The Godox AD600BM II: 600Ws of Manual Flash, Built for Complete Control
The Godox AD600BM II is a 600Ws battery-powered outdoor flash for photographers who want full, precise manual control. No TTL negotiation. You dial the power, it fires. Guide number of 87, high-speed sync to 1/8000s, and up to 500 full-power flashes per charge.
This is the second generation of the AD600BM. The upgrades are meaningful: power control moves from 9 steps to 10 stops with 0.1 increments, the 10W modelling lamp is replaced by a 40W LED, recycle time drops from 2.5 to 1.9 seconds, and a 2.8" TFT colour screen replaces the basic display. It fits the Godox X wireless ecosystem and works with the full range of Bowens-mount modifiers.
If you shoot outdoor portraits, commercial work, or any situation where you need to out-power the sun without guessing, this is a focused and capable unit.
View Godox AD600BM IISee the Godox AD600BM II in Action
This operation walkthrough covers the AD600BM II from startup to full wireless deployment. It runs through power adjustment, HSS triggering, modelling lamp settings, and wireless group control. A solid watch before your first shoot with this unit.
In Short: What the AD600BM II Delivers
600Ws of clean, controllable manual flash. HSS to 1/8000s means you can shoot wide open in bright sun without a neutral density filter. The 40W LED modelling lamp is genuinely useful at 4800K with a CRI of 92, so what you see is close to what you get. Battery life is strong at 500 full-power pops. Recycle time runs from nearly instant at lower power to 1.9 seconds at full output.
The BM in the name stands for manual. There is no TTL here. That is a deliberate trade-off: you get a lower entry point into serious outdoor flash power, with the understanding that you know how to set exposure manually. If TTL is part of your workflow, the AD600Pro II is the step up. If you are comfortable working in manual, this flash is well worth your attention.
Key Specs at a Glance
- 600Ws output, guide number 87
- High-speed sync up to 1/8000s
- 40W LED modelling lamp, CRI 92, 4800K
- 500 full-power flashes per charge
- Recycle time 0.01 to 1.9 seconds
- 10-stop power control in 0.1-stop increments
- 2.4G wireless, 32 channels, 16 groups, 100m range
- Bowens mount, 2.9kg
What Makes the AD600BM II Worth Looking At
High-Speed Sync to 1/8000s
Both the original AD600BM and the BM II support HSS up to 1/8000s. What changes in the second generation is how you work with it: 10 stops of power control in 0.1-stop increments (versus 9 steps in the original) gives you much finer exposure adjustment. Shooting at 1/8000s with 600Ws means wide apertures outdoors, full ambient control, and no neutral density filter required.
40W LED Modelling Lamp
The original BM has a 10W LED modelling lamp. The BM II replaces it with a 40W LED running at 4800K with a CRI of around 92. You can dim it from 10% to 100%, and the colour temperature stays consistent across that range. On location, this means you can use the modelling lamp to help focus in low light, check modifier placement, and get a realistic preview of your light shape. It is not a video light, but for modelling use it does the job cleanly.
Precision Power Control
The AD600BM II offers 10 stops of power adjustment from 1/512 to full, with 0.1-stop increments throughout. That level of granularity matters when you are dialling in a specific exposure and want to make small adjustments without jumping a full stop. The colour screen makes it easy to read your settings at a glance in direct sun.
Enhanced Colour Screen
The upgraded display gives you a clear view of power level, channel, group, and battery status in one place. On a bright outdoor shoot, legibility matters. The screen is a practical improvement over the older indicator panel.
Wireless and Triggering
The AD600BM II uses Godox's 2.4G wireless system. It operates as a receiver across 32 channels and 16 groups, with a range of approximately 100 metres. Pair it with a Godox X3Pro trigger and you have full group control from the camera, including one-tap sync for fast setup on location. The colour management system lets you colour-code groups for quick identification when you're running multiple lights on set.
The X3 and X3Pro complement the AD600BM II very well. One tap sync, awesome.
