Profoto D1 500/500 Air Studio Kit, with 2 D1 500 Watt Second Monolights, Air Remote, Umbrellas, Lightstands & Case

SKU: PP901053

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Questions & Answers

Shopper : I´m sorry for my ignorance about the product, is necessary to buy a bat pac or a portable battery if i want use them? or only if i want to used them outside?JASON V : Bat pac is just a big battery. You would use it when there is no other power sources available i.e. outside. I would recommend the mini lithium battery from Paul Buff. I have two of them with 2 backups for a fraction of the BatPac.STEVE S : These units run on 120 VAC (house current) by defaultbut Profoto does make a battery pack that allows you to take them on location. You can find detailed information on the Batpac on Profoto's site.JOHN G : You only need a battery pack if you want to use a batter. Otherwise, they just plug in to a power source.KURTIS K : The Bat Pac is only needed when you're not able to plug into an outlet. When you're shooting indoors (generally speaking) you have access to outlets so you would not need the Bat Pac, although an extension cord and power splitter is a good idea to have with you.GUSTAVO F : Only if you want to use them outside, you can also consider buying the White Lightining Vagabond for outside, about 1/5th the price of the bat pac.SUSANNAH M : No...no need to get the battery pack if you're using them with electricity; they do need to be plugged in. I guess, in order to use them outside you would need an extension cord or battery pack!
Shopper : Please give me your advice. I am deciding between the 250 w/s or the 500 w/s kit. My use is in a 15 x 20 studio in my home. Although you can dial down 6 stops I am concerned the 500 w/s may be to powerful at the lowest setting for very soft lighting on women and children. I will use a soft box at 200 iso as that is the lowest seting on my camera. Need to bring the main light close then stop down the fill say 2 stops. Can I shoot my main light at say f4 & fill at f2 or f1.4. if the main softbox is say 3 ft. from the subject. Or would I find these lights to powerful for that. Do owners of the 500 w/s lights wish they could stop down 1 more stop? Or are you using the power of the lights shooting at the mid and high range settings of the lights and glad you have the extra stop for full body shots and groups. Thank you for your assistance.JUSTIN M : I love my D1 air 500 kit, but I have run into the same problem when shooting in close proximity to the subject. If your aesthetic has you shooting portraits at f1.4 or f2 with your light only a few feet away, you'll find that the 500 is too powerful even at its lowest power setting. If you don't need the extra power on the high end, go with the 250.MICHAEL C : I shoot in a very small space approx. 6' X 10' (camera to background). I can use from 1-4 Profoto 500WS D1s depending on shot. I can shoot at iso 100 which gives me stop advantage on your 200 iso, but I can still shoot around 5.6 with the lights at about the 5.0-5.5 setting (from base 4.0). For portraiture, I typically use a 70-200m racked out to 135-200mm. For modifiers, I use everything including the beauty dish, the Magnum, zoom reflectors, soft boxes (2X2, 2X3, 3X4, 3' octal, 5' octal, strips) and bare with the Profoto grids. When I really need to use a wide aperture, I can add a ND filter if necessary. Wouldn't even think about spending that much money for the 250 WS lights! Hope this helpsJASON V : To answer your question, I would go with the 250w/s for your type of shoot. I have the 500w/s b/c I shoot a bit further back...about 5-6ft. away from subject. I use mine both in studio and outside. My settings are usually around f8, ISO100 or ISO200, 1/200 or 1/250 sec and I'm at about a 8 power setting on my Profoto. Because I shoot on location often, I find the extra power to be very useful. If I want to stop down, I have a ND filter to get 1-3 extra stops. Sounds like you're using a 5DMK2. If so, you can get ISO100 by accessing your custom function settings: C.FnI:Exposure/ ISO expansion/On C.FnII:Highlight tone priority/DisableKURTIS K : Definitely go with the 250Ws kit if you're only going to use them in a small room. For that type of usage I often wished I had the 250 kit over the 500 kit, because the extra power means you can't easily use a wide aperture like f/2.
Shopper : Are there any third party accessories for the profoto D1 kit?MICHAEL C : Creative Light makes great modifiers for a lot less money than the Profoto products. I use them with my 500WS D1s and just buy a Creative Light Profoto speed ring for each modifier so I don't have to bother switching around.ANDREW R : Some third party accessories, such as light stands and lighting modifiers are available. Light modifiers will need to be equipped with a Profoto compatible speed-ring for proper fit.

