Great video, you are spot on here. I have a set of AD360s I've abused for many years along with a bunch of speedlights. I wanted a balance of power and portability and I am very happy I went with the AD300/XPLOR300 Pro. My 360s are still going strong but I like not having to have an external pack when doing outdoor or abandoned locations. My main reason for going with the 300 vs the 200 is like you demonstrated, the recycle time. The other benefit to me is having the modeling light too. The money saved not getting the 400pro I can get 2 or 3 extra batteries and still save space and weight in my bag.
Got a couple of AD360's too, must be pushing 10 years old now or close (I was an early adopter). But they're starting to glitch on the radio side, losing connection where the other lights dont. And suspect it would be uneconomical to repair. So looking for a replacement. Didn't consider the 300 Pros. Hopefully they live up to their older siblings for longevity. For the time and work I have had out of the 360's? Without replacing the batteries either? Just nothing short of amazing.
@@Spike20101000 I've been abusing the 300 Pros and they are great. I did buy the silicone bumpers for them and they have taken a few falls without any issues. I do have spare batteries but have only run them all the way down once and that was after almost 8 hours in the studio.
Ryan, I own 12 Godox/Flashpoint strobes for my professional and personal work, one V350s; two V1; three AD200Pro; two AD300pro; two AD400Pro; two AD600Pro, and they are all useful for different jobs. But I still find the AD200Pro the most versatile strobe ever made by Godox, with the most different heads and attachments you can use. Cheers and best to you.
I already had an AD200pro, and instead of buying an AD300pro I opted for buying a second AD200pro and the AD-B2 bracket. I can now combine both strobes to a 400 Ws strobe, or use one with the AD-B2 as its Bowens mount and the other as a fill light. That was the better option for me, as I also have 2 V-860iii's to act as background and fill lights.
That $150 price difference between the AD200Pro and AD300 makes it hard for me to agree with you on this one. Yes, the AD200 is prone to overheating when shooting rapid shots in HSS (the manual even touches on this), but for someone not needing HSS or can shoot within the AD200's limitation in that area, the AD200 is still a GREAT value for the dollar. It's hard to say a $500 strobe would be the best entry-level strobe, when you can almost buy two AD200's for the same price and have greater flexibility. All love still big homie!
You don’t feel like it’s waiting your money considering the 300pro is closer to the 400 than the 200 is and they are both compact? That 200 pro is like $309 and it limits you. It was good for the time it was first released but I can’t do anything with that anymore.
@@RyanTroy not for entry level. I use speedlights most of the time, even outdoors, and if it’s midday or bright I’ll rock the 200, I’ve rarely needed more power. But I’m an ND over HSS guy so I don’t deal with that significant loss of power when using HSS. I would rather someone buy two 200s and an ADB2 for slightly more money and have more power and the flexibility of using only one. Yes, the 300 is compact so if size really matters, that would be the better buy, but I still vote for the 200 as best entry level. 😁
When something new comes out we look at something that's old and say it's not good anymore this is better. Honestly it's what you make of it. What you shoot and what you need it for. Don't believe the hype. The AD200 Pro is a beast. With two you got more than enough light to do what you need done.
Something to think about is if you already have one AD200 you can get another one then get the dual bracket and now you have the versatility of using them as two 200s or one 400. But if you don't have any AD200s then the 300 is a good option for a first larger-than-speedlight light.
@@Sashalexandros Right. Adding a 2nd 200 would make it 2x brighter, AKA one stop over the range if they're set to the same power. How close it is in stops to an actual 400 unit I don't know mathematically, but it's bright enough to use outdoors which is why people usually opt for the 400. So, close enough that I prefer having the option of two lights over just one. You can also spread them out and get more coverage, making the light "softer" by giving more wrap as if you had a larger source. More versatility overall. If I really needed more power I'd get the 600 and skip the 400 anyway.
