Thanks Gary, the main benefit of the ad100 for me would be to use it as a unit to light my backdrop. Because the light of the round head has a nice fall-off, it is easy to attach to a light stand (no s-Bracket needed). The V1 needs to go into an s-bracket or on a fiddly hot/cold shoe. And the ad100 can be zoomed (unlike the hr200), so I can adjust the light vignette on the backdrop easily. Cheers, Peter
Maaan thank you for speaking to the inflated price! Every video I've watched speaks to the features/function of the light but no one touches on the price. A light is a light, of course it will light things, but at $300, I personally don't see the value in this unless size is of the utmost importance.
Gotta call it like I see it. That being said, come Black Friday you just watch the sales on these. I’m calling it 2 for $400 in a kit. That’s when I will pounce
@@GaryHughesOfficial you and me both brotha! If they would have come out the gate at $200 I definitely would have picked some up to replace my Yongnuo speedlights.
Have AD200s and V1's already. This 100 is a great light, but as Gary said they should charge less for it.it's a pricey option when you compare it to the v1s and especially the AD200s which are far more flexible with more output. They do take less space, so for a backup or kicker light maybe. R2 has a lot more interesting cost-effective options in their universe.
I'm looking forward to the black friday sale on these, lol. Adorama always has great sales so I'm sure they will have great deals on these before too long. Thanks for watching.
Great video. The only thing is that the whole time I couldn’t stop thinking about how Stiffany was put in the corner.... poor Stiffany. No one puts baby in the corner
i have the AD600pro / 200pro and i added the AD100pro for exactly what you said. its a fun light and adds nice to my kit and gives me just enough for extra light.
Great video... didnt expect anything less from you, been following you since I saw you on creative live...I have 4 AD200's and still want to get a few of these, but to your point, cant justify the purchase when they cost as much as my AD200's (no matter how hard I try) I do love that its a little smaller, and lighter weight but they over priced it.... :(
Thank you for the content and review. I always enjoy your videos. Something I think that’s kinda interesting about the reviews of this light is that people are acting like we haven’t used speed lights outdoors for many years and this is more powerful than a speed light… To me, this light has a specific use that is not covered by the other Godox lights. The form factor is the benefit. Perfect for a couple of things in my book: wedding off camera lighting with a magnetic grid on them and then used for couple’s portraits with the Angler speed box that also has a magnetic attachment. Speed and simplicity are huge at a wedding and not having to mess with adaptors and external battery packs is a real time saver.
I really do love the light and use it almost every day as a background light. The main issue is that it has a slightly green color cast to it that you have to compensate for or live with. Otherwise it's brilliant, love the accessories.
Thanks Gary, I'd been looking at this as a companion to my roundhead Flashpoint speedlights. I'd pretty much decided to wait and see if the price drops any. So your comments have helped!
Agree 100% with you... for that price, I prefer the AD200 because has mor options for heads, a more powerful. But if in the future it is a Special Offer, then a buy two of them.
The main thing this light is missing is compatibility with the Godox mount, like the AD300. If it had that mount, it would be incredible to use in the 24, 26, and 34" ultra slim softboxes for an incredibly lightweight and elegant solution. The S2 bracket is just big and heavy, and I dislike using them on location, and it also requires the use of the larger Bowens mount modifiers which defeats the point of using a micro sized strobe like this. It's good otherwise, but represents a missed opportunity.
I got mine for 285. 2 pcs. It is more powerful than AD200 + roud head (make sure people are aware of it) AD200 is better only with fresnal square head and barebulb head. Not by 1 stop, but more like .5
I have a V1 myself and it's an excellent light, for sure. I think the ad100 is a great companion to it. If you think about what I used to pay for speedlites, $400-$600, it's just nuts. Thanks for watching
The AD-200 has no zoom function, the AD-100 has, which makes it, when compared to the AD-200 with the round head, _more_ powerful under certain circumstances, the real selling point for the AD-200 is, from my point of view, its much higher versatility because of the bare bulb, which is extremely useful. Yeah, I think I will definitely get one of those nifty 100s at some time. After the 1200. But this is another story 😉
I'm with you on the AD200/eVOLV200. There's not a significant power increase between a speedlight and this for me to justify one. With the 200 I can run such low power levels that recycle times don't even cross my mind. Plus I've already got a bunch of 200 specific modifiers that won't work with it and I try to stay away from Bowens/S bracket setups as much as I can since I'm on location most of the time and they just don't pack as easy.
I'm not trading in my ad200's. Their versatility and power are a nobrainer. That being said, I might have opted for the ad100 over the V1 as my keep-in-the-bag light. I agree with you, though, it's about 25-30 dollars too expensive.
Totally. The advantage of the v1 is that you can use it as a controller in a pinch. And for wedding and event shooters, having an on-camera flash is pretty much a given, so I don't see one as a replacement for the other. As far as using it off-camera, the AD100 is a lot more stable to mount on a stand than the hot shoe (unless you are using a bracket). I am hoping that they will drop the price on this unit because I think that is pretty much the only complaint that anyone has. Thanks for watching!
@@GaryHughesOfficial I had thought of that, but I've never fallen back on the V1 as a controller... yet. :) The other issue is that the V1 can be a little janky in the S-type adapter, even the V2, due to the shape. The AD100, would be better there.
I wouldn't be getting rid of my AD200Pro either. And if I had a V1, I'd still keep it even if only as an on camera flash sometimes (as I do that sometimes).
