Profoto B10 Plus: A Comprehensive Review
The Profoto B10 Plus is a powerful and versatile portable flash designed for photographers who require high performance and flexibility on location. With double the power of its predecessor, the Profoto B10, it offers 500Ws of output, making it suitable for a wide range of lighting conditions and creative applications. Despite its power, the B10 Plus is remarkably compact and lightweight, comparable in size to a large camera lens, which enhances its portability. The device features user-friendly controls and a robust build, ensuring durability and ease of use. Its compatibility with a broad range of light-shaping tools and the Profoto app allows for seamless integration into any photography setup, making it an ideal choice for professionals seeking reliability and high-quality results.
The world of photography and videography is one of continuous evolution, where lighting stands as a cornerstone for capturing stunning visuals. The Profoto B10 Plus, a product from the reputable Swedish brand Profoto, seeks to bridge the gap between portability and power in lighting. As an upgrade to the original B10, the B10 Plus promises more robust performance while maintaining the portability that users have come to appreciate. After extensive use and testing, here’s an in-depth review of the Profoto B10 Plus.
Design and Build Quality
Right out of the box, the Profoto B10 Plus exudes quality. The sleek, cylindrical design is both modern and functional. The unit weighs around 1.9 kg (4.19 lbs), which is quite impressive considering its power output. The build is robust, with high-quality materials that promise durability. The intuitive design ensures that the B10 Plus is not just a piece of equipment, but a reliable tool that can withstand the rigors of both studio and on-location shoots.
The compact size is a significant advantage for photographers and videographers who are constantly on the move. It fits comfortably in most camera bags, making it easy to transport. The ergonomic design includes a user-friendly interface, with clearly labeled buttons and a large, easy-to-read display. This ensures that adjusting settings, even in the dark or under pressure, is straightforward and efficient.
Performance and Power
When it comes to performance, the B10 Plus stands out. It boasts an impressive 500Ws power output, which is double that of the original B10. This additional power makes a noticeable difference in various shooting scenarios, providing ample light to capture detailed and well-lit images, even in challenging lighting conditions.
The B10 Plus offers a wide range of flash durations, from 1/50,000 of a second to 1/400 of a second, allowing photographers to freeze motion with exceptional clarity. The color consistency is remarkable, thanks to Profoto’s proprietary technology, ensuring that each shot maintains accurate and vibrant colors.
The recycling time is another highlight. At full power, the B10 Plus recycles in about 2.5 seconds, which is quite fast for its class. At lower power settings, the recycling time is almost instantaneous, allowing for rapid-fire shooting without missing a beat. This is particularly useful for fashion, sports, or event photography, where capturing the perfect moment is crucial.
Battery Life and Charging
The B10 Plus is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides up to 200 full-power flashes on a single charge. This is impressive for such a compact unit and is more than sufficient for most shoots. The battery is easily swappable, which means you can carry spares for extended shoots, ensuring that you never run out of power.
Charging the battery is quick and convenient. The included charger can bring the battery from empty to full in about 90 minutes. Additionally, the B10 Plus supports USB-C charging, allowing for more flexibility, especially on location where traditional power outlets may not be available.
Versatility and Compatibility
One of the standout features of the B10 Plus is its versatility. It functions seamlessly as both a flash and a continuous light source. The continuous light mode is adjustable in both brightness and color temperature, ranging from 3000K to 6500K. This makes it an excellent tool not only for photographers but also for videographers who require consistent lighting.
The B10 Plus is compatible with the entire range of Profoto light shaping tools. This includes softboxes, umbrellas, and grids, allowing for endless creative possibilities. The magnetic mount system makes it incredibly easy to swap out modifiers, ensuring that you can adapt to changing lighting conditions quickly.
Connectivity and Control
Modern photographers and videographers demand connectivity, and the B10 Plus delivers. It features built-in Bluetooth and is compatible with the Profoto app, allowing for remote control of the unit. The app is intuitive and provides a range of controls, including flash power, modeling light brightness, and color temperature. This is particularly useful for adjusting settings when the light is positioned out of reach.
Additionally, the B10 Plus is compatible with Profoto’s AirTTL system, enabling wireless control and TTL metering with compatible cameras. This ensures precise and consistent exposures, even in rapidly changing lighting conditions.
Conclusion
The Profoto B10 Plus is a remarkable piece of equipment that successfully combines power, portability, and versatility. Its robust build, impressive performance, and user-friendly design make it a valuable asset for both professional photographers and videographers. The ability to serve as both a flash and continuous light source adds to its appeal, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of applications.
While the B10 Plus is priced at a premium, its features and performance justify the investment. For those who demand the best in lighting, whether in the studio or on location, the Profoto B10 Plus is an exceptional choice that delivers on all fronts.
