Yesterday morning I updated the firmware for my B1 and B2 units to add TTL and HSS because Profoto recently added a Profoto AIR-S Transmitter, (Sony TTL/HSS). I had to update the firmware on my Sony A7R-II also (it won't work without the new firmware!). Once everything is updated, it all works fabulously well ... total control of bright backgrounds outdoors using lighting gear I already have.
Then my friend came over in the afternoon to test it all in the brutal Florida sun. We did an acid test by shooting him out in the yard, backlit with the sun just barely out of the frame at 1/2500 shutter ... you literally could hardly look at the scene it was such a bright "white hot sky" background above/behind him. We did a second set-up of him and his little dog in a more normal backlit scene using 1/800 shutter for a bit more natural balance with a different background.
This was our initial exploration with just the little B2 unit ... next we are going to test the B1 alone, then the B2 and B1 together. Need to get various combinations and settings down pat before a real gig. Really want to do a Florida beach shoot with this new kit!!!
Much better than the HSS speed-light solution I've been using with the Sony A7R-II so far. Even the B2 is nearly 4X the available HSS pulse power, and when using the B1 as key and B2 as fill I'll have almost 8X the available power of two HSS speed lights for key and fill.
Attached examples: Sony A7R-II, ISO 100, Zeiss Batis 85/1.8 @ f/1.8, 1/2500 and 1/800th shutter ... Profoto AIR-S set to TTL (the camera needs to be set to "Wireless Flash", and it selects HSS), Profoto B2 with single head, small soft box. When TTL/HSS is used, the light automatically sets itself to maximum output (250W/s for the B2, 500W/s for the B1).
LOVE using lights while shooting wide open with the Sony and fast glass.
- Marc