Bowens vs Profoto Flash Tubes: Key Differences
By Borge's Imaging — Shop Photography, Printing and Studio Gear in Melbourne Borge's Imaging | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: Comparisons
Compare Bowens 500W mini candle, Godox FT-600W, and Profoto D1/D2 modeling lamp. Learn which flash tube fits your studio strobe and budget.
Quick answer
Bowens, Godox, and Profoto flash tubes are not interchangeable. Choose the Bowens 500W mini candle for legacy Bowens monolights, the Godox FT-600W for AD600Pro strobes, and the Profoto D1/D2 modeling lamp for Profoto D-series lights.
Why compatibility matters more than specs
Flash tubes and modeling lamps are often specific to a brand or even a single strobe model. Using the wrong tube can damage your light or create a fire hazard. The three products here serve completely different systems: Bowens, Godox, and Profoto. You cannot mix them.
The Godox FT-600W is a replacement flash tube rated at 600Ws with a color temperature of 5600K. It is designed exclusively for the Godox AD600Pro. The Bowens 500W mini candle uses an E11 base and fits older Bowens monolights. The Profoto D1/D2 modeling lamp is a 300W/120V clear bulb for Profoto D1 and D2 strobes.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Bowens 500W mini candle: Use this if you own a Bowens monolight that takes an E11 mini-candle tube. It is affordable but limited to that specific socket. Check your strobe's manual to confirm E11 compatibility before buying.
- Godox FT-600W: Use this if you have a Godox AD600Pro. It is a 600W flash tube with a 5600K color temperature. No other Godox strobe uses this tube. The FT-600W is not compatible with AD600 or AD600BM models.
- Profoto D1/D2 modeling lamp: Use this 300W/120V clear bulb for Profoto D1 or D2 monolights. It is a modeling lamp, not a flash tube. For a cheaper alternative, consider the OSRAM 64514 halogen lamp. This is a modeling lamp, not a flash tube; it does not affect flash output.
Product facts at a glance
- Godox FT-600W Flash Tube for AD600Pro Flash: Replacement or Spare Part Power: 600Ws Colour Temperature: 5600K The Godox FT-600W is a direct spare for the AD600Pro, so you get consistent color and power output without recalibration.
Godox FT-600W Flash Tube for AD600Pro Flash - Bowens 500W mini candle E11 102515: Bowens 500W mini candle E11 102515 This E11 base tube is only compatible with Bowens-brand monolights, not with Bowens-mount adapters on other strobes.
Bowens 500W mini candle E11 102515
Which one fits your setup?
Best for
- Photographers with a Godox AD600Pro who need a direct replacement flash tube
- Studio owners using Bowens monolights that accept E11 mini-candle tubes
Not for
- Anyone using a Bowens-mount adapter on a non-Bowens strobe — the tube itself is brand-specific
- Profoto D1/D2 users who need a flash tube — the D1/D2 modeling lamp is only for continuous light
