Profoto B2 250 Air TTL Location Kit

In what is starting to seem like an annual event, Profoto has once again introduced a breakthrough product. This time it is the B2 250 AirTTL Power Pack, a part of the expanding OCF (Off-Camera Flash) system that includes the optional B2 flash head. Like another family member, the B1 battery-powered monolight, it boasts full TTL operation with Canon and Nikon cameras with the purchase of an optional Air Remote TTL-C or TTL-N. Just set up your lights, point, and shoot - you're first shot is usually a keeper. It's actually that easy.

Really a controller, the optional Air Remote TTL-C or N has 8 frequency channels with 3 groups per channel and a range of up to 330' for TTL triggering and 1,000' for normal triggering. Each channel has TTL power ratio capability of +/- 2 stops. If you prefer to use manual, you have +/- 9 stops power variation. You've also got modeling light, unit shut-down, and first- or rear-curtain sync control. The remote also has a mini-USB connector for free firmware updates directly from Profoto's website. Intended for the road, the pack measures 6.3 x 3.1 x 6.7" and weighs in at just 2.2 lb with its optional Li-Ion battery. Sheathed in rugged polymer and rubberized at the top and bottom against impact, the B2's twin outlets each have a dedicated thumbwheel that allows the pack's 250Ws of power to be distributed asymmetrically over a 9-stop range in full or 1/10 steps.

The 1.75 x 2.25" digital LED screen that displays the power settings is also the key to the pack's many capabilities. Like the B1 before it, the B2 is a real performer, with recycling times from 0.03 - 1.35 sec. and an action-stopping flash duration of 1/1,000 sec. There's also a Freeze Mode that selects a flash duration of 1/15,000 sec. at lower power settings - fast enough to "freeze" water droplets, spray and splashes. The pack and optional head also fire bursts of up to 20 frames per second. High Speed Sync allows shutter sync speeds from 1/4,000 - 1/8,000 sec., giving you extremely wide ambient light options. If you're starting to see a resemblance to the B1, it is completely intentional.

The B2's Li-Ion battery can be charged in or out of the pack and will give you up to 215 full-power flashes on a 45-60 minute charge from its optional multi-voltage 2.8A battery charger or a trickle charge from an optional car charger. Both can also be used with the B1 Off-Camera monolight. The battery has a built-in gas gauge type LED power level indicator, but you can also check battery status on the top panel LED display.The B2 250 AirTTL Power Pack is also available in kits with 1 or 2 B2 Off-Camera Flash heads, a charger, and a battery or batteries depending on the kit. It all fits in the kit's Location and Carry Bags that measure only 16 x 9 x 9".

The Li-Ion Battery for B2 Power Pack from Profoto is the power source for the B2 Battery Pack. The battery offers 215 full-power flashes on a 45-60 min charge from an optional 2.8A charger. The battery has an LED gas gauge type power status indicator and a rubberized base.

In what is starting to seem like an annual event, Profoto has once again introduced a breakthrough product. This time it is the B2 OCF Flash Head. Part of the expanding Off-Camera Flash (OCF) System, which includes the B2 250Ws battery pack that drives it, the B2 head has its own line of lightweight, custom-made light shapers that are also compatible with the other member of the OCF family—the B1 Off-Camera Flash.

Weighing in at just 1.5 lb, the sturdily made B2 head measures 4" long, has a 3.9" diameter, and fits in the palm of your hand. A barely visible umbrella channel runs through the top of the head, while its tethered 6.5' head cable can be lengthened with a 9.8' extension for large groups or for hanging in hard-to-reach places. An included stand or pole-mount with a ratcheting handle can be removed for mounting to a flash bracket. The B2's flash tube and 50W halogen-equivalent LED modeling lamp are protected by a frosted glass plate, while its 3.9" diameter housing accepts a new line of optional accessories that include 1.3 x 1.3', 2x3', and 1x3' softboxes and a 2' octa box. The speedring for the softboxes has be scaled down and fitted with an easy snap-in system for the poles, while the hard rubber collar has been replaced with easy-slide silicone. All accessories in the OCF family also fit the B1 Off-Camera Flash.

Also worth mentioning are the four-way barn doors with gel clips, a snoot, and 10/20/30-degree three-grid set that can be used in conjunction with the barndoors.

The Battery Charger 2.8A for B1 and B2 500 AirTTL from Profoto will charge the B1's and B2's Lithium-ion batteries in 2 hours. This multi-voltage charger features LED indicators to easily monitor charge status.

The Carrying Bag for B2 Off-Camera Light from Profoto is a thick neoprene, form-fitting case that holds and protects the B2 250 AirTTL with a mounted Li-Ion Battery. It features a belt loop, an adjustable shoulder strap, and a short strap for hanging the pack from a light stand or other support.

Two bags in one, the black B2 Location Bag for B2 Off-Camera Flash System from Profoto is a padded nylon case with top-zippered closure, a compartment for the B2 Power Pack, and two removable padded shells for B2 flash heads. The case can hold all the above plus a charger, extra battery, and a head extension cable.

The second part of the bag consists of a removable nylon shell for encasing the padded bag within. It measures approximately 16 x 9 x 9" and features top-zippered closure, handles, a shoulder strap, and topside straps for poles, monopods, or stands. An exterior pocket runs the full length of each 16" Side.