Profoto News

From Profoto:

Hi Android users, connect your Profoto B10 and B10 Plus to your smartphone via Profoto Control app available on Google Play Store. You can view and control your B10 and B10 Plus settings, and install new updates in seconds.

Wherever your shoot takes you, Profoto B10 series provides you with the power to create with seamless smartphone connectivity – get your Profoto B10 lights today!

B&H carries the Profoto B10 Plus.

From the Profoto YouTube Channel:

The Profoto C1 product range are the studio lights for smartphones that deliver great light in your images, anytime and anywhere. Connect it to the Profoto camera app and you hold the secret of professional-looking images. All you have to do is press the button.

B&H carries the Profoto C1 and C1 Plus.

Yesterday, Profoto released a short teaser video for its newest product which features the bold statement, "Soon, the world of photography will change forever..."

As September 18 rolls around, we'll see if their lofty statement holds any merit.

From Profoto:

With the B10 Plus, shooting on location isn't about problems, it's about opportunities.

Because shooting on location forces you to make choices.

For the most part, those choices inevitably come down to how much gear to bring and how much gear to leave behind.

Because if you’re shooting a wedding, for example, you can’t afford for your gear to slow you down. And if the location is remote there’s only so much you can realistically carry. Ultimately, there’s always a compromise.

Here at Profoto, we’re not big on compromise. That’s what drove us to create the Profoto B10 and now, it’s ever so slightly bigger brother, the Profoto B10 Plus.

“Like the Profoto B10, the B10 Plus is a seriously small flash.” Commented Göran Marén, Product Manager at Profoto.

“It’s around the size of a large lens. That means you can fit it in your bag with the rest of your gear and because it's cordless and lightweight, it's easy to bring and set up anywhere.”

Despite its small and lightweight appearance, the Profoto B10 Plus packs a considerable punch. Twice as powerful as the B10 the B10 Plus gives you ten times more light than a speedlight. And the quality of that light is exactly what you’d expect from a Profoto flash; completely natural with a beautifully soft fall off.

The B10 Plus is also a powerful light that you can use for both stills and video. And lt’s easy to use. A separate dial on the sleek B10 interface allows you to adjust both brightness and color temperature until it blends perfectly with the ambient light.

"The B10 Plus uses the same stand adapter and battery as the B10” Göran adds, “the stand adapter can be quickly removed allowing you to mount the B10 Plus on any camera tripod.

The battery too is just as swiftly replaced, and you can charge it while you’re using it.”

The ‘no compromise’ approach continues with the huge range of compatible Profoto light-shaping tools. Profoto´s compact and lightweight OCF series is the perfect choice for light shaping on location. If they´re not enough, there are 120 more to choose from in the full Profoto range.

Controlling the B10 Plus off-camera is, again, easy. You can trigger and control the B10 Plus from any Profoto Air Remote, or from the Profoto A1 or A1X. Remotes are available for all major camera brands.

And you’ll also benefit from smart connectivity with the Profoto app. With the B10 Plus connected to the Profoto app you can view and control all the settings from your smartphone screen, experience creative capture with your smartphone, and download all the latest updates.

Ultimately, like it’s slightly smaller brother the B10, the B10 Plus is a big light in a small package. And the extra power means the possibilities are enormous.

Göran concluded. “we call it ‘more power of small.’ Because there are more possibilities to be creative with light in so many more ways. The opportunity to let your imagination run riot on any location.”

The Profoto B10 Plus; now, there’s no need to compromise.

B&H will carry the Profoto B10 Plus.

From Profoto:

We are never fully satisfied with the products we make. We always strive to take steps forward, whether they be baby-steps or strides. That is why we not only will create ground-breaking products, but we'll also continually evaluate and improve those products, as we have done with the launch of Profoto A1X, the A1’s new and improved sibling. It has a little more of everything that made its predecessor a success. An even more powerful battery, faster recycling and Sony compatibility are some of the 30+ updates that we have made to the product. Or put in other words – more when it matters.

Because in photography, there are no second chances. An image might present itself for a second, and then it's gone, so you can't afford to be fiddling with batteries or waiting for the flash to recharge - you've got to be ready. That's why the new Profoto A1X has up to 450 full power pops per charge, and lightning-fast one-second recharge time, so you'll never miss a shot.

The light in the image will always be natural and beautiful thanks to the innovative round head with its soft and gentle fall-off.

Allowing you even more creative freedom, the A1X features a magnetic click-on mount for light shaping tools; there are six tools available that can be used individually or in combination with one another.

