Godox AD1200 Pro Review // Powerful Off Camera Flash

In this Godox AD1200 Pro Review, I discuss the form factor and capabilities of this powerful off camera flash. I provide real world examples of using this strobe outdoors in bright conditions, with HSS

Godox AD1200 Pro
The Godox AD1200 Pro camera flash is part of the flagship series of powerful strobe and flashes. It is also the most powerful flash unit from Flashpoint and has multiple flash modes such as Manual, TTL, and Multi. This flash unit is also compact in design, making it suited for location shoots. It offers fast power recycling of less than two seconds and also has a long flash duration that is ideal for rapid shooting. The Godox AD1200 Pro Flash is at least one-third lighter than previous units, weighing just over 17 pounds. It has a 1200W head and a rechargeable and interchangeable 5.2Ah 36v Lithium energy pack that can be fully charged in only two hours. Users can expect at least 480 full-power flashes from the Godox AD1200 Pro . This Godox flash unit is compatible with notable camera systems of Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Olympus, Panasonic, and Pentax thanks to the Godox X Series wireless control. Have a reliable flash unit with the Godox AD1200 Pro Flash.

Introducing The Most Powerful Unit From Godox. Ever.
From the fertile and inventive minds of Flashpoint comes the Godox AD1200 Pro, the flagship series of fabulously brilliant 'go-anywhere' flashes. It's one monster of a light, delivering a real-world GN of 407ft/124m, offering Manual, TTL and Multi modes, fast full power recycles of less than 2 seconds, total High Speed Sync, and a covetous COB LED with a hefty 3-way modeling lamp blazing 3650lx at 1 meter. This Godox AD1200 Pro is the answer to the rapid-fire fashion photographer with flash duration on their minds, the wedding master with a massive dance hall or cathedral, and the commercial studio psyche with a longing for color supremacy.

Introducing The Most Powerful Unit From Godox. Ever.
Small Package. Big Luminance.
With a lightweight portfolio of just over 17 pounds, this pack and head are less than one-third the weight of previous similar designs. Godox AD1200 Pro is the technology of today, boasting a massive 1200ws head, with all of the magic of X series wireless combined with unheard of portability. The output ranges from full to 1/256 and responses entirely to all of the rich and proven X series wireless camera TTL systems from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, Olympus, Fujifilm, and Pentax. This flash is going to take the photographic world by storm.

Small Package. Big Luminance.
Fire Away.
The rechargeable and interchangeable 5.2Ah 36v Lithium energy pack frees the serious shooter to illuminate anywhere, touting a long-lasting 187.2-watt hour reserve to master uptime. Expect at least 480 full-power flashes from this beast, and feeding time a quick two-hour recharge. An AC option for studio and indoor location assignments replaces the battery chamber for a direct mains connection.

Fire Away.
Different Strobe, Same Modifiers.
The 9 inch by 5-inch diameter flash head weighs little over 4 pounds, has a 12-foot cable length that satisfies the needs of 'big event' photographer's, and the Bowens mount receives all the same modifiers you have come to appreciate from Glow and others.

Different Strobe, Same Modifiers.
Rule The Light.
What are you waiting for? Fan-cooled, over-the-top power, usable in any venue and challenge. The ultimate lighting tool for the brave and visionary among us. A system that soars above any quest the bold XPLOR has reached.
Until now.

Rule The Light.
Features.
True 1200ws flash head dedicated output
Three active Modes: Manual, TTL and Multiflash
High Speed Sync and Custom Function for Masking, Delay and Sequence
1200ws head has 12 feet of non-tangle cable
The brilliant COB LED modeling lamp provides a clear preview of the lighting
Lightweight pack and head goes anywhere at less than 13 pounds
Rechargeable lithium battery pack or AC powered
Bowens mount compatibility for hundreds of modifiers
Flashpoint R2 wireless control for Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, Panasonic. Olympus, and Pentax TTL camera systems
Fan cooled head and pack keeps it going under the gun
Custom functions even a strobist would appreciate

[ShaabaamAshon]

Robert Hall I really appreciate your thorough reviews on the Godox products! I was not aware of the Godox AD1200 Pro until today! Keep doing what you do!!!!

[rjphotography]

Revolutionary product for sports photographs !! Well I am a wedding professional and I am happy with my AD600pro

[dancejam]

I think you answered most of my previous questions (commented with a different video) in this one. Just saw it.

[leemski]

Great review, cool photos, well brushed beard... all pro!

