p.1 #1 · Best way to trigger Profoto D2 with Godox strobes
I just unloaded almost all of my Profoto gear, aside from one D2 500. I still really like my Profoto 4ft octa (the latest one that has an integrated speedring) because it’s so quick to setup and I like the quality of light.
That said, I have Godox AD600 Pro II and AD200 Pro II strobes on the way, and I’d love to figure out the best way to integrate the D2 with the rest of the lights.
I think the best way would be to just get one of the Godox X1R-N receivers and use the PC sync port on the D2 to trigger it with a Godox trigger. Has anyone else mixed strobes in this way that can comment?
p.1 #2 · Best way to trigger Profoto D2 with Godox strobes
If you're going to employ the sync socket then everything works. Of course, a cord for that old-school feeling. Otherwise, any external wireless trigger, even PW. Finally, an external optical trigger like Wein Peanut if you have exclusive use of the shooting space. I've used them all.
In a dark room, you can even fire by hand. Who needs trigger technology!
p.1 #3 · Best way to trigger Profoto D2 with Godox strobes
You might want to consider the new Godox TTL Wireless Receiver XR/XRS over the X1R-N. More functionality and newer tech.
Used Pocket Wizards are cheap these days and the Plus II is a solid performer matched with the Godox X2T since it can be mounted on the X2T hot shoe to sync the PW. On the strobe end a 3.5mm sync plug will connect the other Plus II PW.
p.1 #4 · Best way to trigger Profoto D2 with Godox strobes
JBPhotog wrote:
You might want to consider the new Godox TTL Wireless Receiver XR/XRS over the X1R-N. More functionality and newer tech.
Used Pocket Wizards are cheap these days and the Plus II is a solid performer matched with the Godox X2T since it can be mounted on the X2T hot shoe to sync the PW. On the strobe end a 3.5mm sync plug will connect the other Plus II PW.
Ah yes, I have glanced at the XR and do like that it is signficantly smaller than the X1R. I just wish Godox made something similar in form factor to Westcott's receiver unit. I am not a fan of stacking triggers with Godox, because I've had issues with misfires in the past with the old X1T
p.1 #5 · Best way to trigger Profoto D2 with Godox strobes
Another thing to consider is that Godox makes dedicated Profoto mount adapters for the AD200 and AD400--although not, frustratingly, for the AD600. Westcott does make a very affordable Bowens-to-Profoto adapter you could put on the AD600.
Note, however, that while the Godox adapters are quite long and give you as much or almost as much mounting surface as an actual Profoto light, the Jinbei/Westcott bulbs protrude a lot less than the Godox/Flashpoint ones, so the adapter Westcott makes is quite a bit shorter. It only covers about 60% of the AD600 bulb, so you'd have to be careful. Also, most people probably don't care about this, but I really like to mount my beauty dish or softbox first and then stack the Profoto Grid & Gel Holder in front of that with a gel, and there's not enough mounting surface to do that with the Westcott adapter (the Grid & Gel holder theoretically has its own Profoto-type mounting surface so you can put it "behind" a softbox, but it's even shorter than the Westcott adapter, and it's split into "petals" to limit how much light it blocks, so it'll only hold very lightweight modifiers [definitely not a metal beauty dish, even moderate-sized softboxes are iffy]).
p.1 #6 · Best way to trigger Profoto D2 with Godox strobes
I assume you already considered and ruled out the Raven trigger? I think it can mix Profoto and Godox triggering simultaneously. Having said that, I’m not clear on what receiver tech you’d need at the Profoto side to make it work. Ellis Vener is a big fan of the Raven and would be a solid resource.
p.1 #7 · Best way to trigger Profoto D2 with Godox strobes
Lee Saxon wrote:
Another thing to consider is that Godox makes dedicated Profoto mount adapters for the AD200 and AD400--although not, frustratingly, for the AD600. Westcott does make a very affordable Bowens-to-Profoto adapter you could put on the AD600.