And for more flexibility still, there's a flicker-free modelling light built-in to the head, so you can see exactly what you're going to capture before you press the shutter; which is especially useful when operating off-camera or in low light situations.

The Profoto A1X features a 20-channel Air Remote with HSS and AirTTL so you'll always get beautiful and professional images fast. And with the increased number of channels, you can be sure you won’t be interrupted at busy events or important moments.

Use TTL mode, and it's essentially point-and-shoot, the sensor will calculate the correct exposure for you. However, switch it over to manual, and you can then fine-tune that exposure to create exactly the look and feel you want.

Ease of use has always been at the heart of every Profoto product, and the A1X is no exception. The large, high-resolution display is incredibly easy to navigate with big, super-legible numbers. The way we see it, the less time you spend messing about with menu's, the more time you can spend doing what you love – creating images.

And whether you're a Sony, Canon or Nikon shooter, all the light shaping possibilities of the Profoto A1X are yours to enjoy.

Whether it's the natural and beautiful light it provides, the easy to navigate and intuitive display or superior battery life and recycling time - with the Profoto A1X there's more when it matters.

Because let's face it - it always matters.

Features

• Bespoke versions for Sony, Canon and Nikon
• 20-channels Air Remote
• Round head with soft, smooth and natural fall off
• AirTTL and HSS for a beautiful professional image fast
• Smart magnetic click-on mount for A1X Light Shaping Tools
• 6 dedicated A1X Light Shaping Tools available
• Integrated flicker-free modelling light.
• Built-in Air Remote TTL.
• Rechargeable and replaceable Li-Ion battery.
• 1.0s recycling time.
• TTL/MAN switch.
• Built in motor-zoom with hand control.
• Auto focus (AF) assist.
• Large Hi-Res display.

Specifications

• Height 10.8 cm (4.25 in)
• Full length: 16.5 cm (6,37 in)
• Width: 7.5 cm (2,95 in)
• Weight: 560 g (1.2 Ibs) including battery

The Profoto A1X is in stock at B&H and Adorama.

The Profoto Connect trigger's press release hit our email inbox early yesterday, but after looking into the product, I wasn't quite sure what to make of it. Being keenly interested in lighting and lighting gear, a button-free trigger that required your smartphone to manually adjust your flash's power levels seemed a bit ridiculous. Profoto is an industry standard for a reason. They have a knack for developing highly reliable, extremely useful lighting solutions. But I can't help but think this product misses its mark.

Who wants to be constantly pulling out their phone during a photo shoot? I know I don't. So whom exactly is this product for? The video above provides some clues.

Profoto believes that those who have so far been intimidated by off-camera lighting may appreciate a simple, no-fuss sort of trigger. But would somone who is tepid about trying off-camera lighting lay down nearly $1,000.00 for a Profoto A1 and then another $300.00 for the Connect trigger? And from a practical standpoint, if you're going to handhold your flash like the photographer in the video, why not simply use your camera brand's flash and an inexpensive TTL Flash Cord to trigger it?

I think this product could have been so much better. Imagine if it had featured a touch sensitive scroll wheel around the top of the device with a small display in the middle. With something like that, a user could easily change power levels of individual flashes (maybe a double finger tap would allow you to cycle among them?) using the display as a reference, all while maintaining the hook of a "button free" trigger. But then, the Connect would basically be a redesigned Air Remote, so Profoto would have to limit its functionality in some way for differentiation (shorter range, fewer channels, etc.).

If you're seriously considering investing in a Profoto lighting kit, including the excellent B1X and B2 (or even the A1) flashes, I highly suggest you spring for the slightly more expensive Profoto Air Remote instead. [Sean]

Profoto Connect Highlights

• Smartphone control: Yes, via Bluetooth through
• Profoto app
• Profoto AirTTL: Yes
• Operation modes: Auto/Manual
• Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz
• No. of frequency channels: 8
• Range: Up to 300m (1000 ft) (free line of sight in open space)
• Typical battery lifetime: >30 hours

Size matters, it does. Because how much gear you have to carry matters. How much space you have to set up and work in matters. Being able to move fast, getting in, getting out and nailing the shot matters.

Something else matters too; knowing that the equipment you have will push you forward rather than hold you back - that you'll be inspired to grow and to express yourself creatively. To be you, at your best.

