Godox AD-S65 and AD-S85 Softbox for AD400 Pro Review

In this video I discuss the Godox AD-S65 and AD-S85 Softbox / octabox. They are Godox mount, so they are proprietary to the Godox AD400 Pro, AD600M, and AD600 (not to be confused with AD600B and AD600BM which feature a Bowens mount). They will also work with the upcoming Godox AD300 Pro

One massive benefit is the very compact size of the softbox when collapsed, as it is much thinner than the equivalent diameter Bowens mount softbox. This

This compact design does have some flaws however, as it requires the inner diffusion or inner beauty dish plate be removed to collapse the softbox. And to get inside and remove those discs, you have to remove the outer diffusion. So every time you set it up you have to completely tear it apart if using any inner accessories.

[TheJewellian]

You deserve a medal...every question I have re flash and soft boxes has led me to your videos....priceless! Thanks!

[espacemaxim]

4:44 It's TWO beauty dish plates, so if you just sandwich them your "accidental" bounce is easily solved. You can make any combination happen this way, no accidental gold bounce ;)

[samcooper]

I've been eyeing this to go with the AD300 Pro when that comes out.

[markkempton]

I bought a 400 recently because I needed more power outside than my 200s could provide, and I went with the 25" beauty dishes for some harsh light. I need something bigger and might go with this 85 version. The size is very appealing and your light kit video was a huge eye opener. Very helpful as always.

[MyRipoff]

I really like the Godox AD S65 for its compact size and hope that Godox will make an adapter like the AD B2 for a single AD200 with a 20 watt LED.

[paulsaxby]

Any idea if there is likely to be a StripBox variant of these? I regularly need StripBox softboxes and it would be really useful to be able to travel such a small kit. I've already allocated cash towards a couple of AD300Pros and ideally i'd like a couple of suitable strip boxes to go on them...

[paulross]

Ok then. I have the Godox AD400 pro and the Godox S65 softbox. What do you recommend for a good sturdy light stand?

[MrTacticalinuit]

The other thing with these softboxes is this, If you don't have a bowens standard reflector it will allow you to use the ad400 standard reflector. I had the bowens adaptor on at all times to use the bowens 85cm godox octobox, making it bulky in my photography backpack. The 85cm godox mount softbox makes the ad400 slimmer in my backpack AND allows me to use the slim godox standard reflector that came with the ad400. Buying the 85cm godox softbox gave me the ability to use the standard reflector, and made it slimmer in my backpack.

For now I'm keeping the 80cm bowens mount octobox, if or when I decide to buy an ad600 or an LED for video that has bowens mount built in, but if I don't buy that I will sell my 80cm bowens octobox and just stick to godox mount modifiers to keep the ad400 slim enough to go straight into my regular backpack.

The reason this matters is that I live in a city in Norway and I don't always have access to a car, and I often walk or take a bus to my locations. If I lived in the US I'd probably keep to bowens mount for a wider variety of modifiers if I was going to put my gear in a car anyway.

[willnalley]

I did not know you had to twist to get into place. Thank you so much you saved me!

[GOAP]

Thank you. Was trying to decide between the AD-S65 and a FotodioX 28" EZ-Pro Deep Parabolic Softbox. Didn't catch that these aren't available with a Bowens mount. Makes it an easy decision.

[arjayache]

Thank you sir, gonna have to get one for my traveling kit!

[ebowden]

Thanks for the video Robert. I actually ordered one right after I saw your video on the ad300 video you did. Interesting fact, with the one I received I also received a small circle piece of fabric with silver on one side and black on the other. The fabric has a very small hole and was around the tip the locking piece that is there. So it acts as a beauty dish reflector. I can message you with a pic if you'd like.
Also, have you seen the extension head for the ad400? I have that as well. Works great, same mount as well. Plus I ordered the ad600 carry bag for hanging it on a shoulder, or as a weight on the light stand.
Thanks again for your great videos. I always learn something new.

[PhotografieRo]

Comparing the light output - 85 cm with Bowens mount vs 85 cm with Godox mount - any differences?

[blackestknights]

Kinda wonder if they might do a Godox mount head for the AD200 series.

[Neukita]

What lighting bag is that you show when packing the bowens mount softbox?

[paolegator]

Hey Robert thanks for making all these Godox videos. As a Godox user myself I find your videos very useful. Question, will the AD-S85 work/mount on a Godox S2 bracket? Do I need a 'step down or up ring' or any other type of converter to make it work?

[ItsNuxFury]

I've been using a flattened disposable pie tin as my "beauty dish plate" on my collapsible 47" octobox lol. Works like a charm. :] The smaller form factor of the new Godox mounts are extremely appealing though.

[zacgrimaldo]

ROBERT! What is that little white circle scruffy thing that comes on the pop up mount rod?! Is that supposed to stay on and act as a small light disturbance (beauty dish scrunchy)? Or can I just let it fall off and keep it off? I have two 300s and a 400 and hope to finish out my travel kit! I also have the 600, but mainly use it for outdoors, when more power is needed. Thanks!

[brentfordytclips]

So you are telling me, I can use both Softboxes without the inside bit and just only use the main outside white Cover? Great video and explanation as always. Much appreciated 🙏 🔥

[robertjburns]

Just wanted to mention, the godox ad-S85 Soft box, that I have just purchased, does not fit my Godox proprietary M mount h600 and h1200 heads, although they appear to be compatible, the diameter of my ad-S85 Soft box mount has a male outside diameter which is exactly the same as the female inside diameter of my Godox M mount heads, making it impossible to attach.
As I've converted all my modifiers speed rings to the Godox proprietary M mount for a more optimised light spread, I am hopeful that they will fit the new Godox ad-300pro I've just ordered, as I am guessing godox may have opened up the tolerances of the mount to be compatible with the new ad-S65/S85 Soft boxes, or it may simply be that my ad-S85 Soft box has a slightly oversised mount.