Great video Gary. My concerns are longevity Adorama and I love that store but the rebranded jenbei and called it Orlit Here we are just 3 years later and there is no support for them I have three of their strobes in studio that I never use. I am in northern Arizona heat and cold would drop my units
Totally understand the concern. I am in Florida and it’s pretty brutal on gear here with the heat and the humidity. I have been using Flashpoint gear from Adorama for about 5 years without issues in either performance or service. I would tend to lean your way of it were another brand, but I don’t think Godox is going anywhere so it’s probably a safe bet. Thanks for watching!
Considered buying it, ended up buying an AD200 Pro instead. Godox shot themselves in the foot with the pricing. It needed to be max $200 to make it a worthwhile investment.
For the size and losing only a stop of light it does have its uses. But it’s a tough sell against the AD200 for the same price. However I primarily shoot in the studio, and the AD300’s I use sometimes feels like overkill.
Nice informative video. I would have loved to hear about how this will perform as a indoor light with softboxes for a full body shots. Is it powerful enough to use as key light and fill light. I have been looking for this answer, unfortunately no body is touching on this aspect. Hope you will through some light on this.
I've been a natural life photographer for the past 8 years and based on the price point I would stick with the ad200 instead. The price would have to drop by $100 for me to buy this.
Thanks for explaining this so well. I'll stick to my AD200's. I do like the AD100's form factor. Might come in handy when I start traveling again. Did you go over how many fully powered pops you can get with this new flash?
No I didn't do a technical review on it, but those specs should be easy to find on Adorama or in a Godox YT video. I would imagine it will perform slightly worse than the V1 as it's slightly more powerful but uses the same batter. Still, though, I would guess you get 3-400 flashes at full power or more.
For me the AD100 sits at the top of the speedlite range (yes I know it's not a speedlite, but hear me out) it's got a nice lunch of power for easy flexible quick use for ocf, the AD200 sits at the bottom of the 'studio strobe' range, it's got significantly more punch, and is more flexible to use in a "studio" setup. BUT a 200 with a couple of 100s makes a blinding portable setup, I've used that combination for any number of weddings and family portraits, like any job you need to use the right tool for it, and imo boy did godox hit the almost (price) perfect tool for that particular job! If the price was 30% lower, it would be the perfect tool.
Everything you've been saying where this will fit, like a background, hair light, or all the other instances you stated, the Flashpoint Zoom Li-on (roundhead speed light) checks all those boxes. I just don't see the point for this.
Yep, absolutely. I have that one as well and it’s great. Main advantages of the AD100 are the modeling light, improved power, cylinder design, and a more secure native mount. I don’t really see it as an either/or, though. The V1 would be a good first light, and then AD100 would be a great companion if you wanted another light to be off-camera (and you could control it with the Speedlite. Thanks for watching!
Honestly, if you consider what it can do versus what we used to pay for a good speedlite, the price is pretty great. It's only high compared to similar lights from the same manufacturer. That being said I completely get where you are coming from, but I think for the right photographer, it's a great tool, even at that price.
@@GaryHughesOfficial I was on the fence at that price, I was just about to buy a third AD200 when I learned of the AD100 thought cool, probably be a little cheaper. I'll probably still end up getting a couple of these, seeing they would be great location hair and/or background lights, keeping my AD200's for main and fill. Good point made, my old Norman gear cost much more, even my 200B's were twice the price and twice as heavy to lug around. I love my AD200's I'm sure I'll dig using these little guys just as much. Cheers Gary .. Brian
@@thewoodys_surf_instrumental I know it's a ways off, but Adorama usually has great discounts on black Friday. My guess is that they will have these for sale in two packs for $450 or $500.
The power is not really a problem. I used to have 200 to 400 watt/sec strobes and used Iso 50-100 with my old Canon 1d mark iii. Now I use an R6 and i can use up to 800 iso without any problem, power issue solved.
I think the AD100 has sufficient power for a lot of different use-cases. Been using mine for the last 2 years and I'm pretty happy with it. Thanks for watching!
Hi Gary, Great video! I was wondering, can you use these primarily for travel headshots? Like if you were to have a 3 light set up where the back ground light can also be strong enough to make the background pure white? I was thinking about using one of these and shooting it through a octobox so I could make a pure white background. Then have the other two for a key and a fill light? Thank you again! and thank you in advance for answering this question.
I do travel with it, but I think you might have a hard time getting evenly lit, pure white that way. I’m sure it’s possible, but I would probably recommend the AD200 over this. I use them primarily for traveling to do headshots and they always get the job done. Battery lasts longer as well :)
@@GaryHughesOfficial Ahhh thank you so much! I really appreciate this information. I currently have 2 AD400s and 2 AD300s but I wanted something more compact for travel.
the ad100 doesn't pack all that much better than the 200s really. You will probably eat the batteries alive using them to blow out a background and the recycle time might be a problem compared to the 200s.
Good question, the magnetic ring is surprisingly powerful. If you smacked it hard you would knock it of, but if the light is stationary you got no worries
i thought i would never say this about chinese lighting....but based on what you used to compare it to, it's definitely overpriced for what it does. the small cuteness factor doesn't offset that and the AD200 is NOT a large heavy cumbersome speedlight.....for my taste :-) i think it should have been compared head to head with the V1 and that would have been a more useful video....for me :-)
I see your point, but the V1 is an on -camera flash, a different class of light altogether. They can’t fill the same needs and they aren’t meant to. In a head-to-head in power, the V1 loses every time, but not by much. But it is a perfect companion to the 100 and 200 as it can also be used to to control the other lights. I definitely think the price is $50 too high, but I expect a robust used market for them after a while and a few sales come the holidays, great alway to pick one up. Just a final thought about the price: I have paid $500 for a speed light with half the power of a 100 and 2/3 the power of the V1. On its own the AD100 is a terrific value, it’s just a niche product and time will tell if it will find a place in the market and stay relevant :) thanks for watching!
