The Godox AD200 has been a popular choice among photographers for its portability, versatility, and affordability. However, there has been an ongoing debate among photographers and flash enthusiasts about whether the AD200 can be considered a strobe or not. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of flash photography, explore the differences between strokes and flashes, and examine the features and capabilities of the Godox AD200 to settle this question once and for all.
What Is A Strobe?
Before we can determine if the Godox AD200 is a strobe, it’s essential to understand what a strobe is in the first place. A strobe is a type of flash unit that produces a brief, intense flash of light, typically with a duration of around 1/10,000th of a second or shorter. Strobes are designed to freeze fast-moving subjects and are often used in high-speed photography, sports, and wildlife photography.
Strobes are typically more powerful than regular flashes, with a higher Guide Number (GN) rating, which measures the flash’s power output. Strobes often have a faster flash duration, which is essential for capturing sharp images of fast-moving subjects. Additionally, strobes are often designed with a more focused beam pattern, allowing for more efficient use of light and reducing the amount of light spill.
Key Characteristics Of A Strobe
To be considered a strobe, a flash unit should possess the following characteristics:
- High power output (high GN rating)
- Fast flash duration (typically around 1/10,000th of a second or shorter)
- Focused beam pattern
- Ability to freeze fast-moving subjects
What Is The Godox AD200?
The Godox AD200 is a compact, battery-powered flash unit designed for photographers who need a portable and versatile lighting solution. It’s part of Godox’s line of flash units, which are known for their affordability, ease of use, and reliability.
The AD200 features a compact design, making it easy to carry around, and is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides up to 360 full-power flashes. It has a GN rating of 60 (ISO 100) and a flash duration of around 1/15,000th of a second. The AD200 also features a built-in 2.4GHz wireless receiver, making it compatible with Godox’s X System wireless triggers.
Key Features Of The Godox AD200
Some of the key features of the Godox AD200 include:
- Compact and portable design
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery with up to 360 full-power flashes
- GN rating of 60 (ISO 100)
- Flash duration of around 1/15,000th of a second
- Built-in 2.4GHz wireless receiver
- Compatible with Godox’s X System wireless triggers
Is The Godox AD200 A Strobe?
Now that we’ve explored the characteristics of a strobe and the features of the Godox AD200, it’s time to answer the question: is the Godox AD200 a strobe?
While the AD200 does have a high GN rating and a relatively fast flash duration, it falls short of being a true strobe in some key areas. The AD200’s flash duration, while fast, is not as short as a traditional strobe, which typically has a duration of around 1/10,000th of a second or shorter. Additionally, the AD200’s beam pattern is not as focused as a traditional strobe, which can lead to more light spill and reduced efficiency.
The AD200 is better suited for general-purpose photography, such as portraits, weddings, and events, rather than high-speed photography applications.
That being said, the AD200 is an excellent flash unit for its intended purpose, and its compact design, portability, and affordability make it an attractive option for photographers who need a versatile lighting solution.
Comparison To Traditional Strobes
To further illustrate the differences between the Godox AD200 and traditional strobes, let’s compare it to a popular strobe unit, the Profoto D2.
- Flash duration: Profoto D2 (1/10,000th of a second), Godox AD200 (1/15,000th of a second)
- GN rating: Profoto D2 (GN 100), Godox AD200 (GN 60)
- Power output: Profoto D2 (up to 1000Ws), Godox AD200 (up to 200Ws)
- Beam pattern: Profoto D2 (focused beam), Godox AD200 (less focused beam)
As you can see, the Profoto D2 has a shorter flash duration, higher GN rating, and more powerful output compared to the Godox AD200. The D2 is designed for high-speed photography applications, such as capturing sports and wildlife, whereas the AD200 is better suited for general-purpose photography.
Conclusion
While the Godox AD200 is an excellent flash unit in its own right, it falls short of being a traditional strobe due to its relatively slower flash duration and less focused beam pattern. However, its compact design, portability, and affordability make it an attractive option for photographers who need a versatile lighting solution for general-purpose photography applications.
