The Godox AD600 Pro Strobe was recently announced to the public. Having myself recently shifted from a fantastic (but also pricey) pair of Profoto B1s to jump into the Godox (Flashpoint in the U.S.) system, I took notice.
Yes, the Profoto’s are expensive, and price factors in. But really, my core goal was simple: I wanted to have a one-size-fits-all system instead of what I had at the time, which was a mix of Canon speedlights and Profoto strobes, each remaining closed off from the other. To this point, the Flashpoint system delivered, and I now have universal lighting tools to fit a multitude of shooting scenarios. The additional upside was money that could be invested elsewhere.
Even with the goal of consolidating accomplished, when you step from prolonged use of the B1s, you certainly will notice the step down on things like build quality, menu system, and color accuracy as you cringe a bit over losing access to Profoto’s amazing selection of quick and easy-to-use, high-quality modifiers. So I’m happy to see early reports look promising over at Rob Hall’s channel with his review video and that the new Pro AD600 has addressed a lot of the original AD600’s minor issues.
Color Temperature Improvements
One major and welcome improvement is a stable color temperature mode, which locks the strobe within 75 degrees of 5600K over the entire power range. Early findings slot this ahead of even Broncolor and Profoto. This is certainly promising and could potentially negate a major advantage those two brands had over the previous Godox model. As a previous user of the B1s and now the AD600, I can say you do notice these slight shifts with the latter when culling through a shoot.
Improved Modeling Lamp
Another highlight for me is the improved 38-watt LED bulb modeling lamp versus the ten-watt on the original non-pro model. With this modeling lamp boost, the Pro model is much more versatile as well competitive to the high-priced alternatives. It also becomes useful outside of just dimly lit studios.
Those are welcome improvements for sure, but there are more surprises in store for those that check out Hall’s full review above to see if the sum of these improvements add up to a worthy addition to your lighting setup.
I use the original AD600 and my experience has been, for the most part, fairly positive. I wonder if Godox fixed the XT trigger / light proximity issue. On the AD600, if you're close to the light while using the XT trigger, the light won't fire for some reason.
I think the Pro version is a nice step up from the original, but for folks like myself who aren't firing off shot after shot, looking for that sweet recycle time, $300 to upgrade is a bit steep. I think the big selling points for this unit, at least for those who might want to upgrade, are the color variation stability feature and improved modeling lamp.
Very cool unit, though. Thanks for the article.
That's a good question, I know the Xpro trigger launched not long ago, not sure if that resolved it. I'm with you Michael, this new flash it is a really solid alternative. The original had some nice sale pricing from time to time, hoping this one follows that trend!
Not sure about the AD600 but when using the new X-Pro trigger on my speed lights and the AD200, it seems to work perfectly fine even if they practically touching each other.
Good to know, thanks Motti.
Here is a photo taken with the Godox XPro-N trigger and AD200 (on a D750 if it matters). Camera and flash touching each other. Over exposed to show flash was triggered. I took a few with different power settings, worked each time.
Right bottom shadow is due to the fact that I am holding the flash in my left hand (to the left of the camera) and the flash head is slightly behind the hood of the 24-120.
I hope that helps.
I do not know how relevant it is, but I have the same problem with X1T-O + TT600. The solution is quite simple, turn the X1T off, press the status button and turn on while keeping the button down for about 1/2 seconds. Then release the status button. This brings the transmitter in short-range mode where maximum range is around 30m, but it works even if you are very close to the light.
Thanks for the tip, Michele. I'll have to look into it – I don't recall seeing a status button on the unit, but it's been a while so I'll have to double check.
The trigger is fine. You will need to turn on "short-range mode" in order to make it work. just hold the test buttom and turn on the trigger. Restart the trigger to reset.
Its written on the manual.
As Strong John mentioned - be sure to enable short-range mode. This was added with firmware v16 (To add the triggering operation at close range: Press the TEST Button to power the transmitter on, holding on until the STATUS indicator lamp blinks for 2 times. Now the wireless remote distance is from 0 to 30 meters).