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2020-11-04T07:56:18

Rated 5 out of 5

Dream lights

These are my dream lights that I finally took the plunge and purchased. Haven't used them much yet, but so far so good. Very user friendly and love that everything fits so well in the carrying case.

JENNIFER W.

2020-10-20T08:13:39

Rated 4 out of 5

Works as expected for Profoto

Built well and working well so far. As expected, Profoto has always been the gold standard in my 15 year career. Only downside with Profoto is the price, particularly for the accessories. Hopefully the reliability and longevity will make the investment worth it.

Mike V.

2019-02-22T14:53:38

Rated 5 out of 5

solid setup!

i've been renting profoto lights for years and finally took the plunge to purchase a set of my own. they're everything i expected! very fast recycling time, easy to adjust and maneuver, and perfect output! highly recommended.

ASHLEIGH R.

2018-02-27T07:25:16

Rated 1 out of 5

Not so reliable

Bought 4 of these and 1 was DOA when received. After working with these lights, in a studio, for a year and a half, some things that are nice, like the remote, but these things go through model lamps once a month. Already had 3 heads blow up on me in a year, 2 within 2 days of each other. Profoto covered them under warranty, but i was out lights for several weeks. Luckily I have Normans and Speedotrons which have been reliable for me for 25, 30 years. Profoto's also don't tilt 180 degrees, so you can't bounce off the ceiling. I'm BUMMED!

MIKE I.

2016-12-29T09:44:14

Rated 5 out of 5

Seems well made

I picked the D1 because I do not require some of the advanced features of the D2 and the savings add up when you are buying 2-3 moonlights. I chose the monolight over the Acute pack and head system because the 500 is nearly the same weight and almost as small as the Acute / D4 head (certainly with the reflector on the Acute head) and will work with all the same modifiers and mountings I have. It handles well enough on an extension arm or a mini boom. I have access to a bigger pack and head system if I ever need it to light a whole room or a complex outdoor set - for me the choice was how to supplement those lights that I really do not want to lug around. Two or 3 monolights are easier to travel with and set up & break down than 2 packs and 3 heads. For portraiture 500 watt seconds out of a key light w even through a double baffled soft box is more than enough. The ability to use digital controls and dial in power to 1/10 increments is also important when you are trying to balance key and fill light precisely. Once you get used to working this way going back to rocker switches and variators gets slow and somewhat prove to error. There remain some advantages to a pack & head system and many people will see a need for both kinds of lighting…in theory the packs can work harder all day…but the D1s seem to go for hours at a very fast clip. The monolights can handle 90% of what most photographers encounter…and all of what I do. The D1 can be fitted with a frosted dome for soft box positioning - a benefit which can be seen. I looked at some other brands of monolights…this seems like the best built, most compact one I could find. This light works well with the 5ft octa and the L and XL deep umbrellas and I have been told it will work well with the newer inverse mounted Profoto Giants. It mates beautifully to the Chimera octas and rectangular boxes. It also mates well to Rotalux boxes with a Rotalux to Profoto speed ring. The Elinchrom gizmo that attaches Profoto heads to the older style inverse mounted Elinchroms (150 cm & 190 cm ) is a weak point, but both Elinchrom and Profoto have moved on to newer designs.

Mark G.

2016-08-09T09:46:43

Rated 5 out of 5

Early to tell but.....

I haven't used this product much yet but so far so good

Andrea C.

2016-07-12T09:36:52

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Kit

My 2400 Profoto Acute pack just died nearly 20 years later! Needless to say, I will be a customer for life. My kit just arrived so I am not in a place to critique the product just yet. I chose this product because I shoot in a variety of locations both in and outside. With the addition of a small portable lithium battery, I can easily hybrid the mono-heads to suit my outdoor location needs. I have a feeling I will be purchasing several more heads in the future.