@@GaryHughesOfficial And speaking to that point, the AD100 because of its power class - and price point - SHOULD have been able to be used on camera as well.
@@jasonbodden8816 I think they already have an on-camera companion for this light in the V1. It's more than enough for most jobs as far as on camera flash goes (and it's cheap).
Someones had overheat issues with the filter kit AK-R1 ? I need to do more test but I had overheating problem with. Filters seem to block heat. dissipation
Which boom arm were you using to hold your softbox and flash in this video? I ask because all of the arms that I have found have the grip head welded to the end of the bar--so you can't slide the bar to adjust the distance between the modifier and the stand. Very nice video. Thanks very much!
My problem with this is almost nobody wants to go outdoors and shoot f/16 so you need to show how it would fare shooting at wide apertures like 1.2, 1.4, 2 and 2.8, since that's the trend and what most people want to know.
That’s an interesting idea, but that doesn’t demonstrate the power of the light against full sun. Now the effect would have been the same with a 6 or 8 stop ND filter and you get your wide open lens right there :) Using the flash at its extreme limit demonstrates that it could function well below those limits too, right? Thanks for watching
@@GaryHughesOfficial Well, of course, but things change when you use larger double diffused modifiers and all that. Don’t get me wrong, this has its place but it will definitely struggle for certain things. Like HSS. Or if you happen to leave your ND filter home you have little hope of managing bright sunlight unless you stop down to small apertures. I prefer the peace of mind of more power regardless. But the AD100 can definitely work for a lot of people whose needs aren’t too intense. It’ll be good to have but for me hardly as a main light outdoors in full sun. I’d more use this in less intense conditions like closer to sunset or night time, or indoors, or in the shade. Ridiculous price point, though, when the AD200Pro is a few dollars more.
I do see your point, and I agree (as I said in the video) that this is probably best as a small carry option for mostly available light photographers or a background light. Since recording this I have used it in my studio and on location at a wedding and it is more than up to the challenge for a lot of different jobs when you want to keep your gear compact.
Too the Point review 🙌🏻 . I am bit confused i already got ad400pro and 860-2 , I recently lost my ad200 with maggrip and maggel few days back so was planning to get this with akr1 kit instead of a new ad200.. any way since i got ad400 the ad200 was rarely used.. this will be versatile for hair/ rim light and may be sometimes useful for bouncing from ceiling during wedding.. Whats your thought ?
I actually just shot a wedding with it for the first time last week and it was perfect. It’s not going to be a good solution for over-powering the midday sun for large groups, but for everything else I tried it was great. Absolutely in love.
I haven't noticed it at all showing up in my work, but that may be down to how I use it. I am aware that the color is slightly different than the AD200, but I mostly use it as a background light in the studio rather than a main light on the subject. When I have done so, it hasn't been a problem. My guess would be that you would notice a strange color shift if you mixed it with the AD200 to light a face, but I don't really use it that way.
I'm just starting with Strobe photography, I am planning to get a v1 and 100 pro. do you think it's sufficient for doing outdoor portrait shoots, product photography?
I’ve done a lot more with less. I think they are a good pairing, but don’t skip over the AD200, they are twice the power for the same price. The AD100 is gonna be limited outside in the sun. Usable, yes, but limited. It’s really best for adding some light on an overcast day and as a second light inside.
Probably fine for headshots, depending on how you shoot, but it would limit you severely in product photography where you often need to shoot at F11-F22. I would say (not having more details) that the AD200 would be a great option for you and just about the same price. Black Friday is about to happen and Adorama always has very good sales on their Flashpoint(Godox) gear.
@@GaryHughesOfficial yea I thought about that last night. Great point. I also think since I shoot headshots on location and I’m used to using 600ws already, I don’t realize overhead lights and window light because I always over power them. I would probably find myself frustrated with these 🤣 super cool and compact though! Love the idea of a simple set up.
@@GaryHughesOfficial I shot headshots for a long time without modeling lights too. On occasion it was too dark to focus properly, pupils were always large and black, and took some trial and error to get the light where I wanted it. Recently I decided to pick up a couple 400 pro’s for the modeling lights.
I don't know, actually. I don't know if something that they can fix with a firmware update, more of a hardware issue. In the next version I sure hope they do!
Why is every youtuber from the USA assuming that their audience is US only? There is no Adorama in Europe. Outside the US there is no sense in buying Flashpoint instead of Godox.
That’s a fair point, and something to consider. That being said, 90% of my views are from the US and the equipment was provided by Adorama for this video. It’s a good thing to keep in mind moving forward, though.
Because UA-cam will recommend videos that are regionally based first to that demographic. Duh. Why would someone in the US cater to those outside the US? Makes no sense because theres too many variables to cover. I dont see any Euro youtubers gearing videos towards the US when they’re reviewing EU based gear lol Your attempt to feel excluded is due to flawed logic. If you dont grasp simple social media marketing strategies pushed by youtube, you wouldn’t grasp the difference between the gear either lol If you dont want to buy Flashpoint get the Godox chinese version which is global. Theres a solution to your complaining.
Gary, I'm that idiot who bought the Canon 600 rt at the height of its $$$. Anyway, does Godox work with the Canon trigger? (ste3) I use my lights (Canon & Yongnuo) as remotes, but I wouldn't mind a bit more power so I'm interested even more in that brick-shaped one you showed. You said you'd do the research, I'm too tired to Google it🤣
No you gotta get a Godox trigger, but they are $60 I think. Check out the Flashpoint gear on Adorama, the Evolv 200 is just the best damn thing going, I have 3 of them and use them for everything on location. I used the 600rts, great Speedlites , used the hell out of them. First flashes to include built in wireless, broke the mold and started it all :)
@@GaryHughesOfficial Thanks for the research. My 600's are still kickn', basically just talking about that Canon price hit. BTW looking forward to your Canon webinar tomorrow. Have a good show.