That's why when Profoto set out to create the Profoto B10, their brand new cordless off-camera flash, the company first considered size. Or rather, a lack of it. “We designed the B10 to be small,” said Göran Marén, Product Manager at Profoto. “Just a little bigger than a medium-sized zoom lens. That means you can fit it in your bag with the rest of your gear and because it’s cordless and lightweight, it’s easy to bring and set up anywhere. That said, this is in every way a Profoto light, so the power and quality of light is essential.”

And while the B10 is small, it’s small without compromise. The B10 gives you five times more light than a speedlight; it’s a light that has a natural and beautiful soft fall off.

But this is more than just a flash; it’s also a highly effective continuous light that you can use for both stills and video. And like all Profoto lights, it’s easy to use. A separate dial on the sleek B10 interface allows you to adjust both brightness and color temperature until it blends perfectly with the ambient light. The continuous light is just one example of the extreme flexibility contained within the B10. The stand mount and the battery are prime examples. The stand mount can be swiftly removed. As a result, you can mount the B10 on any camera tripod. It is just as quick to replace the battery too, and you can charge it while you’re using it.

Göran Marén continues: “every part of the B10 has been designed to help the photographer to be more creative with light on location. We felt that the more flexibility we built in, the more an image creator can adapt to any issues or opportunities that a location might offer.”

Better still, the possibilities don’t end there since your creativity can run riot with an enormous range of Profoto light shaping tools that are as flexible as the B10. There are a dozen light shapers in Profoto’s compact and lightweight OCF series to start with, and if they’re not enough, there are 120 more light shaping tools in the full Profoto range.

Controlling the B10 off-camera is also easy. You can trigger and control the B10 wirelessly from any Profoto AirTTL remote or the Profoto A1. From up to 300 m/1000 ft you can point and shoot with TTL or switch to manual control at any time. AirTTL Remotes are available for all major camera brands.

To further capture the imagination, Profoto has added smart connectivity in the form of a unique and innovative smartphone app. With the B10 connected to the Profoto app you always have the latest B10 updates available at your fingertips. The app also gives you an ingenious remote control that lets you view and control all B10 settings from your smartphone screen.

The most inspiring part of the app might the beta version of creative capture that brings smartphone photography and the creative use of light closer together than ever before. Göran adds: “we wanted to inspire new ways of being creative with light, and to give photographers a glimpse into the future of photography.” Ultimately the B10 is a big light in a small package. And that means the possibilities are enormous.

The final words belong to Göran. “It’s what we like to call, ‘the power of small.’ It’s the power to be creative with light in so many more ways. It's the ability to take all those incredible images that live in your imagination – and make them real.”

The Profoto B10 is light unleashed. Actually, it’s more than that – it’s you unleashed.

B&H has the Profoto B10 OCF Flash Head available for preorder.

From Profoto:

The Profoto A1 might be the smallest flash we’ve ever made, but it’s still built to the same impossibly high standards we’ve set ourselves over the last fifty years.

Our focus with the A1 was to create a flash that delivers a truly high quality of light, which is why it features a round head which delivers light that's both natural and beautiful with a pleasing soft-smooth fall-off, that blends seamlessly with the ambient light.

Thanks to a smart magnetic mount built into the head, light shaping tools and modifiers can be clicked on and off quickly and easily. Within seconds you're being creative with light, shaping it. It also has a zoom function that allows you to make fine adjustments to the spread of light by simply twisting the zoom ring on the head, and for accuracy it has a modeling light built-in to the head – so you can see what you're going to get before you press the shutter.

We made it our mission to make A1 the first on-camera flash that's easy to use from the box. The user interface is simple and intuitive with a large high-contrast display at its center. The less time you spend learning and fiddling, the more time you'll spend shooting. And that's ultimately what counts. Despite its size, or lack of it, the A1 punches above its weight in a good number of key areas.

Battery life is key when a photographer is right in the thick of the action, because the last thing they need to have to stop mid flow to change the batteries. The A1 has its own Li-ion high capacity battery built-in which lasts up to four times longer than AA batteries with no performance fade. So, you can shoot for longer with confidence.

And this is a flash that can keep up with you because it recycles four times faster than other on-camera solutions – that's every 1.2 seconds at full power. Put simply, you'll never miss a shot.

And while it's true to say the Profoto A1 is our very first on-camera solution it's also just as effective off-camera as a standalone unit, and integrated into a larger system of lights. That level of versatility is possible because Air Remote is built-in, which means the A1 offers seamless connectivity with freestanding lights like another A1 or bigger Profoto lights like the B1X.

