Godox has become a leading name in photography lighting, known for delivering exceptional value and a wide range of products. Among their popular offerings are the AD series strobes, each designed to meet different needs and budgets. The Godox AD200 Pro, AD300 Pro, and AD400 Pro represent a spectrum of power and portability, often leaving photographers wondering which model best suits their workflow. While the AD200 Pro has carved its niche as an ultra-portable and versatile option, the AD300 Pro and AD400 Pro cater to users seeking more power and advanced features.
This article dives deep into a direct comparison between the Godox AD300 Pro and AD400 Pro. We will analyze their key differences in size, power, features, and overall performance to help you determine which strobe is the ideal choice for your photography needs. If you’re caught between these two excellent Godox strobes, this detailed comparison will provide the insights you need to make an informed decision.
Size and Portability: Striking a Balance
When considering lighting equipment, size and weight are critical factors, especially for photographers on the go. The Godox AD300 Pro is explicitly designed with portability in mind, positioning itself as a more compact alternative to the AD400 Pro. However, the numbers tell a slightly nuanced story.
While the AD300 Pro appears smaller at first glance, a closer look at the dimensions reveals that it’s not as dramatically smaller than one might expect compared to the AD200 Pro, and especially when put against the AD400 Pro. The AD300 Pro measures 7.5×3.5×4 inches, equating to roughly 100 cubic inches. In contrast, the AD200 Pro, despite its skinnier profile, occupies 65 cubic inches. The AD400 Pro is significantly larger, built for higher power output.
Close-up of the Godox AD300 Pro display panel, highlighting user-friendly interface for photographers comparing strobe controls.
In terms of weight, the AD300 Pro weighs 2.7lbs with the battery, which is only slightly heavier than the AD200 Pro (2.1lbs). The AD400 Pro is considerably heavier, making the AD300 Pro a more attractive option for photographers prioritizing lightweight gear for travel or on-location shoots. The AD300 Pro’s size and weight make it manageable on monopods or smaller light stands, enhancing its portability. While the size difference from the AD200 Pro is marginal, the AD300 Pro offers a significant reduction in bulk compared to the AD400 Pro, which is a key advantage for photographers needing to minimize their gear footprint.
Power Output: Bridging the Gap
Power is a fundamental consideration when choosing a strobe. The Godox AD300 Pro strategically positions itself in terms of power, fitting neatly between the AD200 Pro and AD400 Pro. In practical testing, the AD300 Pro demonstrates a power output that aligns with its model number. It’s approximately half a stop more powerful than the AD200 Pro and half a stop less powerful than the AD400 Pro. This power differential is crucial in understanding the ideal applications for each strobe.
The AD400 Pro, with its higher power, is better suited for scenarios demanding more light output, such as overpowering the sun in outdoor photography or lighting large groups or spaces. The AD300 Pro, while less powerful, still offers substantial power for most portrait and small to medium-sized studio setups. It provides a noticeable step up from the AD200 Pro, offering more flexibility in situations where the AD200 Pro might feel slightly underpowered.
For photographers who frequently shoot in challenging lighting conditions or require the ability to use larger modifiers at greater distances, the AD400 Pro’s extra power will be beneficial. However, for photographers who prioritize portability and typically work in more controlled environments or with smaller setups, the AD300 Pro provides a balanced power output that is more than sufficient while maintaining a smaller footprint.
Interface and Design: Familiar and Functional
The Godox AD300 Pro maintains a user-friendly interface consistent with Godox’s X series, ensuring a seamless transition for existing Godox users. One notable improvement in the AD300 Pro is its brighter display, which significantly enhances visibility in outdoor shooting conditions. This is a practical upgrade that addresses a common usability concern in bright environments.
The button layout on the back of the AD300 Pro is intuitive, offering quick access to essential controls such as group and channel settings, test firing, power on/off, and mode selection (Manual, TTL, and Stroboscopic). The inclusion of a custom functions menu provides deeper control over settings like recycle beep and flash duration display. A dedicated button for the modeling lamp and a rear dial for power adjustments further simplify operation.
