a end-user must be mindful that this is a all manual unit and there is no TTl metering provided.
Answered by: hectorm
Date published: 2023-01-10

Does this flash have an optical eye for slave ...

Does this flash have an optical eye for slave function? Or can I use it with my old Pocket Wizards?
Asked by: Michael
The Bolt VD-420 Wireless Manual Flash has a radio receiver built-in, and an optical slave mode.
Answered by: Lawrence C
Date published: 2022-08-16
  • y_2026, m_6, d_4, h_10CST
  • bvseo_bulk, prod_bvqa, vn_bulk_3.0.46
  • cp_1, bvpage1
  • co_hasquestionsanswers, tq_16
  • loc_en_US, sid_1685283, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=HAS_STAFF_ANSWERS, direction=DESCENDING)]
  • clientName_bhphotovideo
Whatever You Need, We've Got It