I’ve said this on other threads, but for the money the ad600 kills the Einstein. No cords, high speed sync, Bowens mount, and wireless built in. I’ve owned both. A few degrees of color can easily be fixed in post. As for a faster flash duration, yes for that specialized use, the Einstein has the upper hand. Other than that the AD600 wins.
I agree that PCB has killer service. As for the price, the original AD600 is $50 more than the Einstein. As for power, you rarely need that much these days. HSS takes care of most power issues. Of course, if you’re shooting wet plate or something that requires a HUGE amount of flash power, a pack and head system will be more sensible anyway. A cordless workflow is just so much more convenient and quick on location. Time is money. And any weight savings you’ve gained will be negated and then some by the need to carry multiple battery packs and replacement batteries if you’re firing full blast continuously.
I was a loyal PCB user for over a decade. But I think it’s time its customers stop handling them with kid gloves. They need to know they’re falling behind, big time. They’ve got customer service down. Now they need to step up their tech.
Do you mean a snoot? Or a fresnel type light?
Hmm
For a budget friendly version your best bet might be an LED. for product, power won’t be as great of an issue. I’ve seen some for a decent price but I can’t speak to their quality.
Agree! When Alien Bees came out with the DigiBees I thought, so? Why would I upgrade from an older Alien Bee's? It still does not have a self contain power source, not even a built in radio (that should be easy enough) and have 1/2 of the Einstein power.
Personally I was surprised that they did not think to start offering a more compact all-in-one unit.
And what's with their new web site? A friend called me and ask how exactly one can purchase when the cart can not be located. I also could not find where the cart is after adding to it. No menu, instead when clicking on the large banner photo it takes you to the photographer's site??? Really?
Am I missing something here?
"All in ones have the down side of being all in one, thus if the battery goes out on the AD600 your pretty much stuck with a light that won’t work."
Um, part of being a professional is having backup gear, like, um, extra batteries. If you're pro enough, you'll even have backup lighting, cameras, lenses,...
It is true that stereo equipment sold in pieces (radio, amp, cassette player etc.) was always better than an all-in-one set (I am 56 so I remember that). However, I must disagree when it comes to lights.
I think technology is so far ahead that all in one still can have the same quality as components set. I believe even B&O has all-in-one amazing stereo systems :-).
Like Spy Black says, you HAVE to have spare of everything, batteries, bulbs, flashes etc. I am paranoid so I carry way more than I need.
I have extra batteries and extra radios if the internal radio does not work.
For me it is two major points: Value and weight. When doing school photography I used to carry the two Einsteins, two batteries, cables, extension cable (if battery fails), huge heavy duty stands, radio triggers and receivers (three times what I needed). To carry all that I have a bag I call a "body Bag" because you can fit a small person in it.
Today I carry two AD200's, two triggers and two compact stands, the "Body Bag" is collecting dust in my garage and thank God for that, my back is not what it used to be.
Value? Well, my Einstein set cost me around $1,600 CDN. The AD200 set cost me half that. True, it is less powerful but I never used the full power of the Einsteins so it was an over kill.
Yes, that is another thing, Alien Bees reluctance to use shipper other than UPS makes it unnecessarily more expensive. Besides the shipping cost, UPS custom clearance price structure adds at least $50 to each shipment.
I too would love to see them come up with a all-in-one unit. If they keep the price reasonable and in line with their price point, it will be a bonanza.
Their QC and customer support would make them a top choice for many photographers, me included.
Origin? You were close....Israel.
Similar sun and gorgeous Mediterranean beaches. However, the food is way better :-)
Cheers.
We are really proud of our new website! The navigation menu is located at the top of the page, and condenses down to a 'hamburger menu' when scaled down based on screen size.
Like the majority of websites, including those of our competitors. The shopping is located at the top right of the page indicated by a shopping cart icon. And when condensed down it is the fourth line item located next to the "checkout button."
Additionally, "Add to Cart" buttons are located next to every product.
Yes! Our banner images rotate on a monthly basis and spotlight our customers using our product. We like to showcase their work and how our equipment is used to make it happen!
