Almost 4 years ago, Profoto shook up the photo lighting market when they introduced their OCF (Off Camera Flash) line with the the flagship Profoto B1. Profoto described the B1 as the first monolight with TTL capabilities. Using their own AirTTL system, these strobes would work with various camera brands to create fast, accurate exposures. Since the B1 hit the streets, Profoto has continued to grow the OCF line and today introduces the B1X, designed to give even more versatility to a photographer on the go. With a longer battery life, more range in HHS and a brighter modeling light, the B1X continues to move the OCF line forward.
Most photographers realize that having the freedom of battery powered lighting will help them create the images they imagine no matter the location. This has been reflected in the “small flash” movement of recent years. The main issue with small flashes though is limited power when working against existing light. This often leads to “trees” of small flashes linked together on stands to create enough light to match or overpower daylight. With 500 watt seconds, the B1X is roughly equivalent to 10 small flashes, eliminating the need for elaborate strobe rigs as a single unit sits nicely on top of a light stand or in an assistant’s hands.
Sometimes, the sun is setting or you need to work in the shade or just add fill in a dark bar or restaurant. The B1X shows it’s versatility here with a 9 f-stop range, allowing for a tiny pop of light just where you need it. When working quickly with changing light, the AirTTL can be a the difference between getting a shot or getting the shot you really want.
Let’s talk about HHS. As you know, with Profoto High-Speed Sync (HSS) it’s easy to get those shallow DOF shots even in the brightest light as you are able to sync at shutter speeds up to 1/8,000s. The B1X takes this to the next level allowing HSS in the full 9 f-stop range for all compatible cameras, how many times have you needed just a stop more shutter to get the look you want in dim location?
The beauty of the B1X is how it allows photographers to just shoot what they imagine, removing the restriction of cords, power, and even sync speeds.
Quick and easy to set-up, a photographer, whether they use Canon, Nikon, Sony or Olympus can set the B1X in position, and focus on interacting with their subject while the AirTTL does the math so to speak. For those times when TTL is not the right option, use AirTTL to get a based expose and swap to manual right from the controller on your hot-shoe, the B1X saves the last exposure so you don’t have to start from scratch.
When working with fast moving subjects, the B1X can shoot to to 20 frames per second with a recycling speed as quick as 0.05 seconds and a flash duration as short as 1/19,000s (recycling times range from of 0.05-1.9s depending on power).
Many times, location photographers have only minutes to get the shot they need. The simple, easy to read LED display on the B1X makes setting up quick and most functions can be controlled from the Air Remote, allowing you to set the light up and stay with your camera and subject for those precious few moments you have.
While it may be be obvious that a battery powered light is ideal when standing on the beach, in the middle of the desert or even on the streets of a busy city, having no cords to trip over or outlets to search for can save time and frustration for many types of photographers.
Stay with the couple at a wedding, remove tripping hazards when photographing children, don’t bother the tech in a recording studio as an artist is working or even in a corporate environment where you in the past would need to plug into a power strip with the office manager’s computer.
As with the B1, you don’t need to carry a huge battery to get a handful of shots. In fact, the B1x will fire about 325 shots at full power (that’s roughly 50% more than the B1) and thousands of shots at lower power settings. The batteries are small, easily swappable and quickly charged allowing you to shoot all day on a few batteries in many cases.
The B1X improves on the B1’s LED modeling light by making it 80% brighter which will help when you are working in the sun or if you need help focusing in very low light, the CRI has also been increased to give nicer color rendition in your BTS videos.
The Profoto OCF line is not just the battery powered flashes, it also includes an array of light shapers designed to be lightweight for the location photographer. While all of the standard Profoto Light Shapers work with the B1X these shapers are ideal for location work. Along with the B1X, Profoto has announced two new light shapers for the OCF line, adding some hard light options to the line. Both reflectors offer variable zoom angles.
The Profoto OCF Zoom Reflector
The OCF Zoom Reflector adds the ability to vary the angle of light spread and doubles the effective light output at two meters range. This reflector is small enough to leave on the B1 or B1x when packed in it’s case.
OCF Magnum Reflector
When you are battling the sun and want a punchy light to match, the OCF Magnum will more than double the effective light output at two meters range. This will open up many light shaping opportunities for lighting over longer distances or in the brightest of light.
The B1X is available in two kits:
Power in all the right places
Ideal for on-location photography, the Profoto B1X sets the benchmark once again for cordless, battery-powered monolights. And with both TTL and HSS available, you’re guaranteed the best light shaping experience possible on location, anywhere. It’s power in all the right places.
Kit includes:
1 × B1X 500 AirTTL
1 x Li-Ion Battery MkII for B1/B1X
1 × Battery Charger 2.8A incl. power cable
1 × Bag XS
Power in all the right places
Ideal for on-location photography, the Profoto B1X sets the benchmark once again for cordless, battery-powered monolights. And with both TTL and HSS available, you’re guaranteed the best light shaping experience possible on location, anywhere. It’s power in all the right places.
Kit includes:
2 × B1X 500 AirTTL
2 x Li-Ion Battery MkII for B1/B1X
1 × Battery Charger 4.5A incl. power cable
1 x Car Charger 1.8A
1 × Backpack M
