AD100 Review: Why I would recommend something else instead

AD100 Review: Why I would recommend something else instead

In this video I wanted to go into why we would never recommend the Godox AD100. We wanted to really like this flash by unfortunately after taking it out on the field, into a real world situation, we realized how many shortcomings this flash has. Instead of using the AD100, we would highly recommend sticking to our favorite flash which is the AD200. Or have some smaller options for a lower price for your secondary flashes. Below are links to the AD200, TT600, TT685, and the transmitter we recommend.

Thank you for watching!

Gear mentioned, all for Sony mount

AD200:

TT600:

TT685:

XPro-S:

[Todd_Kuhns]

The Ad100 is ONE stop less power than the Ad200. Your rant about it not have enough power but the 200 does is weak. As for the over heating, I haven't had than issue but fair enough.

[epradeep]

I have a feeling you got a lemon. You should check out Wes Perry’s torture test of the AD 100 Pro. Even with HSS on.. it fired for almost 6 mins continuously at 1/2 power. Horses for courses.. i feel where the AD100 excels is the size and form factor.. and it is way more powerful than the V1 which i guess is around 70ws.

[amirneshati]

If you're overheating at 1/32 or so, then there is something wrong with that particular unit. I shoot architectural interiors and homes, the AD100 has been a great replacement for the Zoom speedlights with more power, reliability and better quality light. Outdoors for what you do, probably not enough power to battle the bright sun. I have 4 of the AD100s and usually takes 2~4 to shoot an average home placing them in different areas of a space or darker adjacent rooms, I pop them 1/2 to full power sometimes to the point that the fan starts after a while, but takes quite a few pops to activate the fan, though they still keep popping. One note, the early versions have a magenta tint Fresnel and the later AD100s have been corrected with the updated Fresnel, Adorama was good to send me the correct tints to update my older versions. The AD200 is an awesome strobe as well, the size and weight of the AD100 makes them appealing for ease of transportation for me. So far nearing two years and they keep popping on a nearly daily basis. For the darker or larger spaces, the AD200s and AD300s come in quite handy.

[viroxd]

Thank you! AD200 added to cart!

Edit: Pro or no?

[realnikonlover]

Sadly I just bought two AD100s on Amazon Prime Day. Well... I will give them a run and see if they work for my needs. May flip them for the AD200s which many have raved about.

[MartinV.]

ad200 for the win! especially for outdoors....you never want less power!!

[nathangendlephoto]

Might be a good studio light? Yeah ad200 is the perfect flash

[BlaineShillington]

The AD100 is a great little light if you need something just a bit nicer than a speedlight, but you have to set expectations. My general rule is that if i'm going to need to run it on full power, size up to a size you can run at 1/4 or 1/2 power at the most to get better recycle times and cooling. For outdoors I would never expect an AD100 or even AD200 to be able to overpower the sun. Go to something with more like a 600w/s light when you need more power and run it at a lower setting. Your gear will thank you. I also agree those yongnuo speedlights are great and basically disposable. If one dies or falls on the ground I don't worry about them.

[DerekEscobedoPhotography]

Tell me how you really feel! Love the info. Thank you for sharing your review.

[frankiesummers]

Totally empathize from where you're coming from. Id be raged too lol, but with that said, i would give the 100 another shot. Though overheating is not rare, its been uncommon.

Yeah i would never even attempt at using a hundred watts in broad daylight. Unless youre a foot and a half away, id be surprised if you got a whisper of light off it. Right tool for the right job: this aint gonna replace a 200 and nothing less.

Though still costly, you're paying for its speed and versatility being able to stand one up, pop on and off modfiers in seconds. Just like you said, especially in weddings, you cant afford to lose those moments. I think its perfect for those exact situations.

I think you just got one from a bad batch. Give it another shot.

[hhielscher]

The music is distracting. It bothers me.

[mr.exchange]

In my opinion the AD100pro is hands down better than the AD200. I’ve owned the ad100, ad200, V1 and ad300. I’ve had the ad200 over heat and create a green cast. I don’t think the AD100 is trash I love it and don’t think the AD200 is for me.