Quick Answer
To mount a barndoor kit on a speedlight, first ensure your flash has a compatible accessory mount or adapter, then slide the barndoor onto the mount and lock it in place before adjusting the leaves.
Why Mount a Barndoor Kit on a Speedlight?
A barndoor kit gives you precise control over the spread of light from your speedlight, allowing you to shape the beam and reduce spill onto backgrounds or unwanted areas. This is especially useful when you need a focused, directional light for portraits, product shots, or creative effects.
Barndoor Kit vs. Snoot or Grid
Unlike a snoot, which restricts light to a narrow circle, or a grid, which creates a soft-edged spot, barndoors give you four adjustable leaves that can be opened, closed, or angled independently. This flexibility lets you block light from specific directions while keeping the main beam wide.
Step-by-Step Guide to Mounting a Barndoor Kit
- 1. Check Your Speedlight’s Mount: Confirm that your speedlight has a compatible accessory mount, such as a Bowens S-type mount or a dedicated speedlight adapter. The Godox AD200 has a removable flash head that can accept the Godox Barndoor Kit directly. Common mistake: Forcing a barndoor onto an incompatible mount can damage both the accessory and the flash.
- 2. Attach the Barndoor to the Mount: Align the barndoor’s mounting ring with the speedlight’s mount. Slide it on until it clicks or locks into place. For the Godox Barndoor Kit with 4 Color Gels for AD200 Speedlight Head, you simply push it onto the AD200’s head until it snaps. Ensure the barndoor is fully seated before releasing it—partial engagement can cause it to fall off during use.
- 3. Lock the Barndoor Securely: Tighten any locking screw or lever on the barndoor’s mount to prevent it from rotating or slipping. This step is critical when you’ll be moving the light stand or adjusting the barndoor leaves. Check the lock periodically, as vibrations from adjusting the leaves can loosen it over time.
- 4. Adjust the Barndoor Leaves: Open or close each leaf individually to shape the light beam. Start with all leaves fully open, then close them one by one to block light from specific directions. Use the included color gels by sliding them into the gel holder slots on the barndoor. Avoid over-tightening the leaf hinges—they should move smoothly but stay in place when set.
- 5. Test the Light Pattern: Fire the flash at a low power setting and observe the light pattern on your subject or a wall. Adjust the leaves as needed until you achieve the desired shape and intensity. If the light is too harsh, try diffusing it with a softbox or bouncing it off a reflector instead of closing the leaves too much.
Product Facts
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Godox Barndoor Kit with 4 Color Gels for AD200 Speedlight Head: This kit includes four color gels for creative lighting effects. You can add a colored tint to your light without needing a separate gel holder, expanding your creative options during a shoot.
Godox Barndoor Kit with 4 Color Gels for AD200 Speedlight Head