Good video! I like the production value and information. I own a 300 and two 200's.. still say the 200's offer more versatility. Size wise, I can stack 2 of the 200's in my bag the single 300 sits in. Function wise. I can double up the two-200's into the adapter to get 400WS in a pinch or use them sep. in an A/B grouping with umbrellas or boxes. I like the versatility of the separate heads (fresnel/bare or round head) Godox makes a really nice/functional accessory kit for the 200 (barn doors, grid, diffuser) (The awesome Magmod flash accessories also work with the 200.) I guess it all depends on your needs or style of shooting. I've never really had issues with overheating. Price wise, the 200 is also a little easier on the wallet with the 200's and only a half stop less in power than the 300... A new photographer (on a budget) learning OCF could get a 200, trigger, stand and nice reversible umbrella, for around the cost of the 300.
Not sure I agree with this. In Australia, the AD300Pro is approx $230AUD more than the AD200Pro. And for this, you only get a small amount of light output when using barebulb, and ability to attach a Godox mount modifier directly onto flash. When you attach the fresnel head onto the AD200Pro, the light output far exceeds the AD300Pro. The AD200Pro is a modular light, allowing you attach a range of different heads to the body of the flash. Barebulb, fresnel, extension cables, roundhead.. and now even a ringflash. In regards to the overheat throttling coming on... agreed, this possibly happens slightly faster on the AD200 than the AD300, but its not due to a temperature threshold. Its actually a counter in the flash, respective to a particular output. This is shown in AD200Pro manual. This counter can be reset quickly by turning flash off then back on again. So for the outdoor test that was shown at 5 fps HSS (no power output given), there is no reason why this couldn't be done with a AD200Pro. Overheat protection for AD200 only comes on after 40 full power shots. Shooting at 5fps, the output of the AD300 would have to be approx 1/4 power to recycle quick enough (maybe even lower down to 1/8), which would mean the AD200 would then be 1/4 +0.7 power approx to give equivalent output... this would then mean, heat protection would only come on after 150 pops. I do question the HSS description for the 5fps leaf throwing test.... the camera settings were 1/125 sec 100iso F1.8... this is below Nikon's camera sync speed? Overall, for the price, still think the AD200Pro is by far the more versatile light. And kudos to Godox for supplying the photographic industry with the most diverse and economical battery powered portable strobes... cant say there's not enough choice in their range for anyone's specific need. 👍 🙂
I own both of them. He is right. AD300 gives you more headroom for using lower power setting for the same result, thus a bit faster reloading, plus having almost the same size.
What a great video for people who are currently making a lighting purchase decision. The AD 300 gets stellar reviews from others too, so you're right on point here.
Have to disagree. Can you combine 2x ad300pro? Not really. Can you put the ad300 on a 13ft lightstand? Not really. You can combine 2x ad200 for 400w. The ad200 is a whole eco system. You can modify the heads, easier to travel with. It's more functional than a ad300. We use 4-6 lights during an event. The ad200 is perfect for that. If you're a 1 light guy, sure, go with the ad300. But if that light breaks. It costs 2x ad200 for 1x ad300. Thanks for your video, appreciate the inputs and your review
I mean on paper the 300 is better than the 200. But I've found that there isn't really that much of a difference in light output between the two. But the 300 can make for a really nice portable kit with the built-in mount for the godox modifiers. I say this as someone who brought the AD300 then gave it away LMAO. I'd rather have the AD400Pro..
Yeah i saw the 300pro video with the one that got away. well the one that got pregnant. you should of kept it. you would of enjoyed it more than that 200 but you a westcott guy lol
@@RyanTroy I actually liked using my Streaklight 360 (which I still own) more. It has more power and the battery last longer. If I ever replace it. I’ll replace it with the Godox AD400 Pro when it goes on sale.
AD200 Pro is better just for 3 reasons: - It's totally compatible with the AK-R1 modifyer system with the H200R head. - Could be combined with another AD200 / AD200 Pro with the AD-B2 head, to give you a "AD400". - Could be combined with the R200 as a ring flash. So, the more compatibility, the better for all your uses. And also it's the best one in terms of value/money.
@@photographer8486 you can combine 2 ad200s and using ad-b2 with their bare bulb giving you the power of an ad400.. the ad100 is not able to do this. The bracket only works with the ad200. It's the reason my favorite set up is having 6 ad200s with 3 brackets... you can have a massive lighting system for this.
