Carrying the Torch - The NEW AD200 Pro ii In Depth Review

Godox has produced a followup to their most popular product: the AD200, and this means the pressure is on! I found the AD200 Pro to be a bit of an underwhelming update, but how does the new AD200 Pro II stack up? Let's dig in REALLY deep and find out!
If you want to pick one up:
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Intro 0:30
Build Quality 1:02
Feature Set 5:48
Flash Head Compatibility 6:05
Syncing with X3 Trigger 8:10
New LED Modelling Lamp 10:10
New Batteries 12:16
Usability 14:58
AD200 Pro vs AD200 Pro ii Scree n Comparison 15:18
TTL Performance 18:02
Thermal Performance 18:58
Light Quality - Fresnel Lens Changes 20:36
LED Modelling Light Quality 21:30
Flash Light Consistency 24:09
Value 28:25
Conclusion 31:00
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*Disclosure: This flash was sent to me back Godox for my honest review. Additionally, I am a member of Amazon, Camera Canada, Adorama and Pergear affiliate/associate programs, and anything that you purchase by clicking on/through my links could result in me getting a commission. That being said, I greatly appreciate you doing so, as it helps to fund this channel's operations, as well as feed my family.

[@ogonzilla]

Pro tip for the round S-bracket. I mount my AD200 vertically. Bang.

[@denizahmet2299]

Got mine today. Few things I noticed: Fan only comes on when getting hot - not on all the time. Also when using LED light only comes on after 60% brightness. Stable colour mode cannot be switched on or off from the remote (X3). On the flash head you are not able to adjust TTL compensation (only via the X3). Would be good if the screen showed icons and text in larger sizes - not just the power level and channel .

[@35mmraw]

I’ve been looking forward to this review for weeks. Thank you so much Wes!

[@RichardServello]

I did my first AD200 shoot yesterday and I was VERY impressed. This thing is amazing. When I get a second I will def be getting the pro II for the bare bulb modeling lamp.

[@chrisjohnston964]

Awesome video, you've satisfied 98% of my OCD-based concerns. Now to save up $$$.

[@OliverReinhard]

Very thorough, hands-on review. As usual! Thanks.

[@matt88169]

Thanks Wes for your detailed and beautifully produced review. Thinking about my first strobe and the 200 is on my list-but also considering going whole-hog into an AD600 to cover outdoor shoots that may call for HSS. V1 really struggled the other day/did not fire/overheat warning. Not sure if, shooting individuals, the 200 could keep up or not with a modifier in use! Thoughts?

[@VivienneSarky]

Wonderful Review. I have been using the original ad200s and got a ad 600pro II recently, I was thinking of getting the ad200pro II but now ad300 feels like a better option as the price is the same here in my country. Thank you for such in depth analysis.

[@afifcherif5182]

outstanding video filled with information and presented in a great way that kept me watching. Thank you and looking forward to watching your others videos

[@denizahmet2299]

Have one on order. I wish they had a zoomable Fresnel head - such an opportunity missed on this range. Appreciate the time spent on pulling this info together. As you said - now waiting for the PRO II of the AD300 and AD400 to drop soon.

[@WesPerry]

I think one of the constraints is the ability to send control info to the head, and also from Trigger to flash to head, which the original setup never allowed for. There's a Chance that the new communication pins might be able to accommodate this with a couple firmware updates, though.

[@jserenity]

This is the first time I've seen someone teardown a camera accessory. Very good. It should be the norm on youtuber reviewer

[@WesPerry]

@@jserenity I’ve been trying to make it the norm in my videos of late I probably won’t be tearing down any lenses, though, as those little alignment shims are Not fun to deal with and a big issue if you don’t get them put back exactly where they were (don’t ask me how I know 😂)

[@jaimesilva3934]

Thank you so much for this review. I own 2x AD200 Pro (mark I) and 1x AD300 Pro and I'm looking to add another light (because sometimes I use 4 or 5 lights in studio and need to add a couple of speedlights). But... now I'm a bit uncertain on what to do... At first, I was thinking about getting another AD300 Pro (I really like the better modeling lamp). But I have lots of acessories for the AD200 Pro (including the AD-B2) and also, the AD200 Pro fits inside my backback along with the camera and 3 lenses when I want to shoot outdoors. Decisions, decisions...

