Since 2013, when Profoto pioneered the TTL battery-powered monolight, the company has been regularly rolling out a new product or product enhancement, to the gratification of professionals and serious enthusiasts alike. While the creation of the B2's reduced form factor and OCF system might have given us a clue to what might be coming, the introduction of the A1 AirTTL Studio Light for Canon and Nikon is not only a surprise, but truly a game changer.
The A1 was created both for the professional looking for versatility, light weight, and top-flight performance features, and the ambitious non-professional who appreciates fine lighting quality but doesn't want to hack through a hyper-tech maze to get it. In short, it's both simple and complex, and the choice between them is all yours.
At first glance, the A1 looks like a sleek, matte-black on-camera flash, prompting the question, “why are they calling it a Studio Light?” which it can be, but there's much more here than meets the eye. The first hint is its round 2.75" tilting, rotating head, which is instrumental in providing the natural-looking light with soft gradual falloff that has prompted more than one user to call the quality of light “beautiful.” The head has an auto-zoom function that accommodates lenses from 32 to 105mm, and it can also handle focal lengths from 14 to 24mm using the included Wide Lens. If you prefer, you can turn the auto zoom off and make the adjustments manually.
The A1 is a good-looking flash, but in case you think its looks are superficial, its top-flight performance features will dispel that notion. Significantly faster that most flash units in its class, the A1 recycles in 0.05 to 1.2 seconds and has action-stopping flash durations from 1/8,000 to 1/20,000 second. In the realm of speed, the flash also supports HSS (High Speed Sync), allowing you to shoot at shutter speeds as short as 1/8000 second—instead of 1/250 second, to blur a distracting background using a wide aperture while controlling strong ambient light behind your subject. There's even a modeling light with brightness that can be user-adjusted or set to proportional to preview how the light is falling on your subject. Your settings are indicated on the highly readable white-on-black LCD screen. If the A1's features are starting to sound like those on a monolight, you're on the right track.
Power is provided by a lithium-ion battery that will give you 350 full-power flashes and thousands of partial-power flashes without fading as it's depleted. It can be powered up again by its 100-240 VAC charger in about 80 minutes.
Now about that “Studio Flash” moniker. If the A1 seems like a great on-camera flash, you'll find that's it's a superlative off-camera light. It has a built-in AirTTL receiver that can be triggered at distances up to 1,000' by one of the Air Remote controllers. It's the Air Remote TTL, however, that allows you to explore and control the A1's full capabilities. It allows wireless assignment of channels and groups, as well as TTL and power level. In fact, the A1 has a switch that allows you to set your main light to TTL, switch to manual operation to adjust manual units in other groups to ratio their output, then switch back to TTL and return to the original TTL setting that was stored for you. The A1 also has +/-3 stops of exposure compensation that can be modified from the remote for your specific needs.
The A1 ships with a Dome Diffuser that offers 180-degree coverage and soft omnidirectional light, the Wide Lens mentioned previously, battery, charger, flash stand, micro-USB cable for updates, Bounce Card, and a bag with shoulder strap. A Gel Kit with 3 CTO and I fluorescent filter and a Soft Bounce Diffuserare available separately.
Flexible and easy to use, I think it's safe to say that the A1 is a remarkable addition to Profoto's roster. Is it an on-camera or an off-camera studio light? The fact is that it's both, and the choice of how to use it is yours. Share your thoughts in the Comments section, below.
19 Comments
Manzell,
About a month back I came across a video of a fashion photographer using a X1D with a Profoto A1 and Profoto's Air TTL-N. They appeared to be working well. I went ahead and purchased the same and thus far, I am pleased with the results. Thought I would give you and the rest reading the blog an update.
Manzell,
Thanks for reaching out to Profoto. Hopefully someone who has tested the flash will post their experiences on one of the boards. I'll try Hasselblad to see if they have performed any testing. Again, thank you for the reply and research.
Has Profoto A1 been tested with the Hasselblad X1d? I understand that the X1d is compatible with Nikon flashes, and wondered if the Nikon verson of the A1 would work on the X1d.
I contacted Profoto with your inquiry. Unfortunately, they state that they cannot confirm compatibility as they do not have the Hasselblad X1D listed as confirmed camera. Profoto did state that they have heard from some of their users that the TTL-N works on the Hasselblad, but Profoto cannot guarantee those comments as they have not tested it themselves.
Is it possible to use several a1 at the same time? i.e: One on camera and others off camera
Best regards
Hi Ricardo -
You sure can:
If the A1 seems like a great on-camera flash, you'll find that's it's a superlative off-camera light. It has a built-in AirTTL receiver that can be triggered at distances up to 1,000' by one of the Air Remote controllers. It's the Air Remote TTL, however, that allows you to explore and control the A1's full capabilities. It allows wireless assignment of channels and groups, as well as TTL and power level. In fact, the A1 has a switch that allows you to set your main light to TTL, switch to manual operation to adjust manual units in other groups to ratio their output, then switch back to TTL and return to the original TTL setting that was stored for you. The A1 also has +/-3 stops of exposure compensation that can be modified from the remote for your specific needs.
I suely interested to if there is a plan in the horizon to include Lica SL compatibility. I will the first one il line to buy one. thanks
MSRP/Pricing wasnt mentioned. I'm entertaining replacing my beloved Quantum Qflashes and their batteries. Ive a small fortune invested in these, so, cost is a consideration. Again, how much for the Profoto A1's (Nikon variant)?
Adorama have some prices.
Vad kostar A1
Yet another interesting post! Thanks for sharing with us. Profoto A1 is already on my list.
Any info about Fujifilm support? Fuji is preparing to roll out firmware updates that support TTL studio flash, with compatibility for many major brands.
[quote=Richard Peterson]
Any info about Fujifilm support? Fuji is preparing to roll out firmware updates that support TTL studio flash, with compatibility for many major brands.
How about Leica SL support ???
Hi Arturo,
While Profoto had recently announced that an Air TTL-F Remote is in the works, they have not made any official announcement if it will be completely compatible with the A1 just yet. As for Leica compatibility, that has yet to be announced as well. Once we have more information, we will make it known through our e-mail newsletter.
Have to say I'm a little surprised that Profoto seems to have missed a golden opportunity to make this compatable with their OCF light mods. Looks like the size of the head is similar to the profoto B2.
Now they can just sell a whole new line! 🙄
"Missed the opportunity" or arranged it so that they can gouge more money from us with a whole new set of overpriced accessories? Profoto is the Apple of the photography world.
Why NOT for Sony e-mount?
We profis also use Sony. In fact more and more of my colleagues like myself use the Sony A7 series. Late I shall possibly be adding an A99?
I for one am certainly NOT prepared to reinvest in Canon or Nikon when Sony serves my requirements to the T!
Regards
Desmond
Freelance photojournalist ans photographer
It's said that a Sony version will be availible next year