Why I got the new Profoto D2 (launched at Photokina 2016)

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It was rumoured but the availability is planned for the Photokina 2016.

Sure, as part of the Profoto system, it fits right in there seamlessly and it is it's not
so well advertised quality that triggered my move.

"The world's fastest moonlight!" is the key feature promoted
  • Recycling time: 0.03-1.2s
  • Mode control: Freeze or Normal mode
  • Quick burst: Up to 20 flashes /s
these alone are breathtaking… but count only for about 15~20 % in my decision
based on these features:
  • Energy range: 10 f-stops (2-1000Ws)
  • Recycling time: 0.03-1.2s
  • Built in AirTTL supporting wireless sync control, TTL and HSS (300m)
  • Auto dumping
… and these are needed in most day to day operation. 10 f-stops means it may be
used with the speedlights and work along more comfortably. Built in AirTTL is
cool as it permits its integration with the B1 and B2 in the Air Remote TT transceiver
capabilities and is fully computer controllable and integrated in Capture One's
tethered Session Mode via the Profoto Studio software.

At breakfast time, the boys and I were discussing the many situations where these
tools will be great improvements to the location jobs and they can't wait to grab them.
I am very happy that my sons will have such tools to work with and, at the same time,
very sorry that they are available as I have a foot in the retirement door!
 
Jayst84 said:
Anyway, it's always nice to see them catching up to everyone else's tech. :p
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Have to agree with this to a degree, but this could equally apply to any brand at specific points in time ;)

Lets have a look at one of the Multiblitz head I was thinking of getting a few years ago;
Recycling time: 0.05 - 0.6
20 Flashes/second
10 stop range from 0.98 to 500ws - I have a 900ws head at the moment and have never yet used it at full power, but there is always a larger X series head.
TTL & HSS, no but then I've never needed it for the last 35 years, so probably won't in the next few, but then there would always be the new M6 head
Wireless remote control & sync - been using that for the last 5 years.

Paul
 
mike weeks said:
Except it is not the fastest light, somebody else came out with something faster.

Mike
Click to expand...
yeah, profoto then released the Pro-10 a week later :D
 
Though it seems to be grabbing all the headlines, I wonder how often anyone will actually find a use for 1/63,000sec? That's at an almost useless 1Ws output with the 500Ws version of the D2.

Profoto says "Shoot a splash of water and it will be frozen in mid-air – a photographic work of art" but you don't need anything like that speed for water splashes. 1/10,000sec is plenty fast enough, and easily done with a humble speedlite. Speeding bullets perhaps.
 
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HoppyUK said:
Though it seems to be grabbing all the headlines, I wonder how often anyone will actually find a use for 1/63,000sec? That's at an almost useless 1Ws output with the 500Ws version of the D2.

Profoto says "Shoot a splash of water and it will be frozen in mid-air – a photographic work of art" but you don't need anything like that speed for water splashes. 1/10,000sec is plenty fast enough, and easily done with a humble speedlite. Speeding bullets perhaps.
Click to expand...

Would that be after leaping tall buildings :) some things are done because they can and not because they are needed

Mike
 
mike weeks said:
Would that be after leaping tall buildings :) some things are done because they can and not because they are needed

Mike
Click to expand...

Superman was round the other day asking for an action portrait :D

But yes, you're right. With IGBT and a wide power range like the D2 has (very handy, too) then you get very brief flash durations at low outputs whether you want them or not! I'd be more concerned about the colour quality at 1Ws. (I know you know this Mike ;))

Not dissing Profoto though, D2 looks fantastic :thumbs: What Profoto is missing, and Elinchrom too for that matter, is a speedlite with full system compatibility. Serious marketing error IMHO. The B2 and Eli Quadra are not it. That's where Godox and Phottix, have the upper hand. Pretty sure Yongnuo will also join that party soon with a Godox AD600 equivalent.
 
mike weeks said:
<snip>

Amazing system possibilities

Mike
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Exactly!

A speedlite is a no-brainer IMHO for all the big pro/studio flash manufacturers - even if they just over-brand an existing product and shove their triggering gubbins in it. It's the entry-point for everyone and compatibility with triggering and remote control systems is vital these days.

Godox has also played another ace with a lithium battery pack for speedlites. I'm forever charging AA batteries, 16 at a time, and it's a right PITA. Lithium recycles much faster too :thumbs:
 
HoppyUK said:
Godox has also played another ace with a lithium battery pack for speedlites. I'm forever charging AA batteries, 16 at a time, and it's a right PITA. Lithium recycles much faster too (y)
Click to expand...

What's the replacement cost like though?
 
Yeah Godox are looking like a strong option, AD360 is around a stop less power than a B1
 
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