Profoto has become a kind of standard in the flash market, and one of its most popular models is the B1. However, Godox shook things up with its AD600 flash in 2016, proving that photography enthusiasts could access great performance for a fraction of the cost. Now that battle continues with updated models. The Godox AD600 Pro takes on the Profoto B1X, both want your money, and today we're comparing them.
We all know that without light there's no photo, and sometimes... you need a lot. The flash has to go beyond any camera-integrated solution, and if you find yourself in that situation, you'll have to enter the extremely competitive territory of portable studio flashes. Almost automatically, many specialized sites recommended the Profoto B1, a veteran by now, but the rules changed completely with the arrival of the Godox AD600.
Fast forward to July 2019. Profoto offers its B1X, more powerful and complete than its predecessor, but with an equally intimidating price. Its new direct rival is the Godox AD600 Pro, which promises very similar performance at half the price. How about we get to know it better?
Godox AD600 Pro All-in-One Flash Specifications
- Compatible with Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Olympus, Panasonic systems
- Guide number 87 at ISO 100
- 600 W/s, power range of 9 stops, 1/256 to 1/1
- 38W LED modeling lamp
- 28.8V 2600mAh battery pack, with 360 shots of capacity (at maximum power)
- Recycle time of 0.01-0.9 seconds
- Flash duration: 1/220 - 1/10100 seconds
- High-speed sync, 1/8000
- 2.4 GHz wireless system, 32 channels, 5 groups, TTL, manual and multi support
- Stable color temperature, +/- 75K
Both Profoto and Godox made several external adjustments to their updated flashes. While the Profoto B1X maintains the general appearance of the B1, the Godox AD600 Pro has a cleaner interface compared to the standard AD600. The button placement is more symmetrical, and many users agree that the AD600 Pro's screen is easier to read, thanks to larger text and better contrast. That said, the screen's location hasn't escaped criticism. It feels more “exposed” on the left side, and if you're unlucky enough to have the flash fall in that direction... well...
Head to head, the Godox AD600 Pro and the Profoto B1X stay within the same basic parameters. Both weigh three kilograms with batteries installed, but the AD600 Pro (24.5 x 12.5 x 25 cm) feels slightly more compact than the B1X (21 x 14 x 31 cm). Still, they are very easy to transport, and you'll be able to work with them in the studio and on location without any hiccups.
Godox AD600 Pro vs Profoto B1X: Power
As its name suggests, one of the main advantages of the Godox AD600 Pro is its power, with 600 W/s. This is enough to surpass the Profoto B1X, which despite the update retains a maximum of 500 W/s. Another point that tips the scale in favor of the AD600 Pro is its modeling lamp. In the B1X's case, the LED lamp reaches 24W (about 130 equivalent halogen watts), while the Godox AD600 Pro's LED is 38W.
When analyzing power ranges, we find that both flashes meet their basic specs and are almost tied, with 8.8 stops for the Godox AD600 Pro and 9.3 stops for the Profoto B1X. However, the B1X offers an extra layer of precision with 1/10 increments, while the Godox AD600 Pro controls in 1/3 blocks.
Godox AD600 Pro vs Profoto B1X: Flash Duration and Synchronization
Flash duration is one of the most studied aspects because of its enormous utility when working with fast movements and “freezing” a scene. The problem is that some manufacturers like to manipulate this number a bit and present its equivalent in t.5, that is, from full power down to 50 percent. As an alternative, it's much more interesting to look at the t.1 value, which goes from full power to 10 percent of the flash.
Luckily, Godox and Profoto do this job well. The Profoto B1X reports a “Freeze” mode t.1 from 1/400 to 1/8000, and the Godox AD600 Pro extends from 1/220 to 1/10100. From a practical standpoint, both flashes trade blows here. The B1X doesn't reach the AD600 Pro's levels, but that “10100” ceiling floats closer to 9000.
Regarding flash synchronization, the good news is that both the Godox AD600 Pro and the Profoto B1X support HSS (High-Speed Sync) up to 1/8000. However, we must not forget that using HSS costs a bit of final power, favoring greater consistency. The Godox AD600 Pro gives up just 0.9 stops under HSS, but we can't say the same for the B1X, which in the worst case loses a little over 3 stops.
Godox AD600 Pro vs Profoto B1X: Recycle Time and Battery
In simple terms, the Godox AD600 Pro is a true recycling monster. While the Profoto B1X takes 1.9 seconds, the AD600 Pro shaves a second off that limit with 0.9 seconds, while delivering more light at the same time. If for some reason you find yourself needing to shoot at high speed, don't worry. The Godox AD600 Pro's thermal protection activates after 100 consecutive full-power flashes, or 50 flashes under HSS. In contrast, the B1X has more aggressive active cooling, though that translates into faster battery drain.
And speaking of battery, the Profoto B1X's module adopts a 14.4V 3000mAh configuration, with a maximum of 325 flashes (at full power) and a recharge time of 1.5 hours. The Godox AD600 Pro goes a step further, featuring a 28.8V 2600mAh battery pack, reaching 360 shots (always speaking at maximum power).
Godox AD600 Pro vs Profoto B1X: Price
On more than one occasion I've made clear my preference for the price-performance ratio, and looking at both flashes, that hasn't changed. However, that doesn't mean Profoto doesn't know how to justify its premium. Quite the opposite: Profoto has a longer track record, very healthy availability of accessories, and proven robustness when it comes to servicing its devices in case of failure or accident. In other words, many professional photographers favor the Profoto B1X for reliability... and it costs 1,900 euros.
On the other side of the street, Godox gives the impression of being a “young” brand, but it's certainly making noise. With 800 euros on its tag, the Godox AD600 Pro breaks almost every equation it finds, and this comparison shows it's very strong against its direct opponents. Moreover, it has already gained a lot of ground in availability, and we even have an excellent Godox Spain distributor that often includes free shipping with its purchase.
I hope this text helps you make a decision. Good luck!
https://old.neoteo.com/godox-ad600-pro-tutorial/