Modifier Compatibility
The AD600BM II uses a Bowens mount and is compatible with the full range of Godox modifiers, including the UL-series folding softboxes. From large octaboxes to strip boxes to parabolic umbrellas, the options are wide. The modifier ecosystem is one of the practical strengths of the Godox platform.
Compare: AD600BM vs AD600BM II vs AD600Pro II
All three deliver 600Ws of output. The differences come down to generation, TTL support, modelling lamp quality, and recycle speed. Here is a direct comparison based on manufacturer specifications.
| Feature | AD600BM | AD600BM II | AD600Pro II |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash Power | 600Ws | 600Ws | 600Ws |
| Flash Modes | Manual, HSS, Multi | Manual, HSS, Multi | TTL, Manual, HSS, Multi |
| TTL Support | None | None | Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm |
| Power Control | 9 steps, 1/256 to 1/1 | 10 stops, 1/512 to 1/1 (0.1 increments) | Fine increments |
| High-Speed Sync | Yes, up to 1/8000s | Yes, up to 1/8000s | Yes, up to 1/8000s |
| Modelling Lamp | 10W LED | 40W LED, single colour, 10–100% adjustable | 40W bi-colour LED (2800K to 6000K) |
| Display | Basic | 2.8" TFT colour screen | Colour screen with RGB group coding |
| Recycle Time | 0.01 to 2.5s | 0.01 to 1.9s | 0.01 to 0.9s |
| Full Power Flashes | 500 | 500 | 360 |
| Wireless | Godox 2.4G X system | 2.4GHz, 32 channels, 16 groups | 2.4GHz, 32 channels, 16 groups (RGB coded) |
| Flash Colour Temp | 5600K ±200K | 5800K ±200K | Not specified |
| Weight | Not specified | 2.9kg | 3.5kg |
| Status | Previous generation | Current | Current |
TTL shooters, the Pro version's waiting for you. Already shooting manual and owning it? The AD600BM II is your unit.
Should You Buy the Godox AD600BM II?
If you shoot manually and you need 600Ws of portable outdoor power, this flash makes a strong case. The second generation is a meaningful step up from the original: finer power control, a 40W modelling lamp in place of the 10W, faster recycle time, and a proper colour screen. Everything else you expect from a Godox outdoor monolight is here: 500-flash battery life, Bowens mount compatibility, and full integration into the X wireless ecosystem.
The AD600BM II sits in a clear position. It is more capable than the original BM in every measurable way. The AD600Pro II is the step up if TTL or built-in transceiver function matters to your workflow. For photographers who prefer to set their own exposure and want a flash that will not run out of battery before the shoot does, the BM II is the one to look at.
View Godox AD600BM II
Godox AD600BM II: Key Features and Full Specs
- 600Ws output with guide number 87 (ISO 100, metres)
- High-speed sync up to 1/8000s, plus first and second curtain sync
- 40W LED modelling lamp, CRI 92, TLCI 95, 4800K, dimmable 10 to 100%
- 10-stop power range (1/512 to 1/1) in 0.1-stop increments
- 500 full-power flashes per charge, recycle time 0.01 to 1.9 seconds
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | AD600BMII |
| Flash Power | 600Ws |
| Guide Number | 87 (ISO 100, metres, efficient reflector) |
| Flash Duration | 1/220s to 1/11760s |
| Power Output Range | 1/512 to 1/1 (10 stops, 0.1 increments) |
| Stroboscopic Flash | Up to 100 times at 100Hz |
| Sync Modes | HSS (up to 1/8000s), first curtain, second curtain |
| Delay Flash | 0.01 to 30s |
| Photocell | S1 / S2 / Off |
| Display | Colour screen |
| Modelling Lamp Power | 40W maximum |
| Modelling Lamp CCT | 4800K ± 300K |
| Modelling Lamp CRI / TLCI | CRI 92 / TLCI 95 |
| Modelling Lamp Range | 10% to 100% |
| Wireless | 2.4G, 32 channels, 16 groups (0–9, A–F), approx. 100m range |
| Wireless Function | Receiver / Off |
| Battery | Lithium (10.8V / 8940mAh) |
| Full Power Flashes | 500 |
| Recycle Time | Approx. 0.01s to 1.9s |
| Flash Tube Colour Temperature | 5800K ± 200K |
| Sync Triggering | 3.5mm sync cord |
| Dimensions | 253 x 169 x 143mm (approx.) |
| Weight (with battery) | Approx. 2.9kg |
As specified by the manufacturer, Godox. Specifications subject to change.