@@GaryHughesOfficial Hi Garry, I only have canon speed-lights but on a summer day I find on full power I have a very slow recycle time for weddings where you need to have a fast turnaround between family shots Bride & Groom etc, would you recommend the AD100 for off camera ?, Thanks John
Hmm, haven't had that experience myself, but I'm sorry that you have. To be fair, I use it mostly as a back light on relatively low power. Maybe they will iron out some bugs in the next version.
@@GaryHughesOfficial The AD200 Pro is so far superior in every regard for $50 bucks more. I own five of them for weddings and studio use. Main light is the AD300 Pro, which is fantastic even in the Arizona midday sun. Also: For your travel kit, try the new Glow ParaSnap. So compact and easy to travel with. Really like your channel. Taylor sent me!
THanks, JJ! I own six AD200s, a 300, and a 400. The 100 is definitely a niche tool, not really a great tool as a main light on a serious shoot. In a pinch, it's a great help for natural light photographers looking for a light kit with versatile modifiers. I have maintained since it came out that the price is too high, though. Seth from Adorama told me about the ParaSnap, I am gonna give them a look. At the moment, I need more gear like I need a hole in my shoe, but what the heck! Thanks for watching :)
Ad200pro does not offer twice as much light. Things are not that simple. You need to check yourself before trying to educate others. Misleading at best.
You are correct, it’s not exactly twice as much light. But in the real world it’s pretty darn close. Not to mention the battery lasts twice as long, so in more than one way, it does. If anyone wanted to watch a video on watt seconds versus actual output, they aren’t gonna get it on my channel :) incidentally, I am a big fan of the 100, but out of the box with no accessories (fresnel heads), the 200 meters at F22 while the 100 meters at F16. Twice the power. I wish you the very best in all your endeavors!
To answer your question yes, it's more than enough power for most in studio or location headshots, etc. But don't get Flashpoint, they've changed everything around and made it hard to use, get the original Godox brand and avoid Flashpoint.
Thanks Gary, the main benefit of the ad100 for me would be to use it as a unit to light my backdrop. Because the light of the round head has a nice fall-off, it is easy to attach to a light stand (no s-Bracket needed). The V1 needs to go into an s-bracket or on a fiddly hot/cold shoe. And the ad100 can be zoomed (unlike the hr200), so I can adjust the light vignette on the backdrop easily. Cheers, Peter
All great points! I am loving using it as a background light, for sure.
Maaan thank you for speaking to the inflated price! Every video I've watched speaks to the features/function of the light but no one touches on the price. A light is a light, of course it will light things, but at $300, I personally don't see the value in this unless size is of the utmost importance.
Gotta call it like I see it. That being said, come Black Friday you just watch the sales on these. I’m calling it 2 for $400 in a kit. That’s when I will pounce
@@GaryHughesOfficial you and me both brotha! If they would have come out the gate at $200 I definitely would have picked some up to replace my Yongnuo speedlights.
That was a quick...precise to showcase the power of the light. Thanks a lot.
Ni problem!
Have AD200s and V1's already. This 100 is a great light, but as Gary said they should charge less for it.it's a pricey option when you compare it to the v1s and especially the AD200s which are far more flexible with more output. They do take less space, so for a backup or kicker light maybe. R2 has a lot more interesting cost-effective options in their universe.
I'm looking forward to the black friday sale on these, lol. Adorama always has great sales so I'm sure they will have great deals on these before too long. Thanks for watching.
Great video. The only thing is that the whole time I couldn’t stop thinking about how Stiffany was put in the corner.... poor Stiffany. No one puts baby in the corner
It's funny, now that I think about it, I have never formally introduced her to the UA-cam audience, lol. That's a whole video on it's own.
@@GaryHughesOfficial they need to listen to your advice and listen to the podcast. :)
@@poutineitup9510 that's what I keep saying...
i have the AD600pro / 200pro and i added the AD100pro for exactly what you said. its a fun light and adds nice to my kit and gives me just enough for extra light.
Yes I’m really enjoying it. I think I will probably grab another one or two of them the next sale they have. Thanks for watching!
How do we stay up to date on their sale? Also, how does this compare to the V1?
@@GaryHughesOfficial its price point could have been $229 MAX but.. haha and good content so thank you.
For the money - I would stick with my AD200. But if someone gave me one I would be very very happy!!
That seems to be the consensus :)
Definitely.
Yeah given the price difference don’t know what Godox was thinking when they did this
Great video... didnt expect anything less from you, been following you since I saw you on creative live...I have 4 AD200's and still want to get a few of these, but to your point, cant justify the purchase when they cost as much as my AD200's (no matter how hard I try) I do love that its a little smaller, and lighter weight but they over priced it.... :(
Agreed
Thank you for the content and review. I always enjoy your videos.
Something I think that’s kinda interesting about the reviews of this light is that people are acting like we haven’t used speed lights outdoors for many years and this is more powerful than a speed light…
To me, this light has a specific use that is not covered by the other Godox lights. The form factor is the benefit. Perfect for a couple of things in my book: wedding off camera lighting with a magnetic grid on them and then used for couple’s portraits with the Angler speed box that also has a magnetic attachment. Speed and simplicity are huge at a wedding and not having to mess with adaptors and external battery packs is a real time saver.
