The other nice thing about the Profoto mount is the ability to "modify the modifiers" buy sliding it along the body of the strobe and changing the intensity/focus in each mod (which is why there are measured markings along the strobe heads). But, I agree that they are still pretty pricy, and so many other choices have come so very far in improvements.Really my only complaint (and it's a big one for long term investment) with PCB equipment is the Balcar mount. Obviously and it's well documented that Profoto is far and away better than anything else when it comes to mount security and available modifier options. The Bowens mount isn't too far behind though in security and modifier options for those of us on a tighter budget.
I've been seriously considering selling my PCB stuff, changing the mount on my Mola Demi to Bowens or Profoto (depending on which direction I go), and keep going from there. I know Profoto is available to rent (so that's always a great thing) but I also like to experiment and practice techniques around the house personally. So I'd like to buy into a system based on one of these mounts be it a B1/D1, a Phottix Indra, Godox or one of the many variants of it. Elinchrom is supporting Sony too but I think they may actually make a less secure mount than PCB.
The best thing about the Godox is that they also do inexpensive speedlights that play with the rest of the system.
On a side note, Guy can we get this to be a "sticky?"
I stuck with Profoto because of the mount and their AIR system which syncs with my Leica S up to 1/1000, plus AIR is built into our Hensel Porty1200L … and I like the self-contained B1s a lot.
The most problems I've ever had with strobe mounts has been with Elinchrom (both regular and the very weak plastic Quadra mount). The engineering concept of their regular mount seems like it should work but isn't robust enough by design IMO … the construction, materials and fit also leave a lot to be desired. Even the Elinchrom made Profoto speed-ring to use the fabulous Rotalux modifiers on Profoto heads (I have 3 of them), is junk compared to Profoto's OEM mount. The mount doesn't fit well, and 2 out of the 3 Elinchrom Profoto lever-clamp portions have bent and fallen apart.:angry:
Elinchrom also persists on making their umbrella shaft mount smaller than everyone else, making many of the great new umbrella mods unusable.
Speaking of umbrellas, the under $100 Wescott 7' Parabolic umbrellas with their $30 fitted diffuser sock is an incredibly good location solution (I recently used these on D1s to help a friend in need shoot bleachers full of school kids). Best value out there IMO.
Side note: One other consideration depending on what you shoot is Hensel. The Hensel mount is industrial strength. When I downsized my studio for semi-retirement, I loaned all of my Hensel stuff to a good friend and he has learned how to use the Free Mask system for studio work … unbelievable idea that allows instant outlining … you have to see it to believe it. Hensel also has some of the more innovative modifiers … their beauty dish is widely thought of as one of the best.
I'm rambling … so time to shut up:ROTFL:
- Marc