Lighting equipment leader Profoto has introduced its newest portable flash units, the B20 and B30, designed to elevate performance and versatility for photographers and hybrid creators. These battery-powered monolights build on the successful B10-series, delivering greater power, durability, and advanced features.
The B20 offers 250Ws of output, while the B30 doubles that with 500Ws, matching their predecessors—the B10X and B10X Plus—in power. However, both new models significantly boost continuous lighting, featuring bi-colored LEDs that deliver 50% more output. With a maximum of 5,000 lumens and a wide color temperature range from 2800K to 7000K, the units maintain a high color accuracy rating (CRI over 94), making them ideal for creators working with both flash and continuous light.
Performance enhancements include a 13% faster recycle time compared to the B10X, enabling rapid flashes with recycling times as low as 0.01 seconds. The power range has also been extended to eleven f-stops, providing greater control over lighting intensity.
Built for rugged and diverse shooting environments, the B20 and B30 feature a durable rubberized exterior and an optional handle for easier adjustments, especially when paired with larger light modifiers. Both models support compatibility with over 120 light shaping tools, offering creative flexibility.
A notable upgrade is the user-replaceable flash tubes, allowing photographers to quickly swap tubes on set, minimizing downtime. Additional modes enhance usability: Eco mode prolongs gear lifespan by reducing thermal stress, Boost mode delivers extra power when needed, and Freeze mode offers ultra-short flash durations for motion capture. Profoto guarantees no overheating or misfire risks during operation.
Connectivity options include a dedicated 3.5mm sync port for wired triggering and wireless control through Profoto’s AirX technology.
Despite their power, the units remain compact and lightweight for portability—B20 weighs 1.9 kg (4.3 lbs) and the B30 2.1 kg (4.7 lbs). Battery life varies accordingly, with the B20 supporting approximately 400 full-power flashes, while the B30 offers about 220.
Both Profoto B20 and B30 are now available for purchase, priced at $1,995 and $2,395 respectively. These new flashes promise to meet the evolving demands of professional photographers and hybrid content creators alike.
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