I really do love the light and use it almost every day as a background light. The main issue is that it has a slightly green color cast to it that you have to compensate for or live with. Otherwise it's brilliant, love the accessories.
Thanks Gary, I'd been looking at this as a companion to my roundhead Flashpoint speedlights. I'd pretty much decided to wait and see if the price drops any. So your comments have helped!
Hey Mark! I am happy to have one in my kit and I am sure that Adorama will have a good sale on these before too long.
Agree 100% with you... for that price, I prefer the AD200 because has mor options for heads, a more powerful. But if in the future it is a Special Offer, then a buy two of them.
I was thinking the same thing :)
Will use it for either backlight or environmental light, modifiers are sick 🔥
During cloudy days it's powerful enough outside as well, super portable!
Agreed!
The main thing this light is missing is compatibility with the Godox mount, like the AD300. If it had that mount, it would be incredible to use in the 24, 26, and 34" ultra slim softboxes for an incredibly lightweight and elegant solution. The S2 bracket is just big and heavy, and I dislike using them on location, and it also requires the use of the larger Bowens mount modifiers which defeats the point of using a micro sized strobe like this. It's good otherwise, but represents a missed opportunity.
If that’s your setup, sure. The Bowen’s brackets seem fine to me, but I hear you
I’ve got mine $180 from the newest batch. No brainer for a compact and portable setup.
Very cool!
I got mine for 285. 2 pcs. It is more powerful than AD200 + roud head (make sure people are aware of it) AD200 is better only with fresnal square head and barebulb head. Not by 1 stop, but more like .5
That's an interesting point that the AD200 loses a stop when you add the reflector with the round head. Thanks for the feedback!
Good stuff. Glad that I found your UA-cam channel.
Glad to have you on board!
For that price I landed a two pack of v1s. I think the v1 has been the most reliable light I've ever used.
I have a V1 myself and it's an excellent light, for sure. I think the ad100 is a great companion to it. If you think about what I used to pay for speedlites, $400-$600, it's just nuts. Thanks for watching
@@GaryHughesOfficial No problem! The v1 has totally changed my process to wedding photography. I use two of them for three dimensional light
Great info as usual G-Man.
Thanks very much!
yeah I love it and hate it. It would be nice to have, but the price point makes it a hard decision - for now I stick with my AD200
You are certainly not alone in that decision. Hopefully Godox will listen
Magnet front is fun. Works great with same adapters as Flashpoint xr2 and AD200 with round head.
great point, it's got a lot of versatility.
The AD-200 has no zoom function, the AD-100 has, which makes it, when compared to the AD-200 with the round head, _more_ powerful under certain circumstances, the real selling point for the AD-200 is, from my point of view, its much higher versatility because of the bare bulb, which is extremely useful. Yeah, I think I will definitely get one of those nifty 100s at some time. After the 1200. But this is another story 😉
Good points, thanks!
Nice approach to the review man
Thank very much for taking the time :)
I would do the AD200 for the $, looks like a good strobe to get but for me I'll stick with the AD200's.
That’s certainly reasonable
I'm with you on the AD200/eVOLV200. There's not a significant power increase between a speedlight and this for me to justify one. With the 200 I can run such low power levels that recycle times don't even cross my mind. Plus I've already got a bunch of 200 specific modifiers that won't work with it and I try to stay away from Bowens/S bracket setups as much as I can since I'm on location most of the time and they just don't pack as easy.
I was considering this for real estate photography, but instead I’m going to continue using the AD200s and a flash.
Probably a safe bet :)
I'm not trading in my ad200's. Their versatility and power are a nobrainer. That being said, I might have opted for the ad100 over the V1 as my keep-in-the-bag light. I agree with you, though, it's about 25-30 dollars too expensive.
Totally. The advantage of the v1 is that you can use it as a controller in a pinch. And for wedding and event shooters, having an on-camera flash is pretty much a given, so I don't see one as a replacement for the other. As far as using it off-camera, the AD100 is a lot more stable to mount on a stand than the hot shoe (unless you are using a bracket). I am hoping that they will drop the price on this unit because I think that is pretty much the only complaint that anyone has. Thanks for watching!
@@GaryHughesOfficial I had thought of that, but I've never fallen back on the V1 as a controller... yet. :) The other issue is that the V1 can be a little janky in the S-type adapter, even the V2, due to the shape. The AD100, would be better there.
I wouldn't be getting rid of my AD200Pro either. And if I had a V1, I'd still keep it even if only as an on camera flash sometimes (as I do that sometimes).
I was just wondering the same thing! Thanks Gary.
Glad to help!
Don't forget to gel it to correct the heavy green cast from the fresnel lens
it's only really a problem if you mix it other lights, but it does need to be addressed, for sure.
It’s fixed with new models.
Great video Gary.
My concerns are longevity
Adorama and I love that store but the rebranded jenbei and called it Orlit
Here we are just 3 years later and there is no support for them
I have three of their strobes in studio that I never use.
I am in northern Arizona heat and cold would drop my units
Totally understand the concern. I am in Florida and it’s pretty brutal on gear here with the heat and the humidity. I have been using Flashpoint gear from Adorama for about 5 years without issues in either performance or service. I would tend to lean your way of it were another brand, but I don’t think Godox is going anywhere so it’s probably a safe bet. Thanks for watching!
Really great review!
Thanks very much!
Considered buying it, ended up buying an AD200 Pro instead. Godox shot themselves in the foot with the pricing. It needed to be max $200 to make it a worthwhile investment.
I think it is a little too high, for sure. But the Black Friday sale is surely coming :)
For the size and losing only a stop of light it does have its uses. But it’s a tough sell against the AD200 for the same price. However I primarily shoot in the studio, and the AD300’s I use sometimes feels like overkill.