Note, however, that while the Godox adapters are quite long and give you as much or almost as much mounting surface as an actual Profoto light, the Jinbei/Westcott bulbs protrude a lot less than the Godox/Flashpoint ones, so the adapter Westcott makes is quite a bit shorter. It only covers about 60% of the AD600 bulb, so you'd have to be careful. Also, most people probably don't care about this, but I really like to mount my beauty dish or softbox first and then stack the Profoto Grid & Gel Holder in front of that with a gel, and there's not enough mounting surface to do that with the Westcott adapter (the Grid & Gel holder theoretically has its own Profoto-type mounting surface so you can put it "behind" a softbox, but it's even shorter than the Westcott adapter, and it's split into "petals" to limit how much light it blocks, so it'll only hold very lightweight modifiers [definitely not a metal beauty dish, even moderate-sized softboxes are iffy])....Show more →
Hm I didn't realize the Profoto mount adapters for godox don't work with the AD600. That's good to know. My Profoto 4 ft is one of my favorite location modifiers, so it'd be nice to be able to use them with my new AD200 Pro IIs.
I checked out the Westcott strobes in person, and liked a lot of things about them. I don't like that the touch screen only controls on the Westcott strobe though, as for me it's a lot quicker and easier to just turn a dial. That said, I was a little disappointed by the scroll wheel on the new AD600 Pro ii as it feels a little cheap. Godox is still the winner for me I think, because the FJ250s are still a bit large for what they are.
I rarely use metal beauty dishes nowadays. We have a Profoto one at the studio, so I guess another reason to keep the D2 500. I might just get all AD200s for my personal kit along with the dual head adapter for when I need more power on location, and like I said when I have larger jobs with a rental budget I would just rent Profotos.
p.1 #8 · Best way to trigger Profoto D2 with Godox strobes
jlafferty wrote:
I assume you already considered and ruled out the Raven trigger? I think it can mix Profoto and Godox triggering simultaneously. Having said that, I’m not clear on what receiver tech you’d need at the Profoto side to make it work. Ellis Vener is a big fan of the Raven and would be a solid resource.
Thanks, yeah I looked into the Raven triggers, and the main thing that dissuaded me is that it's quite large, and it would be cheaper to just use the X1R plus a godox trigger (I'm thinking I'll pick up the new X3 Pro and I have one of the older XproII triggers as a backup). I'm not sure if I'll keep the Profoto D2 longer term, so if I do end up selling it, I wouldn't really need the Raven trigger.
p.1 #9 · Best way to trigger Profoto D2 with Godox strobes
Just to close the loop, I ended up just getting an inexpensive Godox X1R to use with the D2. Works great with the godox triggers, and came with the right size cable for the sync port in the Profoto strobe.
p.1 #10 · Best way to trigger Profoto D2 with Godox strobes
In the last month, I almost went the Godox route for my Sony system but then wimped out with two OEM flashes—overpriced even used, although radio capable. Time to break out my long-neglected umbrellas. This kit will go into the field for flowers, mainly.
p.1 #11 · Best way to trigger Profoto D2 with Godox strobes
rico wrote:
In the last month, I almost went the Godox route for my Sony system but then wimped out with two OEM flashes—overpriced even used, although radio capable. Time to break out my long-neglected umbrellas. This kit will go into the field for flowers, mainly.
I am rethinking my move to Godox to be honest. I returned all the AD200 Pro mk2s I purchased after finding the TTL to be not as accurate as I'd like, and overheat protection kicks in way too fast at only 1/4 power and normal sync speed.
I held off on buying the AD600 mk2 Pro because I wasn't impressed with the controls (I'm being nitpicky, but the way the dial feels when you turn it feels kind of cheap), and they are surprisingly heavy for just a 600 ws strobe, especially compared to something like a B10 plus. The B10 plus is 4.2 lbs and the AD600 Pro mk2 is 7.65 lbs.
I am thinking about just going back to Profoto now that I know how to replace the flash tube myself on the B10 (after trying to repair the broken battery terminals on one). I was renting out my lights to friends, but probably going to stop doing that because I'm guessing that's how the battery terminals broke one one.
This kit will go into the field for flowers, mainly.