Great video. The portraits are exceptional. Such rich colours. Would really like you to do a video on location showing us all how you set up your lighting for an event. Cheers
Hi Omar, great video as always. I'm not sure if anyone else has mentioned this but on Nikon cameras with a flash, if you want to see the ambient lighting quickly, my suggestion is to setup a button to show the "preview". for example my Z9, I have function 2 setup as preview so I can quickly see the aperture depth and also disable the flash compensation on the viewfinder by holding function2. Not sure if this is the desired effect you are looking for but maybe it can help.
Thank you for the added b-roll footage showing the z6 iii overhead shot to help convey what you were talking about on the Zf. You really go that extra mile and I appreciate it!
15:00 I have the exact same problem with my triggers on Canon. My workaround is I have a button that toggles "silent shooting", which disables flash and gives me a true ambient reading of the sensor.
The on/off switch on the original unit breaks quite easily. I accidentally dropped mine once and the switch flew off. I had to carry a pin to turn it on and off. It is great that they got rid of it. The 3-second delay prevents the flash from turning on in the carrying case. The battery management is quite good on AD200 so I wouldn't need to turn it off and on frequently. It switches into sleep mode when it is idle for a while. When I was shooting in the studio, there were a few times when I forgot to turn it off after a shoot and the battery level did not change the next day or two days later when I found out during another shoot. As for the live view issue, you can assign a function button to turn off the flash.
Really hit it on the head with the newer products getting rid of mechanical buttons that function like on/off switches for functions like an old flashlight - everything now is seemingly going this ridiculous software regulated route with lag, touch screens, stutters, load-times, and animations. Just wild how utility isn't something newer designers of products seemingly don't test for anymore.
Thank you for the review and honest personal comments. I was not aware of the loss of the simple power switch. I currently have six AD-200 Pro units and the older Godox X Pro N and like them, but ... as much as I would like to have the bright screen on the AD-200 Pro II, the 1/512 low power setting, and the bright modeling light; the cooling fan has me taking pause (can the fan be set to OFF?). The bright display on the new trigger would be great, but it is simply too small for my fat fingers. I am sticking with my setup for now.
With you on the turning on and off the trigger, but just want to note that, at least on the Z6ii and Zf, if you pull up the i menu it'll turn preview back on. Of course the menu is on top of the image, but I find that it's still easy to dial in the ambient exposure even with it in the way. Also want to shout out the Flashpoint R2 Single Pin Transceiver - simplest, easiest, hardest-to-mess-up transceiver that is still packed with features, batteries last forever, it's tiny, and everything is a dedicated button - there are no menus. Only thing is that it does not support HSS, so might not be the best fit for some. Thanks as always for the great video and your thoughts on these.
Still use the AD200 Pro, as I think I won't be needing upgrade, but the Godox X3 is a nice tiny addition so I can carry lighter things. Thank you for sharing Omar.
Thanks Omar. Pretty happy with Godox , though I had an AD300 fall from a table onto carpet. Thought it was just a bulb/cover, but no… the whole body split apart. I also use EX because it looks cool on top of GFX 100ii. 🙄. But, being an old man that hasn’t ever owned an Apple Watch , I usually use hard buttons. If I try swiping… all kinds of crazy things happen. 😂
I have a Z8.., simply set a button to disable flash! I use it all the time, been around since early DSLR days! Easy way to see exposure with a flash or trigger on camera!
I just bought that trigger to replace the older model. It literally just arrived today…. I had dropped the older model and cracked the screen. The older one feels cheap. I’m cautiously optimistic about the new model. Thanks for sharing your viewpoint!
Loving your videos more & more. Can the new tiny trigger do everything the previous trigger did ? Can the previous trigger be used with the Pro II flashes Good are releasing or do I have to invest in the X3 ? Thank you.
