Summary
- The Godox MA2 has two flexible arms with independent A/B control
- Continuous LED output adjusts from 2800K to 6500K and 0 to 100%
- Godox lists CRI 96 and TLCI 97
- The 3300mAh battery runs for approximately 3 hours 20 minutes
- The European pre-order price is listed at €86.95
The Godox MA2 combines two flexible arms, continuous LED light and compact flash mounting in a system designed for macro photography and close-up video.
The new unit mounts on a camera hot shoe and lets photographers place two small light sources at different angles just centimetres from the subject. The A and B sides are controlled independently, colour temperature spans 2800K–6500K, and the built-in battery is rated for approximately 3 hours 20 minutes at full brightness.
Its practical value lies in light geometry. At very short distances, central light is often blocked by the lens or produces flat reflections. The two arms can be positioned high, low or to either side to shape insects, mushrooms, flowers, jewellery and small products.
Continuous LED and flash on the same axis
LEDs at the ends of the arms provide preview and continuous lighting, while shoe mounts accept compact flashes. The LED can assist focusing and reveal shadow direction before capture, while a flash supplies the stronger momentary exposure.
The MA2 supports S1/S2 optical triggering. S2 recognises the pre-flash used by TTL systems and synchronises after it, but the MA2 itself does not turn a manual flash into TTL. Each flexible arm supports a total load of up to 90 grams, limiting the choice to genuinely compact units.
Independent A and B control
Left and right can operate together or separately. Users can create even documentation light, make one side dominant to reveal texture, or arrange side and back light for transparent wings and delicate organic subjects.
For close-up video, the system works as dual continuous light with 0–100% brightness adjustment. Godox lists CRI at approximately 96 and TLCI at approximately 97, indicating good colour fidelity, although final results still depend on white balance and mixed ambient light.
Diffusion for reflective and textured subjects
The included MA02-D is a large diffusion surface that attaches magnetically to the base and locks with snap fasteners. It folds up or down and its edges can be shaped gently to spread light over a larger area.
Diffusion matters for insect eyes, wet leaves, glossy products and metal details, where two small bare sources would create hard double highlights. The trade-off is reduced intensity and more bulk in front of the lens.
From 2800K to 6500K
The continuous LED adjusts across 2800K–6500K, both in LED mode and as a modelling lamp in flash mode. Photographers can approach warm artificial light, balance for more neutral daylight or deliberately create colour contrast between the two sides.
This has particular value in video, where colour temperature changes remain continuously visible, but it also improves photographic preview before the flash pulse.
Battery, charging and portability
The built-in battery is rated at 3.635V, 3300mAh and 11.9955Wh. Godox states approximately 3 hours 20 minutes of operation at 100% brightness and a full charging time of about 2 hours 40 minutes over USB-C 5V/3A.
With arms extended, dimensions are 410 × 57 × 52mm excluding accessories and net weight is approximately 340 grams. The arms fold for transport, but the total hot-shoe load and extra torque should be considered when handholding it with a heavy macro lens.
Optional accessories
Godox offers three optional extensions. The MCL-250 is a 2.5x macro conversion lens for 49–67mm filter threads. The MCL-D combines a conversion lens and diffuser, while the MA02-DB is a separate diffuser box for different subject distances and sizes.
Availability and price
Official Godox partner EssentialPhoto lists the MA2 for pre-order at €86.95. The package includes the MA2 unit, MA02-D diffuser and USB-C cable. Full specifications, the manual and product information are available on the official Godox MA2 page.
What we think
The MA2 is not trying to replace a powerful ring flash or a complete wireless twin-flash kit. It offers more flexible placement, continuous preview and lower weight in a field-ready system. Its meaningful limits are the 90-gram load per arm, the lack of fully integrated TTL control and the need to manage the assembly carefully on a hot shoe. For creators moving between macro stills and video, however, adjustable bi-colour output and independent A/B control are genuinely useful.
Frequently asked questions
What is the colour-temperature range?
The LEDs adjust from 2800K to 6500K, with 0–100% brightness in continuous mode.
How long does the battery last?
Godox lists about 3 hours 20 minutes at full brightness. USB-C charging takes approximately 2 hours 40 minutes.
Can flashes be mounted on the arms?
Yes. Each end includes a shoe for a compact flash, with a maximum total load of 90 grams per arm.
Can the two sides be adjusted independently?
Yes. Channels A and B can be controlled separately for one-sided or two-sided illumination.