However, the design of the AD300 Pro does have a potential vulnerability: the display screen is somewhat exposed, increasing the risk of damage from drops. This is a design element that differs from the more recessed display on the AD200 Pro. Aesthetically, while functional, the display and button design might appear slightly dated compared to some competitors, but the focus remains on practicality and ease of use. Both the AD300 Pro and AD400 Pro share similar interface logic, so user experience in terms of controls will be largely consistent between the two.
Battery and Recycle Speed: Reliable Performance
Battery performance and recycle speed are critical for workflow efficiency. The Godox AD300 Pro utilizes the WB300P battery, providing approximately 320 full-power flashes on a single charge. It also boasts a fast recycle time of 1 second at full power. Importantly, the AD300 Pro offers backward compatibility with the AD200/AD200 Pro battery, adding versatility for users already invested in the Godox ecosystem, although recycle speeds might be slightly affected when using older batteries.
At lower power levels (⅛ power), the AD300 Pro achieves an impressive recycle time of 1/10th of a second and can sustain continuous shooting at 10 frames per second for extended bursts. In stress tests, the AD300 Pro has proven reliable, completing 50 full-power flashes consecutively without triggering thermal protection. The AD400 Pro generally offers a similar recycle speed performance, although its battery capacity is designed to support its higher power output.
For most photographers, the battery performance and recycle speed of both the AD300 Pro and AD400 Pro will be more than adequate for professional use. The AD300 Pro’s battery life is well-suited for typical shooting durations, and its fast recycle speed ensures minimal downtime during shoots.
Modeling Lamp: Bi-Color Innovation
A standout feature of the Godox AD300 Pro is its bi-color LED modeling lamp, a first for Godox X series strobes. This feature, likely inspired by Profoto’s introduction on the B10, allows for adjustable color temperature from 3000k to 6000k. This bi-color capability is beneficial for photographers who want to preview how their lighting will interact with ambient light or need a modeling lamp that can match different color temperatures.
Testing the bi-color LED modeling lamp of the Godox AD300 Pro with a Sekonic C-800 colorimeter, demonstrating color accuracy for photographers.
However, the modeling lamp is a 12W LED and is relatively dim. In practical terms, its brightness is limited, especially when used with softboxes or in ambient light. Its primary utility is for close-up detail shots and assisting with focus in low-light environments. While not powerful enough to serve as a primary video light, the bi-color LED is a valuable addition for certain specialized tasks. The AD400 Pro also features an LED modeling lamp, but it is typically a single color temperature, lacking the bi-color versatility of the AD300 Pro. Godox has improved the light quality of the AD300 Pro’s modeling lamp, achieving a CRI average of 95.4 and accurate Kelvin temperature readings.
Color Accuracy and Flash Duration: Consistent Performance
Color accuracy is paramount for professional photography, and the Godox AD300 Pro excels in this area. In stable color mode, it maintains a color temperature accuracy of +/-100k, comparable to the AD200 Pro. With stable color mode disabled, the variance increases to +/-200k, but this mode prioritizes shorter flash durations. Testing with a colorimeter confirmed color temperatures consistently in the 5900-6000k range in stable color mode.
The AD300 Pro also boasts a high CRI of 97.9, indicating excellent color rendering capabilities. In high-speed sync (HSS) mode, the color temperature does shift slightly to the 5300K range with a CRI of 95, which is still within acceptable limits and easily correctable with minor adjustments. Users might observe a slightly warmer tone in HSS when using softboxes in daylight or cloudy conditions. The AD400 Pro generally offers similar color accuracy performance, making both strobes reliable for color-critical work.
Flash durations are equally impressive. The AD300 Pro displays T.1 flash durations, measuring the time for the flash to drop to 10% of its peak brightness. Real-world testing has shown that the actual flash durations are even better than the figures displayed by Godox, making the AD300 Pro capable of freezing motion effectively across various power settings.