And with AirTTL you'll get a perfect exposure super-fast. Better still, you can lock the exposure with a single 'click' while still being free to fine tune that exposure in manual, giving you even greater control.

So, this is so much more than our smallest flash yet. This is shooting on the move, shooting with confidence and shooting with light shaping excellence. This is shooting off-camera and for the first time with Profoto, on-camera. This is the Profoto A1 – the world's smallest studio light.

Features A1

• Round head with soft, smooth and natural fall off.
• AirTTL and HSS for a beautiful professional image fast.
• Smart magnetic click-on mount for A1 Light Shaping Tools.
• 5 dedicated A1 Light Shaping Tools available.
• LED modeling light integrated to the head.
• Air Remote built-in.
• Rechargeable and exchangeable Li-Ion battery.
• 1.2s recycling time.
• TTL/MAN switch.
• Built in motor-zoom with hand control.
• Auto focus (AF) assist.
• Large Hi-Res display
• Support for Canon, Nikon and later for Sony

Specifications

From Profoto:

Unfortunately, we have discovered a potential safety issue with our new Li-Ion Battery MkII for B1 and B1X (product number 100399). We have therefore decided to execute a product recall for product number 100399 with manufacturing dates 2017-09 and 2017-16 (YYYY-WW).

Note that the recall only concerns the battery, but it affects all B1X kits and B1X batteries that you might have purchased. Please do not use your new B1X or your B1 with the new B1X batteries (product number 100399).

You can, however, use your B1X unit with the B1 battery (product number 100323).

If you have a battery affected by the recall, your local dealer will supply you with a B1 battery so that you can use your B1X in the meantime. Please contact your local dealer for information on how to replace your battery with a B1 battery.

Keep the battery still. Do not move or handle the battery. More information regarding how the handover of the recalled B1X batteries will be handled will be available soon.

If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact our local offices

We are very sorry about the inconvenience this may cause.

Sincerely,

Profoto AB

This is how you identify a B1X battery

The serial number label on the Li-Ion battery MkII for B1 and B1X (100399) is marked with "Date of manufacture”.

All batteries with Date of manufacture 2017-09 and 2017-16 are recalled. See example below.

The Li-Ion battery for B1 (100323) does not have any “Date of manufacture” marked on the serial number label. These batteries are not recalled, and they can be used with both B1 and B1X. See example below.

From Profoto:

Ever since Profoto redefined the on-location flash with the creation of the B1, it has become the benchmark. Now the benchmark is about to be set again with the launch of the Profoto B1X.

This is more than an update, it is a significant replacement with improvements in three important areas: power, power and power. A more powerful modelling light, a more powerful battery and extended HSS power range. And when we talk about power in all the right places, we really mean it. Like its predecessor, the B1X is the ultimate on-location flash.

The B1X features a new LED modelling light which adds 80% more light output, while increasing color rendering (CRI) beyond 90. The additional power and improved color rendering make it even more useful as an on-location modelling light, while also becoming an extremely efficient main or effect light, helping you to enhance natural light in dull conditions.

It’s not unusual for shooting days to go on for longer than expected so you need a battery that can do the same. The new battery pack holds an impressive 50% more energy with no extra size or weight. It also fits existing B1s and B1 chargers. And now, in HSS mode, the B1X has the same power range as in normal flash mode - 9 f-stops for all compatible cameras! That makes it the widest HSS range available on any flash so it’s even easier to shape light with flash in all light conditions including sunrise, broad daylight and sunset (existing B1 owners can download and install this as an upgrade free of charge from the Profoto website).

Speaking of power, we’re also launching two new OCF reflectors that add lots of punch and direction to overpower the sun. Adding hard light to the shaping palette of Profoto OCF Light Shaping Tools, the OCF Zoom Reflector and the OCF Magnum Reflector are compact and lightweight, making them ideal for shooting on-location. The OCF Zoom Reflector is so portable it even fits into the B1 case while mounted on the B1 or B1X - a handy timesaver when packing up.

The OCF Zoom Reflector doubles the effective light output at a two meter range, while the slightly larger OCF Magnum Reflector adds even more effective power output making it perfect for throwing light over long distances without being overpowered by natural light. Both reflectors also offer a wide beam angle adjustment range that further extends light shaping opportunities.

The B1X and the two new reflectors continue our dedication to on-location shooting alongside the B2 and our existing range of OCF Light Shaping Tools. In addition, we’ve recently also extended our camera TTL compatibility to four major brands with AirTTL remotes now available for Canon and Nikon, and official Profoto partners Sony and Olympus.

