Comparing Godox AD200 Pro Flash Heads | Fresnel, Barebulb vs. H200R

Explore the ideal flash head for your photography requirements: a detailed comparison of Godox AD200 Pro flash heads. Uncover the critical distinctions, features, and performance of Fresnel, barebulb, and H200R heads. Enhance your lighting proficiency with in-depth insights for well-informed choices.

(Above) Godox AD200 Pro with Fresnel Head Attached

(Above) Godox AD200 Pro with Barebulb Head Attached

(Above) Godox AD200 Pro with H200R Round Head Attached. Please note that the H200R is a separate purchase and not included with the AD200 Kit 

The results presented above clearly indicate that each of the three flash heads offers distinct qualities concerning the overall spread and quality of light they produce.

The Fresnel Head stands out by delivering a notably focused and intense beam of light compared to the other two options. When using the Fresnel head, photographers can achieve a well-defined and concentrated light source, making it an excellent choice for scenarios where precise and dramatic lighting control is required. This head excels at emphasizing specific subjects while allowing the background to fall into shadow.

On the other hand, the Barebulb Head creates a different lighting effect. It radiates light in an omni-directional manner, resembling a spherical "ball" of light. This results in an even spread of light that covers the entire scene, making it an ideal choice for situations where larger “blanket” of illumination is desired. The Barebulb head is versatile and works well for various photography styles, such as portrait, wedding, or macro photography.

The H200R Head, which is not included in the AD200 Kit, but is worth mentioning, falls somewhere in between the Fresnel and Barebulb heads. It provides a balance between directionality and the intensity of the light. When used, the H200R Head yields a semi-focused light, which means it offers more control over the light direction compared to the Barebulb but doesn't achieve the same level of intensity and precision as the Fresnel head. This semi-focused light results in a slightly softer fall-off of light, contributing to a more flattering and gradual transition between illuminated and shadowed areas in the frame.

In summary, these flash heads cater to a range of lighting needs. The Fresnel head excels in creating dramatic, pinpoint lighting effects, the Barebulb head provides soft and even illumination, and the H200R Head offers a versatile middle ground, making it well-suited for various photography scenarios that require a balance between focus and softness in the lighting.

The provided table offers insights into the brightness of each flash head as determined through our studio experiment. In this controlled setting, with the light source positioned precisely 2 meters away from the light meter, measurements were taken for each flash head, both with and without the inclusion of a softbox.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, it's important to note that in the context of these measurements, a higher numerical value signifies a brighter flash output.

What stands out immediately is the Fresnel Head (Bare), which exhibits the highest level of brightness. However, it's crucial to consider the context of this measurement. The Fresnel head emits a highly focused and concentrated light beam, which is why it produces a considerably higher reading.

This means that the light is directed with pinpoint accuracy to a single measuring point—the light meter. As a result, the numerical value on the light meter naturally appears higher for the Fresnel head.

In essence, the Fresnel head's ability to deliver precise, concentrated light might translate into a higher numerical value in the measurement, but it's important to remember that this measurement is specific to a single point within the frame. The choice of flash head ultimately depends on your specific photography needs, taking into account factors like the type of lighting you wish to achieve and the versatility required for different scenarios.

(Above) Remarkably, when a softbox is affixed to the flash head, it effectively minimizes the distinctive effects of the various flash heads.

https://camerastuff.co.za/products/godox-s2-speedlight-bracket-with-bowens-mount/A significant portion of the conversation surrounding the AD200 flash head centers on the availability and compatibility of dedicated flash modifiers. These modifiers are essential tools for shaping and controlling the quality of light in your photography.

Fresnel Head Compatibility: The Fresnel head is versatile in its compatibility with various flash modifiers, many of which are typically designed for speedlights. This flexibility enables photographers to tailor their lighting setup to their specific needs, adapting the Fresnel head to produce the desired lighting effect.