Personally I am a fan of the more convoluted power on procedure (on any device). With the older AD200 Pro's I got into the habit of pulling the batteries out of the unit before packing away as they would simply turn on way too easily in transit, same with the triggers. This new method of turning on looks to be pretty fool proof and I can save on space by having the battery inside the unit during travel. It's a pro and con thing but I think I prefer the longer turning on method that outweighs the likelihood of accidental turning on when in bag. On a separate note, I am thinking of abandoning my AD200's altogether. I recently got the V350F and I think its size, weight and power output is enough for all my event work and I can even use it off camera. I would ask you, how often are you at full power with your AD200's? I rarely do outdoor work, its all reception indoor/theatre work, I'm mixing ambient and strobe light, AD200's are overkill here, so even though they are great bang for buck I am still ferrying around additional weight and power I rarely tap into.
Oh, also , I think their push and spin is on all their other strobes. In fact, the new AD600PROii has it rather than the old button. Also, I’ve dedicated a button on my Z8 & Z9’s to turn on / off live view. I’ll push it when on location to look at ambient light, then push again when ready to shoot.
Nice video, I always appreciate your practical viewpoint. However, I wish people reviewing gear would also discuss support for repairs. I broke my ad400 and I am having a hellva time trying to get a place to even considering repairing it. Any suggestions?
My favorite flash is the Nikon SB700 because its so easy to use, small and has enough power for most things I do. I set a user setting with "no flash". For my D750 I use a function button to disable the flash, but it stil uses the af assist light of the flash. Sadly, the Z system doesn't activate this light what makes my Z6II unusable at some party's. :-(
Do you use flash brackets? I have an l bracket I bought for my Canon 1DX Mark III and the manufacturer of the L bracket makes a compact flash bracket i end up using the Ad200 with extension head as a compact speed light addition with the trigger to shoot the room lights. And the on camera stuff.
There is no need to partially slide out the the trigger from the hotshoe. I have set the flash control to the rec button. So I can quickly turn of the flash by pressing the button and using the dial.
Can't say I like the more digital make of the newer models. The older analog(ish) ones seem more user friendly. Still a xonvinient piece of kit nonetheless
I just switched from Fuji to the Nikon zf. I have the old godox trigger like yours but for Fuji, and I have to change settings to be able to see the brighter view for flash photography. If I get a godox N trigger, will it automatically adjust like yours in the video?
They went 'switchless' because they received a lot of bad press about their switches failing. I leave the switch ON and simply bump the battery in/out. With these new models you can't even do that because of the 'push 3 seconds, turn the dial' and submit a three page essay on why you want to use the rotten thing. Maybe not the last step...lol!
Having to turn your trigger on/off or physically remove it to get an ambient view is madness. Is there really no way to bind a "Preview Exposure/WB" toggle on the Nikon?
Just get a nomrla speedlight. Yongnuo is a a good cheap alternative. Never had issues with them. And use a flash bender on the head. Youll be all set. Ive been doing this 13 years. I have large strobes and rarely use them except for portrait shoots. Events I only use 1 speedlight
Yeah the new trigger is ass. Maybe new versions will fix shortcomings of the first one but for now the xpro ii is more festure rich and more usable so thats what I bought
Nice video. You are holding the camera wrong. Does the new charger work with real usb-c? The old travel charger was usb-china; it required A to C cable. Does the new bracket work on standard baby pin? The old bracket worked only on Manfrotto style travel lightstands - the ones with shortened pin and 1/4 screw on top, but not on a real baby pin.
I have not yet seen anyone mention the Godox X1R receivers. I use the X1R-C receivers for a Canon flash and a Yongno (Canon clone). With the receivers, both flashes work just like Godox flashes. They work with the Godox transmitters and allow full control of the Canon flashes. I use them along with my Godox flashes. For anyone that already has an OEM flash (or clone) there is a good chance they can still use them if they move to Godox.