Lisa S.

2016-02-27T18:29:54

Rated 5 out of 5

The perfect kit for your studio

This kit is simply one of the best things Profoto has to offer, this is your first pro step. I bought two of these kits and for more than two years I’ve been using them for product photography. Since I own Profoto I no longer consider another brand for lighting. The monolights are powerful, consistent and beautiful. The controls are precise and with the air remote you can adjust your values wherever you are. Recycling times are fast and color temperature is always reliable. The only thing I would improve is the sound the fan produce. Umbrellas are basic, for a “starter” kit. Stands are basic too, but at least they have a safety system that slows down the weight in case of an accident by a loose knob. The bag is nice looking and safe, ideal for transportation.

Juan S.

2016-02-27T15:00:16

Rated 5 out of 5

Best monolight ever

I had to save a lot to buy Profoto but the wait was worth it. I have four D1 Air 1000W/s for almost two and a half years and they are simply the best monolights you can buy. I researched a lot before deciding for Profoto and I have no regrets, it’s a brand easy to love because it’s quality. This monolights are powerful, consistent and a delight to the eyes. The controls are precise and with the air remote you can adjust your values wherever you are. Recycling times are fast and color temperature is always reliable. The only thing I would improve is the sound the fan produce, but I mostly work with loud music in the background, so that’s in not a problem to me. I use the D1 Air 1000W/s in studio for product photography mostly, I started with the monolights, now I have some light shaping tools and other accessories, but that feeling of always want more Profoto products will never leave.

Juan S.

2014-09-15T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Fantastic kit

This is a great setup for a range of uses. Most importantly (for me), it works in both the US + UK. Reliable, easy to set up and use.

Daniella Z.

2014-01-28T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Lights If You're Upgrading

I've been holding off on buying these, but it was time to upgrade from speedlites for my studio work. I was not disappointed. These are great strobes, and I will be adding at least two more in the future. Purchased the beauty dish and dome diffuser and my portraits are beautiful. If you've been hesititating don't wait. This is a good buy.

MICHAEL T.

2013-06-25T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Perfect portable studio kit

Wow. People who have made this kit must be really clever. Everything fits in the bag, total weight is exactly 24kg, the exact weight and dimensions to be allowed in a plane. You have everything in one bag to do any kind of shooting, anywhere, anytime.

jimtherunner12

2012-08-26T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Changed my photography

This was an investment, but absolutely worth it. The kit is compact and easy to assemble. The light is a perfect tone. The stands are okay for smaller lightboxes. You'd definitely need sandbags for any softbox larger than 3'x4'

Amie

2012-03-25T21:00:00

Rated 3 out of 5

Profoto D1 500 kit

OK, so you get a great light however, the stands are very flimsy and one foot did not have a plug. This lead to floor scratches. Also, this was the second kit I purchased. The first had to be returned because one light was broken. So in all for the money you get a good light but....for the money I'd expect better quality build all around.

MILAS S.

2012-02-18T19:00:00

Rated 1 out of 5

SO SAD :((((

SO SAD!! I spent top dollar for quality lights and when I went to use them for the first time, one of the bulbs was burnt/broken. I went to test fire it and nothing, just a click. So sad! Now I have to go back and exchange it for a new one. So PO'd

MILAS S.

2011-09-03T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

get some and dont look back

They clean crisp and consistantly brilliant. Recycle time are through the roof. Love putting them up at vb and bb games to stop the action.

steve p.

2011-01-11T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Power + Precision = Awesome Light

I've primarily been a speedlight shooter more because of portability and easy setup. I'd used plenty of different strobs, but these aren't just strobes. Easy to set and reset with plenty of power to over the power the sun or shoot at a much shallower depth of field.

Jeffrey M.

2010-05-03T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Better then expected

I had read alot of reviews about this these lights on other sites. The main con I had read was the stands were to flimsey and people should buy new stands for them. After seeting the lights up with softboxes I found the stands were just fine, no reason to get new ones. The stands are light weight, but they hold the lights just fine and they do not appear flimsey. Overall great product and I would buy it again.

