Godox AD100 Pro Pocket Flash REVIEW

GODOX Lighting Photography



BUY FROM AMAZON BUY FROM B&H PHOTO Amazing pocket flash that gets the job done.
A couple of years ago, I invested in the Godox V1 Round Head Camera Flash. It was the first Godox light that I added to my camera kit and ever since I’ve been a fan of the brand. I have several Godox strobes at my disposal, but none of them are like the AD100 Pro, which works as a great compliment to the V1, as well as other Godox AD-series strobes, as an off-camera flash. 
DETAILS
The AD100 Pro is labeled as a ‘pocket flash’ by Godox. It’s compact and has all the major features of the AD series lights from Godox. This tiny strobe has 100W of power and helps to fill the lighting gap for photographers when they shoot on location. It works great as an off-camera strobe and is completely compatible with Godox’s accessory kit (AK-R1) that also works with the V1. The AD100 Pro features a 2.4GHz wireless signal for connecting to the X-series triggers. The flash has a rechargeable 2600mAh battery, works with TTL and high-speed sync, and also includes a modeling light. The flash is also compatible with the S2 bracket so that it can work with Bowen-mount modifiers. 
Model AD100Pro Wireless Receiver Unit Mode Radio transmission mode (compatible with Nikon, Canon, Sony, Fujifilm, Olympus, Panasonic, and Pentax) Flash Mode Wireless Off
Receiver unit of radio transmission
M/Multi
TTL/M/Multi Compatible Cameras under Radio Transmission (as receiver unit) Nikon cameras (X1T-N, X2TN, XProN as trigger)
Canon EOS cameras (X1T-C, X2TC, XProC as trigger)
Sony cameras (X1T-S, X2TS, XProS as trigger)
Fujifilm cameras (X1T-F, X2TF, XProF as trigger)
Olympus cameras (X1T-O, X2TO, XProO as trigger)
Pentax cameras (X2T-P, XProP as trigger) Power Output 9 Steps: 1/256~1/1 Stroboscopic Flash Provided (up to 90 times, 99Hz) Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC) Adjust the parameters in the 2.4G remote control Sync mode High-speed sync (up to 1/8000 seconds), first-curtain sync, and second-curtain sync Delay Flash 0.01~30 seconds Beeper √ Modeling Lamp (LED) 1.8W: Light brightness: 1 to 10 levels Optic Receiver Flash S1/S2 Wireless flash function Receiver, off Controllable Receiver groups 5 (A, B, C, D, and E) Transmission range (approx.) 100m Channels 32 (1~32) ID 01~99 Power Supply Lithium battery pack (7.2V/2600mAh compatible with V1) Full Power Flashes Approx. 360 Recycle Time Approx. 0.01-1.5s Battery Indicator √ Power Indication Power off automatically after approx. 30 minutes of idle operation Sync Triggering Mode 3.5mm sync cable, wireless control port Color Temperature 5800 +/- 200k Dimensions 120 x 76 x 76 mm Weight 524g USER EXPERIENCE
When I first heard about the AD100 Pro, I was thrilled. I already own its sister lights — the AD200 Pro, AD300 Pro, and the V1. I also have the AD400 Pro, but it’s not exactly in the same class of flashes as the smaller ones are. When I shot a wedding a couple of years ago, I used my V1 as an off-camera flash. While some people may not think that would provide enough power with an outdoor reception, it ended up being ideal for the circumstance. The reception was in a gazebo and it took place after sunset. The V1 has a power output of 76W so I knew the AD100 Pro with 100W would give me a comparable look in that type of situation. The can-sized light is perfect for run-and-gun photo shoots. That night I shot the wedding would have been a great place for the AD100 Pro to show off. I could have had it on one stand in one area of the gazebo and the V1 on the other side. It would have filled out my coverage nicely. 

