The light of my life

I switched over to Godox a couple of years ago. They have made my life so simple and easy. In and out of the studio. Out of the box, the Godox AD200Pro has no complex menus; it’s simple but oh-so powerful. I adore it so much I bought a second one! Let’s have a closer look!

Note: My Godox AD200Pro has been previously bought and heavily used in my studio, this review is completely independent. All thoughts about this speedlight are our own.

Pros

• Very easy to use with intuitive, simple controls. Plug in the battery and play, literally.
• Variable controls for TTL, Manual and High-Speed Sync & more
• Wirelessly controlled and triggered by Godox X1, X2 or XPro triggers (sold separately)
• USB-C for firmware upgrades
• Minimalist design
• Can attach different flash heads for different lighting effects, and comes with a Fresnel head and bare bulb
• Appears to be a solid build, sturdy with an anti-slip feel
• Not exactly pocket-size, but lightweight and easily fits in your hand
• Rechargeable Lithium Battery 500 full power flashes 1.8s recycling time
• Comes with a terrific flash holder for lighting stands
• The high contrast function panel is easy to see and use in a dark studio, without being disruptive. Easy-to-use buttons and dials
• Loads of accessories are available including a Bowens mount for light modifiers

Cons

• Even though it is small, I found it slightly bulky, and really needs to be on a tripod to free my hands up
• Not designed for on-camera operation
• The battery is a little awkward to get out, the switch is awkward with fingernails

Godox AD200Pro — Technical specifications

All of the technical specifications for the AD200Pro are from the Godox website.

• Flash Mode, Wireless off, M/Multi, Slave, TTL/M/Multi
• Compatible with most major camera brands
• High-Speed Sync (up to 1/8000 seconds), front and rear curtain sync
• Recycle time Approx 0.01-1.8s
• Charger supplied
• Charging Time: 1-2 hours
• Runtime (Maximum Power): 500 full power flashes, power 200w
• S1/S2, controllable slave groups
• Battery type: Rechargeable Lithium (14.4V/2900mAh)
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 172mm x 54mm x 75mm (flash head not included)
• Weight: 0.590Kg (flash head and battery not included)

AD200Pro — Versatility

Ergonomics are pretty good. It’s minimalist and smooth, yet not slippery to the touch. You can change heads, and add light modifiers and it is just so portable. When using the X1 or X2 trigger you can control the light from your camera.

Out of the box

Out of the box, it comes partially charged, but it is recommended to fully charge it first before going out into the field. My kit came with the main head unit, a Fresnel head and a bare bulb head. Battery and charger are also included. I also bought a Gel kit (with little barn doors) which is magnetic. It also came with instructions and a warranty booklet.

AD200Pro — In the field

Controls & Trigger

There are controls, dials and menus on the light itself, and many of the functions need to be set there. But pair it up with a Godox X1, X2 or XPro trigger on your camera’s hot-shoe and you can change the light power, switch between channels and such from your trigger.

Please note — the X1, X2 and XPro triggers are sold separately, they do not come with the light.

Battery life

When fully charged, it will give you approximately 500 full-power flashes. I rarely run on full power so I get more out of it.

Mounting

It comes with a terrific mounting bracket for a standard light stand, connected to the side or bottom. You can also get various accessories such as the S1 or AK-R1, or a Bowen’s mount adapter and then add lighting modifiers like strip boxes, beauty dishes or softboxes. These also connect to a standard light stand.

Setup

Once in place, flick the power switch on the side and set your settings. You can shoot, TTL (Through the Lens), Manual, Multi or Slave. I myself, prefer to use Manual Mode and a Light Meter. Then you’re good to go. Generally, once you have set most things up on your light, it is really just adjusting the power output.

Final thoughts

I bought my first AD200Pro a few years ago, not only is it versatile and easy to use, it’s fantastic for travel and I ended up buying a second one for even more versatility in the studio. It really is the LIGHT of MY LIFE. I don’t know where I would be without them.