Complete Your Kit
Godox X3Pro Trigger
Touchscreen trigger with full group control. Pairs seamlessly with the AD600BM II for wireless firing and power adjustment from the camera.
View X3Pro Triggers
Godox 260T Light Stand
260cm aluminium stand with air cushioning. Solid, portable support for the AD600BM II on location or in studio.
View 260T Stand
Godox UL-Series Softboxes
Quick-release folding softboxes in Bowens mount. Designed to work directly with the AD600BM II for fast location setup.
View UL Softboxes
Godox Parabolic Umbrellas
Large parabolic umbrellas for broad, even light coverage. A fast-to-set-up modifier that works well with the AD600BM II outdoors.
View Umbrellas
About Godox
Godox is one of the world's leading manufacturers of professional photographic lighting. Founded in 1993, the brand produces a full ecosystem of flashes, battery strobes, LED lights, and wireless triggers used by photographers and videographers across every discipline. Their 2.4G X wireless system is one of the most widely adopted wireless platforms in the industry, offering cross-brand compatibility and reliable performance. CameraStuff is an authorised South African Godox dealer.
View Our Godox AuthorisationFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Godox AD600BM and the AD600BM II?
The AD600BM II adds high-speed sync (up to 1/8000s), replaces the halogen modelling lamp with a 40W LED unit (CRI 92, 4800K), and introduces a full colour screen. Battery capacity increases from around 400 to 500 full-power flashes. The AD600BM II is the current production model; the original AD600BM is the previous generation.
Does the Godox AD600BM II support TTL?
No. The AD600BM II is a manual-only flash. If TTL is important to your workflow, the Godox AD600Pro II supports TTL across Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Olympus, Panasonic, and Leica systems, and includes a built-in transceiver so it can trigger other Godox lights.
What modifiers are compatible with the AD600BM II?
The AD600BM II uses a Bowens mount, which is compatible with the full Godox modifier range including UL-series folding softboxes, parabolic umbrellas, beauty dishes, strip boxes, and octaboxes. Most third-party Bowens-mount modifiers will also fit.
How many flashes does the AD600BM II battery last?
Godox rates the AD600BM II at 500 full-power flashes per charge. At lower power settings, you will get significantly more. Recycle time at full power is approximately 1.9 seconds, dropping to near-instant at lower outputs.
Which trigger should I use with the Godox AD600BM II?
The Godox X3Pro is the recommended trigger for the AD600BM II. It features a touchscreen interface and gives you full wireless power control, group switching, and HSS triggering from the camera position. The X3 is a solid option if you prefer a more compact trigger. Both are available at CameraStuff.
Where can I buy Godox products in South Africa?
CameraStuff is an authorised Godox dealer in South Africa. We offer nationwide delivery, free delivery on orders over R1,000, a 60-day return policy, and a support team that knows the gear. If you have questions about which Godox product is right for your setup, we are here to help.
Conrad Knuist
Head of Marketing and Photography Specialist
Conrad Knuist is Head of Marketing and Photography Specialist at CameraStuff, South Africa's specialist camera and lighting retailer. With over 18 years of hands-on experience testing gear across portrait, event, and commercial photography, Conrad has personally handled hundreds of products, from entry-level speedlights to professional studio systems. He is an authorised Godox specialist and works directly with South African photographers and videographers to match the right tools to their work. Every review and recommendation he publishes is based on real-world use, not spec sheets.
View Conrad's author profile
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