It’s the algorithm because I’m on the same boat…I’m kinda sad he said he wouldn’t use the ad200 when there’s a lot of sunlight which I wanted to do…after buying the a7iv I’m poor 😢
Omar, no need to slide off the trigger. Add to your i-menu “flash” and just turn /on/off from there. Hope this helps.
My preferred source of light is the Omar G. Just lights up a room. 😜
yay
Great video. The portraits are exceptional. Such rich colours. Would really like you to do a video on location showing us all how you set up your lighting for an event. Cheers
Yes!! So interesting to see your lighting as it looks like “more” than speed light! Do you trust your lights just set up in a party?
The voice of experience! Great to hear the views of a real working pro - many thanks!
cheers man thanks
Hi Omar, great video as always. I'm not sure if anyone else has mentioned this but on Nikon cameras with a flash, if you want to see the ambient lighting quickly, my suggestion is to setup a button to show the "preview". for example my Z9, I have function 2 setup as preview so I can quickly see the aperture depth and also disable the flash compensation on the viewfinder by holding function2. Not sure if this is the desired effect you are looking for but maybe it can help.
Well said! yup, I have the "view" button set up to this option. very efficient. the pro 2 looks awesome!
Great video Omar, love the rich tones in your portraits. Would love to see a video on how you edit your photos.
Thank you for the added b-roll footage showing the z6 iii overhead shot to help convey what you were talking about on the Zf. You really go that extra mile and I appreciate it!
I moaned and groaned when I realized I needed to film that. Thanks for the feedback!❤ worth it😅
15:00 I have the exact same problem with my triggers on Canon. My workaround is I have a button that toggles "silent shooting", which disables flash and gives me a true ambient reading of the sensor.
Same, I just switched to electronic shutter
Great vid Omar. It's nice to see what you use as a working pro and your images are awesome.
The on/off switch on the original unit breaks quite easily. I accidentally dropped mine once and the switch flew off. I had to carry a pin to turn it on and off. It is great that they got rid of it. The 3-second delay prevents the flash from turning on in the carrying case. The battery management is quite good on AD200 so I wouldn't need to turn it off and on frequently. It switches into sleep mode when it is idle for a while. When I was shooting in the studio, there were a few times when I forgot to turn it off after a shoot and the battery level did not change the next day or two days later when I found out during another shoot. As for the live view issue, you can assign a function button to turn off the flash.
I've been trying to learn flash photography, so I'm glad you made this video.
Damn Omar's photos are amazing! First time actually seeing them.
Awesome (and fun) review !!! You never disappoint. Yeah, that new trigger looks no bueno.
Really hit it on the head with the newer products getting rid of mechanical buttons that function like on/off switches for functions like an old flashlight - everything now is seemingly going this ridiculous software regulated route with lag, touch screens, stutters, load-times, and animations. Just wild how utility isn't something newer designers of products seemingly don't test for anymore.
Agreed
love this kind video you make. Thanks !!!
thanks for watching
Awesome video Omar. You are such a cool character.
Thank you for the review and honest personal comments. I was not aware of the loss of the simple power switch. I currently have six AD-200 Pro units and the older Godox X Pro N and like them, but ... as much as I would like to have the bright screen on the AD-200 Pro II, the 1/512 low power setting, and the bright modeling light; the cooling fan has me taking pause (can the fan be set to OFF?). The bright display on the new trigger would be great, but it is simply too small for my fat fingers. I am sticking with my setup for now.
With you on the turning on and off the trigger, but just want to note that, at least on the Z6ii and Zf, if you pull up the i menu it'll turn preview back on. Of course the menu is on top of the image, but I find that it's still easy to dial in the ambient exposure even with it in the way. Also want to shout out the Flashpoint R2 Single Pin Transceiver - simplest, easiest, hardest-to-mess-up transceiver that is still packed with features, batteries last forever, it's tiny, and everything is a dedicated button - there are no menus. Only thing is that it does not support HSS, so might not be the best fit for some. Thanks as always for the great video and your thoughts on these.
