It's smaller, lighter than the Sony HVL-F43M, and AF Illuminator works perfectly in "S" focus mode with my a7riii, not older model like a7rii. I think it should work with a7iii and a9. Hope this help.

Small, lightweight flash that's easy to use and doesn't overpower the Sony A7 series mirrorless camera body, which are compact and relatively lightweight The newer version cost twice as much and is not worth it in my opinion.

I found this to be robust and easy to use with my A7iii. The flash covers the focal lengths that I use 21-100mm that I need and shows the range. I spent some time going through the menus and I find them straightforward now.