Today, we’re going to look at the new Godox S2 Speedlite Flash Bowens mount bracket and put it through its paces!
This is a brand new version of the original Godox S-type bracket. The new bracket allows you to use all the other speedlites and flashes that Godox produces, so it’s very versatile. It also features a Bowens mount so you can use your Bowens fit lighting modifiers.
Godox S2 Speedlite Flash Mount Bracket First Look
The box contains the Godox S2 Speedlite Flash Bracket For Bowens and a short construction guide that shows you different configurations and how to mount different flashes and lighting modifiers on the front and back.
The bracket feels quite sturdy and has a bit of weight to it compared to the S-type bracket, and it seems as if the build quality has improved significantly. The mount that has the tilting head and the one that mounts to the stand are now made of metal, which gives it a more robust feel.
Godox S2 Bracket and Godox S-Type Comparison
Both brackets look very similar, and they have the same flat mounting point that gives a bit of grip, and the locking mechanism supports the standard speedlites. There are the similar mounting points for the umbrella and light stand mount on both bracket types.
There are a few differences between the Godox S2 Speedlite Flash Bracket For Bowens / S-Type Mount and the Godox S-Bracket with Bowens S Mount Holder.
- The handle that controls the tilting function has changed. It’s much easier to use, and you can pull that out and reposition the handle if you need to.
- The locking system is almost a crank-style, and there is also the improvement in build quality and sturdiness of the light stand mount which is made of metal instead of plastic.
- There is also a difference in the way you can mount the bracket to the light stand. You can do it the standard, vertical way, or horizontally. The S2 has a larger opening on the mounting point that allows for it to be mounted horizontally. To do this, you will need to reposition the locking knob in the point provided for this purpose.
- The mounting point for the umbrella is now slide-in, and there is a tab inside that locks it with tension, as opposed to the locking knob on the S-type. This makes the umbrella mounting a lot more stable, which helps in both vertical and horizontal positions.
- The last big change is the method of mounting different flashes to the bracket.
There’s the standard flat mounting point that lets you mount standard Godox speedlites and flashes like the TT350 and TT685. If you slide the first piece out, remove the top piece and slide it back in, you can see that it’s rounded at the bottom. This allows you to mount Godox V1 flashes and AD200/AD200Pro flashes, unlike the previous S-type bracket.
When you remove another piece of the bracket, the centre hole becomes much larger, which then allows you to use other lights like the AD400Pro.
You can also use the magnetic mounting point for the AKR1 accessory kit for Godox.
S2 Bracket & Godox V1 Field Test in the Studio
We tested the Godox S2 Bracket with the Godox V1 light in the studio during a model shoot. We added a Godox 80cm octagon softbox as a lighting modifier, and you can see the results here:
How to Modify the S2 Bracket Mounting Option
The Godox S2 bracket is adjustable for different Godox speedlites and flash types, which makes it a very handy bit of kit to have.
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TT350: the standard configuration doesn’t take the TT350 lying flat, but if you put the flash in on its side, it will hold it comfortably. You can also use two TT350 flashes next to each other within the bracket.
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TT685: these flashes will fit the bracket in standard fashion.
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V1: this is a roundhead flash, and was too big for the S-type bracket. With the S2, all you need to do is loosen the bracket and slide out the two layers at the bottom. Put the rounded part back in, and it will now hold the V1 flash once the knob is screwed down.
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AD200: you can mount this flash horizontally or vertically by removing one of the bottom pieces of the bracket
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AD200Pro: mounts horizontally
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AD400Pro: to fit, remove the final layer of the bracket at the bottom and loosen the bracket all the way. The AD400Pro will then fit, but make sure it’s tightened up securely as it is quite back-heavy. You can also use this flash top-down.
What Lighting Modifier Options Are Available for the S2 Bracket?
The Godox S2 bracket is a very convenient way to use flash and modifiers on location. The bracket is a Bowens S-type fit, so you can add softboxes, barn doors, beauty dishes etc, in addition to the umbrella mounting point.
Godox makes a 60x60cm tulip softbox that is collapsible and folds down into a small size for transport. It opens out ready-to-go, so there’s no need to construct it from scratch. The softbox comes with internal diffusers as well as an external diffuser.
The great thing is that you can mount this Godox softbox onto the S-type or S2 bracket without needing a speed ring. It mounts directly onto the bracket using friction, and this is a great portable location setup.
Conclusion
The new Godox S2 bracket is an improvement over the S-type bracket. The changes Godox have made include:
- The S2 bracket is of a better build quality than the S-type, with metal instead of plastic for load-bearing areas.
- Adjustable holder for taking a wide variety of Godox lights
- The tilting handle is much easier to use
- Horizontal or vertical mounting options (except with the AD400Pro)
- New mounting point for an umbrella - friction lock instead of locking knob which gives more stability
The new, ingenious design means that you can now use many different Godox speedlites and also the larger AD400Pro with it. The only slight drawback when using the AD400Pro is the way it can seem a little unstable and heavy at the back when on a stand.
The Bowens fit bracket means you can use Bowens lighting modifiers as well as Godox ones. All in all, this is a great addition to the Godox range and is sure to come in handy for location shoots as well as studio ones.
For more photography lighting and equipment, visit our main page www.hypop.com.au.