@@Pazcomedy thank you for the insight! I am beginner in photography. I bought a used Sony A7s2. New 24-70 2.8 lens. How much power flash would be enough to shoot outdoors? I would be doing street photography and portraits. I would want to take this flash with me easily and during travelling. Should I go for on camera flash or off camera flash This would be 1st flash that I would buy. What are your suggestions for flash? Also suggest soft box and tripod (either camera or flash would be tripod as I can hold only 1 thing) for travelling.
@@photographer8486 Well, the a7sii is more of a video hybrid... Great camera but in the photo world it has low megapixel. The only reason this concerns me is you need to get your shots framed right in camera you can't crop in as much because you'll lose quality. I use 2 a7iii, and have 2 ad6400s. It's not about the camera its about you. The kit I think you should start with is an v860ii, a stand, and a trigger with an umbrella. At times it will feel underpowered, but that's the point you need to learn to shoot without that much power... then when you upgrade to an ad200, or 2 of them, or ad300, ad400, or ad600 you will be very good. Ad300 imo is overpowered for most portraits, I don't care what this guys said here. I have done 12 person family shoots with an ad200 and a umbrella. The key is understanding your camera and light... If you are just doing single portraits you can do a single v860ii on an umbrella to get started with a trigger, it's relatively low cost in the flash world and will teach you a lot. I started with that kit and just bought an extra v860ii and a flashbender... and got pretty solid but as I did more daylight shooting got the ad600 since the ad200 didn't exist then. Now I know how to control the light with ad200s... but the ad600 was very powerful for a basic shoot and didn't ever need recycle time. If you have the money you could get the ad200 to start but... learning to understand light is important. So starting underpowered and learning to use it will make you that much more powerful when you have more power because you will understand light better. My current kit is 4 ad200, 4 v860ii. I have plans to get 2 more ad200s, and an ad600. however I don't think I'll ever really need that much power. Most of my shoots use at best 3 ad200s. I just like having the extra power if needed. For a long time I had an ad600, 4 ad200s, and 2 v860ii. There was nothing I couldn't shoot. The only reason I like speed lights is it lets you get more creative on shooting cars, adding different background lights. They are cheap and you can put them under the under carriage of a car with different gels, while lighting it well with ad200s. If you are lighting just a single person or couple portrait, a speedlight can work but you gotta learn to use that light. I always believe in off camera flash over on camera flash... but if you get good at on camera flash it's still better than no flash. Study and learn, go out and practice, repeate, and you'll be a good photographer soon enough.
I used the AD200 for a few months; then the AD300 was announced. I pre-ordered it and have been using it since. In fact, I have 2 of AD300s (& AD100). I shoot mostly on-location portraits and have used it in 110 degree heat, mid-day sun at full power (I do carry another battery too). You brought up all the right points. I find its even a tad smaller than the AD200 with bare bulb attached. It occupies a permanent place in my backpack replacing a 70-200 spot. *The downside of the AD300 is the cost of a replacement bulb (which I did have to buy). Since, I get the AD300 at discount, the cost of a bulb + battery made more sense to just buy another unit.
I had AD 200’s but I never liked their handling, yes there are a number of accessories, bare bulb, Roundhead, LED head, etc, but ends up a bulky kit. I switched to the AD300, very satisfied.
I love my godox strobes. I started out with one ad200. Learn how to use it and when I was finally limited on real sunny days because I was not using an ND filter, I bought another ad200, and the dual head adapter where you can connect both of them and get 400 W. I then picked up the original ad600 and I really loved having that much power if I needed it. I would only use the ad200’s for backlighting. I picked up another ad600 and I use them for my main 2 light set up. I bought all of these strobes during Black Friday sales for so much less than what they retail for. And then the one black Friday they had the ad300 pro for $350 so I picked one of them up and it is a nice versatile light that is compact and if you’re going for a light set up, I would highly recommend it. I am totally invested into godox and have 2 V1’s, 2 ad200’s, 1 ad300 pro, 2 ad600’s, and the ad1200 pro which I use for my sports action shots. I’ve been using the same batteries for the past five years and I have yet to have one fail on me.
After watching a few videos trying to decide between the ad100pro and the ad200pro, this video made up my mind on the ad300pro, glad i found this video, all the other videos didnt even mention it, thanx!
