Do I need a flash transmitter?

I have a Canon 80d, and Godox tt685c. I've heard the flash can be used off camera without one, but I'm skeptical. I can't seem to get them to see each other. Am I better off just getting a godox x1 transmitter? Thanks in advance.

Both the 80D and the Godox TT685c use the optical encoded signal to communicate wirelessly for flash control; they do not use the radio wave signal.

Should look at the newest xpro rather than the older x1

Wilt wrote in post #18504561
Both the 80D and the Godox TT685c use the optical encoded signal to communicate wirelessly for flash control; they do not use the radio wave signal.

Godox has the built in 2.4GHz Rx from what I know, just buy X1-C for $50 and it should work.

I don't know who you heard that from. I think you need a controller on camera for the flash, however you should not need any trigger on your flash.

wantafastbusa wrote in post #18504524
I have a Canon 80d, and Godox tt685c. I've heard the flash can be used off camera without one, but I'm skeptical. I can't seem to get them to see each other. Am I better off just getting a godox x1 transmitter? Thanks in advance.

Did you set it as an optical slave? It should trip from any pulse of light (like your 80D's flash) if set as an optical slave.

Very best,

As far as I know the flash can be controlled optically or by 2,4Ghz from another Godox flash on camera or by the radio trigger(radio not optically)with full power- and HSS control or via the S1 and S2 modes just firing the flash. It can not be controlled through the canon system alone or Nikon for that matter without a Godox trigger/masterflash

MalVeauX wrote in post #18504580
Did you set it as an optical slave? It should trip from any pulse of light (like your 80D's flash) if set as an optical slave.

Very best,

I did slave with a lightning bolt next to it, and slave with what looks to be as an antenna. I was under the impression when buying it I would work wirelessly but apparently I'm wrong, since I can't get it to talk to the camera unless it is mounted. Finding literature or youtube videos for my specific camera has been difficult. Thanks for all the replies so far though guys.

Wilt wrote in post #18504561
Both the 80D and the Godox TT685c use the optical encoded signal to communicate wirelessly for flash control; they do not use the radio wave signal.

The flash does support wireless signal along with optical. I'm just not sure if the camera does.

Just out of curiousity, why does the camera offer different channels and firing groups? Is it able to detect or signal optically which flash it wants to? This is all new to me, sorry for the noob questions.

MalVeauX wrote in post #18504580
Did you set it as an optical slave? It should trip from any pulse of light (like your 80D's flash) if set as an optical slave.

Very best,

Finally got it going! Apparently lightning bolt symbol is optical. Now I need to test what kind of range I can get away with.

The camera also has a wireless option for flash, but does not detect the godox. Does anyone know if I have to have a proprietary canon flash for this to happen?

wantafastbusa wrote in post #18504680
The flash does support wireless signal along with optical. I'm just not sure if the camera does.

Just out of curiousity, why does the camera offer different channels and firing groups? Is it able to detect or signal optically which flash it wants to? This is all new to me, sorry for the noob questions.

685C is the Canon-compatible version
Transmission range: Optic: Indoors: 12 to 15m /39.4 to 49.2 ft.; outdoors 26.2 to 32.8 ft_

Master unit reception angle: ±40° horizontally±30° vertically, 2.4G: 100m
Channels: Optic: 4 (1,2,3,and 4)

2.4G radio: 32(1-32)

My earlier reply was to let you know that the COMBINATION of 80D and 685C uses the optical encoded wireless, so you buy nothing.
Radio requires you to buy a transmitter unit from Godox.

It sounds like you need to get yourself an electronic copy of the user manual, as the information I provided above was taken directly from there.

You set channel so as to avoid interference from someone else's camera who is shooting in the same room as you.
You set groups so that you can be selective about which flash units fire, such as at different locations in the room.

Wilt wrote in post #18504702
685C is the Canon-compatible version
Transmission range: Optic: Indoors: 12 to 15m /39.4 to 49.2 ft.; outdoors 26.2 to 32.8 ft_

Master unit reception angle: ±40° horizontally±30° vertically, 2.4G: 100m
Channels: Optic: 4 (1,2,3,and 4)

2.4G radio: 32(1-32)

My earlier reply was to let you know that the COMBINATION of 80D and 685C uses the optical encoded wireless, so you buy nothing.
Radio requires you to buy a transmitter unit from Godox.

It sounds like you need to get yourself an electronic copy of the user manual, as the information I provided above was taken directly from there.

You set channel so as to avoid interference from someone else's camera who is shooting in the same room as you.
You set groups so that you can be selective about which flash units fire, such as at different locations in the room.

Gotcha, well I have it working optically, but it definately does not want to talk to each other wirelessly. I'm conflicted on buying a godox trigger, or selling this and getting a canon compatible flash(one less thing hanging off the camera). Thanks for all the help everyone.

wantafastbusa wrote in post #18504693
Finally got it going! Apparently lightning bolt symbol is optical. Now I need to test what kind of range I can get away with.

The camera also has a wireless option for flash, but does not detect the godox. Does anyone know if I have to have a proprietary canon flash for this to happen?

The Canon will use it's own proprietary stuff. It won't talk to that Godox without a transmitter.

But as you see, you can trigger it with old school optical slave and it will work fine, no matter if it's from a Canon or another source.

**********

You could sell this flash and buy a Canon flash and spend over twice what you will sell this for (and that's buying used!).
Or you can send $40 and get an R2 transmitter that will talk to that flash, and all future R2 system flashes, control groups, control multi-flash setups, etc.
And you will not gain much of anything by getting that Canon flash as an alternative.
I would just build around the R2 system. It's quite good.

Very best,

wantafastbusa wrote in post #18504743
Gotcha, well I have it working optically, but it definately does not want to talk to each other wirelessly. I'm conflicted on buying a godox trigger, or selling this and getting a canon compatible flash(one less thing hanging off the camera). Thanks for all the help everyone.

You stated your TT685 was Canon compatible as that is what the little c is after the TT685c. The 80D does not have the ability to communicate wirelessly via radio without having a radio trigger attached. It can only transmit wirelessly via optical using the pop up flash. In this regard when using the 80D in a wireless setup, without the use of a radio transmitter, the TT685 is going to be the same as any other Canon or Canon compatible flash in that it can only be used in the Wireless Optical Slave configuration (see the image below). Follow the instructions in this link ( https://www.youtube.co​m/watch?v=2mvJ5dRPYhY ) to setup your 80D.

Like most people you'll probably find that the Wireless Optical system is very limiting especially when trying to use it out doors so save your self the frustration and buy an Godox XPro transmitter.

Not sure why make life hard. Spend $50, get the X1C trigger and be happy.