Elinchrom One vs Godox AD100Pro - Best Compact Flash?

The Godox AD100Pro is a 100w battery powered flash designed for on-location shooting, and is a close alternative to the Elinchrom One flash. Both off-camera compact flashes, the One and AD100Pro have the advantage of being small enough to pack into a backpack to travel with for minimal fuss and maximum flexibility. So what's important to know when deciding between the two?

Godox AD100Pro	Elinchrom One	Godox AD100Pro

Power Output 

As the name implies the maximum power output of the AD100Pro and the Elinchrom One is the same at 100Ws. Both units are more than capable of lighting studio shoots as well as on location. At this power level, both AD100Pro filled enough the gap of photographers who require a 100Ws off-camera strobe. 

Compact Design 

Weighing 542g including the battery, and 76mmx120mm in size, the AD100Pro is about the size of a typical drinks can, and is the most compact off-camera flash from the Godox range, whether battery or mains powered. 

The Elinchrom One is also known for its portability, but weighs in at 1.5kg and has dimensions of 70-200mm, making it almost twice the size, and almost three times the weight of the AD100Pro! While still a portable option, the One would take up almost twice as much space and luggage limit as the AD100Pro, meaning it might just be less convenient for those travelling and/or flying abroad for shoots. 

Key Features

At a power output of 131Ws, the Elinchrom One has a higher output than the 100Ws of the AD100Pro, giving you slightly more flexibility and range, however, they do have different power ranges. The AD100Pro is adjustable at 9 stops, while the One has the ability to be adjusted between 10 stops, allowing you to adjust down further. Both lights also have HSS and TTL features when paired with an appropriate trigger, allowing you to shoot at shutter speeds faster than the sync speed of your camera.

Comparing recycle times, the Elinchrom One also has a smaller range of 0.06 to 0.9, compared to the AD100Pro's recycle time between 0.01 to 1.5 seconds. While the One has a faster recycle time for higher powered flashes, the AD100Pro has a much faster rate overall at lower powers. 

Battery 

The AD100Pro battery is removeable, making for easy battery swapping during long shoots, and is rechargeable, offering approximately 360 full-Powered flashes per charge. 

In comparison, the Elinchrom One has a built-in battery; while this makes for improved safety in adverse weather conditions with it being sealed, it does also make it less convenient for longer shoots, or if your battery fails. A removeable battery makes it easy to replace and change, whereas a sealed battery then puts your whole light out of action! As a trade-off, however, it does produce to 725 full-power flashes on a single charge. Not only that, but the Elinchrom One also can be charged via Type-C cable for easy on-the-go boosts. 

Wireless Control 

In terms of connectivity, the AD100Pro can work with major camera brands by connecting with X1, X2T, or XPRO triggers. Because it is built in the same Godox 2.4GHz wireless technology as every other Godox flash on the market, and most Godox triggers.

Meanwhile, the Elinchrom One built-in Skyport enables wireless control, where you can utilise 4 groups across 20 channels. This feature has used a range of up to 60m indoors combined with the Transmitter Pro on your camera. In other ways, it is even more impressive extending to 200 meters when used outside. 

Modifier Compatibility 

The AD100Pro uses a speedlite fitting for modifiers, and also has the benefit of the magnetic round-head fitting too (found in the V1 and the V100 speedlites), allowing for a wide range of compact-flash modifiers to be used with it, as well as an umbrella mount. 

It also is compatible with the Godox S2 Bracket, which fits around the flash to fit it with Bowens S-Type fitting softboxes, beauty dishes and more!

In contrast, the Elinchrom ONE design works with the recently released Elinchrom OCF modifier mount. It is also compatible with the majority of Profoto bayonet light shapers, for further light shaping flexibility. 

Final Words

While both flashes have similar specifications and will produce similar lighting effects, the key differences are the battery style and capacity, and the size difference, however the price difference between the two will also impact many photographers' decisions. 

The RRP of the Elinchrom One is approximately £689.00 (based on different retailers), compared to the AD100Pro RRP price of £297.99, making it less than half the price of the One. For beginners or amateurs looking to expand their kit, the AD100Pro is simply the more accessible option. Find the full specifications table below to help you make your decision.

Got questions? Speak to our LiveChat team online, from 9:30-4:30 on weekdays, or email our team at info@essentialphoto.co.uk! 

Godox is a world-renowned brand & leading manufacturer for professional studio lighting equipment. Renowned for their high quality and innovative products, they lead the Film, TV and Photography industries with professional lighting.

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