[mediocreman]

Got this light for a number of reasons, but mainly because with my 600pro, I always had to get just a bit _too_ close, had to crank up ISO-amplification just a bit _too_ much, etc., so the 1200 is perfect … except for the fan noise.

I originally intended to to sell my 600, but now I won't, because if you “lay wild life traps”, with pre-set focus and lighting and everything, and just wait for one of those little critters to come into view, with a fan that keeps making noise all the time – forget it. I know this is actually not really a problem for 99% of people/applications), but still, should they ever make a head that has a more intelligent fan control, except a well kept 600 to be out for sale.

[mverick]

It's a nice light. Love the power. They were specifically going after the Elinchrom ELB1200 I use now and the Broncolor Move L pack for outside action shoots. One problem. The ELB1200 and Broncolor Move L is HS not HSS so you don't lose power when the shutterspeed goes up.

Will I get 2 or 3. Probably, I like the form factor. Will it replace the 3 Elinchrom ELB1200's I use now. Nope. Since at 8000th of a second I'm getting all 1200watts of flash with the ELB1200 in HS and with the AD1200pro I get about 400 watts of power in HSS. But if you use the Ad1200 out of HSS it's a beast. Think ND filters and you're set. But I went with HS and HSS to get away from ND filters. With Godox and Profoto in HSS, I still need ND filters.

In saying all this, the Elinchrom ELB1200 is about $3500. And if you also toss in a action head another $900. And this is about $1600. So theirs that. But in use, the ELB1200 from Elinchrom and even better the Broncolor Move L packs using HS just get more stuff done. At a significant price increase of course. The reason I went with Elinchrom over Broncolor was Elinchrom has the ELB 400 to use for a smaller light in HS. Broncolor doesn't have a 400 watt battery strobe. But the Broncolor Move L pack is better from controllability then the Elinchrom ELB 1200.

In the Godox's favor. The transmitters are light years ahead of both Broncolor and Elinchrom in ease of use.

Great review as always.

P.S. I have that 70" Profond. And the 47" one just showed up today with the focusable rod. I just wish they'd get one with the same dimensions and throat as a Broncolor Para 88 and Para 133. I keep trying these from everyone and nobody matches the look of the Broncolor Para's. Which I prefer. If you're going to copy a design. Copy it. LOL The less diameter throat on the Para 88 allows a ringlight effect in the eyes. The Godox, Smdv, Canonmark, Elinchrom, don't do that.


In saying all this. Godox having multiple options for smaller flashes is awesome. I can set a scene and use ad200's or v1's as kicker lights for background lighting with the AD1200 as a main. But, I want the ability with the Ad1200 to turn daylight into night. And in HSS, I don't have that ability. If they'd have just put HS into it. I'd probably have sold off my Elinchrom gear.

[markkitaoka]

Thanks for the coverage on this light. I use my 1200/600 combos and I'll stick with those. Thank you.

[clkamg]

Very brave of you to use that tiny stand with such a large parabolic modifier on a windy day

[luistunonjr.]

Good video Robert. Very fair and impartial.

[Jwitherow]

I really like learning from you Robert I have watched countless videos of yours. What’s up with the big beard it’s cool.

[_clickbait_]

Carrying two big strobes outdoors like the older version was a pain in the ass. One package with a two year warranty, because outdoors.

[petegerardini]

"She blinded me with science"

[jayboatwright]

100% for youth sports photographers!!! Thank you for the review, buying.

[martinwerge]

You sold it, I'm buying it! Gonna get some epic dog action shot with this 😊

[jobar]

You just answered my question that Adorama didn’t. The fan, could not decide if it was normal or if I got a bad one. Thanks

[tayloriginals]

You talk about the price point being high, but is there anything comparable from other brands at that price?

[Gpjphoto]

Thanks Rob for the review. However, we are right back to where we started with Godox, shedding the large bulky 17lbs of weight and cords associated with the PCB Vagabond and Vagabond Mini... This is definitely not for the run and gun photographer. I guess Godox knew it was too heavy, that is why they added the rolling bag to lug it around. I am pretty sure I will be skipping this one.

[tunjitube]

Comparable to the Broncolor at an entry level price must have for sure

[rex]

Rob in all your testing with Godox flashes have you encountered a bug where it doesnt fire consistently? Ive updated mine to latest firmware. Ad 600 and AD 400 both do this but my ad 200 works perfectly

[frostyber]

I got the AD1200 Pro over the AD600 Pro as it was only £379 more.