The Key Differences Between the Godox AD100Pro and the Profoto A2

The Godox AD100Pro is a 100w battery powered flash designed for on-location shooting, and is a close alternative to the Profoto A2 flash. Both off-camera compact flashes, the A2 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 Flash	Profoto A2 Flash

The Power

The most frequently asked question when buying flash devices is how much power they might be able to produce. Both the A2 and the AD100Pro have a 100w output, making them powerful enough for portraiture work, events such as weddings, and shoots for product and food photography.  

Flash Quality

The AD100Pro can deliver flashes as fast as 1/8000s with high-speed sync, and a 9-stop power range, plus control of multiple flash setups via an optional 32-channel wireless transmitter. With a high-capacity 2600mAh 7.2V rechargeable Li-ion battery powering the CITI100 Pro, you get recycle times of 0.01 to 1.5 seconds.

The battery of the A2 is the standard Profoto A series MKII power cell with a two-hour recharge time. The A2 delivers 100Ws of power with a similar 1/8000s flash duration and a slightly wider 10-stop power range. 

The AD series also has the benefit of TTL Auto-Exposure and High-Speed Sync (HSS) support. It allows the AD100Pro to work with several well-known camera brands including Canon, Nikon, Sony, etc when paired with an appropriate trigger. This makes it easy to achieve a nice exposure on the go when time is of the essence.

Modifier Options

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 comparison, the A2, as well as an umbrella fitting, it also has a strong magnetic connection with the Profoto OCF Adapter III for putting on light modifiers such as the Profoto Softbox Octa. While the Profoto OCF Adapter allows use with Profoto’s Clic range of accessories that have a 75mm diameter.

Trigger Compatibility

Like all other Godox flashes, the AD100Pro has the same built in Godox 2.4GHz wireless system such as the XPro II, XT16 and more.

The A2 has built-in with AirX connectivity and allows you to shoot with any camera, including a smartphone. In addition, it allows you to enjoy the freedom of choosing where you adjust all settings. 

Weight and Size

The Godox AD100Pro is the smallest off-camera flash offered by Godox at about the size of a typical drinks can, weighing only 524g and 120mmx76mm in size. Perfectly pocket-sized!

The Profoto A2 is also the smallest ever monolight by the Profoto brand. However, when comparing, it is over 200g heavier than the AD100Pro at 773g. Yet, it’s still suitable when space is at a minimum and time is short. 

Overall

While both flashes have incredibly similar specifications and will produce similar lighting effects, the price difference remains a key point, though the rest is personal preference. 

In reality, the RRP of the Profoto A2 is approximately £870.00 (based on different retailers), compared to the AD100Pro RRP price of £297.99. Making it less than half the price of the A2. For beginners or amateurs looking to expand their kit, the AD100Pro is 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.

EssentialPhoto & Video is the Official Godox Partner and UK Distributor, stocking the widest range of Godox kit in the UK, offering a 12 Month Warranty*, and Customer Support and after-sales repair at our Birmingham-based store. All Godox stock is dispatched from our warehouse in the West Midlands, UK.