In-depth, Non-Technical Assessment of Flashpoint AD200
My Fave Flash: Flashpoint AD200
Hey there! Let's chat about my all-time favorite non-camera gear - the Flashpoint AD200, also known as Godox, Newer, or CheetahStand AD200. This little powerhouse shook up the flash photography industry with its unique features and budget-friendly price tag. I carry at least one on every shoot, being a wedding and portrait photographer who's often in diverse and ever-changing environments.
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Want to dig deeper? Check out my video review below!
Why I Adore the Flashpoint AD200
Construction and Design
For such an affordable off-brand flash, the AD200 is surprisingly durable. Despite not being as fancy as Canon or Nikon flashes, it gets the job done without feeling flimsy. It has taken its fair share of abuse and still keeps ticking.
Unfortunately, the AD200 doesn't offer much in terms of warranty. But worry not! Thanks to MoLight, a US-based repair shop, you can get your AD200 fixed if disaster strikes.
What's more? The AD200 is the same size as a speedlight when the head is upright. It's compact, lightweight, portable, and perfect for location-based photography.
Power
The Flashpoint AD200 is a high-performance photography beast, packing three times the punch of a standard speedlight. Its small size combined with its power level makes it a game-changer for travel or location-based photography.
Having that extra power comes in handy during bright environments, allowing faster flash recharge speeds since less juice is needed. Plus, it helps freeze fast motion better!
Take an example: We'll compare water from a bucket, shot using a speedlight requiring 1/8th power and the AD200 at 1/32nd power. Because the AD200 is more powerful, you can reduce the power setting and eliminate motion blur using the same settings otherwise. Awesome!
Flashpoint Ecosystem
Prior to the AD200, the photography world was divided between speedlights made by camera manufacturers and big strobes made by Westcott or Profoto. But then, the AD200 entered the scene and said, "I want more than just a spoon!"
They built their entire range of flashes around a single trigger, enabling me to control big studio strobes and pocket speedlights alike from the same trigger. Talk about shaking up the industry! This flexibility encouraged other brands like Profoto and Westcott to introduce similar systems.
High-Speed Sync (HSS)
As a location shooter, I often want a shallow depth of field in bright sunlight while still maintaining a flash-style portrait. Using traditional cameras with max flash sync speeds around 1/200 can be challenging without a neutral density (ND) filter on the lens.
High-Speed Sync (HSS) allows for using flashes at any shutter speed, even 1/8000. This incredible feature lets me capture shallow depth of field portraits, even in bright sunlight, regardless of the lens used! The AD200, being three times as powerful as a standard speedlight, with HSS, is truly a treasure in my bag.
Features I So-So Love 😐
Rear LCD
The AD200 LCD screen is okay. It's clear, easy to navigate, and typically visible, even on sunny days. However, it could be slightly brighter for easier viewing.
Firmware Updates
It's frustrating that Flashpoint only offers firmware update software for PCs. Come on, folks! With the growing number of creators using Apple products, it's about time we saw software compatibility catering to all devices.
Overheating
The AD200 can perform well under normal usage, but it slows down when firing at full power or in direct sunlight. Using it to bounce light can also cause quicker overheating. While other high-end brands like Canon or Nikon employ extensive internal thermal protection materials, the Flashpoint AD200 had to make some compromises to keep its budget-friendly price tag.
AD200 vs AD200 Pro: A Brief Comparison
The Godox AD200 Pro is essentially an upgraded version of the standard AD200. Key differences include better color consistency, a shorter flash duration speed, and improved build quality (including a tougher rear LCD). However, it's a pricier option.
I might consider the Flashpoint AD200 Pro for its improved features, such as better color consistency, faster flash duration speed, and sturdier build quality. Nevertheless, I'm still smitten by the original AD200 due to its remarkable power, portability, and compatibility with various gadgets thanks to the Flashpoint ecosystem. Technology indeed plays a vital role in playing with light and capturing those perfect moments.