I haven't used HSS in a while. I got some 3, 6, and 10 stop clip on sensor ND filters by Kase so I can use AD200s in the brightest sun without using HSS or high power. I haven't did a real shoot with the sensor ND filters yet but have learned to use them while shooting family members. It's a great way to reduce carrying gear and still be able to operate in bright sunlight. I do have a couple of AD600BM strobes that I haven't used all year.
@@RyanTroy For me the 6 stop works best. If I use f1.4 AP I can set my shutter speed under 200th and have the lights about 4 feet away and use very little power
Thanks Ryan. I support your findings. I live and work in Barbados(summer all year). It would be false economy to buy another AD200. It overheats easily. True, it's nearly half the cost, but tell the client that's why you missed the shot. About the AD300's power, just swap the reflector for the AD-R14.
i was about to pull the trigger on 2 AD200 units. you've convinced me not to. i have a pair of AD400s and will most likely go with the AD300s now. Thanks, mate! Great work
Used to own two ad200s. My first experience wasn’t good. It overheated after only 60 to 70 shots. The culprit was using hss which I have come custom to. It is weird since my nikon speed lights didn’t suffer from this and they are outside air cooled just like the ad200. The ad300pro helps tremendously by having a built in fan. The ad100pro also has a built in fan and the larger strobes yet the ad200pro is like a speedlight. The only way I got around this was by putting two together adb2 bracket which made it all to heavy and bulky to travel. I never saw anyone use this setup. I eventually sold it all off.
Thanks for the video. Respectfully though, other than the recycle time I see no advantage - especially given that it's $200 USD more than the AD200pro, and only $150 less than the 400Pro. Having the ability to switch between the bare bulb and fresnel head makes it super versatile, and with the optional round head, you get more out of it. With a $10 adapter, you can use all the magnetic mods that the V1 uses, and with the ADB2 adapter, I can get a 400w/s light by using 2 together. I can also fit them better in smaller spaces in my bag - the flat design means they can stack or fit into the laptop compartment in a bag. I get that everyone's use case is a little different, but I really don't see the value, considering the 200 and 400. I do agree that the 100 is kind of useless. Cheers
there was a guy at the photo walk that brought two ad200s to do the whole 400 thing.. and it failed him compared to my 300pro that we used high speed sync with for the whole photo walk and came back to the hotel with half a battery.. on paper what you are saying sounds perfect.. but out and about in the real world.. it is the better compact light.. it isn't the 400 but the 400 isn't something i place in my camera bag i bring a whole other case for it.. the 300 actually fits in my camera bag and with the new para snap that glow just released brings even more reasons to switch to the 300.. i will be doing a video on that when i get mine. the 400 and 300 both has the godox mount built into it and when you see how the para snap fold so thin it is something the 200 wouldn't be able to compete with..... Respectfully.
@@RyanTroy I appreciate the reply. And perhaps I don't do as much rapid fire shooting at full or 1/2 power. I can see a case for it for that reason. Personally, I'm happy with the bowens mount, because it gives the most versatility between mods and brands, so I'd definitely have to bring an adapter, rather than get a second set of godox mount mods, but again, I do see the value in a different use case. For my use case, I don't see any advantage to the extra cost and adapters I'd need (or mods I'd have to buy specifically), but at the end of the day, use whatever works best for you to get the job done. Glad we agree on the 100 though :)
You definitely hit the nail on the head....I rushed out and "Impulse Bought" the AD 200 Pro without doing any research. I was mad at Canon because their flashes were overpriced and they under performed. A local camera shop recommended Godox to me and I never regretted switching. I will be saving my Dollars for the upgrade to the AD 300 Pro. Fast forward to your next video that I just watched...The Protection "Condom!" I hope I'm not to vulgar for your other followers but it's true. I purchased a Rubber Protection for the "Back Side" of my AD 200 Pro. What a lifesaver. I have been fortunate not to break any bulbs yet...thanks to my soft box but it was knocked over backwards by a rambunctious unsupervised "Rug Rat!" No harm, no foul...thanks to my newly acquired "condom! Thanks for your honest, informative, no nonsense videos. Keep up the great reviews DK
Great video thanks, I'm looking at the 200 and 300 at the moment and this is the first comparison I've seen that mentions the recycle times and overheating.