Still use the AD200 Pro, as I think I won't be needing upgrade, but the Godox X3 is a nice tiny addition so I can carry lighter things. Thank you for sharing Omar.
Amazing photos!
Thanks Omar. Pretty happy with Godox , though I had an AD300 fall from a table onto carpet. Thought it was just a bulb/cover, but no… the whole body split apart. I also use EX because it looks cool on top of GFX 100ii. 🙄. But, being an old man that hasn’t ever owned an Apple Watch , I usually use hard buttons. If I try swiping… all kinds of crazy things happen. 😂
Haha. Same. 😂
I have a Z8.., simply set a button to disable flash! I use it all the time, been around since early DSLR days! Easy way to see exposure with a flash or trigger on camera!
Some great insight, thanks!
Awesome photos, great video
I got the x3 as soon as I saw it. A great little trigger for a hobbyist like me. And very apple watch.
Great video, thanks! You’re so right about most YT videos now being about selling you something. They’re basically just lengthy adverts.
Exactly!
I just bought that trigger to replace the older model. It literally just arrived today…. I had dropped the older model and cracked the screen. The older one feels cheap. I’m cautiously optimistic about the new model. Thanks for sharing your viewpoint!
Hopefully your brain is bigger than mine! I was like, tap, tap, wrong, tap, swipe, wrong...
Loving your videos more & more. Can the new tiny trigger do everything the previous trigger did ? Can the previous trigger be used with the Pro II flashes Good are releasing or do I have to invest in the X3 ? Thank you.
Personally I am a fan of the more convoluted power on procedure (on any device). With the older AD200 Pro's I got into the habit of pulling the batteries out of the unit before packing away as they would simply turn on way too easily in transit, same with the triggers. This new method of turning on looks to be pretty fool proof and I can save on space by having the battery inside the unit during travel. It's a pro and con thing but I think I prefer the longer turning on method that outweighs the likelihood of accidental turning on when in bag.
On a separate note, I am thinking of abandoning my AD200's altogether. I recently got the V350F and I think its size, weight and power output is enough for all my event work and I can even use it off camera. I would ask you, how often are you at full power with your AD200's? I rarely do outdoor work, its all reception indoor/theatre work, I'm mixing ambient and strobe light, AD200's are overkill here, so even though they are great bang for buck I am still ferrying around additional weight and power I rarely tap into.
Fabulous tutorial as usual! I’d also love to know what lens you use on the dance floor!
Oh, also , I think their push and spin is on all their other strobes. In fact, the new AD600PROii has it rather than the old button. Also, I’ve dedicated a button on my Z8 & Z9’s to turn on / off live view. I’ll push it when on location to look at ambient light, then push again when ready to shoot.
It's the little things sometimes. Carry on. 👍🥂
Nice video, I always appreciate your practical viewpoint. However, I wish people reviewing gear would also discuss support for repairs. I broke my ad400 and I am having a hellva time trying to get a place to even considering repairing it. Any suggestions?
My favorite flash is the Nikon SB700 because its so easy to use, small and has enough power for most things I do. I set a user setting with "no flash". For my D750 I use a function button to disable the flash, but it stil uses the af assist light of the flash. Sadly, the Z system doesn't activate this light what makes my Z6II unusable at some party's. :-(
Omar i believe you can update the firmware of the lottle trigger guy...you can see the color group also on the trigger...
I agree with you!!! What's wrong with a good old fashioned on/off switch that simply works, and doesn't need a bunch of time to operate!!!
Great review. Thanks!
Do you use flash brackets? I have an l bracket I bought for my Canon 1DX Mark III and the manufacturer of the L bracket makes a compact flash bracket i end up using the Ad200 with extension head as a compact speed light addition with the trigger to shoot the room lights. And the on camera stuff.
Just set in f2 "flash off" to some Fn button. I'm using it for many years on Fn2.
Me too! Fn2 is so much easier than turning off or removing the trigger!