[@Flamamacue]

It's not just you on the USB-C charging in body, this has been the main thing I wanted in the 200 for years and thought it was inevitable when I heard about the Pro II. My camera, gimbal, drone, 360 cam, action cam, phone, iPad, computer - probably over a dozen different devices I use regularly can recharge off the same cord. I keep everything full with a Smallrig VB99 or PD car charger in between shoots and it's a total game changer. Getting everything out to charge is a thing of the past - EXCEPT the AD200. I even bought the UC29 but it doesn't accept PD power sources and is very picky with which USB ports it works with, so I'm glad the UC30 is better at least and with a higher wattage port. Even still it's a great product, really hope we see a mkII of the round head soon with the improved LED/modeling light as well

[@thefourthquarter7429]

I love the round head and accessories. Inexpensive and super useful!

[@graxxor]

Just ordered mine, so now I’m naturally scouring the web for moral support.

[@WesPerry]

It's a pretty safe bet. Honestly it's now a Very well rounded product. The first two had a certain air of cut corners and cheapness to them (which is fine, they're a good value), but now that they're being a bit undercut on price, it's nice that everything is looking much more premium for the same price as before.

[@graxxor]

@@WesPerry awesome. Thanks for the swift reply.

[@chiokehart-kelly3481]

Real. I really feel this comment.

[@artbynaition1278]

😂😂😂on gawddd

[@graxxor]

@@WesPerry It arrived and I've spent the month using it... Outstanding!! Ease of use is off the charts... I don't think I could ever go back to Nikon remote flash shenanigans..

[@pctechjay99]

I have and am using the new unit and like it very much. But I'm hoping they will come up with a new version of the EC200 cable/extension to allow for use of new 200 pro II heads.

[@WesPerry]

All depends on how well the old extension head sold, really. I’m uncertain of this, but I really hope they do.

[@OldguyinBelize]

nice review,, as always! i had the same problem with my original versions not fitting in the s2 well. i had at the time the rubber bumpers on them and had to remove to get them in. the tightening knob gave me fits as well, so i removed it. then i could not tighten the godox beauty dish or others that slip over the bulb! put the knob BACK on but,, hit it with a whizz wheel and ground it down as much as i could. things are better now. maybe time for a s3 bracket?

[@julianroberts9544]

Thanks for this Wes - Do you know if the Pro Mk II works with the H200R round head attachment?

[@stillsandvideo]

Great presentation and thorough - thanks. Anyone using the Wistro H200R either Pro II. I can’t get mine to fit.

[@matt88169]

Thought the V1 was it for me. Now the V100 is coming and looks like a beast. I want this ad200 for modifiers not sure when or why I might use the fresnel-for bounce?

[@WesPerry]

Yeah I use it with the fresnel for bounce more than anything..

[@jamesmgreen15]

Thanks for this. A very solid offering.

[@TheKobeBryantism]

Just ordered mine and felt ridiculous for spending $350 on a freaking flash! But I really want to take my photography to the next level and this will definitely help. I love all your example photos in this video! Will definitely be using them for my inspiration. Thank you for the awesome video!

[@WesPerry]

If you think $350 is a lot, let me introduce you to their competition, Profoto 😂

[@ritrattoaziendale]

Lighting is 90% of the picture; so spending 2000/3000/4000$ on camera bodies and lenses, and not spend money for lights, is pretty much useless if you are trying to go "to the next level". For advancing in photography you're very well better served with a 200$ 5D II and a 50$ 50 1.8 and spending 2000$ on lights and modifiers, that way you're REALLY learning the way to go.

[@Trk-El-Son]

@@WesPerry Or say hello to Broncolor. 😁

[@thefourthquarter7429]

​@ritrattoaziendale Awesome comment, and of course, so right. The Godox AD200 series is the greatest bargain I've seen in lighting, considering its versatility. Currently have 1 AD200 and 1 AD200 Pro. I only got the Pro because I destroyed an Ad200. That said, I will probably get this one. The improved screen for outdoors would be super helpful. I still have an original AD600 and at nearly 8 years old still works perfectly. I also have a couple of AD400's that I use a little more often than the 600 because they're easier to handle and have enough power for most situations. Even my AD100 see's a lot of use as a hair light. Love the round modifiers! Godox is just a great value for what you get.

[@potofuus]

Solid review!! You can have tieme to view if the flash duration has been improved?

[@WesPerry]

It's about 23% faster at 1/1 power. I think a little slower at minimum power, but at those levels it doesn't matter much. Not a Significant change either way.

[@emmef2]

thanks for the detailed review! Did you measure the light output coming from the pilot lamp of the two new heads? How do they compare with each of the modeling lights on the ad-b2?

