review: Profoto B10 flash – a first look
I first had a chance to play around with the new Profoto B10 flash (B&H / Amazon) during the promotional release event at the Alyeska resort in Alaska. What do I think of it?
Before we get there, I have to clarify that I’m not specifically a fan of Profoto just because of the brand name. I’m a fan of quality. I’m a fan of ease of use. That’s where I’m coming from – I love quality. I like Profoto for all these reasons, and I loooove this little flash.
250 Ws gives you a decent enough punch of light. It’s a stop less than the B1, but the B10 is half the size of the B1. It really is compact, and you could easily find a slot for it in your camera bag. And like all Profoto gear, easy to use.
The battery too is compact. You could easily slip it into your back pocket. And it is rated for 400 full pops. Nice!
Here is the full review: Profoto B10 flash.
The Profoto B10 can be ordered via these affiliate links:
It’s obvious that Profoto listened to all the criticism of the B1 and B2, and they addressed everything. This flash is perfect!
You wanted the B1 to be able to charge while shooting? Well, the B10 allows that!
You liked the B2 but hated the cable and the weight? That’s fixed too.
I really liked using the modeling light of the B1 as a video light for romantic portraits at a wedding – but it was a bit of a squeeze, because the modeling light wasn’t always powerful enough. Weeeeell … the B10 can act as a powerful video light … with variable WB! This means I will be selling my video lights that I have.
There is a Profoto app with which you can control the flash and the video light (and WB of the video light.) You can use the app to fire the flashes for a test shot on your phone to help pre-visualise what you will be getting in the final image. The app allows you quick updates to the firmware! The app is currently only for iOS / iPhone, but we were promised the Android version will follow soon.
Oh … this might not sound all that exciting, but there is a Profoto Core Backpack S (affiliate), that is perfect for the B10, and could take up to 3 of these units. This backpack is seriously well thought out. The Backpack S comes standard with the 2-light set.
All considered, I really can’t find a single thing to criticize about this flash — Profoto listened and delivered.
Speaking to the Profoto USA people, they told me the A1 sold much faster and in bigger volume than they anticipated. In that case, I do believe the Profoto B10 is going to do even better. This is going to be a VERY popular flash.
#profotoUSA #profotoglobal #unleashedinAlaska #profotoB10 #powerofsmall
You can order the Profoto B10 via these affiliate links
The Profoto B10 basic kit also includes:
Specifications
- 250Ws, 10-Stop Power Range
- 7″ Length, 3.9″ Diameter
- Full TTL Auto Exposure Control Plus HSS
- 0.05-2.2 Second Recycling
- Duration t0.5 Freeze Mode: 1/50,000 Sec.
- Li-Ion Battery: 400 Full-Power Flashes
- 3000K – 6500K LED Modeling Lamp, CRI 90-96
- 300′ Wireless Triggering with Air TTL
- Smartphone Connectivity with Profoto App
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Thanks for the great review… and for making me want to add more to my kit! I rented Profoto gear a few times from Unique when I was working out in NJ. Over the past year, I dumped all of my strobes and picked up a few B1x’s and recently a couple of A1’s. I couldn’t be more pleased. They are the most consistent, durable lights I’ve ever used. And now this! I love the smart phone capabilities and the adjustable color temp of the modeling lights. Looks like I’ll be doing some more shopping soon. Thanks, Neil!
Thanks for this review Neil.
Looks like a great little unit.
The ability to use it as a continuous light source with variable WB is a very useful addition – bravo Profoto.
I’m sure it will be very popular.
Wonder if it will make a great Xmas present…..:)
$1595 for 250Ws. Godox has to be hurting Profoto — bigly.
I am sure Godox is grabbing a huge share of the market. That said, I don’t think Profoto is “hurting” at all. As I mentioned in the review above, the Profoto A1 sold faster and in greater number than Profoto anticipated. So even though there is the dirt-cheap Godox V860ii, there will always be a huge demand for photo gear of Profoto’s caliber.
In a conversation with the president of Profoto USA, he said that Profoto’s biggest challenge is having photographers understand quality of light. Profoto’s biggest competitor are the camera companies bringing out cameras with ever better high ISO performance … with many newer photographers not understanding that high-ISO performance doesn’t improve the quality of light in itself.
“I am sure Godox is grabbing a huge share of the market. That said, I don’t think Profoto is “hurting” at all. As I mentioned in the review above, the Profoto A1 sold faster and in greater number than Profoto anticipated. So even though there is the dirt-cheap Godox V860ii, there will always be a huge demand for photo gear of Profoto’s caliber.”
This just isn’t a logical argument. Profoto’s caliber implies godox are inferior. You’ve compared the profoto a1 with the godox v860ii. The profoto a1 competitor is the godox v1. The godox v1 is far more colour stable, has better battery life, a smoother light gradient, etc. than the profoto. The godox v1 is the superior product regardless of price.
I’ve also seen people measure the profoto b10 against the b2 and b1x, without mentioning the beam spread. I love your work, but like most photographers, your technical knowledge severely lacks.
Care to substantiate your claims?
I don’t think it’s fair to compare Profoto directly to Godox. They are after two COMPLETELY different markets and make radically different products. Neil – you’re right that many photographers don’t understand that not all light is created equal, but at the same time, a budding pro who is still trying to establish themselves will be priced out of Profoto completely – and that’s where Godox comes in. And the reality is that most clients can’t tell the difference and aren’t the pixel peepers that we can be.
That all said, the B10 is absolutely impressive, but I doubt it would compete directly with a comparably powerful Godox. They’re COMPLETELY different games.
Well, I just have a new flash to target with my future budget. It looks like the B10 might actually fit in the Think Tank Airport International V2.
Ever run into issues with interference with your profoto air remotes?? DJ’ wifi, venue wifi, or other bluetooth devices ever compromise the reliability of triggering your gear, EVERY TIME???
Nope, never had any kind of issue like that.
Nothing worse than in house wifi and bluetooth everywhere jamming you radio triggers…
Hey Neil! I had a few friends at the Alaska event (Lee Morris, and Michael Anthony). I was speaking with Mike, and he was telling me that the B10’s are reading about a full stop more output vs. the B2 (which is crazy)… but, what is getting me, is he is saying only 1/3 stop difference vs. the B1X! 10-days ago I took delivery from B&H a new B1X kit (two of them) to replace my Quadra’s that I had for 7 years. I love them, but man.. if this little guy is only 1/3 stop less… hummmm. Can you do a quick test and confirm any of this?
It would be fantastic if the B10s were closer to the B1 rather than B2 in power output.
Dan, then this article should make you really happy:
I found the Profoto B10 output is only 1/2 stop under the B1.