Truth is the only people who can improve on an original are the people who made the original. Born of the B1 come the all new B1X and new Profoto OCF Light Shaping Tools. No matter where you’re shooting, you’ll have power in all the right places.

Features B1X

• Shoot with AirTTL or manual mode and connect wirelessly with other AirTTL flashes.
• Cordless design and wireless controls allow you to shoot without any restraints.
• 10 times as powerful as the average speedlight, with 500Ws adjustable in 1/10 f-stop increments over a 9 f-stop power range.
• Quickly exchangeable and rechargeable Li-Ion battery provides up to 325 full-power flashes and tens of thousands at lowest power.
• Fires up to 20 flashes per second, with flash durations of up to 1/19,000s and fast recycling times of 0.05-1.9s.
• Control ambient light with HSS and create crisp images without motion blur at shutter speeds up to 1/8,000s.
• Can be wirelessly controlled from up to a 300 m range with any optional Air Remote.

B&H has the Profoto B1X available for preorder and will have the new reflectors in stock soon.

From Profoto:

Good news, Nikon users! We can now offer TTL and HSS support for Nikon D5 and Nikon D500. Both cameras are fully compatible with this upgrade installed in the Air Remote TTL-N.

How to download the new TTL-N and Pro-10 firmware

All Registered users can download the new Air Remote TTL-N firmware from the My Profoto webpage.

B&H carries the Profoto Air Remote.

From Profoto:

From Profoto:

With a flash duration as fast as 1/80,000 of a second, and the power to generate a huge amount of light in a very short time, you can now freeze everything from a water splash to a waterfall perfectly.

Ever since the release of the Pro-1 in 1968 Profoto has created game changing flashes for the world’s best photographers. Today everything is about to change again with the launch of the Profoto Pro-10. This studio generator will open doors to creative possibilities that until now – were simply out of reach.

To say it’s fast is an understatement with breathtaking flash durations up to 1/80,000 of a second. But what really sets the Pro-10 apart is that it’s the perfect fusion of speed and power – 2400Ws of power to be exact. The light output it generates is truly enormous and it provides a shorter flash duration than any other flash across the entire power range. This dramatically increases the scale of what you can shoot and freeze, every-thing from a water splash to a waterfall are perfectly frozen in time.

Recycling time is equally impressive. The Pro-10 can easily match the fastest cameras even when the light output is set high, making it easier to capture the perfect moment by shooting in bursts. Combine all of that with TTL and Profoto’s patented High-Speed Sync (HSS) technology, and you have a flash that is capable of handling any and all lighting challenges. Power however, is nothing without control. And with the Pro-10 the controls are typically intuitive with three large rubberized dials and a huge hi-resolution display, so it’s easy to see, feel and hear every change in the flash settings. As a result the photographer’s attention is exactly where it should be – focused on creating a great image.

The power range is an impressive 11 f-stop, making the minimum light output a mere thousandth of that at full power. And the power can be controlled minutely in 1/10 f-stop increments with remarkable power and color temperature consistency from shot to shot.

During development the Pro-10 was heated, beaten and stressed like never before – it is truly built like a tank. Combined with the Profoto promise of continuous software upgrades, it will still be enabling the world’s best photographers to unleash their creativity decades ahead.

Because ultimately the Profoto Pro-10 is so much more than the world’s fastest studio flash – it’s your imagination set free. It’s the speed to exceed.

The Pro-10 is released September 20, 2016.

Adorama carries the Profoto Pro-10.

From Profoto:

With the ability to freeze action at up to 1/63,000 of a second, to shoot bursts of 20 images per second and sync with camera shutter speeds as fast as 1/8,000 of a second the D2 is redefining the definition of speed in monolights.

A photographer might need to freeze action with absolute sharpness. The D2 brings pin sharp clarity with a flash duration of up to 1/63,000 of a second, which makes it faster than most high-end studio packs on the market. Better still, it offers super short flash duration across the full energy range.

If flash duration is exceptionally fast, recycling time is equal to it. With the D2 you can shoot up to 20 flashes per second. That allows you to catch 20 versions of the same moment, and quite often that's the difference between capturing a good image and a great image.

Bringing yet another dimension to speed is Profoto’s High-Speed Sync technology (HSS). This allows the D2 to sync with the fastest shutter speeds available. An advantage when you need to catch a deep blue sky or take full control of ambient light.

The D2 can also help to speed up workflow because it’s equipped with patented TTL technology. You can point and shoot and the D2 will automatically adjust its output for perfect exposure. But manual mode is available at a click of a button, so switching between both modes with settings intact just makes everything move faster.

