My recommended strobe setup for portrait/fashion starters.
Over the years I used a lot of strobe and lightformers. From a standard on Godox V1 camera flash to a Godox AD1200 Pro 1200Ws.
When you are starting out with limited budget it is a good idea to buy 2 strobes instead of 1. Though a lot is done with only one flash (and) reflector using 2 strobes gives you more lighting possibilities.
You can use 1 flash as main light and the other as fill or rim light.
But most important with the Godox AD-B2 dual head you can combine two AD200’s (or pros) to a powerfull 400Ws strobe! With 400Ws you already have enough power to lighten your subject outdoors. There is also the Godox AD400 Pro available with approximately the same power.
The Godox AD-B2 with 2 bulbs (you need to buy them seperately)
The AD-B2 has a Bowens mount so you can use lightformers from several manufacturers like SMDV, Smallrig, SMDV, Jinbei, Godox, …
A white umbrella is always a good choice.
Use a white umbrella to soften the light. An umbrella is always a good choice on a budget and it is also very transportable.
For outdoor (and indoor) use, I recommend the Smallrig RA-D55. It’s not to heavy and when only using the inner diffusion you have enough power when placing the flash a few meters from your subject. Using a standard reflector is also a good idea!
I recommend using the AD200 extension cables when using a lightweigt light stand.
Use extension cables and put the AD200’s in a bag and use them as counterweight to prevent the stand frol falling over. (but always use sandbags to secure!)
When your light stand falls over your AD200’s in a bag are better protected and less prone to damage.
This setup is a very portable and powerfull combination and recommended when weight and size is an issue.
Battery life of these AD200’s is excellent! The price of extra batteries to use as spare is very affordable.
AD200 cables attached on the dual head.
Use a sport reflector outdoors. Here with grid. (I never use grid outside unless I put the reflector very close to create a beam of light)
Here are actual street prices VAT included (in Belgium)
Godox AD200 pro: 350 Euro x 2 = 700 Euro
Godox AD-B2: 80 Euro
Godox bulb: 50 Euro x 2 = 100 Euro
Umbrella: 25 Euro
Smallrig RA-D55: 110 Euro
Sport reflector: 40 Euro
Standard reflector: 20 Euro
Godox AD200/AD200Pro Cross-Body Mini Bag: 20 Euro x 2 = 40 Euro
Light stand: 50 Euro
Total: 1165 Euro
Conclusion:
This setup is a fantastic if you want flexibility and portability. For a total price of 1165 Euro you have everything you need to start shooting in a studio but also outdoors. If you decide to buy the bigger and more powerful AD600 Pro’s and AD1200 Pro’s later on you can still use the AD200’s for extra light.
Battery life is perfect and the price is justified.
A Godox AD600 Pro (950 Euro) is a better choice when you only need one flash or you already own a V1 (though it is only halfpower of a AD200). However you will also need to buy the extension cable (130 Euro).
It is more powerful but less compact.