Honestly it’s the studio where it’s most useful. Perfect background light and the army of modifiers for it make it pretty versatile.
Nice informative video. I would have loved to hear about how this will perform as a indoor light with softboxes for a full body shots. Is it powerful enough to use as key light and fill light. I have been looking for this answer, unfortunately no body is touching on this aspect. Hope you will through some light on this.
It really shines as an indoor light. Perfect for weddings etc. not a go to as a main studio light as not enough power
@@GaryHughesOfficial thanks a ton. You have helped me in taking the decision.
Happy to be of service :)
I've been a natural life photographer for the past 8 years and based on the price point I would stick with the ad200 instead. The price would have to drop by $100 for me to buy this.
Fair point
Just got it at Adorama today for $199.
@@ianjoc00 that's a great deal
@@a.jol.sr_photography yes. Got fortunate to get a deal. Cheaper than the V1! ☺️
Thanks for explaining this so well. I'll stick to my AD200's. I do like the AD100's form factor. Might come in handy when I start traveling again. Did you go over how many fully powered pops you can get with this new flash?
No I didn't do a technical review on it, but those specs should be easy to find on Adorama or in a Godox YT video. I would imagine it will perform slightly worse than the V1 as it's slightly more powerful but uses the same batter. Still, though, I would guess you get 3-400 flashes at full power or more.
I want it but would be better if the price was closer to the V1... Maybe about $20 more than the v1 then it would be worth the price for me.
Totally agree the price is a little high. In terms of where it goes in your kit, I think this is a great companion to the V1.
For me the AD100 sits at the top of the speedlite range (yes I know it's not a speedlite, but hear me out) it's got a nice lunch of power for easy flexible quick use for ocf, the AD200 sits at the bottom of the 'studio strobe' range, it's got significantly more punch, and is more flexible to use in a "studio" setup. BUT a 200 with a couple of 100s makes a blinding portable setup, I've used that combination for any number of weddings and family portraits, like any job you need to use the right tool for it, and imo boy did godox hit the almost (price) perfect tool for that particular job! If the price was 30% lower, it would be the perfect tool.
Agreed!
The one very big disadvantage - at least for me - is at that power level it should be able to be used as an on-camera flash as well.
A fantastic light but priced too close to AD200.
That’s pretty much the consensus. That being said, I would still have one in my kit, it’s dead useful and very easy to travel with
It's a nice strobe but the price is an issue....if they charged $299.00 as a kit with the transmitter it would be a no brainer.
I agree. Great tool, price is a bit high
Everything you've been saying where this will fit, like a background, hair light, or all the other instances you stated, the Flashpoint Zoom Li-on (roundhead speed light) checks all those boxes. I just don't see the point for this.
Yep, absolutely. I have that one as well and it’s great. Main advantages of the AD100 are the modeling light, improved power, cylinder design, and a more secure native mount. I don’t really see it as an either/or, though. The V1 would be a good first light, and then AD100 would be a great companion if you wanted another light to be off-camera (and you could control it with the Speedlite. Thanks for watching!
I would like to get one for a hair light but, $300 No .. $249 Yes.
Honestly, if you consider what it can do versus what we used to pay for a good speedlite, the price is pretty great. It's only high compared to similar lights from the same manufacturer. That being said I completely get where you are coming from, but I think for the right photographer, it's a great tool, even at that price.
@@GaryHughesOfficial I was on the fence at that price, I was just about to buy a third AD200 when I learned of the AD100 thought cool, probably be a little cheaper. I'll probably still end up getting a couple of these, seeing they would be great location hair and/or background lights, keeping my AD200's for main and fill. Good point made, my old Norman gear cost much more, even my 200B's were twice the price and twice as heavy to lug around. I love my AD200's I'm sure I'll dig using these little guys just as much. Cheers Gary .. Brian
@@thewoodys_surf_instrumental I know it's a ways off, but Adorama usually has great discounts on black Friday. My guess is that they will have these for sale in two packs for $450 or $500.
@@GaryHughesOfficial I will definitely look out for that, thanks for sharing!
@@thewoodys_surf_instrumental Got this today for $199 at Adorama.
The power is not really a problem. I used to have 200 to 400 watt/sec strobes and used Iso 50-100 with my old Canon 1d mark iii. Now I use an R6 and i can use up to 800 iso without any problem, power issue solved.
I think the AD100 has sufficient power for a lot of different use-cases. Been using mine for the last 2 years and I'm pretty happy with it. Thanks for watching!
Hi Gary, Great video! I was wondering, can you use these primarily for travel headshots? Like if you were to have a 3 light set up where the back ground light can also be strong enough to make the background pure white? I was thinking about using one of these and shooting it through a octobox so I could make a pure white background. Then have the other two for a key and a fill light? Thank you again! and thank you in advance for answering this question.
I do travel with it, but I think you might have a hard time getting evenly lit, pure white that way. I’m sure it’s possible, but I would probably recommend the AD200 over this. I use them primarily for traveling to do headshots and they always get the job done. Battery lasts longer as well :)
@@GaryHughesOfficial Ahhh thank you so much! I really appreciate this information. I currently have 2 AD400s and 2 AD300s but I wanted something more compact for travel.
the ad100 doesn't pack all that much better than the 200s really. You will probably eat the batteries alive using them to blow out a background and the recycle time might be a problem compared to the 200s.
How well do the magnetic attachments stay for modifying the light?
Good question, the magnetic ring is surprisingly powerful. If you smacked it hard you would knock it of, but if the light is stationary you got no worries
Good vid . Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.