I have both. I can say the AD200 works better in recycling then speedlights with the flash speedlight extension mounted on DSLR vs normal speedlights. I do HSS a lot in events so it's very useful. AD300 is good as mounted, period.
I think the most versatile set up is 4 ad200s with the 2 adb2... I rarely need to go to 1/2 anyways. My perfect full set up of flashes is 6 ad200 with 3 adb2, 4 860iis, and 2 ad600 for extreme outdoor light issues(group model shots). I carry 4 ad200s and 4 v860ii at all times. I have 2 a7iii, 2 triggers, and I carry 8 lenses, cleaning kit, and a flashbender, in one backpack bag... NOTHING beats this set up for wanting to be able to shoot anything anywhere. ad300 is nice but it takes up too much space I leave my brackets attached to my light stand... so I never forget them.
Godox is actually sending me one right now. Ive been waiting for a few weeks now but im going to test it with the first AD200 Pro and put those results in a video alongside the AD300 to see if it is still worth it to just buy the AD300 or the Pro II. They did add another fan to the 200 to help with over heating though
Wow! Man... Your videos are spot on! Clean, good sound, you can HEAR what you're saying, you go right to the point, you're careful to say what YOU like, you keep things real. There's no fluff or ridiculous crazy music or editing. You're clear and concise! Very professional my friend. Keep it up! Oh! And I'm gonna buy a 300! LOL! I have one AD200pro and two V1s. Love the 200, but that recycle time makes me CRAZY!!! Ugh! I've missed a lot of shots because of that! I was gonna get a couple AD100s for portability, but I love those V1s. I'm staying with the V1s and the 300!
I have the ad300 & ad 400. I love them. I got the ad 200 a couple of week ago to try with the Magmod system. I don’t know if I like keep it and just use my canon AI flash. But I love watching your video. The ad 300 is my go too. I like the Magmod system, I wish it was a easy way to use it with the ad 300.
Im sold out! thanks for the review. I noticed that as well, the AD200 is not consistent. Ive missed shots due to over heating...Im planning to get the ad300 and use my ad200 for fill and gels....
What an excellent review my brother. Great Video illustration comparing the strobes. You made my decision very easy to purchase the Godox AD300 vs the 200 & 400 and also saved me the precious time I would have to spend watching numerous comparison videos. In addition the cadence of your voice is perfect for instructional videos. Keep producing this great content and representing our community.
At the end of the day all that matters is getting paid. As long as you're clients are happy and constantly recommend you they don't gaf what gear you use. Just don't break your pockets and can't pay your own bills. I use the ad200 not the pro, the ad600 and a c stand with a deep parabolic. I never complain about the weight. Stay healthy and work hard weight won't matter
What you are saying is pure facts but this is more for people trying to make a decision if you already have the 200 its not to make you ditch it but i would invest into the 300 system though bro!
Thanks Ryan. Something you casually mentioned in this video about wheeling this stuff in your wagon strikes me. Yeah I'm lazy too, or maybe we're both just old enough to know better. Great video!
If everyone wouldn’t shoot like Machine Gun Kelly, there wouldn’t be any recycling time issue with the AD200. I don’t rapid fir during a portrait session. I pose my models / clients, and if I’m gong to get more than one shot, I have them hold the pose.
Great video, Ryan. I've never seen your videos before and never given the AD300 Pro much thought. After watching your video, I might buy one tomorrow. I currently have two AD200 Pros and one AD180 (which was given to me for free). I just subscribed too. 🙂
One thing you didn't mention is The Modeling lamp on the AD200 is trash. I have two but I am now in the market to purchase something that can give me more power on that end.
Looks like good things happen to those that wait...... thank you for your advice in which direction to go on the strobes with our conversation earlier ..... I just purchased both the flashpoint explor 300 pro and 400 pro as a kit with 2 softboxes ..... both for $999 at adorama.....
