We posted a review on this just earlier today, but here’s the full specs and info on the new Profoto D2 Monolight. Here’s the short version, though. Up to 20 flashes per second, action freezing flash durations as fast as 1/63,000ofh of a second and high speed sync with all shutter speeds all the way up to 1/8000th of a second. Oh, and it also does TTL, if you’re into that kind of thing.
With competition from companies like Godox hitting some flash manufacturers pretty hard lately, Profoto isn’t running scared. The new D2 flash basically stomps all over them. Of course, with great power come great big price tags, and these certainly aren’t cheap.
Avaiable in both 500Ws and 1000Ws capability, there’s quite a significant increase in price over its D1 generation predecessors. But it also has some quite significant upgrades. Namely, the new “Freeze mode”, built in TTL capabilities, high speed sync, faster recycle times and crazy fast flash rate for continuous shooting of fast action.
| D2 500Ws | D2 1000Ws | |
|---|---|---|
| Max Watt/Seconds | 500Ws | 1,000Ws |
| Recycle Time | 0.03-0.6 seconds | 0.03-1.2 seconds |
| Quick Burst Mode | 20 Frames per second | 20 Frames per second |
| Normal Mode Flash Duration (t0.5) | 1/2,500 sec | 1/1,600 sec |
| Freeze Mode Flash Duration | 1/63,000 sec | 1/50,000 sec |
| Max Sync Speed | 1/250 sec (1/8000 sec HSS) | 1/250 sec (1/8000 sec HSS) |
| Colour Temperature | 5600K | 5600K |
| Modelling Light | 300W Halogen | 300W Halogen |
| Modelling Light Control | Off / Proportional / Free / Max | Off / Proportional / Free / Max |
| Dimensions | 31x13x18cm (12.2×5.1×7.1″) | 31x13x18cm (12.2×5.1×7.1″) |
| Weight | 3.0kg (6.6lb) | 3.4kg (7.5lb) |
The Profoto Air wireless receiver is also built right into each unit, so all you need to do is pick up the Profoto Air Remote transmitter. The transmitter is available in both regular and Air TTL versions. TTL doesn’t work unless you shoot Nikon or Canon, though. The new Air TTL remote has quite the UI overhaul, which should speed up on-set workflow immeasurably.
Profoto say that the D2 is available now, although B&H still has it listed only for preorder until tomorrow.
- Profoto D2 500Ws AirTTL Monolight – $1,495
- Profoto D2 1000Ws AirTTL Monilight – $1,995
- Profoto D2 Duo 500/500 AirTTL 2 Light Kit – $2,995
- Profoto D2 Duo 1000/1000 AirTTL 2 Light Kit – $3,995
The two light kits do price up at a hair more than buying a pair of lights individually, but they do come with a bag in which to keep them. This would otherwise be a separate $199 purchase.
What do you think? Will most people need that speed? Aren’t Einsteins fast enough for stopping action already at a much lower price point? If the cameras can’t even shoot 20fps yet, why would we need 20fps flash? Are you already trying to figure out how you’ll explain this one to your spouse? Let us know in the comments.
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