New Profoto Pro-8a Power Packs Redefine Performance

I just finished reviewing the specs of Profoto's new top dog, the Pro-8a 2400. Wow. Let me say that again: wow!

This new family of packs takes the digital precision of the D4 and melds it with the hot-rod performance of the Pro-7a... except the Pro-8 improves on both in the process. The 2400W/s pack is adjustable in a 10 f-stop power range in 1/10th increments (5 - 2400). This is some serious control and finesse. Of course the pack achieves total asymmetry, allowing for up to 1:9 ratios with two heads. Now, lets talk power: At just 0.9 secs for full power recycle, this pack is 50% faster than the 7a. Minimum recycle is a mere 0.05 secs. Profoto is even boasting that you can shoot up to 20 fps at minimum power or get over 1,000 shots per hour at full power. And the performance gets better yet, with a flash duration as short as 1/12,000 sec. at minimum and 1/1,600 sec. at max. Shot to shot variation is now less than 1/50th of an f-stop and color stability varies only 160 deg K over the full 10 f-stop range, with less than 50 deg K in the highest 5 stops. All current Pro Heads and Pro Rings will work just fine, except now the new packs will support up to a 500W modeling light per head.

And if all that weren't enough, Profoto is introducing the Profoto Pro Air radio transmitter system. Pro Air comes built-in to the new packs, but requires a sync or remote to trigger it. The Pro Air Sync acts like any other RF remote, with a range of 1,000 ft. The Pro Air Remote allows remote power settings and modeling light control over the same distance. The new Air transmitters weigh only 2.5 oz with battery, much smaller and lighter than their PocketWizard cousins. I still need to find out if PW will talk nice with the new Pro Air.

Price: $9,700 for the 1200, $11,000 for the 2400, $193 for Pro Air Sync, and $321 for the Pro Air Remote. Available in early October.

Who wants one?! Preorder yours today at Dale Photo & Digital.