There is no need to partially slide out the the trigger from the hotshoe.
I have set the flash control to the rec button. So I can quickly turn of the flash by pressing the button and using the dial.
Godox EX. You dead Omar 🤣 Nice vid! Didn't you try the Godox AD300 before?
Yes, didn't love "the can" lol
@@ogonzilla just the form factor? or other performance issues?
Superb!
Have you tried the new Godox IM30? It's awesome for it's size and at $35 I had to buy it. It doesn't compare to my AD-200 or my tt-685 but it's great
I haven't, but I don't shoot direct flash.
@@ogonzilla gotcha...it also has S1 and S2 settings. great for stashing it in small places for a splash of light
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks!
Coffeeeeee fund. Appreciate it
You can reset that live view to reflect your ambience regardless if the flash or the trigger is attached or not.
Sony can do it with a custom button...
@@ogonzillaJust set FN1 or FN2 to disable flash. That works for me on my Z6 ii
Can't say I like the more digital make of the newer models. The older analog(ish) ones seem more user friendly. Still a xonvinient piece of kit nonetheless
Do you ever shoot with a 2nd photographer? I’m in Jersey as well and would like to learn and help simultaneously
I just switched from Fuji to the Nikon zf. I have the old godox trigger like yours but for Fuji, and I have to change settings to be able to see the brighter view for flash photography. If I get a godox N trigger, will it automatically adjust like yours in the video?
Yes.
@ thank you! It was driving me crazy having to dig through the menus
They went 'switchless' because they received a lot of bad press about their switches failing. I leave the switch ON and simply bump the battery in/out. With these new models you can't even do that because of the 'push 3 seconds, turn the dial' and submit a three page essay on why you want to use the rotten thing. Maybe not the last step...lol!
Two speed lights and a trigger - done.
Having to turn your trigger on/off or physically remove it to get an ambient view is madness. Is there really no way to bind a "Preview Exposure/WB" toggle on the Nikon?
I'd love to see all the photography TH-camrs move to Odysee
Flash photography is the area I need most improvement, I just find the gear to be too big of a pain in the ass
Just get a nomrla speedlight. Yongnuo is a a good cheap alternative. Never had issues with them. And use a flash bender on the head. Youll be all set. Ive been doing this 13 years. I have large strobes and rarely use them except for portrait shoots. Events I only use 1 speedlight
Yeah the new trigger is ass. Maybe new versions will fix shortcomings of the first one but for now the xpro ii is more festure rich and more usable so thats what I bought
uploaded 14 seconds ago??? am I...first???
Welcome.
Lol Godox "e x" 😅
Nice video. You are holding the camera wrong. Does the new charger work with real usb-c? The old travel charger was usb-china; it required A to C cable. Does the new bracket work on standard baby pin? The old bracket worked only on Manfrotto style travel lightstands - the ones with shortened pin and 1/4 screw on top, but not on a real baby pin.
godox EX lol
I do not like the swipe thing either.
I have not yet seen anyone mention the Godox X1R receivers. I use the X1R-C receivers for a Canon flash and a Yongno (Canon clone). With the receivers, both flashes work just like Godox flashes. They work with the Godox transmitters and allow full control of the Canon flashes. I use them along with my Godox flashes. For anyone that already has an OEM flash (or clone) there is a good chance they can still use them if they move to Godox.
I’ve literally been in a black hole of flash research the past week or so. Omar… how’d you know?! 🥲
keep it up! lol
It’s the algorithm because I’m on the same boat…I’m kinda sad he said he wouldn’t use the ad200 when there’s a lot of sunlight which I wanted to do…after buying the a7iv I’m poor 😢
@ don't stress. Even a speedlight works in full sun. Just very close and at full power.
@@ogonzillagracias!
@@Nobodytoday12 Try to avoid shooting in full sun. Find some shade, and a darkish background, your flash and the model will love you for it!