February has been called the month of love, and perhaps even the love of photography. So I thought I would share a couple of new products that our photography friends are loving. A while back, Profoto started to re-examine what they offered in a traditional style of softbox. Looking for a faster, more convenient way of assembling a softbox.
They then introduced the Clic line of softboxes for their A-series flashes, which were a big hit with wedding and location photographers. These newly designed Clic series of softboxes were a joy to use. They use a leaver mechanism to easily clic open and clic closed the softbox, so set up and set down takes only a matter of seconds. That is not all, the heads are held in place with strong magnets making attaching the flash a breeze. Saving time when photographers need it the most in this fast paced profession.
It was not long before they launched a new, redesigned line of “Profoto Softboxes” with integrated ring for their B and D series of flashes and Pro heads. With the introduction of this completely new line, Profoto owners have a softbox that is not only ease to use, but has the versatility to create the soft light they want in a matter of seconds. What makes these softboxes different from traditional softboxes is that there are no longer any rods to insert into a speedring. Instead, like the Clic line of softboxes, there is a lever mechanism that pulls the softbox open and locks it into place. When the photo session is finished,, simply release the locking mechanism and poof, the softbox returns to its relaxed position, ready to pack up. Where the A-series softboxes have a magnetic ring that firmly attaches to the heads, the new Profoto softboxes have a similar leaver mechanism as well, but use its bult-in speedring to attach the sofbox to the B and D series flash heads and Proheads. Profoto Softboxes are now available in the following sizes: 3ft and 4ft Octa, 1x4ft strip and 2x3ft and 3x4ft rectangles, all with a silver interior.
*Note*: When using the Profoto softbox with a ProHead on power level 10 (2400Ws) together with continuous light (500W) on full effect, a maximum of 8 flashes per minute is recommended to prevent the speedring from getting too hot to touch.
The most recent additions to the Profoto Softbox line up are two new beauty dishes, one with a silver and one with a white interior, both using the same instant mount Profoto Softboxes for B and D series heads. The ring is integrated with the softbox and easily clips and folds open and closed. With a unique lighting quality, these modifiers create a creamy yet crisp light that appears completely natural. Unique to Profoto’s design is their patented circular front edge, which produces a perfect round catchlight in the subject’s eyes, giving the same lighting characteristics as the legacy Softlight Reflector but in a compact and foldable format. It is ideal for both portraits and fashion.
The all-in-one mount design of the Profoto Beauty Dish makes it incredibly easy to set up and break down. With the convex deflector plate, it is only recommended for use with Profoto’s flat fronted lights. The silver version offers a bit more contrast and punch than its white counterpart, which gives a softer and slightly more even light.
Profoto Beauty Dish White – $599
https://www.beauphoto.com/product/profoto-beauty-dish-white/
Profoto Beauty Dish Silver – $599
https://www.beauphoto.com/product/profoto-beauty-dish-silver/.