In the end, whether or not to consider the Godox AD200 a strobe is a matter of personal opinion. However, based on its features and capabilities, it’s clear that the AD200 is better suited for general-purpose photography rather than high-speed photography applications.
| Feature | Godox AD200 | Profoto D2 |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Duration | 1/15,000th of a second | 1/10,000th of a second |
| GN Rating | 60 | 100 |
| Power Output | up to 200Ws | up to 1000Ws |
| Beam Pattern | Less focused |
By understanding the differences between strokes and flashes, as well as the features and capabilities of the Godox AD200, photographers can make informed decisions about the best lighting solutions for their specific needs.
What Is The Godox AD200?
The Godox AD200 is a portable lighting unit that is designed for photographers and videographers. It is a compact and lightweight device that can be powered by a battery or an AC adapter. The AD200 is capable of producing a high-powered flash, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from portraits to event photography.
The AD200 is often referred to as a “strobe” due to its ability to produce a brief, intense burst of light. However, this terminology is not entirely accurate, as the AD200 does not function in the same way as a traditional strobe light. While it is capable of producing a flash, it does not have the same level of power or duration as a dedicated strobe.
Is The Godox AD200 A Strobe Or A Speedlight?
The Godox AD200 is often categorized as a speedlight, rather than a strobe. This is because it is designed to be used in conjunction with a camera, and its primary function is to provide fill light or add depth to an image. Speedlights are typically used to add subtle lighting effects, whereas strobes are used to produce a more dramatic or intense lighting effect.
That being said, the AD200 does have some characteristics that are similar to those of a strobe. For example, it is capable of producing a high-powered flash, and it has a relatively short duration. However, it lacks the power and flexibility of a dedicated strobe, making it better suited for use as a speedlight.
Can The Godox AD200 Be Used As A Continuous Light Source?
Yes, the Godox AD200 can be used as a continuous light source. In addition to its strobe function, the AD200 has a modeling light mode that allows it to be used as a continuous light source. This mode is useful for providing a soft, gentle light that can be used to illuminate a subject or add depth to an image.
The modeling light mode on the AD200 is not as bright as some dedicated continuous light sources, but it is still a useful feature for photographers and videographers. It can be especially useful in situations where a subtle, gentle light is required, such as when working with sensitive subjects or in low-light environments.
Is The Godox AD200 Suitable For Use In A Studio Setting?
The Godox AD200 is primarily designed for use in the field, rather than in a studio setting. While it is capable of producing a high-powered flash, it lacks the power and flexibility of a dedicated studio strobe. Additionally, the AD200 is a compact and portable unit, making it better suited for use in situations where space is limited.
That being said, the AD200 can still be used in a studio setting, particularly for smaller or more informal shoots. Its compact size and portability make it easy to move around and position, and its high-powered flash can be useful for adding depth and dimension to an image.
Can The Godox AD200 Be Used Outdoors?
Yes, the Godox AD200 is well-suited for use outdoors. Its compact size and portability make it easy to transport and use in a variety of outdoor settings. Additionally, the AD200 has a weather-sealed design that makes it resistant to moisture and other environmental factors.
The AD200 is particularly useful for outdoor photography, as it can be used to add depth and dimension to images taken in bright sunlight. Its high-powered flash can also be used to overpower the sun, allowing for more creative control over the lighting in an image.
Is The Godox AD200 Compatible With Other Godox Products?
Yes, the Godox AD200 is compatible with other Godox products, including other flashes, triggers, and receivers. Godox offers a range of products that are designed to work together seamlessly, allowing photographers and videographers to create complex lighting setups with ease.
The AD200 can be triggered using a Godox flash trigger, and it can also be used as a slave unit in conjunction with other Godox flashes. This makes it easy to create complex lighting setups, such as multiple-flash arrangements, and to control the lighting in an image with precision and accuracy.
Is The Godox AD200 Worth The Investment?
Ultimately, whether or not the Godox AD200 is worth the investment depends on the needs and goals of the individual photographer or videographer. If you are looking for a compact, portable lighting unit that can be used to add depth and dimension to your images, the AD200 may be a good choice.
However, if you are looking for a dedicated strobe or a more powerful lighting solution, you may want to consider other options. The AD200 is a versatile and capable unit, but it is not designed to replace a dedicated strobe or studio lighting system. It is best suited for photographers and videographers who need a compact, portable lighting solution that can be used in a variety of situations.