Godox Mount and Modifier Compatibility: Adaptability
The Godox AD300 Pro utilizes a proprietary Godox mount for attaching light modifiers. Initially, the range of native modifiers for this mount was limited, primarily consisting of reflectors and collapsible softboxes. However, Godox has expanded the ecosystem with grids, snoots, gels, and more.
A detailed view of the Godox AD300 Pro mount, bicolor LED, and flash tube, emphasizing the strobe’s components for photographers considering modifier options.
Similar to the AD200 series, a bracket is available – the S2 Bowens Mount Bracket – that adapts the AD300 Pro to Bowens mount modifiers, significantly increasing compatibility. Godox has also showcased direct adapters for Bowens, Profoto, Broncolor, and Elinchrom mounts, further enhancing the system’s versatility. While direct adapter mounting of large modifiers on the AD300 Pro body might raise concerns about stability due to its smaller stand mount, the S2 bracket provides a robust solution for heavier modifiers. The AD400 Pro, in contrast, natively uses a Bowens mount, offering immediate access to a vast array of modifiers without needing adapters. This is a key advantage for photographers who already own Bowens mount modifiers or require a wide selection from the outset.
Technical Specifications: Godox AD300 Pro vs AD400 Pro
| Feature | Godox AD300 Pro | Godox AD400 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 300Ws | 400Ws |
| Guide Number (m ISO 100) | (Not specified, ~60 estimated) | 72 |
| Recycle Time | 0.01-1.5s | 0.01-0.9s |
| Battery Capacity | 320 Full Power Flashes | 390 Full Power Flashes |
| Modeling Lamp | 12W Bi-Color LED (3000K-6000K) | 30W LED (5300K) |
| Color Temperature | 5600°± 200k (Stable: 5600°±75°K) | 5600°± 200k (Stable: 5600°±75°K) |
| Flash Duration | 1/220 to 1/11490 seconds | 1/240 to 1/12820 seconds |
| Mount | Godox Proprietary (Bowens Adapter Avail) | Bowens |
| Weight (with battery) | 2.7 lbs (1.4kg) | 4.6 lbs (2.1kg) |
| Dimensions | 7.5×3.8×3.4in (19.0×9.8×8.7cm) | 8.7×4.6×5.6 in (220x118x143mm) |
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Strobe for Your Needs
Both the Godox AD300 Pro and AD400 Pro are excellent strobes that offer a compelling blend of performance and value. The choice between them hinges on your specific needs and priorities.
Choose the Godox AD300 Pro if:
- Portability is paramount: You need a lightweight and compact strobe for travel, location shoots, or situations where minimizing gear size is essential.
- Balanced power is sufficient: You primarily shoot portraits, smaller groups, or in studio setups where 300Ws of power is adequate.
- Bi-color modeling lamp is desired: You value the versatility of a bi-color LED modeling lamp for previewing lighting or matching ambient color temperatures.
- You are already invested in Godox ecosystem: You appreciate battery compatibility with AD200/AD200 Pro and the overall Godox system.
Choose the Godox AD400 Pro if:
- Maximum power is needed: You frequently shoot in bright sunlight, light large spaces, or require higher power for specific lighting techniques.
- Native Bowens mount is preferred: You already own Bowens mount modifiers or want immediate access to the widest range of modifiers without adapters.
- Durability and robust build are top priorities: While both are well-built, the AD400 Pro’s larger size might suggest a slightly more robust feel for heavy use.
- Slightly faster recycle times are beneficial: Although both are fast, the AD400 Pro has a marginally quicker full-power recycle time.
Ultimately, the Godox AD300 Pro excels in portability and offers a unique bi-color modeling lamp, making it ideal for photographers on the move who need a versatile and compact strobe. The Godox AD400 Pro, with its higher power and native Bowens mount, is better suited for photographers who demand maximum power and modifier flexibility. Carefully consider your shooting style and requirements to determine which of these excellent Godox strobes will best empower your creative vision.
