Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

ldelacruz · 09:40 AM

I am looking to purchase the D1 Airs. I have Alien Bees so I am used to them. I have read the Profoto website and BH but still not certain on the questions below?

Do they have a built in optical slave? It says IR but not sure what it means.

Can I use my Vagabond II with them?

Is the Air unit proprietary or can other transmitters fire them?

Due to cost I am going to use Photoflex Octodomes. Is this a waste of money to use Photoflex modifiers with Profoto lights? I don't want to spend $1000 on a softbox!

Thanks for your help!

ldelacruz · 04-06-2010, 09:25 PM

Anyone?

aerosolcheese · 04-06-2010, 09:40 PM

Yo, Lonnie, check your PM.

ldelacruz · 04-06-2010, 10:02 PM

Thanks!

khatley · 04-07-2010, 12:21 AM

I dont have the airs but the compact r models have embedded pocket wizards, so I assume the same.
I dont see why the vagabonds wont work since it is just electricity but I had the same question on that!
Absolutely you can use other light modifiers you just need to get the right connector...personally, I would never buy profoto modifiers new...ridiculously overpriced. If you are going to buy new, the Creative Light modifiers are great, I have a 1x4 and 2 3x4s for profoto.

Tom · 04-07-2010, 07:42 AM

Check out some of the Elinchrom ones. I watched Robert Seale's webinar last week and he was using Elinchrom modifiers on profoto heads. I got my 53" Octabank for ~$200.

ldelacruz · 04-07-2010, 08:30 AM

Thanks guys.

HOUSCOUS · 04-07-2010, 11:43 AM

Hi Lonnie,

Yes Profoto could be triggered as optical slave.

Yes you could use Vagabone II but the recycle time will be damn slow. Plus PCB himself suggests only use Vagabone II on AB/WL because of the liability reason.

No. One could trigger its own system.

Softbox/beauty dish vs. light, I would spend more money on the better light modifier first. I mean unless you are using bare bulb, which no softbox needed, the quality of the light hits on subject really depends on what and how it reflects on (or/and goes through) the softbox material. For same amount of money, I would rather stay with AB/WL and get better softbox or beauty dish. Same reason why people were encouraged to get better lens before they get better camera body.

Just my $0.02

ldelacruz · 04-07-2010, 07:38 PM

Thanks Ming. I didn't see this earlier so I called B&H and they said the same things. The Profoto wireless system will only fire the built in receivers and they have optical/IR slaves. They have a 1/8 plug so I could use different witless triggers if I have to but it would defeat the purpose because the Profoto Air system not only triggers but gives you full control if all the light settings including turning them on and off. I didn't ask about the Vagabond or softboxes. On another note AB, CL, Elinchrom and Profoto only have silver lining octos. Photoflex is the only brand that I have seen with white interior.