But, alas, that event is in the past. I have, however, been able to use the AD100 Pro in several different scenarios since I’ve had it in my kit (approximately one month). The first thing I truly appreciated about this light was its size. It really is the size of a soda can. I had heard it compared to a can before it arrived, but when I unboxed it and held it right next to a soda, I was amazed at how close the sizes are. The size is a HUGE bonus for this powerful little light. For one thing, it packs away into a camera bag the same way that a lens does. Second, it’s so lightweight, it’s easy to mount on any kind of stand or have someone hold the light for longer periods of time without getting tired. The strobe comes with a stand mount, which can also be used as a handle. My assistant (also my fiancé) commented how much she loves working with the AD100 Pro because of how easy it is to handle. 

Another great function of a light this size is creativity. While that might sound strange, the truth is that I can pack the AD100 Pro around and venture into places – like wooded areas, for instance – and pop the light into the crook of a tree branch or prop it up on the ground to get a cool lighting effect. Because it’s so small and lightweight, it’s easy to manipulate natural surroundings to accept the light whereas the larger strobes might be less compatible with that type of environment.

And, while this next perk is not specifically for the AD100 Pro, it does apply to the newest member of the Godox family. Godox does a fantastic job of developing an ecosystem of products. What I mean by that is that the strobes all work with the X-series triggers and the round head on the AD100 Pro was specifically designed to be the same size as the V1 so that it works with the AK-R1 accessory kit. That means that you can use any of the magnetic modifiers with the AD100 Pro. In addition to that, the light is also compatible with the S2 mount and therefore can work with Bowens mount modifiers – just like the rest of the AD line. Compatibility across the flash products is one of the reasons I love Godox. 

On that note, I do want to point out that even though the battery in the AD100 Pro and the V1 are supposed to be interchangeable, they do have some minor differences. First, the two batteries have different model numbers. While this shouldn’t make that big of a difference if they put out the same power, the fact is that the batteries are slightly different in physical size. The V1 battery will power the AD100 Pro, but I don’t know if I would recommend doing that since they are not exactly the same battery.  

As far as use cases go, I’ve used the AD100 Pro for two main types of photography – portraits and products. As a product reviewer, I end up taking product photos nearly every day. I have recently been experimenting with flat-lays and found that the AD100 Pro is very helpful for that purpose. I typically use an AD200 Pro with a Glow 28” Octa Quick Softbox on it. When the AD100 Pro arrived, I decided to put it on a stand opposite the AD200 Pro and bounce it off of an umbrella. The result took the product photos to another level. The lighting took on a new dimension and really made the product pop off of the background. Some of the photos I’ve taken using the AD100 Pro are included in this article. 

The other style of photo I’ve taken with the AD100 Pro’s help is portraits. My grandmother is 87 years old. She will be turning 88 in just a few weeks. We recently found out that she may have some major health problems to fight through. So, I decided to sit her down and get a good portrait of her. I set her on a stool in front of my backdrop. I lit the room up with my AD200 Pro – modified with the aforementioned softbox – and the AD100 Pro with the grid from the AK-R1 kit and a white umbrella used as diffusion for the shot. I also used the Godox TL60 Tube Lights to cast the pink and green hues onto the background.  The goal was to create a bright, colorful photo of my grandma that would reflect her fighting spirit. One of the reasons I pulled the AD100 Pro in was to help diminish the appearance of the wrinkles on her face. I was very happy with the result.
Portrait set-upFinished portraitCONCLUSION
While some people might question the need for a pocket flash like the AD100 Pro, I can definitely see its purpose. It’s an easy-to-handle strobe that can go with you anywhere to provide supplemental light when your Speedlite is not enough. Will it take the place of its larger relatives? Probably not. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be a useful member of the product family. The only issue I really have with the AD100 Pro is its price. Godox has the AD100 Pro and the AD200 Pro listed at $299 while the V1 Flash is listed at $259 (all prices current at the time of posting). I would much rather see Godox change it up a bit so that the V1 is around $200, the AD100 Pro be around $250, and the AD200 Pro be the $300 mark. At least that would separate the different powers a bit. I just think if someone were trying to make a decision on which light is the best option based on the price that the current prices could be confusing. Aside from that, the AD100 Pro is a great little strobe that has a permanent place with my lighting gear. Godox lighting is what helped turn me into a photographer. Before I started using Godox lighting I was strictly a daylight-style photographer and that was my biggest drawback. Anyone looking to work with a great system to improve their photography should be looking to Godox for lighting gear.

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