Godox Sk400ii is a popular series of studio flashlights/strobes among amateur and professional photographers. Building on the success of the SK400II, Godox introduced its successor, the SK400II V, in 2023. Despite lacking some key features, both models have garnered significant acclaim within the photography community. Now, let’s delve into whether upgrading to the SK400II V from the SK400II is a worthwhile decision.
Key Similarities and Differences:
Both the SK400II and SK400II V offer the same robust features and build quality, with one notable distinction. These studio strobes boast 400ws power and fast recycling times, along with Bowen’s mounts and metal threads for easy attachment to light stands. Additionally, they come equipped with accessories such as softboxes, a flash trigger, and a carrying bag.
However, it’s worth noting that neither model supports full High-Speed Sync (HSS) or Through-The-Lens (TTL) functionality, which may be considered drawbacks for some photographers.
The primary difference lies in the modeling lamp: while the SK400II features a 150ws halogen tube emitting yellow light, the SK400II V replaces it with a 10W LED that produces neutral light. Although this update enhances color accuracy, it doesn’t address the absence of HSS and TTL support.
It would have been much better and impressive if they had added HSS and TTL support to the Sk400ii V strobe flash head. Anyway, the new LED modeling light in Sk400ii V is still low-powered but it throws neutral light instead of yellow-tinted light (modeling lamp). Sk400ii strobe features a 150ws halogen tube which throws yellow color light. So this is the only improvement which has been made to Sk400ii V.
Is it worth upgrading to Sk400ii V from Sk400ii?
If you’re currently using low-powered studio lights like the Godox SL200III/SL300 series and seek a more potent strobe, investing in the SK400II V is a sensible choice. However, if you already own the SK400II and are contemplating an upgrade, the incremental improvements may not justify the expense. The SK400II V primarily caters to new buyers or photographers transitioning from smaller strobes.
You can see from the specifications there is no difference
Godox Sk400ii Vs Sk400ii V Specification Difference
- Model – GODOX SK400ii
- Maximum Power – 400Ws
- Modeling Lamp – 150Ws in Yellow Color
- Color Temperature – 5600+_200k
- Recycle Time – 0.1 to 1s
- Operating Voltage – AC100-120V~60Hz: 8A
- Triggering Mode – Slave Mode, Sync Cord, Wireless Triggering, Test Mode
- Flash durations – 1/800s – 1/2000s
- Guide No. – 65
- Warranty – 2Year (except flash tube and modeling lamp)
- Model – GODOX SK400ii V
- Maximum Power – 400Ws
- Modeling Lamp – 10W LED
- Color Temperature – 5600+_200k
- Recycle Time – 0.1 to 1.5s
- Operating Voltage – AC100-120V~60Hz: 8A
- Triggering Mode – Slave Mode, Sync Cord, Wireless Triggering, Test Mode
- Flash durations – 1/800s – 1/2000s
- Guide No. – 65
- Warranty – 2Year (except flash tube and modeling lamp)
In Conclusion:
Both SK400II and SK400II V excel in terms of size, design, and features, with the latter offering a minor enhancement in the form of an LED modeling light. While the SK400II V appeals to newcomers or those seeking a more powerful strobe, existing SK400II owners may not find sufficient reason to make the switch. Ultimately, both models represent solid choices for photographers seeking reliable and high-quality studio lighting solutions.
 lights are the same in terms of size, design and features, only the modeling halogen bulb is replaced with LED light in Sk400ii V. It is the only improvement/difference in the Sk400ii V strobe and Sk400ii.){kind=link}