Jeff P.

2010-04-08T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Product!

What can i say about the D1 system by Profoto the lighting works great id say its on of the best systems out there, a bit pricey but in the long run well worth the money!

joseph b.

2010-02-22T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Adorama is terrific & so is the product!

I have used this light system and couldn't ask for anything better!

KC

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About Profoto D1

FEATURED REVIEWS

Perfect portable studio kit

By jimtherunner12

Wow. People who have made this kit must be really clever. Everything fits in the bag, total weight is exactly 24kg, the exact weight and dimensions to be allowed in a plane. You have everything in one bag to do any kind of shooting, anywhere, anytime.

Seems well made

By Mark G.

I picked the D1 because I do not require some of the advanced features of the D2 and the savings add up when you are buying 2-3 moonlights. I chose the monolight over the Acute pack and head system because the 500 is nearly the same weight and almost as small as the Acute / D4 head (certainly with the reflector on the Acute head) and will work with all the same modifiers and mountings I have. It handles well enough on an extension arm or a mini boom. I have access to a bigger pack and head sy...

View full Review

The Profoto D1 500/500 Air Studio Kit is fully digital, not just on the display panel, but in the flash output control circuitry as well. This to ensure a consistency in flash-to-flash color temperature and flash energy. The dual mode SMPS capacitor charging technology ensures the flash-to-flash precision which is essential for today's photographer. The 7 f-stop power range gives all the power the demanding photographer needs for creative freedom, to shoot with high speed and full open lens.

D1 500

The D1 Air series is designed from Profotos philosophy of look, listen and touch. Controls are easy to use, freeing your mind, eyes and hands, so you can focus on the image you are creating. The unique built-in reflector gives you full control and minimizes stray light. It is designed for use with softboxes and umbrellas and for use with or without additional reflectors.

D1

Short flash duration gives images a crisp feel and the fast recycling time means that you never have to wait for the flash. You will always get the image quality you want. All this in a package that offers 1/10 f-stop control, giving you the confidence that the images will be exactly as you want them.

D1

Features.

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Built in reflector gives you full control, minimizes stray light and maximizes the light output. It is designed for use with softboxes and umbrellas and for use with or without additional reflectors. Optional grids and clear glass plate gives you further control.
  • The frosted glass plate and the built in reflector protects the flash tube and modeling lamp which makes the D1 easy to transport
  • Use the full range of Profoto light shaping tools system
  • The 7 f-stop power range gives all the power the demanding photographer needs for creative freedom, to shoot with high speed and wide open lenses. Controlled in 1/10 f-stop precise and repeatable increments.
  • Built-in microprocessors ensure the output consistency +/- 0.05 f-stop and +/- 30 °K flash to flash
  • Short recycling times to keep up with the active objects so you never have to wait for the flash
  • Short flash duration to stop action
  • Multivoltage. Plug in anywhere in the world and no need to change modeling lamp
  • Profoto Air system built-in, for remote control and triggering from up to 300m
  • Trigger the flash via sync cable, IR slave or Profoto Air system
  • Connect to your PC or Mac with Profoto Studio Air software
  • Optional external battery for on-location use
  • Can be used with Petrol Electric generators, rated 800W continues load
  • Adaptive thermal control ensures overheating preventions and allows you to get maximum out of the flash. 1500 flashes per hour at full energy
  • Built in modeling light 300W
  • Built-in fan for longer shooting sessions and maximum performance
  • The unique Zoom function allows you to freely move the source of light toward the focus of the reflector. This creates several light shapes for each lighting purpose
  • Choose from the vast variety of Light Shaping Tools available. Uncomplicated handling of all accessories, e.g. softboxes can be rotated 360 degree in both directions

Key Features

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Compact & lightweight
  • Air Remote Transceiver
  • Ideal for flexible high-performance expansion
  • Built in reflector
  • Built in reflector gives you full control

What's in the box:

  • Profoto D1 Studio Kit 500/500 Air
  • Profoto Air Remote
  • 2 x Small White Umbrellas
  • D1 Kit Case
  • 2 x D1 Stands
  • Profoto 2 Years Warranty