The Godox AD200 Pro II is an update to Godox’s Popular AD200 Pro “pocket” flash that blends portability with relatively high power (200Ws output) that I reviewed in 2019.  The new MK II version has a lot of key upgrades to make the flash more versatile and more easily controllable, and comes at the same price of $349 USD as the previous model. It is worth buying, or even upgrading to? That’s what I explore in the video review. You can also look at a summary of my findings in this article.

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Thanks to Godox for sending me a review sample. As always, this is a completely independent review. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

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The AD200 Pro II has the SHAPE of an on-camera flash, but will require a flash trigger to control – optimized for use with Godox’s new X3 triggers but will work with older triggers, too. I did two portrait sessions using Nikon for the first time with a Godox setup, utilizing the Nikon Z8 with the Nikkor Z 50mm F1.4 for one, and then the Z8 with the upcoming Laowa Tilt/Shift 55mm F2.8 Macro for another (an amazing lens, by the way!). I also tested the AD200 Pro II with an older X-ProS trigger and the Sony Alpha 1 along with the Sirui Aurora 85mm F1.4 lens. Here are some photos from these shoots:

The results were what I’ve come to expect from Godox. Good power, reliable triggering, and lighting that just generally works. But that was true of the AD200 Pro as well, so what has actually changed?

Upgrades from AD200 Pro

1. Improved airflow for cooling (motorized)
2. Improved modeling light – brighter and now have kelvin control
3. New bare bulb head (with modeling light)
4. Group color indicator – better visual indications (red light)
5. Automatic wireless sync with new X3 trigger
6. Improved menu and LCD screen
7. Fast charge port (Propac)
8. 1/512^th precise manual adjustment

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Things I Like

• New screen and vastly improved menu
• Like the much improved versatility of the modeling lights | both the Fresnel and Bare Bulb heads are improved.
• Better cooling
• Improved charging setup

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Things I Don’t Like

• Shape means that you have to use clunky adapters to get to Bowens mount
• Changes to heads for cooling means that existing modifiers won’t work.
• Powered fan means that you need to let it run instead of powering it off to cool it.

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Conclusion

I’m still not sure I would call this a “pocket flash”, but the AD200 Pro II has a vastly improved interface and functionality.   If you are already familiar with working with the existing AD200 Pro, I’m not sure an upgrade is warranted as this is still the same flash and output at heart…and your existing modifiers may not work.  But this remains a great option if you are starting fresh, as it not only competes on output and price, but now the AD200 Pro II is also competitive with its feature list and handling as well.

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Purchase the Godox AD200 Pro II at B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany

Purchase the Godox X3 Transmitters at B&H Photo or Amazon

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