Barebulb Head and Its Compact Modifiers: The Barebulb head is complemented by a range of dedicated Godox light modifiers. These modifiers are not only designed for seamless integration with the Barebulb head but are also created to be compact and easy to transport. This is especially beneficial for photographers on the move who require lightweight and convenient equipment.

H200R and the Magnetic Modifier Kit: The H200R head boasts a magnetic design, providing direct compatibility with the Godox AK-R1 Magnetic Modifier Kit. This magnetic attachment system simplifies the process of adding and removing modifiers, offering photographers a quick and efficient means of achieving different lighting effects.

Versatility with the Godox S2 Speedlight Bracket: Additionally, the Godox S2 Speedlight Bracket extends the adaptability of the AD200. This bracket allows photographers to employ the AD200 with a wide range of larger modifiers such as softboxes, beauty dishes, grid systems, barndoors, and snoots. These modifiers typically feature the Bowens speedring mount, making the AD200 compatible with a diverse selection of light-shaping tools.

Keeping these considerations in mind, it's evident that the choice of flash head and modifiers plays a pivotal role in determining how you illuminate your subject and scene. The flexibility and compatibility of the AD200 with various modifiers empower photographers to craft precisely the kind of lighting they desire, whether it's a focused and dramatic effect with the Fresnel head, the even and soft illumination with the Barebulb head, or other creative possibilities using dedicated modifiers and versatile brackets. The combination of these elements ultimately gives you the freedom to customize your lighting setup to achieve your desired artistic vision.

The different flash heads may or may not have a built-in modelling lamp. This is quite important as we'll detail below. 

Here, the H200R excels. It's modelling lamp is much brighter than the fresnel head's built in LEDs. The barebulb head does not even feature a modelling lamp, which may be worth considering for the following reasons.

Importance of Using a Modeling Lamp:

1. Previewing the Light: A modeling lamp is essentially a continuous light source within the flash head that simulates the effect of the flash before it's actually fired. This feature allows photographers to preview and visualize how the light will fall on the subject and scene. It helps in composing and adjusting the lighting setup to achieve the desired effect.

2. Aid in Focusing: Modeling lamps are especially valuable when setting up studio shots or working in low-light conditions. They provide a constant source of light, making it easier to focus on your subject. This is particularly important when using manual focus lenses or in situations where autofocus may struggle due to low light.

3. Eliminating Guesswork: With a modeling lamp, there's less guesswork involved in lighting setups. It helps photographers make precise adjustments to the angle, position, and intensity of the flash head to achieve the intended lighting style, whether it's soft, dramatic, or any other desired effect.

Given the importance of a modeling lamp in refining the quality and direction of light in photography, the presence of this feature in the Fresnel and H200R heads can be a significant advantage. It provides photographers with greater control over the lighting process and enhances their ability to create stunning images by visualizing and fine-tuning the light before taking the shot. In contrast, the Barebulb head's lack of a modeling lamp may require a more intuitive and practiced approach to lighting, as it doesn't offer the same real-time preview of the illumination.

In conclusion, the examination of Godox AD200 Pro flash heads—Fresnel, Barebulb, and H200R—reveals the diverse world of lighting possibilities they offer to photographers. Each head brings its unique characteristics to the table, impacting the spread, intensity, and versatility of light. The Fresnel head stands out for its precision and intensity, ideal for dramatic lighting effects, while the Barebulb head delivers soft, even illumination suitable for various photography genres. The H200R Head provides a middle ground, allowing for a balance between focus and softness. The power difference, particularly with and without softboxes, demonstrates how modifiers can adapt and enhance the effects of these heads. Additionally, the presence of a modeling lamp, especially in the H200R and Fresnel heads, proves invaluable for previewing light, aiding in focusing, and eliminating guesswork in complex lighting setups. Ultimately, your choice of flash head and modifiers plays a pivotal role in tailoring your lighting setup to achieve your artistic vision, giving you the freedom to craft captivating images.