In terms of output, the D2 is available in 500Ws and 1000Ws versions. At full power you’ll easily overpower the sun, or fully illuminate a larger Light Shaping Tool. Both versions come with a super wide 10 f-stop energy range and superior color consistency over the entire range. So leave the ND filters at home and add just a hint of light if needed.

Above all, this is Profoto Light Shaping equipment. So the design is smooth and minimal, it’s intuitive to use, the build quality as you’d expect, is rugged and sturdy, and it can be used with more than 120 different Light Shaping Tools.

“We designed the Profoto D2 to be the world’s fastest monolight,” says Johan Wiberg, Product Manager at Profoto.

“But the speed is not a gimmick. We truly believe that more speed allows you to be more creative and consistently take better images regardless of what challenge you face – with the D2, you’re always up to speed.”

For high volume production when you shoot thousands of images per day, like packshot photography, there is an optional Quartz flashtube available.

The D2 is released Sept 15, 2016. Both the 500Ws and 1000Ws versions are available in different kit configurations.

B&H has the Profoto D2 AirTTL Monolight available for preorder.

The world's best photographers use Profoto and we are pleased to officially announce our very own Instagram page; Profoto USA. We want to celebrate light and show off the amazing images our Profoto users, including you, put out on social media.

Tag your posts with #ProfotoUSA and show us those amazing images and behind the scenes shots of Profoto gear in use and you could be featured on our Instagram page.

B&H carries Profoto gear including the very popular B1 Off-camera flashes and Air Remotes.

From Profoto:

Add color to your palette with Profoto OCF Gels

Ever since the company was founded in 1968, Profoto has been strongly associated with the colors black and white.

Now, Profoto releases its first tool for shaping light in color – the OCF Gels.

There are 20 different OCF Gels to choose from. Ten of them are color correction gels for balancing your flash with ambient light. The other ten are color effect gels used for creative purposes, such as creating a colored highlight or background.

All 20 OCF Gels are pre-cut to fit Profoto Off-Camera Flashes, and mounted with a unique snap-on solution. No need for scissors or tape. Just flip through the wallet that the OCF Gels are stored in, take your pick and place it in the OCF Grid&GelHolder, snap it on, and you are good to good. Looks better, works better.

The OCF Gels are sold in three different kits. The OCF Color Gel Starter Kit includes ten of the most popular gels plus the actual OCF Grid&GelHolder and two gel attachment pieces, allowing you to switch gels fast and easy.

The OCF Color Correction Gel Pack includes 20 color gels in orange, blue and green for balancing flash light with sunlight, moonlight and fluorescent light respectively.

The OCF Color Effects Gel Pack includes 20 gels in Rose Pink, Gold Amber, Light Lavender, Just Blue, Deep Straw, Chrome Orange, Scarlet, Peacock Blue, Magenta and Yellow.

Being a fully integrated part of Profoto’s Off-Camera Flash system, the OCF Gels can be used with the B1 and the B2 Off-Camera Flashes, as well as any of the OCF Light Shaping Tools.

The OCF Gels are available from March 7. The OCF Color Gel Starter Kit is sold at a recommend price of €90/$99, while the gel packs are sold at a recommend price of €50/$59.

B&H has the Profoto OCF Gels available for preorder.

From Profoto:

Profoto releases collapsible, more portable version of the classic Beauty Dish

When the Profoto Softlight Reflector was released in 1980, fashion photographers soon nicknamed it “The Beauty Dish” due to its unique ability to bring out the beauty of the model. Since then it has grown to become one of the most iconic tools for creating a creamy yet crisp light, often referred to as a “beauty light”.

Now, Profoto releases a new version of this classic. The new version is named OCF Beauty Dish and is a collapsible, more portable version of the original.

The main difference is that the OCF Beauty Dish is not made of metal but high-quality fabrics. When collapsed, it is stored in a carrying bag that fits in a small backpack. Mounting the OCF Beauty Dish is quick and easy too, thanks to a clever, patent-pending design that allows you to snap it onto the OCF Speedring without having to bend and fumble with the rods. The entire tool, including speedring and deflector plate, weighs a mere 0.48 kg (1.1 lbs.). When mounted, the OCF Beauty Dish has a diameter of 56 cm (2').

The OCF Beauty Dish is available in two versions: white and silver. The white version delivers a softer and slightly more even light than its silver counterpart, while the silver version delivers a bit more punch and contrast. Both versions are delivered with deflector plate, diffuser and carrying bag.