Thank you for this video! I'm branching out into off camera flash and had the ad200pro in my cart lol. Looks as if I'll be adding the ad300 pro because I want to set myself up right! Also, you just gained a new follower👍🏾👍🏾
Ryan, I very much appreciate your delivery and your content. I could do without the background "music" though. I choose to watch a video to learn something, and not to be entertained. You have valuable, honest input for this industry. The internet is becoming today's classroom. But the one thing that you will not find in a classroom is planned background noise. Keep pushing the information. It is much needed.
I don’t have the godox 200 branded one. I have the Flashpoint eVOLV 200 , I do like it . I like being able to go from speed light to bear bulb . Or a led panel type light .
Man you got a TMIDD setup right there with the ad300 pro and 33.4 in ez lock glow haha. They lied about the deep parabolic part but it is my best modifier still. The major thing I like about the 300 over the 200 is the modeling lamp since I use it indoors and outdoors. If I did it over I would probably go for a 400 over the 300 just to have the extra power if I needed it. Great video bro!
Agree with you on this, except for portability. The 300 Pro is harder for me to get in my camera bag, if I’m trying to take 2 bodies, 3 lenses, and a flash in a single bag, the 300 isn’t an option. I actually carry my 300 in a second bag with my 600 Pro. SUPER portable. 🤣
Godox Ad200Pro is the most versatile among all Godox Flash because for this two point value for money and size. Given the Ad200/pro has many accessories you can get. like B2,AK R1, H200R etc. when regards to recycle time i barely notice it during any of my event fraction of a millisecond no bigdeal.
Hey Troy, when I listened to your analysis which makes alot of sense I was totally pissed with myself I got the ad200 (not the pro ) rather than the 300 ( didn't even know there's a 300 ) until i just checked the price out and the difference is over $150 between the both.. I guess I will stick with my ad200 && a600bm (manual only).
I bought my AD300 Pro cheaper than my AD200 Pro on a special sale, half the price of an AD200 Pro. I use both in tandem and with a TT600. To me it's not overheating it's just the overheating protection kicks in to prevent damage from overheating.
Good comparison between all 3 (200, 300 & 400). One thing I would have liked to have seen in your video is the price for each, the retail and also what they go on sale for. I had to click on the links to see the price for each. Also one thing you left out is the versatility of the AD200 (ie. multiple heads). I would have liked to have seen any additional options for the AD300. Still a good video.
I love using the AD200 with the extension head. I clip the pack part to the base and it keeps the nightstand more stable. I shoot in the shade so it's enough light for me. I would. like to get my hands on a 300 one day. It's tough getting godox here in Philippines.
I have 2 AD300 and last fashion shoot outdoors in NY they would overheat and it was only 65 degrees outside, I had 2 knowing this could happen so switched them out to get by.
I like that you made your point in terms of preference and then supported it with facts. This is beautiful, especially since I am now transitioning to strobe photography. The price difference is quite a point for me but after watching your review, I think I am leaning towards saving to make the 300 my first. Thank you bro
Great video bro. Looks like I’ll be adding another flash from the Godox group after watching this video. I have been on the fence about the 300 being that I had the 360 but it’s a little outdated and that 300pro recycle speed is top notch.
I’m thinking about getting a second 300 because I usually don’t like to only do one light when I’m outside. I hate having shadows on the other side. I may sell my ad200 pro and put that towards buying a second 300 to be honest
I feel you there. I have to be going for dramatic lighting effect for me to be ok with that look, otherwise I use multiple strobes or very large modifiers. I noticed you are based in Columbus, I actually grew up in Lincoln Heights, Cincinnati. I had a few older relatives in Columbus we visited frequently. Beautiful city.
Timely video for me as I am deciding right now on which light to get. I had a V1 with my Nikon and just switched to Canon. So I’m debating jumping over a replacement V1 and getting a strobe. I’d like to start incorporating OCF into my work.
It really depends on your budget. if you cant afford this light i would suggest the ad200 and a ND filter so you dont have the long recycle times with hss
Great video Ryan, thanks man. I've been looking for really good info on the 300 from real users like me. I have a couple of 200 Pros, and got my first 300 about a month ago. But I haven't yet done the kind of testing you've done.
@@HaimGreen I do like it a lot. I like that its got the round head, which you have to modify with the AD200. And the little extra bit of power definitely comes in handy.