Daan B wrote: c.d.embrey wrote:
1.It is part of the Profoto family, so it has the most versatile modifier mount around. And it shares with Elinchrom the best umbrella mount.
On of the things that is defintely better with the Profoto's is the design of the mount. The Elinchrom mount is a bit flimsy IMHO. Other than that, I have seen Profoto head to Elinchrom modifier adapters, but I haven't seen them the other way around...
2.BTW Lighting styles also make a difference as Carmen noted. I never try to overpower the Sun. And I mainly use silver reflectors, no shoot through umbrellas or soft boxes. So you do need to consider the modifiers you will use.
In what situation do you find yourself short of power when using the silver reflectors?
Also, what is a typical set-up that works great with the AcuteB (at half power)?...Show more →
c.d.embrey, thanks for posting this... really helpful
I can see that when working up-close (with reflectors) or using large reflectors the AcuteB is able to deliver at very low power levels. You are really getting the most out of the unit when shooting at half power or less. I mean, recycle times are shorter, you get more shots and the lower you go in power the faster the flash duration becomes. The latter point is kind of a mystery to me, because usually the shortest flash duration is at highest power
I still wonder what situations are too challenging for the AcuteB... Maybe with more distance to the subject or with large softboxes/umbrellas attached?
I found these numbers on the Profoto website:
AcuteB output, 2 meters/6-7ft (@ head settings)
Magnum @ 2 = f/64.2 -----> when overpowering the sun at sunny 16 you get +4 stops lattitude
Zoom @ 4 = f/32.2 -------> when overpowering the sun at sunny 16 you get +2 stops lattitude
Umbrella @ 7 = f/16.2 ---> when overpowering the sun at sunny 16, you are out of power
I guess the AcuteB isn't the most flexible option to overpower the sun... When using reflectors and/or sticking to the subject it will work. But go beyond 2 meters and/or use umbrella/softboxes, maybe overpowering the sun is too much to ask for the AcuteB.
Did you ever came across a situation where the AcuteB didn't cut it?
BTW Is that the modelling light showing in image #3?
The AcuteB's modeling light is nearly non-existent. I'm pretty certain that's the actual flash pop you're seeing above.
My biggest complaints with the AcuteB are the battery life and limited output. I'm getting maybe 175 pops at close to full power. And being out on location, whether indoors or out, I find that I'm generally using the pack set to between half and full power, often running out of headroom. It's not just about competing with daylight (which I'm frequently doing) but it could be lighting up a wider area from 10' away with an octa or off a large reflector panel while needing a smaller aperture. What the AcuteB gives you in flexibility of logistics it often takes away in flexibility of lighting style. 600w/s can run out really quickly.
Daan B wrote:
c.d.embrey, thanks for posting this... really helpful
I can see that when working up-close (with reflectors) or using large reflectors the AcuteB is able to deliver at very low power levels. You are really getting the most out of the unit when shooting at half power or less. I mean, recycle times are shorter, you get more shots and the lower you go in power the faster the flash duration becomes. The latter point is kind of a mystery to me, because usually the shortest flash duration is at highest power
With a pack system (not monoblock) the shortest flash duration is at the low end.
I still wonder what situations are too challenging for the AcuteB... Maybe with more distance to the subject or with large softboxes/umbrellas attached?
I guess the AcuteB isn't the most flexible option to overpower the sun... When using reflectors and/or sticking to the subject it will work. But go beyond 2 meters and/or use umbrella/softboxes, maybe overpowering the sun is too much to ask for the AcuteB.
Did you ever came across a situation where the AcuteB didn't cut it?
The AcuteB is new to me, just got it a couple of weeks ago. But I've been using a D4 1200 pack, that also goes down to 9ws, for quite a while. So I have an idea of how the modifiers I like will work with the AcuteB. The shots I posted to "Show us your setup! " https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/687870 using the Mola Mantti could have been done with the AcuteB (don't remember exact setting, but less than 500ws).
I'm doing a video shoot this afternoon. I'll take the AcuteB with me and shoot some outdoor full figure test shots for you. Will post them later in the evening.
As shatterkiss has said, the AcuteB won't do everything, but for what I do (mostly hard light) it will do a lot.
BTW Is that the modelling light showing in image #3?
No, that is the flash going off. I lowered the contrast using Canon's DPP 3.5.1 so you could see a little more of the scene.
BTW all photos were converted using DPP 3.5.1. All I did was to use the lens correction and CA filters. The exposure and color are straight out of the camera, no tweaking, no PS.
BTW2 I own the AcuteB and a few oddball modifiers, all the rest (like the D4) I rent as needed. If I need a Ranger, Porty, 7B or a B2, I'll rent them.
c.d.embrey wrote:
With a pack system (not monoblock) the shortest flash duration is at the low end.
Mystery solved
I'm doing a video shoot this afternoon. I'll take the AcuteB with me and shoot some outdoor full figure test shots for you. Will post them later in the evening.
I am looking forward to it
As shatterkiss has said, the AcuteB won't do everything, but for what I do (mostly hard light) it will do a lot.
Yeah, I will use a one strobe set-up mostly for up-close portraiture... Head shots by using clamshell lighting (BD on top, reflector under) or with a (large) softbox on the side as key and a reflector for fill. Full body shots with (large) softbox or reflector. For the full body shots the light is somewhat further away from the subject. So, as long as the AcuteB is able to perform under these circumstances I will be happy...
shatterkiss wrote:
The AcuteB's modeling light is nearly non-existent. I'm pretty certain that's the actual flash pop you're seeing above.
My biggest complaints with the AcuteB are the battery life and limited output. I'm getting maybe 175 pops at close to full power. And being out on location, whether indoors or out, I find that I'm generally using the pack set to between half and full power, often running out of headroom. It's not just about competing with daylight (which I'm frequently doing) but it could be lighting up a wider area from 10' away with an octa or off a large reflector panel while needing a smaller aperture. What the AcuteB gives you in flexibility of logistics it often takes away in flexibility of lighting style. 600w/s can run out really quickly....Show more →
i agree with you regarding the battery life....i bought an extra battery and always take it along.... people considering the unit should remember that use of the modeling light will shorten battery life. often, i have to make a decision when i am getting ready to shoot whether the tool of choice is the b2 or one or both acutes. there is no question that you have greater power options with the 1200w/s unit...as much as i love the acute b's, if i was limited to or considering only one pack, i would opt for the more powerful unit: you can always dial an 1100-1200 w/s pack down to 600w/s.....
I'm doing a video shoot this afternoon. I'll take the AcuteB with me and shoot some outdoor full figure test shots for you. Will post them later in the evening.
I am looking forward to it
I barrowed a Magnum reflector and a Acute Ringflash from a friend and the day was overcast, so no test shots Sorry, maybe next weekend.
c.d.embrey wrote:
I barrowed a Magnum reflector and a Acute Ringflash from a friend and the day was overcast, so no test shots Sorry, maybe next weekend.
. I'm using the entire room as a light source.
