Do you seek general feedback, or a specific answer? I don't own a fresnel, but have researched their characteristics. Profoto versions - especially those with inbuild lights - are relatively expensive.
Hi Rico,
I've researched a lot also with fresnel lights but I can't
seem to find reviews for the profoto fresnels. I even
contact profoto by email and no response.
Looking into direct comparison between the 2 fresnel
There are 3 profoto fresnel, I'm interested on the first 2
-small with diaphragm adjustment - 6" lens
-a bigger 11" lens without diaphragm control - light can be
focused by moving the head on the speedring
-then there's the one with a built light (not interested/pricey)
I live in TX so there isn't a profoto rental place around.
I know you stated that you're not interested in other manufacturers than Profoto, but I'm a Profoto user and I don't know of anyone using the Profoto fresnel. Why try to reinvent a basic hotlight that has been in use for decades? Moreover, if all you want is a standard fresnel, almost any name brand fresnel (Arri, Mole, DeSisti, etc...) will work great for a lot less money.
Besides, all the light shaping you really need with a fresnel are barn doors, scrims, and a gel holder. Flags and reflectors can be used for everything else with any light brand. If you want to move up to daylight balanced HMI fresnels, you will get great light, but these are also quite expensive.
Anyway, I have an LTM 1k fresnel which is identical to the DeSisti 1k, and I love it, even though you can cook eggs on the metal after about 5 minutes of use. Just make sure you have a fan running and open the windows. There's nothing quite like a fresnel, and it's a no-brainer to have at least one in your lighting kit considering how inexpensive they are. If you haven't already checked out "guess the lighting," here's a lot of top talent using fresnels for fashion/editorial etc:
Still pondering a fresnel acquisition, but I do have the Profoto ProZoomSpot (a large contraption based on hotlight technology w/ 6" aperture). I expect the Profoto fresnels to be similar in light quality: hard and focussed. The difference will be the edge transition, which is gradual for the fresnels as shipped, and sharp as a knife for the various Spot models. Interestingly, the large FresnelSpot (confusing name) has a clear lens option that should make the transition more abrupt. Finally, there's the Cine Reflector that was released in the last year that offers a modular approach to include inserts for diffusion, scrims, and lenses. The choice of lens controls light spread (wide to spot), and one is called a fresnel. This modifier looks neat, but is expensive given that you have to add your own strobe.
My guess is the two Profoto fresnels will look almost identical, with the 12" yielding slightly softer transitions due to scattering (the lenses are slightly frosty). Clear lenses do not soften with increased diameter, although larger should be more efficient.
What do you think about the flood/spot control between the two.
The smaller one has a iris control while the bigger one you zoom
in/out with the speedring much like other profoto modifiers.
I'm thinking the iris is more convenient, but with a loss of light power
due to restricting the opening rather than adjusting the distance
between the light and lens.
I don't know of anyone using the Profoto fresnels either...
As rico, I'm also thinking the Cine Reflector might be the best choice as it seems to be very versatile.
Just very expensive, especially with all the different modifiers for it.
I don't find iris control to be useful, at least on the ProZoomSpot. The diaphragm has twenty leaves and makes a lovely circular aperture, but the spot size can be controlled in other ways: zoom lens adjustent, or rolling the fixture back and forth. You are absolutely correct that a small aperture is just burning strobe energy. In the end, you may need to bite the bullet and pick one. Each Profoto fresnel and spot seems to offer capabilities commensurate with its price. My personal strategy is bottom-feeding eBay, but that has taken a few years. Calumet will list something tasty every few months, and it's worth the wait.
Unless you're absolutely wedded to Profoto equipment, any quality Leko like the ETC Source4, pretty much the industry standard, can be effectively used. Completely focusable down to a tiny spot, has blinds to cut light on any side/line/angle, can use any of the thousands of projectible cookies, and has built-in filter/gel holder on the front. All this for $300.
If you used a Source4 just to light backgrounds, you will still get more than your money's worth. It is a very flexible tool.
Both spots you mention are just attachments. The "small" is more suiting for stills and other close range tasks (and is a power sucker while the "Pro" (same design as former Elinchrom's S35) has a much wider beam angle, suiting to act as main light.
I can't answer your question regarding the Profoto branded fresnel spots but do recommend you consider looking at the Big Eye Fresnel from http://www.k5600.com/products/bigeye/index.html which works very well with bare tube flash heads like the Profoto. It is also very portable compared to similar diameter fresnel spots.
Someone mentioned an ellipsoidal spotlight design . Those create a very different quality of light.
I am surprised that Light Tec in Houston and Dallas do not rent Profoto.
@Peter - Very true, I will most likely go for the bigger one.
Also that Elnchrom S35's lens is huge!
@E-Vener
I looked at the Big eye before and but I don't think that would be
suitable for my on location work with winds and such.
As far as Light Tec, no Profoto there, mostly speedotron.
People usually have Profoto D1s here when I do see someone
use profoto. No love for the pack/head system like me.
while the "Pro" (same design as former Elinchrom's S35) has a much wider beam angle, suiting to act as main light.