If your friend has any additional questions, they are welcome to give our friendly customer service team a call at 1-800-443-5542 between the hours of 9am - 5pm CT, Monday - Friday! Thanks so much!
My bad, just opened it with Firefox and I can see the menu. I hardly use Firefox. I think one of my Chrome plugins prevent the menu from showing.
I bet he had the same issue since he is a Chrome user too.
Thank you for the info.
So, any chance an all-in-one is coming any time soon? :-)
AdGuard AdBlocker Chrome plugin is to blame. Cheers
No worries! Thanks so much for testing it out. :-)
"As for cords, I don’t mind'em, the trade off is weight savings."
Um, don't those cords and Vagabonds weight a whole lot more than the Godox batteries???
I just sold my two Paul B. Buff Einsteins with one Vagabond battery (and three large softboxes) for those reasons exactly. Portability and all in one unit.
Besides, the Einstein cost $500, the battery (one unit) $250 and a set of trigger/receiver around $150. That's $900 of heavy cumbersome setup that does not have TTL or HSS.
I personally opted for AD200's. I have two might buy another one.
They’re great little flashes. I have 2 to go along with my 600
I also have 2 of the 200's they are a key member of that system. Ridiculous value.
I switched to Godox Speedlights a few years ago because of the Li-ion batteries that allowed me to shoot long events without a battery change.
When the AD-360 came out it was the Quantum-killer I had anticipated as I could see the rapidly improving Chinese manufacturers moving into previously unassailable strongholds.
Their integrated triggers coupled with their rock solid reliability sealed the deal.
I am very happy with the AD-600s and sold my Einsteins and the rest of my hodge-podge Bowens, Hensel, and Buff gear.
As a location photographer the locations provide plenty of color shift natively that masks any color shifts that might be present in the flashes. Were I shooting on a studio set with almost no variation in subject I might notice the drift. However I didn't see much shift from my White Lightnings despite their "primitive" design.
The Pro model is a nice step up for a couple of reasons:
It addresses key points in the mind of the potential client. Color stability, recycle time and a better modeling light.
Changes to the mounting of the tube addresses the concerns of those feeling the original was too recessed.
Additional changes to the body make for a more mature product overall which goes a long way to addressing the concerns of those who think Chinese gear is poor quality.
The AD 600 is a great, solid product. The Pro moves the goalposts and weakens the arguments of the defenders of the high priced spread.
I love the current version, but for the modeling light alone I'll be picking this up. When shooting headshots, it's better to have the pupil dilate, so you can see more color in the eye. The current modeling light isn't quite up to the task.
That's a solid point, the iris needs to be standout on those close in headshots.
Something I do when shooting large format is set up a bright led source behind me. Helps me see what I am doing but I imagine it would be useful for headshots as well.
whats this new price on B&H all about, ...... hmmmm, .....
B1 location kit for $2998
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1049889-REG/profoto_901092_b1_500...
Good price for the B1 if you are in the market for two of them. That model has been discontinued for the B1X so I'm guessing that's the reason for that temporary price.
Are we talking in t0.1 or t0.5 when in fast flash duration?
Let's not forget one important factor - the AD600 is a portable unit -- meaning intended use is for outdoors. With that said, the Einstein will NOT fire at HSS and is not useful at all for balancing flash with ambient in most situations. The reason I sold my Einsteins and bought these units. IF you shoot only studio, then for sure, go with the Einsteins. Great lights!
Little late to the party but this strobe has really caught my attention. I'm currently in the process from moving from a Profoto B1 to the Broncolor Siro L 800. Before I commit I really want to try this AD600 Pro first. Price point is amazing and you can't go wrong. In Canadian dollars, a Siro 800 L will set me back almost $5000 once you factor in the RFS remote, extra battery, shipping, taxes (etc). I purchased the AD600 Pro with remote for $1200. If this light performs anything close to a B1 or Siro, this is a steal of a deal. Godox takes quite a bit from a design perspective from Broncolor lights. I also found out, Godox makes the RFS remote for Broncolor which I found very interesting and explains why they look identical.