[@WesPerry]

It’s tricky to compare, but overall the AD-B2 still produces a lot more light. The Pro ii is a very Focused light, so looks brighter in the middle, but it’s only 5-6W of power. The B2 uses 20W per side, but has a Very wide spread.

[@emmef2]

​@@WesPerry thank you Wes, I dont likethe location of the modeling light on the AD200 II, besides the shape I think it is partially or fully covered when using almost any of the modifiers mounted on the ad200 bulb head, right? As far as I know the MLs on the AD-B2 are 10W each, I once tested them together with the ML on the godox MS300-V (10W) and DP600 III-V (30W). Bare bulb, at 100% intensity measured at 1m I got the following readings: AD-B2 single ML 6.6EV, AD-B2 both ML 7.6EV, MS300 7.6EV, DP600 8.9EV. The MS300V is very bright for a 10W LED and it is probably helped by the fact it runs on AC power rather than batteries

[@ezrakoper]

Thanks for the review.

[@chrisjohnston964]

Only the modelling lamps are bi-coloured, not the flashes themselves, correct? Can you please recommend the best settings for colour accuracy when doing fashion photography? (I'm planning on getting the X3 S trigger as well)

[@WesPerry]

@@chrisjohnston964 seems to depend a bit on your camera body, but there is the colour stable model available in these. However it reduces the exposure consistency, so you win some you lose some! Best bet is always to take a photo of a color checkr/ passport while shooting as a reference and calibration frame.

[@chrisjohnston964]

Ok, thanks. I shoot in a small studio (my living room) with blackout blinds, so it's more or less a controlled environment. My current lighting setup is 3 bi-coloured Amaran 100x continuous lights in large softboxes. I'm shooting with a Sony A74 and have set up a colour profile with a colourchecker passport. I think I'll use the colour stable model on the AD200 Pro II, as I'd rather tweak the exposure than the colours in post. Thanks for your advice!

[@guanyuzhueric]

Which button can you set to standby mode? Like Xpro ii. You can press on mode to standby. Thanks

[@Kentsj]

Wes this as usual is well done! Thanks. I have an AD200 Pro triggered with the X Pro on a OM-1 camera, rear curtain sync will not work. The camera is properly set up. Do you have any thoughts?

[@WesPerry]

And that’s an XPro-O specifically?

[@Kentsj]

Wes thank you for your efforts. There is a sync setting in the menu that I overlooked; in or out. In is 1st curtain out second. Operator failure.

[@WesPerry]

@Kentsj glad you found it!

[@julianroberts9544]

I've noticed that the head on the Pro Mk II looks a little larger. Will a MagMod MagGrip still fit, please?

[@WesPerry]

@@julianroberts9544 it is larger, but I’ve been told it will fit. But as mentioned in this video, you absolutely should Not put a magmod on it, as that would block the air vent.

[@alonsogarrote8898]

can you try melting the flash head please?, thank you

[@WesPerry]

🔥🔥🔥

[@TheGeoDaddy]

Just got mine (from B&H backorder) and I’m looking for the best trigger (X3) and an RT-GX chip for my Sekonic I-858-U because I use a remote Mars monitor so I can check stills from the middle of my complex sets (same as I use for video) using my Sony A1 for high speed sync. I’m planning to play with a Sony 9iii for higher speed (faster than 250) but (from all I’ve seen on KZbin) you can only achieve this using the good old sync WIRE!

[@benoittissier58]

With the A1, flash sync speed is 1/400, isn't it ?

[@thefourthquarter7429]

​@@benoittissier58It is. I use Nikon and that sync speed made it so tempting to switch just to get that feature. I do a lot of outdoor flash and the less I use HSS the better. Maybe someday Nikon will give us that.

[@benoittissier58]

@@thefourthquarter7429 Well, I use the A1 for sports, so I use HSS anyway. I've heard that banding may appear with Z8/Z9 and some strobes. I guess that issue will be solved with faster readout.

[@donnawetter1513]

Do you find that you can dial your settings in faster with the X3 transmitter than with the app controlled X2 Transmitter?

[@WesPerry]

Not really no 😂

[@djtoman6875]

@@WesPerrySame here. Not even sure if I prefer the new one, other than the compact size and fast charging.

[@WesPerry]

The form factor is just so good And the metal shoe on my a7iv is life changing. The hot shoe on that camera is So Tight that getting anything with a plastic shoe in and out is a nightmare, while the new metal ones slide in and out effortlessly.

