WPPI 2018: A Closer Look at the Profoto A1, the Speedlight that's a Studio Strobe

Looks like a speedlight. Feels like a speedlight. Fits on your camera like a speedlight. But, it’s not a speedlight. The Profoto A1 is a compact light for your Canon or Nikon camera’s hot shoe (or off-camera bracket) that is a studio monolight in a speedlight’s clothing. Here at the 2018 Wedding and Portrait Photographers International show, in Las Vegas, we got to take a closer look at this new powerhouse from Profoto.

To be fair, it is a bit bigger than your average speedlight, but that super-sized speedlight frame is what gives you the advantages of the Profoto A1. Most on-camera speedlights feature a rectangular aperture for the strobe light. The Profoto A1 has a large, circular 2.75" opening that lets photons go flying.

AirTTL (through-the-lens) capability makes the Profoto A1 function just like your favorite OEM speedlight—taking the guesswork out of exposures and letting you forget the test shots and handheld meter work. Plus, a built-in modeling light lets you visualize the light spread prior to firing the strobe.

Shaping the light is easy, thanks to the magnetic attachments that click onto the A1 with a satisfying attraction. Profoto A1 light modifiers include the

Soft Bounce

Gel Kit

Dome Diffuser

Bounce Card

Wide Lens.

Remember the four factor. The Profoto A1 is powered by a Li-Ion battery that provides illuminating power for the unit that lasts up to 4 times longer than a AA-battery-powered speedlight. And, with that power, recycle time is about 4 times faster than traditional speedlights.

Like other Profoto lighting systems, the relatively diminutive A1 still has the same tactile feel of the Profoto line that speaks of quality and workmanship.

Are you ready to get your hands on the Profoto A1?