A pro shooter friend of mine who I convinced into purchasing several AD360s wrote to me today asking if I had ever tested an AD360 against one of my Einsteins to test the power differences. He stated that in his test using wide hard modifiers from the same distance his results showed only a 1/2 stop difference. He was under the impression that there should be a 1.5 stop difference.
I never test these things, but since he’s a close friend I opted to try my own test. The only difference is I decided to NOT use a hard modifier because I don’t have any that fit all three that are the same shape/size. Plus I was not interested in testing the ‘max’ output of the units, only the differences. So I ran my test using all three bare bulb, no modifier at all. I placed each unit in my second bathroom which is small, about 8×10 feet. Pointed each bulb straight up and fired them at 1:1 power, maximum. I measured each unit’s output with a Sekonic L358 light meter set at 1/100th shutter speed, ISO 100. I pointed the meter at the opposing wall and fired each flash three times to ensure some consistency. Here are my results
Godox AD360
AD360
- f14
- f14
- f14
Godox AD600AD600
- f20
- f20
- f20
PCB Einstein 640Einstein
- f22
- f22
- f22
So to summarize my little test:
- The AD360 is about 1.33 stops less powerful than the Einstein
- The AD360 is about 1.0 stops less powerful than the AD600
- The AD600 is about .33 stops less powerful than the Einstein
If you’re interested in leaving me a comment about being more scientific or why there are flaws in my ‘testing’ don’t bother. I could care less since my belief is how one uses their gear and the final results are more important. There are plenty of other sites which may or may not have tested these against one another which will satisfy your questions and methodology.
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[…] Quick Test – AD360 vs. AD600 vs. Einstein 640 […]
Thanks for the comparisons. I’m really enjoying reading your tests of these Godox units. I currently have three Einstein’s and one AD360 (Manual version) and looking to get a few AD600 units.
You’re welcome. I do these simply to help others.
Thanks for the post comparing power levels of the AD 360, a flash I’m very interested in getting. I’m also looking to get into high speed photography (Einsteins not really an option as I’m in the UK, but am eyeing up the Godox QT-600), so I was wondering if you got any impression of the t.1 speed of the AD360, and how useful it was for light weight portable high-speed work? E.g. what sort of power does it put out around 1/4000 ish duration or whatever speed you use for close, fast moving dancers? Godox do state the duration range, but would be good to get some real world usage impressions. Anything along those lines would be much appreciated!
Hi Joe I’m sorry that I cannot answer your question in measurement as I have not, nor do I plan to do that sort of testing. I am a shooter first and only post these little articles to help when I can. I will say that I’ve been impressed with the stopping power of the AD360s and AD600s. Good enough for dance.
Thanks Mark!
Sure Joe. I always try to catch dancers at the apex of their movement, so the t:1 performance is not as critical as when you are capturing them going across the frame. In general I have found that 1/2000th of a second is the minimum to freeze dancer’s finger tips at their apex. In those cases the AD360s are more than capable of stopping action. Depending on how high the ambient light is where you are shooting will also affect the effectiveness of stopping blur.
Hello Mark,
Have you ever done any light testing of a Godox AD360 light output versus a Canon 580EX II or Yongnuo similar flash? I also use Einstein’s and very rarely need to power them up past 1/2 power. I’m looking for a nice HSS option for athlete indoor/outdoor action shots for sportraits and the E640 does not do that. 8-( Was waiting for the AD600 to come out but the AD360 may be enough, but you can never have too much flash power. 😎 I know a Canon and Yongnuo doesn’t have enough power to overpower the sun unless I use two or three of them together.
klaus, I don’t use any speedlights so I cannot speak to them. If you are working indoors then I believe the AD360s will work well. I know that so many people avoid upping their ISO to compensate for low power but I do it all the time. The AD360s work well in lower ambient light outdoors too.
Thanks for the reply Mark,
I thought I’d receive an e-mail when you replied and just found this as I’m still deciding if I should go with the AD360 or AD600. I have two Einsteins, 2 AB400’s and 10 strobes but really want high-speed sync for overpowering the sun and getting nice blue skies. I do a lot of specialty action shots where HSS would come in handy and ganging up three HSS capable flashes could pose problems. I’m still trying to figure out if the Godex reflectors have a standard mount or do I have to by light modifiers from Godex. I would need a large softbox and octobox. I currently have a 24 x 30 Paul C buff softbox but it will not fit these unless I buy a AD600 with a Bowens mount and then convert the PCB to a Bowens mount. 😎 So many choices. 😎
Using the Neewer S-Type Bracket Holder with Bowens Mount at $20 will give you a sturdy and reliable solution that opens a huge selection of modifiers. http://tinyurl.com/z5mtpdj Added note; some modifiers come with a Neweer S-Type Bracket Holder included. The flowing is an example offered by Godox. It is a very nice double diffused 80x80cm softbox with S bracket and grid all for $50. I have a pair of them. http://tinyurl.com/zvjj4x8
Thanks for this test Mark. I have been meaning to make it myself but haven’t had the time.
I am absolutely delighted with my AD-360s and have found them to be rock solid reliable and repeatable. I use them exclusively now on location as they are so much lighter than my White Lightnings and Bowens gear.
I understand what you mean about the difference in gear needed for the AD 360s vs. the AD 600. This doesn’t bother me too much as I enjoy the weight advantage and don’t miss the power.
As I am actually thinking of reducing the size of my cameras by going to APS-C I can probably enjoy similar DOF with larger apertures thus buying even more power from the flash.
Now all we need is a good zoom with a leaf shutter.