[@YogueDaddy]

I wonder why Godox says in the manual that the Pro II is not compatible with the AD-B2

[@WesPerry]

Very odd. Totally compatible. They even asked me to mention it in the video (I would have regardless).

[@YogueDaddy]

@@WesPerry They seem to have updated the manual as I don't see the mention anymore. But it was there a week or two ago. Nice to know that it works.

[@hhielscher]

Is any of the competing flashes weather resistant?

[@WesPerry]

Unsurprisingly from both Pentax and Olympus, some of their newer flashes are weather resistant.

[@WesPerry]

I hadn’t even noticed that Canon’s latest flashes are also marked as weather resistant.

[@KevinMorris3]

So the new ADPRO2 is compatible with the ADB2 mount ?

[@WesPerry]

Yep!

[@christopheradolph8241]

EC 200 Cable doesn`t work? what is the recycle time with the extra power pack?

[@WesPerry]

EC cable will attach to the new body, but the new heads won’t mount on the other end. Have to use the old heads unfortunately. As far as I know recycle time is unchanged with the power pack, but I haven’t tested it.

[@roybraym]

The EC200 is not fully compatible to the Godox AD200 Pro II. Only the H200R fits on the old EC200. The bulb head and the fresnel head do not fit. We all need to email Godox to make EC200 II also

[@G12mediaspace]

Can the godox Xproc trigger work with the godox Ad200 pro ii speed light? Pls help me answer.

[@WesPerry]

Yep!

[@belnikrom]

In mask mode, you can use 4 flashes, not two as in the previous model. For me, this is the most important innovation And only because of this improvement I took the ad200pro2.

[@benoittissier58]

I'm thinking of using the AD200 pro II for sports. What power does it deliver in HSS mode (distance and f stop) ?

[@thefourthquarter7429]

Not enough.....

[@benoittissier58]

@thefourthquarter7429 Eventually got the AD200 pro II, using it in HSS with the small reflector, f2.8, ISO 1250 to 5000, 5 to 10 m, power between 1/4 and 1/16. Pretty satisfied.

[@guylehman9482]

Question… are the batteries all compatible between ad 200, 200 pro, pro II, ad 300? Thanks

[@WesPerry]

They are yes But the 300 Pro will be slightly slower with a battery that isn’t its own.

[@guylehman9482]

@ copy that! Thank you very much for the response. I do appreciate the information you share on all videos.

[@guylehman9482]

I’m sorry if you have time for one more question, I bought ad300 pro about six months ago haven’t been able to use it tried to charge that battery and it won’t charge like my 200. That’s why I asked the above question. Any helpful hints besides trading it in?

[@WesPerry]

@ using the AC charger? Sometimes it takes a couple hours to wake it up if it’s been dead for a while.

[@guylehman9482]

@@WesPerry ok thank you. I will try again. I did go away from your suggestions Sorry and left it on the charger several hours while I was away, it didn’t seem to work. BUT that was before I listened to your channel! I won’t charge batteries anymore if I’m not home!!!! Thanks again brother

[@cmashfaq]

Is the Ad200pro II compatible with X1 transmitter?

[@WesPerry]

If you mean the X1T then yes.

[@cmashfaq]

@WesPerry thanks.. Unfortunately this is not compatible with Godox AK-R21 projection device. Hence, this is no more useful to me. If need be, I will opt for AD200pro.

[@WesPerry]

You can put the round head on it to use the R21 if you so choose, but then you lose the enhanced thermal performance of the Pro ii (as there are no fans in That head)

[@hugomouteira7015]

Is the new bare bulb head compatible with the old godox? Or it wont fit likebthe new fresnel head? I really wanted that modelling light...

[@WesPerry]

Also doesn’t fit.

[@Patto2276]

I don't think the new bare bulb head works with the B2. A new B2 was just released.

[@WesPerry]

Not sure what you mean by a new B2 The new flash fits on the back of the existing AD-B2, and the bulb the Pro II comes with is identical to the old one and fits just fine in the AD-B2

[@jimmyjon_]

is this a good starter light for a studio? Im looking to get my first one and am interested in taking it outside, but dont have a single light. help!

[@WesPerry]

Yeah the AD200 series is very common as a starter light for studio. Especially when paired with the AD-B2 and/or the S2 bracket. great versatility!

[@coolcat23]

Are all these WB29 battery variants interchangeable?