I’d rock that light. 😎
Do it! Honestly even at the price it’s a blast to use and worth the money
can you show how to do a hair
light with this?
I will definitely be doing a lighting video soon, I will add this idea to the list :)
i thought i would never say this about chinese lighting....but based on what you used to compare it to, it's definitely overpriced for what it does. the small cuteness factor doesn't offset that and the AD200 is NOT a large heavy cumbersome speedlight.....for my taste :-) i think it should have been compared head to head with the V1 and that would have been a more useful video....for me :-)
I see your point, but the V1 is an on -camera flash, a different class of light altogether. They can’t fill the same needs and they aren’t meant to. In a head-to-head in power, the V1 loses every time, but not by much. But it is a perfect companion to the 100 and 200 as it can also be used to to control the other lights. I definitely think the price is $50 too high, but I expect a robust used market for them after a while and a few sales come the holidays, great alway to pick one up. Just a final thought about the price: I have paid $500 for a speed light with half the power of a 100 and 2/3 the power of the V1. On its own the AD100 is a terrific value, it’s just a niche product and time will tell if it will find a place in the market and stay relevant :) thanks for watching!
@@GaryHughesOfficial And speaking to that point, the AD100 because of its power class - and price point - SHOULD have been able to be used on camera as well.
@@jasonbodden8816 I think they already have an on-camera companion for this light in the V1. It's more than enough for most jobs as far as on camera flash goes (and it's cheap).
Someones had overheat issues with the filter kit AK-R1 ? I need to do more test but I had overheating problem with. Filters seem to block heat. dissipation
I haven’t had that experience
Which boom arm were you using to hold your softbox and flash in this video? I ask because all of the arms that I have found have the grip head welded to the end of the bar--so you can't slide the bar to adjust the distance between the modifier and the stand. Very nice video. Thanks very much!
It’s just a flashpoint C-stand kit with boom arm :)
@@GaryHughesOfficial Thanks, Gary!
My problem with this is almost nobody wants to go outdoors and shoot f/16 so you need to show how it would fare shooting at wide apertures like 1.2, 1.4, 2 and 2.8, since that's the trend and what most people want to know.
That’s an interesting idea, but that doesn’t demonstrate the power of the light against full sun. Now the effect would have been the same with a 6 or 8 stop ND filter and you get your wide open lens right there :) Using the flash at its extreme limit demonstrates that it could function well below those limits too, right? Thanks for watching
@@GaryHughesOfficial Well, of course, but things change when you use larger double diffused modifiers and all that. Don’t get me wrong, this has its place but it will definitely struggle for certain things. Like HSS. Or if you happen to leave your ND filter home you have little hope of managing bright sunlight unless you stop down to small apertures. I prefer the peace of mind of more power regardless. But the AD100 can definitely work for a lot of people whose needs aren’t too intense. It’ll be good to have but for me hardly as a main light outdoors in full sun. I’d more use this in less intense conditions like closer to sunset or night time, or indoors, or in the shade. Ridiculous price point, though, when the AD200Pro is a few dollars more.
I do see your point, and I agree (as I said in the video) that this is probably best as a small carry option for mostly available light photographers or a background light. Since recording this I have used it in my studio and on location at a wedding and it is more than up to the challenge for a lot of different jobs when you want to keep your gear compact.
@@GaryHughesOfficial Yeah. It definitely has its advantages.
Hello, thank you for the video. Does the existing remote of flashpoint work for XPLOR 100 TTL?
Should do, yes
Too the Point review 🙌🏻 . I am bit confused i already got ad400pro and 860-2 , I recently lost my ad200 with maggrip and maggel few days back so was planning to get this with akr1 kit instead of a new ad200..
any way since i got ad400 the ad200 was rarely used.. this will be versatile for hair/ rim light and may be sometimes useful for bouncing from ceiling during wedding..
Whats your thought ?
I actually just shot a wedding with it for the first time last week and it was perfect. It’s not going to be a good solution for over-powering the midday sun for large groups, but for everything else I tried it was great. Absolutely in love.
How noticeable is the green cast on the AD100 pro? I’m thinking to buy one but this issue is very Bothering me..
I haven't noticed it at all showing up in my work, but that may be down to how I use it. I am aware that the color is slightly different than the AD200, but I mostly use it as a background light in the studio rather than a main light on the subject. When I have done so, it hasn't been a problem. My guess would be that you would notice a strange color shift if you mixed it with the AD200 to light a face, but I don't really use it that way.
I'm just starting with Strobe photography, I am planning to get a v1 and 100 pro.
do you think it's sufficient for doing outdoor portrait shoots, product photography?
I’ve done a lot more with less. I think they are a good pairing, but don’t skip over the AD200, they are twice the power for the same price. The AD100 is gonna be limited outside in the sun. Usable, yes, but limited. It’s really best for adding some light on an overcast day and as a second light inside.
I primarily shoot headshots and products with off camera flashes. Think these in a parabolic umbrella / softboxes would keep up with that?
Probably fine for headshots, depending on how you shoot, but it would limit you severely in product photography where you often need to shoot at F11-F22. I would say (not having more details) that the AD200 would be a great option for you and just about the same price. Black Friday is about to happen and Adorama always has very good sales on their Flashpoint(Godox) gear.
@@GaryHughesOfficial yea I thought about that last night. Great point. I also think since I shoot headshots on location and I’m used to using 600ws already, I don’t realize overhead lights and window light because I always over power them. I would probably find myself frustrated with these 🤣 super cool and compact though! Love the idea of a simple set up.
Godox is always in my pocket but for $29. more the Ad200pro is the way to go but I do like the 100 form factor, if it was $225. no brainer.
