Westcott has announced its latest strobes – the FJ800 ($999.90) and FJ400 II ($599.90) Touchscreen Strobes. They bring some serious capability for photographers who need speed, precision, and portability in their lighting gear.
With new features like Creative Mask and enhanced usability through intuitive OLED touchscreens, these strobes add significant features to Westcott’s strobe lineup.
Big Power, Quick Recovery
At 800Ws, the FJ800 packs a serious punch, but what really stands out is its speed. With recycle times as low as 0.01 seconds (maxing out at 1.8 seconds), it’s built to keep up with fast-paced environments, from studio work to outdoor portraits in challenging conditions. At just 7.5 pounds, it’s portable enough to haul around without too much effort.
The FJ400 II, on the other hand, is designed for those who want a balance of power and portability. With 400Ws of flash output and a lightning-fast 0.9-second recycle time, it’s the fastest strobe in its class. Both units are versatile enough to handle a variety of shoots without missing a beat.
One thoughtful feature is the shared AC/DC battery system. Both strobes come with the FJ Pro Battery, which delivers over 250 full-power flashes for the FJ800 and 550 for the FJ400 II.
For those marathon shooting sessions, the optional ProMax Battery doubles that capacity. So, you can get up to 500 and 1,000 flashes, respectively. It’s a practical design that eliminates the hassle of juggling different power sources.
Consistency Without Complexity
Both strobes offer a consistent 5500K colour temperature (with a minimal ±150K variance) over a 9-stop range, ensuring your shots remain predictable and professional. They also feature bi-colour LED modeling lights, adjustable from 2700K to 6500K, giving you a clear preview of your lighting before you shoot.
The OLED touchscreens are particularly handy. They have a smartphone-like interface that makes adjusting settings intuitive and quick. Built-in help guides provide on-the-spot assistance, which is great for beginners and pros alike.
Creative Mask and More
One of the standout features here is Creative Mask, a new mode that allows you to create up to six distinct lighting configurations without having to reposition your lights. It’s perfect for photographers working with layered compositions or high-volume shoots.
Of course, this is a feature that Godox strobes have had since 2017, as well as other brands. It’s nice to see Westcott adding this and other features to their new lighting products. However, it still feels like they’re playing catch-up in many ways.
Other notable specs include high-speed sync (HSS) up to 1/8000s, freeze sync, and continuous shooting at up to 50 fps (depending on power settings). It has a Bowens mount on the front, letting you use a wide range of modifiers. Compatibility with Westcott’s FJ Wireless Flash System means they’ll slot right into your existing Westcott flash setup.
Price and Availability
The Westcott FJ800 is available to buy now for $999.90. The FJ400 II is also available to buy now for $599.90. While they may not replace every light in your kit, their mix of power, speed, and portability make them strong contenders.