[@WesPerry]

They are, yes. They all provide 14.4V, so it doesn’t really matter. But the WB29B has newer and better cells with slightly higher capacity (and possibly better reliability but I’ve never had any issue with the original WB29 anyway). The WB300P is supposedly engineered for a higher current allowance, but this results in a slightly lower total capacity. They’re all just a Bit different.

[@coolcat23]

@@WesPerry Thanks, that's very helpful. I never had any problems with the original WB29s either. They are great. Can't be said of the WB26, unfortunately, which self-discharges way too quickly (even when detached from the strobe).

[@WesPerry]

I haven’t had any issue with either of my WB26’s (except that one is mostly worn out after close to 1000 cycles). I have a couple friends with AD400 Pro’s and those batteries… Whew. What a disaster. I’ve manually reset them about 12 times now and they just keep failing. Leave them on the shelf for just TWO WEEKS and they’re toast. I’d say it’s a bad batch, but they have 8 batteries between the two of them and they’re all trash 😖

[@coolcat23]

@@WesPerry It looks like you are using your WB26s with sufficient frequency to not run into their self-discharge issue. They don't die within two weeks (that's horrible!) but leave them for six months (from fully charged) and you'll have some reviving on your hands. There are a lot of "reset" and "revive" instructions for the WB26 available, testifying to how often people (who do not use their strobes regularly) encounter the self-discharge issue. You might say that six months is more than long enough but no other battery I own (including the WB29) requires the same kind of baby sitting.

[@coolcat23]

@@WesPerry You may want to try and replace the cells in your worn out WB26. Seems a more cost effective and sustainable approach compared to buying a new one. You seem to be savy enough to do that without getting yourself into trouble. :)

[@BrianSchutza]

I would love to know if the ad 200 pro2 has greater output compared to the ad 200 pro 1

[@WesPerry]

Exactly the same, give or take a very small margin of error

[@coolcat23]

I think Godox missed a trick by not protecting the back LCD better with this iteration.

[@picattiu4813]

I think thats why the extension head was made in the first place protecting it migjt increase bulk. But thats my opinion

[@WesPerry]

Remains to be seen. Seems to be pretty solid, but "glass is glass..."

[@WesPerry]

@@picattiu4813 unfortunately you can't mount the new bright LED heads on the old extension head setup. Haven't seen a new one announced yet. 🤔

[@kennethnielsen3864]

I really don't get all the talk about the screen, I bought the flash, I set it up, and I have never used the screen again, I can do everything on the trigger.

[@ritrattoaziendale]

Agreed; once correct channel and group are in, the screen is non-existent to me

[@sergeyev1362]

Agreed

[@carlmazziotti221]

Lol I was thinking of selling my original ad200 and upgrading. After reading your comment I 1000% agree. I was turned on by the screen, but what's the point. Thank you for pointing that out.

[@Nobodytoday12]

Cuz people will complain about everything and one complaint usually trumps 10 raves in the consumer world

[@ЕвгенийЧерненков-и3й]

Godox went in the wrong direction with the ad200, a modeling pilot light is not needed, the stock lamp is a terrible fresnel, it would be better to do something similar like on the ad100, with zoom. The form factor with the lack of all weather protection is a fiasco. You need something closed, like ad120 and similar in design to v860 v1 were once upon a time hell360

[@WesPerry]

Somewhat surprised they haven’t already created a zoom head for it. I wonder if that would now be possible with the new communication pins they’ve added. And yep, I personally see little utility for the improved modeling lamp, but I know a Lot of people had been asking for it, so I can’t complain. Also looking forward to the updated 100 Pro II. I know they fixed the colour cash after a while (but mine has only gotten greener), but my biggest issue with it is the Noise. I don’t know why I hadn’t noticed during the review, but it is SO LOUD. I just never use it anymore because the pops it makes are so obnoxious. Very strange.

[@GB-AK]

Yeah, lets see you melt one.

[@nevvanclarke9225]

I reckon if he jumped onto the Ulanzi website they would probably make a cover for these type of thing. You could even design a simple leather cover that goes over the top of it for when there's risk of rain really simple problem to solve. I also noticed in your voice you accentuate the negatives more than you do the positive just a tip mate. I would think that your body language and voice comes across very negative in your videos towards gear. Just putting it out there mate. I do like your channel, but I think you might need just to be a little bit more positive towards gear. Plus, most people do the adjustments from the transmitter anyway so a lot of what you were talking about is actually quite mute really

[@1duesy]

You lost me in the opening minutes with a deep-dive into technical differences prior models. Did you forget an intro about typical use cases, examples, hand held or tripod?!