I would like to see it a little cheaper as well. At $229 they wouldn't be able to keep them in stock.
Gary Hughes....An you know on Black Friday it maybe $279. :(
I bet you they put out a two light kit for $400
Gary Hughes....Nice!
Are you still using evolv 200 pros without modeling lights for headshots?
Yep! Doing it today as a matter of fact
@@GaryHughesOfficial I shot headshots for a long time without modeling lights too. On occasion it was too dark to focus properly, pupils were always large and black, and took some trial and error to get the light where I wanted it. Recently I decided to pick up a couple 400 pro’s for the modeling lights.
I have the round modifiers for my 200s will they work on this light? Also, any info on battery usage?
No, I don't think so. You need the magnetic ones but Flashpoint sells a kit that has everything and it's not expensive.
Have they fixed the green tint issue? Tks.
I don't know, actually. I don't know if something that they can fix with a firmware update, more of a hardware issue. In the next version I sure hope they do!
Thank you. I'm hearing that the new generation has the tint corrected. We will see as I ordered one. Great review! @@GaryHughesOfficial
Thanks! I’ll be picking one up myself if that’s the case!
@@tedboatsman9307was it fixed?
@@GaryHughesOfficial Not a software issue, it's actually the tint on the lens itself. Supposedly, Godox has corrected it with later ones.
Why is every youtuber from the USA assuming that their audience is US only? There is no Adorama in Europe. Outside the US there is no sense in buying Flashpoint instead of Godox.
That’s a fair point, and something to consider. That being said, 90% of my views are from the US and the equipment was provided by Adorama for this video. It’s a good thing to keep in mind moving forward, though.
Because UA-cam will recommend videos that are regionally based first to that demographic. Duh. Why would someone in the US cater to those outside the US? Makes no sense because theres too many variables to cover. I dont see any Euro youtubers gearing videos towards the US when they’re reviewing EU based gear lol Your attempt to feel excluded is due to flawed logic. If you dont grasp simple social media marketing strategies pushed by youtube, you wouldn’t grasp the difference between the gear either lol If you dont want to buy Flashpoint get the Godox chinese version which is global. Theres a solution to your complaining.
Its a great light, too high a price and it is more practical to buy an extra TT600 flash. it the flash was under $200 it would be a no brainer.
Good news is that it has been. Long enough where they go on sale pretty regularly now :) thanks for watching
are you professional photographer?
Yes indeed, for 15 years now :)
@@GaryHughesOfficial yeahhh you say it couple times on the video.
Gary, I'm that idiot who bought the Canon 600 rt at the height of its $$$. Anyway, does Godox work with the Canon trigger? (ste3) I use my lights (Canon & Yongnuo) as remotes, but I wouldn't mind a bit more power so I'm interested even more in that brick-shaped one you showed. You said you'd do the research, I'm too tired to Google it🤣
No you gotta get a Godox trigger, but they are $60 I think. Check out the Flashpoint gear on Adorama, the Evolv 200 is just the best damn thing going, I have 3 of them and use them for everything on location. I used the 600rts, great Speedlites , used the hell out of them. First flashes to include built in wireless, broke the mold and started it all :)
@@GaryHughesOfficial Thanks for the research. My 600's are still kickn', basically just talking about that Canon price hit. BTW looking forward to your Canon webinar tomorrow. Have a good show.
Thanks!
@@GaryHughesOfficial Hi Garry, I only have canon speed-lights but on a summer day I find on full power I have a very slow recycle time for weddings where you need to have a fast turnaround between family shots Bride & Groom etc, would you recommend the AD100 for off camera ?, Thanks John
If this was maybe $199 it would be an easy grab
Agreed. I bet it will drop in price or have a good sale before too long.
Nobody puts baby in the corner! 😅
That’s true
It sucks. Over heats really easily.
Hmm, haven't had that experience myself, but I'm sorry that you have. To be fair, I use it mostly as a back light on relatively low power. Maybe they will iron out some bugs in the next version.
@@GaryHughesOfficial The AD200 Pro is so far superior in every regard for $50 bucks more. I own five of them for weddings and studio use. Main light is the AD300 Pro, which is fantastic even in the Arizona midday sun. Also: For your travel kit, try the new Glow ParaSnap. So compact and easy to travel with.
Really like your channel. Taylor sent me!
THanks, JJ! I own six AD200s, a 300, and a 400. The 100 is definitely a niche tool, not really a great tool as a main light on a serious shoot. In a pinch, it's a great help for natural light photographers looking for a light kit with versatile modifiers. I have maintained since it came out that the price is too high, though. Seth from Adorama told me about the ParaSnap, I am gonna give them a look. At the moment, I need more gear like I need a hole in my shoe, but what the heck! Thanks for watching :)
B&H is BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!!
The good news is, Raymond, is that we live in a world where you get to choose the store you shop at. Enjoy!
Ad200pro does not offer twice as much light. Things are not that simple. You need to check yourself before trying to educate others. Misleading at best.
You are correct, it’s not exactly twice as much light. But in the real world it’s pretty darn close. Not to mention the battery lasts twice as long, so in more than one way, it does. If anyone wanted to watch a video on watt seconds versus actual output, they aren’t gonna get it on my channel :) incidentally, I am a big fan of the 100, but out of the box with no accessories (fresnel heads), the 200 meters at F22 while the 100 meters at F16. Twice the power. I wish you the very best in all your endeavors!
To answer your question yes, it's more than enough power for most in studio or location headshots, etc. But don't get Flashpoint, they've changed everything around and made it hard to use, get the original Godox brand and avoid Flashpoint.
Interesting that you say that. What is different that makes it harder to use?