Being a fully integrated part of Profoto’s Off-Camera Flash system, the OCF Beauty Dish can be used with the B1 and the B2 O -Camera Flashes, as well as the new OCF Gels. Note that it may not be used with any other Profoto flash due to heat issues.

The OCF Beauty Dish is available from March 7 at a recommend price of €160/$179. The OCF Speedring is bought separately.

The OCF Beauty Dish is also included in a special offer available as of today – buy a B1 or B2 Off-Camera Flash kit before June 7, and get the OCF Beauty Dish White 2’ and an OCF Speedring for free.

B&H carries the Profoto OCF Beauty Dish.

From Profoto:

Profoto releases a new firmware upgrade for the B1 and the B2 Off-Camera Flashes, adding workflow improvements and enabling TTL metering with the new Canon EOS 5DS.

September 30, 2015 – When launched in November 2013, the Profoto B1 was the world’s first off-camera flash to do TTL with both Canon and Nikon cameras. Earlier this year, the B1 was followed by the B2. The B2 is smaller and more portable than the B1, but offers the same TTL functionality as the B1.

The B1 and the B2, as well as the Air Remote TTL-C (for Canon) and the Air Remote TTL-N (for Nikon) that are needed to use the flashes in TTL Mode, operates on software that can be upgraded by the photographer themselves.

On September 30, Profoto will release the latest version of the firmware. The new upgrade brings a series of improvements, most noticeable is the one that enables TTL metering with the new Canon EOS 5DS and Canon EOS 5DS R.

Below is a list of all the improvements. The upgrade and the full release notes will be available from that day for registered users at www.profoto.com/myprofoto as of September 30.

Note that flashes as well as Air Remotes have to be upgraded for these new improvements to work.

Added AirTTL Compatibility With Canon EOS 5DS And EOS 5DS R
The problem with over-exposure that many experienced when using the new Canon models in TTL Mode is corrected with this new upgrade.

Improved Canon Integration for Faster Shooting in Manual Mode
The improvement is especially noticeable with fast cameras such as Canon EOS-1D-X. The improved integration also makes it possible to select TTL or Manual Mode in the camera menu. (This was previously only possible to do on the Profoto Air Remote itself.)

Option To Deactivate Auto Power-Off On All Units
Normally the B1 and the B2 shut down after 60 minutes of inactivity to save battery life. This automatic function can now be deactivated from the Air Remote, making it easy to set up the lights well before for a shoot and activate them later by a simple button press from the remote.

Improved Display Sleep Function On Air Remotes
In previous firmware versions the Air Remote display turned black after 30 seconds of inactivity. With this new upgrade the display dims down partially after 20 seconds but stays readable for another 100 seconds before turning black.

Minor Bugfixes
In addition the upgrades include over 15 minor fixes, making the system more stable and contributing to an even greater user experience.

B&H carries the Profoto B1 and B2 Off-Camera Flashes and Air Remote.

From Profoto:

Question: What does Ben & Erin Chrisman, Chan Kit, Charles & Jennifer Maring, Dixie Dixon, Jaleel King, Jared Platt, JP Elario, Justin & Mary, Laurent Hini, Michelle Turner, Mike Allebach, Moshe Zusman, Ryan Brenizer, Sal Cincotta, Simeon Quarrie, Tamara Lackey, Tom Muñoz and Vanessa Joy have in common?

Answer: They have all tried the new Profoto Off-Camera Flash system. And they all shot a video while doing so.

On to Light Shaping Series

1. Sal Cincotta: At the Great Wall with Some Great Lights
2. Justin & Mary Marantz: Lighting Wintry Walkways the Quick and Easy Way
3. Dixie Dixon: High Fashion Bridal In a Cold Drafty Mill
4. Tamara Lackey: Over the River and Through the Woods
5. JP Elario: Adding New Light to a Familiar Pathway
6. Ben & Erin Chrisman: Night Portraiture in Old San Juan City
7. Jaleel King: Street Photography Extraordinaire
8. Ryan Brenizer: Turning One B2 Into Two
9. Laurent Hini: Turning a Parisian Street Into a Studio
10. Tom Muñoz: An Exotic Portrait
11. Chan Kit: Lighting From a New Angle
12. Simeon Quarrie: At the Speed of Light
13. Vanessa Joy: Saving the Newlyweds From Freezing
14. Mike Allebach: Breaking Out Of Prison
15. Moshe Zusman: A Spinning Wheel of Light
16. Jared Platt: Taking On the Desert Sun
17. Michelle Turner: An Entire Lighting Solution In a Single Bag
18. Charles & Jennifer Maring: Daytripping Through the Meatpacking District

From Profoto:

March 2, 2015 – Profoto releases a new system of compact off-camera flashes and Light Shaping Tools, designed for fast and easy on-location photography.

