Godox AD200 Pro II: Twice as nice

I switched over to Godox a couple of years ago for my studio flash lighting needs. They have made my life simple and easy in and out of the studio. So when I heard that Godox were bringing out a new AD200Pro II I couldn’t wait to get my hands on one. I reviewed the AD200Pro a few years back and it’s a regular in my studio. Out of the box, the Godox AD200Pro II has no complex menus; it’s just as easy to use as the AD200Pro, but has some cool new features. Let’s have a closer look!

Note: Godox sent the AD200ProII for review and to keep, however this review is completely independent. All thoughts about this product are our own.

Godox AD200Pro II

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)
• Minimalist design
• Can attach different flash heads for different lighting effects, and comes with a Fresnel head and bare bulb, as well as LED Modelling light
• Bi-Color modelling lamp (5.5hours), and you can control output and color temp
• Color Group indicator on flash head, could be handy with multiple speedlights
• Supports TTL, HSS front and rear curtain sync
• 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
• Pairing with the new X3 trigger is a dream

Cons

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

Godox AD200Pro II — Technical specifications

All of the technical specifications for the AD200ProII are from the Godox website.

• Model: AD200Pro II
• Flash Mode, Wireless off, M/Multi, Slave, TTL/M/Multi
• Compatible with most major camera brands, Canon, Sony, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Fuji etc
• Speedlite Flash Head H200 II: GN52(m IS0 100,@35mm)
• Bare Bulb Flash Head H200J II: GN60(m ISO 100,with reflector AD-S2,@28mm)
• Speedlite Flash Head H200 II: 1/272s~1/23500s
• Speedlite Flash Head H200 II: 1/272s~1/23500sBare Bulb Flash Head H200J II: 1/252s~1/16200s
• Power 1/1: 200Ws
• Recycle time: Approx: 0.01~ 1.8s
• Power Output: 10 steps: 1/512~1/1 (with 0.1 increment each step)
• Sync Mode: High-speed sync (up to 1/8000 seconds), first-curtain sync, and second-curtain sync
• Screen Colour LED
• Transmission Range: Approx 100m
• Charger supplied, Charging Time: 1-2 hours
• Runtime (Maximum Power): 500 full power flashes, power 200w
• S1/S2, controllable slave groups, 16 Controller groups – 0-9, A-F
• Battery type: Rechargeable Lithium (14.4V/2900mAh)
• Channels: 32
• 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 II — Versatility

Ergonomics are still 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 X3 trigger you can control the light from your camera with ease

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. It also came with instructions and a warranty booklet.

AD200Pro II — In the field

Controls and trigger

There are controls, dials and menus on the light itself, and many of the functions need to be set there. But pair it with a Godox X3 (or 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 Godox triggers (X3, X1, X2 and XPro) are all 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.

Setup

Once in place, (this has changed from AD200Pro and is now on the screen and not the side. Press and Hold the little Lighting Bolt to power up 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. You can also do HSS and front and rear curtain sync too.

Check out the unboxing videos of the Godox AD200PRO II:

Final thoughts

I bought my first AD200Pro a few years ago, not only was it versatile and easy to use, but it’s fantastic for travel and I ended up buying a second one. Now with the addition of the new Godox AD200Pro II, they really are TWICE AS NICE. I can’t wait to really put this unit through its paces.

• Posted on October 10, 2024