Profoto Pro-8a

Technical advantages

Short flash durations even at high power levels

Since it is a real high voltage system (1000V), the max. flash duration of the Pro-8a 2400 at full power is just 1/750s (t 0.1). This delivers sharp pictures in many shooting situations. The most “advanced” of the actual flash generators using flash-cutting technology struggles with its low voltage and therefore has a quite long flash duration of 1/290s (t 0.1) at the same power level. This duration is too long to get sharp pictures yet of slower movements. At 1200Ws the flash duration of this flash-cutter is still longer than 1/500s. The shortest flash duration of the Pro-8a is 1/4000s (t 0.1), the latest flash-cutting pack reaches 1/8000s (t 0.1), but just on the lowest power setting by cutting the flash curve with a fairly negative effect on the color temperature (see below).

Constant color temperature over the entire power range

Profoto Pro-8a generators do not affect the color temperature and spectrum by cutting the flash curve. This guarantees natural and repeatable results at each power setting. The color fluctuation from max. to min. power of a Pro-8a is +/-150 K, at power levels from max. to 150Ws the fluctuations are less than +/-50 K. Some flash cutting-packs fluctuate more than +/-300 K. On top cutting of the flash curve will affect the color rendering and can create pictures with non-natural colors that are very difficult to adjust in post-production To make things worse, to ensure short flash durations, those packs cut the flash curve on almost all power levels when used in “Speed Mode” – this does affect the color temperature too, it gets visibly colder. Here photographers have to choose: Short flash durations OR optimal color stability. Profoto Pro-8a generators assure short flash durations AND optimal color stability at the same time!

Stable color temperature even at asymmetric energy distribution

Even if two heads are used on a Pro-8a, the color temperature of both is similar – over the whole power range and still at asymmetric (different) power settings of the heads. This is guaranteed by the use of Profoto’s patented “PIPE” technology. The latest generator using flash cutting technology does suffer from color differences between two heads that are used at different power levels of up to 2000 K!

Fast recycling times at all mains voltages

Because of the fact that Profoto Pro-8a generators are using the most advanced technologies, they deliver extremely fast recycling times on all mains voltages: The recycling time at 2400Ws is 0.9s on all voltages from 110-240V/50-60Hz. If used on 100V (Japan), the max. recycling time of a Pro-8a 2400 is slightly longer with 1.1s. The top model of the flash-cutting packs has a recycling time or 1.2s at 110V and moderate 1.4s when used on 100V – at the same power setting.

Premium components and first-class workmanship to assure a safe and durable operation

The Profoto Pro-8a Air generators are using sophisticated and reliable electronic components. Those packs are constructed for heavy duty use and permit extreme, continuous photo shootings. Plugs and sockets are especially made for professional flash equipment, “hot plugging” is possible and secure – no need to turn off the generator or a special treatment of the lamp connections when changing the heads unlike some flash-cutting packs.

Handling advantages

Direct, uncomplicated setting of all functions

Two sockets, two displays, two switches – each head that is connected to a Profoto Pro-8a can be controlled and adjusted separately. Even less-experienced assistants can handle Pro-8a packs immediately.

No hidden special functions nor gimmicks

All functions are directly accessible and adjustable with one hand. No useless, technical oriented special features.

Safe and reliable electric connections

Lamp sockets and plugs are rugged, solid and electrically safe – it is possible to connect heads and/or extension cables without the need to switch-off the generator.

One head for all power levels

The ProHead feature a first-class flash tube that works reliably at all Pro-8a power levels from 4,7Ws up to 2400Ws, no risk to use flash tubes with a power limit that is too low – like with other brands. The standard ProHead as well provides the shortest flash durations.

Full automatic multi-voltage

Profoto Pro-8a flash generators work on 100-240V/50-60Hz without the need to switch the voltage. Even the model lamp is automatically adjusted to the mains.

Small, lightweight but sturdy flash heads

The ProHead weights just 2.2kg – 1kg less than the heads of a typical competitor – and is one of the smallest standard flash heads available. Accessories like reflectors and softboxes are mounted with Profoto’s unique and approved clamp-system. This allows a very fast and easy exchange of reflectors without the limitations and trouble created by the locking of bayonet-mounts that are used by many other manufacturers.

Wide adjustment range of the light spread

Already with the Zoom reflector that comes for free with each ProHead, the light spread is zoomable from 40°-100°. One of the few other manufacturers that allows to zoom the light spread has a range of just 60°-90° with their “standard” reflector.

What you see is what you get

The ProHead is equipped with a frosted glass cover. This (securely mounted) cover matches the light characteristics of the model lamp and flash tube and simplifies the control of the light distribution.

Reliable and flexible radio synchronization and control

With Profoto’s own radio sync and radio control, the Air system, it is possible to control and trigger Pro-8a packs comfortably over a wide distance The very short delay of the Profoto Air allows to use the shortest sync times of actual cameras – important especially when shooting on location. Most other radio sync’s have severe limitations regarding sync time and working range.

Flexible and handy light shaping tools

Profoto’s extensive selection of uncomplicated light shaping tools make it easy to adjust the light to all kinds of requirements and doesn’t limit the creative freedom of the photographers.