Godox AD400 Pro Strobe Flash, 400Ws Studio Outdoor Flash Monolight with High Performance Li-ION Battery 1/8000s HSS 2.4G Wireless System AD400Pro with 30w LED Modeling Lamp

The Godox AD400 Pro Strobe Flash is a powerful lighting tool for both studio and outdoor shoots. Here’s my detailed review based on its performance:Positives:1. Impressive Power & Portability: With 400Ws of power and an included Li-ION battery, this strobe is perfect for outdoor shoots without needing to rely on external power sources. The compact design also makes it easy to carry around.2. High-Speed Sync (HSS): The flash sync speed of 1/8000s is a game-changer, allowing you to shoot in bright conditions without overexposing your images. It’s ideal for freezing motion and creating stunning outdoor shots.3. Wireless System: The 2.4G wireless system works flawlessly with various triggers, making it easy to control multiple lights or adjust settings without having to touch the strobe itself. It’s especially useful for multi-light setups.4. LED Modeling Lamp: The 30W LED modeling lamp is quite handy for previewing how light will fall on your subject, which is great for fine-tuning lighting setups.5. Versatile Compatibility: The AD400 Pro is compatible with major brands like Sony Alpha and Nikon SB 700, which is fantastic for photographers who work with multiple camera systems.Negatives:1. Price: While it’s currently discounted to £544, it’s still on the expensive side, especially if you’re just starting out or don’t require such high-level features. There are cheaper alternatives for beginners.2. Limited Stock: At the time of purchase, only 4 units were in stock, which could be a problem if you’re looking to buy multiple units or need replacements quickly.3. Accessories: The included accessories are decent, but it doesn’t come with everything. For example, if you need specific modifiers or a more durable carrying case, you’ll have to invest in those separately.Conclusion:Overall, the Godox AD400 Pro is a solid choice for professionals who need a powerful, portable strobe for high-speed sync shooting. The wireless system and battery make it ideal for location shoots, but the price and limited stock could be a downside for some. Still, for those looking for high performance in a compact package, this flash is a great investment!

I have not used this strobe yet but I have the same model I bought last year and it’s amazing, if the new one works the same way, I’ll be more than happy

This is a studio light which can be powered by main electric or by battery. It works in several modes:1. Strobe/single flash – this setting gives a brief flash of light to match your cameras shutter commonly at speeds 1/250s or longer. The light can be set as TTL (through the lens) where the flash strength automatically takes into account the camera settings. Alternatively the light can be set as manual and you can decide how strong the light is.2. Strobe/multi flash- in this setting the light fires you can set the frequency of the flashes, the number of flashes and the brightness/power. This can be useful if you can set your camera to perform multiple exposures on the same frame. In film days this was easy you just didn’t wind on the film. In digital days you need to have a specific setting to do this. This could be useful to catch images of some thing moving, perhaps a juggler, or an gymnast cartwheeling.3. Modelling light- here the light is always on. This is useful for video or if you want to see how the light looks on your subject. However at powers above 30% a fan come on. Its not very noisy but could be too loud if you were interviewing some one in a silent environment.4. High speed sync- in this setting the light still works with a shutter speed greater than 1/250th. The fastest shutter speed will also be influenced by the camera model. This allows a wide aperture to be used when say you want a shallow depth of focus. Not all strobe have this facility.The light comes with quite detailed instructions with diagrams. However it is only about the light. Having got the correct trigger I couldn’t get the high speed sync to work. The camera instructions are general and I spent some time reviewing articles and forums to see what I was doing wrong and concluded that the trigger had to be very firmly located on the camera shot shoe, after which it worked.The light can be used on its own or grouped with other Godox lights of the same type or smaller units such as speed lights which can be mounted on the camera.The light has to communicate with you camera and requires either a wire/cable or a transmitter connected to the camera. I already had a transmitter/trigger, receiver and speedlight which work with both my Nikon and Sony cameras. However the Godox did not recognise this trigger I had to purchase a Godox transmitter. After reading several reviews and youtube videos I chose the Godox Xpro wireless trigger. These triggers are brand specific so the Sony trigger does not work with Nikon. (Don’t know if this is the same for other brands which might be cross compatible.)The light is designed to be mounted on a stand. Light stands are not the same as camera tripods although you can get connectors so a tripod can be converted for use as a light stand. Once mounted there’s a handle/clamp to allow you to choose the angle you want the light at and fix it steadily in that position.Not tested but the manufactures state that after a certain number of continuous flashes the light has to be left off for some minutes to cool down. An example is given with 75 continuous flashes requires 5 min cool down. The light can beep so let you know that it is charged and ready to go. This noise can also be silenced.The light as is it quite harsh, like shining an angle poise lamp directly on an object, you get hard shadows. You can get light modifiers e.g. photography umbrellas, soft box, beauty dish and diffusers which fit the light. A Bowens adapter is included which is another brand of light. Profoto adapters are also available.The flash is labelled as outdoors, but it should n’t get wet. Well at least that is how I have interpreted the statement ‘if it gets wetted do not use until repaired by professionals.’The light is solidly constructed but is not light! It does however come with a padded carry case, into which I could also squeeze the trigger but not a lot else, a few small items like tissues, note pad and pencil.Godox also make a more powerful 600 version and a lower powered 200 version which is pocket sized. I’ve not tried either of these but having watched hours of Youtube video there are a number of folk who recommend and find them good value for money.

Best affordable studio light. I have been researching and found this Godox light to be the best value for price. Very happy with it!

Works great. Good value for money.

Amazing product!

Bought two of these for a shoot! The product itself is great exactly what I needed and comes with everything listed. However during transit the battery came loose from it cut out in the travel case and scratched the frosting on the element and the plastic on the strobe itself. I think the metal mounts on the battery need better protection when traveling like is found on the plug of the charger.