Since its release in 2013, the Profoto B1 Off-Camera Flash has taken the photographic community by storm. Combining the portability and ease-of-use of a speedlight with the performance of a professional monolight, the B1 is considered by many to be a game changer in the industry.

Now Profoto is moving forward by releasing an entire new system of compact off-camera flashes and Light Shaping Tools, designed for fast and easy on-location photography.

The most attention-grabbing item in the Off-Camera Flash system is the new B2. The B2 is a lighter, more portable counterpart to the B1. The B2 consists of a battery pack and a head. The battery pack can be put on the shoulder or hip, while the head is small and light enough to be mounted onto a monopod or a bracket on the camera. This will allow the photographer to stay moving. If that is not necessary, both the pack and head can be put on a stand and the B2 can be wirelessly controlled from the camera. This makes the B2 the world’s first off-camera flash that can be used both on and off-camera.

In addition, the B2 has all the benefits that made the B1 an outstanding success. It has TTL. It has HSS. It is fast enough to keep up with your camera and five times as powerful as the average speedlight. It can be used with the entire range of Profoto Light Shaping Tools. All this in a head with the same size and weight as a speedlight.

The Profoto Off-Camera Flash system also includes the new OCF Light Shaping Tools. The OCF Light Shaping Tools are smaller and more lightweight. They also consist of fewer parts and use smart, patent-pending solutions that make them fast and easy to mount and use. The assortment includes four new softboxes, a new Grid Kit, a new Snoot and a new Barndoor.

Included in the Off-Camera Flash system is also the renowned B1 and the patented AirTTL system. Everything works with everything.

“Our ambition when we first started designing the Profoto Off-Camera Flash system was to create a solution that pushes the boundaries of what can be achieved on a fast and hectic on-location shoot,” says Product Manager Johan Wiberg. “We closely observed the needs of wedding and portrait photographers and decided to try to make their jobs a little easier. Now, looking at what we are offering, I dare say we’ve succeeded.”

B&H has the Profoto B2 Off-Camera Flash available for preorder.

From Profoto:

Get a perfect exposure at any aperture or shutter speed with Profoto's new solution for high-speed sync

December 15, 2014 – Up until now, HSS solutions have been either consistent but lacking in speed and power, or fast and powerful but inconsistent. On December 15, Profoto releases a new solution that has all of the benefits and none of the limitations.

High-Speed Sync (HSS) is the technical term for syncing flash with shutter speeds shorter than the so-called x-sync, typically 1/250 of a second. It is a useful tool for controlling ambient light and for freezing action. But there used to be limitations.

Current solutions for speedlights give you a fairly even exposure. But it does so at the expense of speed and power. Previous solutions for larger flashes were faster and more powerful. But the exposure could differ as much as 2 f-stops in a single shot.

Profoto’s new HSS solution for the B1 Off-Camera Flash has all of the benefits and none of the limitations. The B1 itself is about ten times as powerful as the average speedlight and fast enough to keep up with your camera. With the new HSS upgrade installed, you switch to HSS Mode with a simple button-press. You will then be able to shoot at shutter as fast as 1/8000 of a second.

But it does not stop there. Profoto HSS is a unique, patent-pending technology, providing an extremely fast series of flash pulses. What this means in practice is that you get an extremely consistent exposure with no measurable variation over the image.

In other words, Profoto HSS is fast, powerful and consistent. This opens up completely new light shaping possibilities for Profoto customers. For instance, you can now shoot with a large aperture in bright conditions to get a shallow depth of field and get that perfect deep blue sky. Or capture super crisp action in mixed light conditions without getting motion blur from ambient light.

Profoto HSS works for both Canon and Nikon and has been tested for all common camera models.

Profoto HSS is available through a firmware upgrade. Go to www.profoto.com and download it for free. Once installed, HSS Mode is activated with a simple button-press. It is very easy, and there is no need to change the flash bulb. Also note that you can use Profoto HSS with TTL, making it fast and easy to do fast paced action shots or daylight backlit portraits with large apertures.

B&H carries the Profoto B1 Off-Camera Flash and Air Remote TTL Trigger.