Profoto A1X AirTTL – Sony

Profoto A1X AirTTL – a professional handheld flash

The Profoto A1X AirTTL handheld studio flash is equipped with a powerful battery that delivers 450 full-power flashes, a fast recharge time (1 second at full power), 20 wireless channels and a user interface similar to that of the B10 studio flash.

The A1X was created for professional photographers looking for a portable kit that offers sufficient performance for most situations. However, the flash is also the best solution for the ambitious amateur who understands the importance of high-quality light but still wants it to be easy to use. The A1X is, quite simply, easy to use. You can literally whip it out and start shooting. Weighing just 544 grams (including the battery), the unit in its sleek matt black casing is a pleasure to look at, but also a joy to use.

The most striking feature of the flash is its round, swivelling and tilting head, which is seven centimetres in diameter; thanks to this, the Profoto A1X produces soft, natural-looking light with a smooth fall-off at the edges. The built-in auto-zoom covers focal lengths between 32 and 105 mm, whilst the optional Wide Lens extends the range to 14–24 mm. You can override the auto-zoom function at any time and make adjustments manually. With the separately available Click filters, you can adjust the colour temperature (CTO and fluorescent).

The A1X charges its capacitor to full power in one second, and its flash duration is a motion-freezing 1/800–1/20,000 of a second. The A1X supports HSS (high-speed sync) photography, which allows shooting at shutter speeds of up to 1/8000 instead of the standard 1/250, enabling you to use a wider aperture even in sunlight. The 76Ws head is equipped with an LED modelling light that simulates how the light will fall on the subject. It can be switched on and off, adjusted in proportion to the flash output, or set manually. All settings are clearly visible on the large, easy-to-read rear display.

The handheld flashlight is powered by the included lithium-ion battery capable of producing 450 full-power flashes. Charging is quite fast, from empty to full in 80 minutes with the included charger. The battery doesn't clump when used, but runs at full power until it's empty. An extra battery is recommended.

When used off-camera, this flash really comes into its own in the studio. The flash has a built-in transmitter/receiver, making it easy to use alongside other A1, B2S, D2, B1 or B1X flashes. All Air Remote controllers can trigger the A1X flash from up to 300 metres away. Air Sync triggers the flash simply, whilst Air Remote allows you to control power settings, groups, channels and modelling light. The Air Remote TTL, however, gives you access to all the A1X’s features, from TTL and HSS technology onwards. The A1X’s output can be adjusted by +/- 3 EV from the trigger to suit your needs. The kit also includes a bounce card, a 180-degree dome diffuser, a stand and a nylon pouch.

Profoto A1X AirTTL – key features

• Round shape with soft diffusion
• Internal reflectors with dome produce natural shadows
• Clickable Click Light Modifiers
• Use automatically or manually
• Adjustable power levels for natural or dramatic light
• Rechargeable rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery with up to 450 full power flashes
• Charge from empty to full in 80 minutes
• Compatible with Profoto AirTTL transmitter
• 1 second standby at full power
• Automatic or manual zoom 32-105mm
• AF auxiliary light
• Large high-resolution LCD screen
• TTL support