The Godox AD600 Pro II is here, and it’s creating quite a buzz among photographers. This new flash unit is the second version of the well-known AD600 Pro, which has been a favourite since it first hit the market in 2018. If you’re familiar with the original, you might wonder what’s new and whether it’s worth upgrading. In this blog, we’ll take a close look at the AD600 Pro II, compare it to the first version, and help you decide if it’s the right choice for your photography needs.
First Impressions: Unboxing the Godox AD600 Pro II
Upon unboxing the Godox AD600 Pro II, it’s clear that Godox has streamlined the packaging. The retail box is sleek, with a minimalist design that prominently displays the product name and key features. Inside, you’ll find the flash unit itself, a user guide, a power adapter, the flash tube, and the battery. The flash tube and battery are identical to those found in the previous model, the AD600 Pro, which is great news for photographers who already own the earlier version, as it means there’s full compatibility with existing accessories.
The flash unit itself looks similar to the original AD600 Pro, but there are a few notable differences. The most immediately apparent is the new TFT colour screen, which replaces the monochrome LCD of the earlier model. Additionally, there’s a new LED indicator on top of the unit that lets you know when the flash is ready to fire. These may seem like small changes, but they represent thoughtful improvements that enhance the overall user experience.
Key Features and Improvements
The Godox AD600 Pro II retains many of the features that made the original AD600 Pro a favourite among photographers. It’s a TTL flash, meaning it supports through-the-lens metering for accurate exposures, and it works seamlessly with Godox’s 2.4GHz wireless system, which includes a range of triggers like the X1, X2, XPro, XPro II and the newest X3. The flash offers 10 power steps, ranging from 1/1 down to 1/512, allowing for precise control over the light output.
One of the standout features of the new AD600 Pro II is the upgraded TFT colour screen. This screen not only looks more modern but also introduces a new level of functionality. For example, each group is now colour-coded, making it easier to distinguish between different flash units when controlling multiple lights on set. If you’re using the B group, it’s displayed in green, while the A group is shown in red. This is a small but valuable addition, particularly when working in dynamic shooting environments where quick adjustments are necessary.
Another significant change is the relocation of the power button. In the original AD600 Pro, the power button was located underneath the battery pack at the back of the unit. This has now been moved to the bottom right corner of the unit, where it also functions as the test button. This change makes the power button more accessible and intuitive to use.
Performance and Usability
The Godox AD600 Pro II continues to deliver the same high level of performance that photographers have come to expect from the AD600 series. With 600Ws of power, this flash is capable of overpowering the sun in outdoor shoots and provides ample light for a wide range of indoor settings. The flash duration is impressively fast, which is crucial for freezing motion in action shots.
The modelling lamp is one of the most noteworthy upgrades in the AD600 Pro II. While the previous model featured an 38W LED modelling lamp, the new version boasts a 40W bi-colour LED. This is a substantial improvement, offering much more flexibility and power for photographers who rely on the modelling lamp to preview their lighting setups. The bi-colour capability allows you to adjust the colour temperature from a warm 2800K to a cool 6000K, making it easier to match the ambient light or achieve the desired effect.
The LED modelling lamp is particularly useful for photographers who need a continuous light source for video work or for those working in low-light environments where focusing can be challenging. The increased power of the modelling lamp ensures that you can see exactly where the light will fall on your subject, even before firing the flash.
Compatibility and Accessories
One of the key advantages of the Godox AD600 Pro II is its backward compatibility with accessories from the original AD600 Pro. This includes the WB26 battery, C26 charger, and various modifiers that use the popular Bowens mount. This means that photographers who already own an AD600 Pro can easily integrate the new model into their existing setup without having to invest in new accessories.
This compatibility also extends to the new Godox X3 trigger, which offers one-touch wireless sync with the AD600 Pro II. This feature simplifies the process of pairing the trigger with the flash, eliminating the need to manually set channels and groups. This is a welcome improvement that saves time and reduces the potential for errors on set.
Who Should Consider the Godox AD600 Pro II?
The Godox AD600 Pro II is an excellent choice for photographers who demand the best from their equipment. If you’re new to the AD600 series, this model offers a powerful and versatile lighting solution that’s suitable for both studio and outdoor use. The 600Ws of power, combined with the advanced features like TTL, high-speed sync, and the upgraded modelling lamp, make it a reliable workhorse for a wide range of photography applications.
For photographers who already own the original AD600 Pro, the decision to upgrade will depend on your specific needs. If you’re looking to expand your lighting setup and want to maintain compatibility with your existing gear, the AD600 Pro II is a logical choice. The improvements to the screen, power button placement, and modelling lamp are significant enough to justify the upgrade, particularly if you frequently work in challenging lighting conditions where these enhancements will make a difference.
Final Thoughts
The Godox AD600 Pro II represents a thoughtful evolution of an already outstanding flash unit. By retaining the best features of the original AD600 Pro and introducing meaningful upgrades, Godox has created a flash that’s sure to appeal to professional photographers who need a reliable and powerful lighting solution. Whether you’re shooting in the studio or on location, the AD600 Pro II offers the performance and flexibility you need to create stunning images every time.
