Godox AD200 Pro II vs V100: A Real-World Flash Output Comparison with Modifiers

Introduction

As a photographer who’s been deeply embedded in the Profoto ecosystem for many years, I’ve trusted their gear for critical assignments—from the Profoto A10 to the B10X Plus. Their reliability and light-shaping consistency have anchored my lighting setup across countless portrait and fashion shoots.

But when Godox released the V100, a compact speedlight with touchscreen controls and strong design, I was curious. I picked up one... then quickly added another. To my surprise, the V100 didn’t feel like a compromise. It’s become my go-to flash for location work, often replacing my Profoto A10 in real-world use.

That led to a new question: Could I build a practical, high-performing secondary lighting system around the Godox ecosystem?

A fellow photographer suggested I test the Godox AD200 Pro II, a hybrid-style 200Ws strobe known for its modular head design. Once I got it in hand, I found myself wondering: How much more power does it really deliver compared to the V100, especially when used with real-world modifiers?

That question launched this flash output comparison—a data-driven test using a Sekonic light meter, carefully controlled distances, and three versatile light shapers: the 44" Glow Octabox, the 24" Glow Beauty Dish, and a 41" Deep Translucent Umbrella by Interfit.

Whether you're a Profoto user eyeing Godox as a backup system, or you're simply comparing the AD200 Pro II vs V100to choose the best flash for portrait photography, these results should shine a little light on your next move.

Methodology

• Flashes tested:

  • Godox AD200 Pro II with Bare Bulb, Round Head, and Fresnel Head

  • Godox V100 with zoom head set to 35mm (and others for verification)

• Modifiers used:

  • "44" Octabox" – double and single diffused

  • "24" Beauty Dish" – deflector only, and with front diffuser

  • "41" Deep Translucent Umbrella" by Interfit

• Test conditions:

  • Power: Full output

  • ISO: 100

  • Shutter speed: 1/200s

  • Distance: 8 feet from modifier

  • Measured with: Sekonic L-478DR

  • Triggered via: Godox X3

All setups were tested in studio using consistent methodology to ensure a clean, side-by-side speedlight vs strobe comparison.

Results Table: Comprehensive Output Comparison

See full data and download the results as a PDF.

Key Takeaways

• The AD200 Pro II Fresnel Head delivered the highest unmodified flash output at f/18, but didn’t always translate to top results when paired with soft modifiers like the octabox or umbrella.

• The Bare Bulb head excelled in open modifiers like the beauty dish with deflector only, pushing past f/11—almost 2 stops brighter than double diffusion setups.

• The V100 at 35mm zoom provided impressive and consistent output, especially in softboxes and umbrellas. Despite being just 100Ws, it measured f/11 bare and f/6.3 with soft modifiers.

• Modifier configuration has a dramatic impact on light output—sometimes a full 2–3 stop swing between double diffusion and more direct setups.

• In practice, real-world flash performance isn’t just about watt-seconds. It’s about how that light moves through your modifier system—and how well the flash head fills that space.

Real-World Implications

• If you're a Profoto shooter exploring Godox as a secondary system, the V100 is a standout compact flash with touchscreen ease and output that rivals flashes twice its price.

• The AD200 Pro II is ideal when you need modular flexibility and more power—particularly in directional or harder-light setups like bare bulb or small reflectors.

• For portable flash lighting on the go, both the V100 and AD200 Pro II deliver real value—but understanding their modifier behavior is key.

Conclusion

This was more than a test—it was a real-world audit of two powerful tools, showing how each performs across a spectrum of modifiers. It revealed that “power” isn’t just raw output—it’s consistency, compatibility, and control.

If you're weighing the Godox AD200 Pro II vs V100, or considering either as a supplement to your Profoto kit, I hope this data gives you clarity.

💬 Have questions? Want to see the light meter data or setup shots? Drop me a comment or connect via www.davidfraser.photography.

About the Author

Dr. David E. Fraser is a Bay Area–based photographer, professor, and public executive with a deep passion for both visual storytelling and precision lighting. With decades of experience in higher education and public service, he balances his professional life with a thriving portrait and fashion photography practice.

David is a longtime Profoto user with a technically rigorous approach to gear testing and flash performance—often putting modifiers, metering, and light shaping tools through real-world studio and location scenarios. He shoots with the Nikon Z9, Z8, and Z6 III, and brings a professor’s eye for clarity and comparison to his photography blog at www.davidfraser.photography.