
( Brand: Nikon ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 51156 ), ( Features: Ttl ), ( Type: Wireless ), ( Light Type: Strobe )
The Nikon 51156 Profoto A1 Air TTL Flash is a versatile and powerful on-camera flash solution, engineered in collaboration between Nikon and Profoto to deliver superior performance and ease of use for Nikon DSLR and mirrorless camera users. This flash offers advanced TTL (Through-The-Lens) metering and automatic communication with your camera, ensuring accurate and consistent exposure, color temperature, and white balance. Its built-in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless radios enable seamless off-camera shooting with remote control over multiple A1 Air TTL flashes, making it an ideal choice for creatives seeking both on-location and studio photography capabilities.
The A1 Air TTL flash features a folding, tilting, and rotating head with a 10-degree swivel range and a 135-degree zoom range, which is expandable to 200mm via an optional glass diffuser. The adaptive charging system allows for a consistent 900 full-power flashes and up to 350,000 cycles at minimum power, providing exceptional reliability. The flash offers a guide number of 35m at ISO 100 (105mm), allowing professionals and enthusiasts to capture well-lit images in various lighting conditions.
Moreover, the A1 Air TTL flash has a robust design with a weather-resistant casing and a signal range of up to 300 meters (line of sight), making it a reliable companion for outdoor shoots. Its integrated high-speedsync (HSS) capacity allows for flash synchronization at shutter speeds above the x-sync, permitting the use of shallow apertures and eliminating the chances of dark bands in images when using large and slow lenses. Its recharge time is impressively quick at 0.05 seconds at full power and 0.01 seconds at minimum power, ensuring you don't miss a beat during critical moments.
In summary, the Nikon 51156 Profoto A1 Air TTL Flash is an advanced, versatile, and feature-rich on-camera flash designed to cater to the needs of professional and enthusiast photographers. With TTL communication, robust wireless capabilities, reliable battery performance, and quick recharge times, it provides unmatched shooting capabilities for a broad spectrum of photographic genres portrait, landscape, still life, and more.
Both the Nikon SB-5000 and Profoto A1 Air TTL are popular off-camera flash options for Nikon photographers. While they share some similarities, they have distinct differences that could influence your purchasing decision. Here's a comparative analysis of both flashes.
Nikon SB-5000: Pros:1. Compatibility: Designed specifically for Nikon cameras, providing seamless integration and greater functionality with the Nikon's camera system.
2. Wireless Control: Supports Nikon's Wireless Lighting System, allowing for easy grouping and control of multiple SB-5000 flashes.
3. Power: Has a guide number of 60.3 (ft-guide / 18.4 m-IS0) at 105mm and 35mm zoom settings.
4. Fast Recycling: Has a fast recycling time (approximately 2 seconds with alkaline batteries), helping reduce downtime between shots.
5. Pre-Flash: Utilizes i-TTL automatic metering and enables heavy control over exposure compensation, ISO, and aperture.
Cons:1. Size and Weight: Slightly larger and heavier than the Profoto A1 Air TTL, making it less portable.
2. Additional Accessories: May require additional accessories (such as a stand, umbrella, or softbox) for optimal use.
Profoto A1 Air TTL: Pros:1. Portability: Small and lightweight design, making it highly portable and suitable for on-location work.
2. Wireless Control: Control up to three groups and ten individual lights wirelessly using the Profoto Air Remote TTL.
3. Power: Has a guide number of 35 (ft-guide / 10.5 m-IS0) at 105mm zoom setting and 50 (ft-guide / 15 m-IS0) at 35mm.
4. Versatility: Equipped with a built-in 2.4GHz radio system, offering both TTL and manual control, and supports HSS (High-Speed Sync).
5. Recycling Time: Has a fast recycling time (approximately 0.05-1.2 seconds), perfect for capturing fast-moving action.
Cons:1. Compatibility: Although compatible with Nikon cameras, it may not offer the same level of integration and control as the dedicated Nikon SB-5000.
2. Price: Slightly more expensive compared to the SB-5000.
Conclusion:Both the Nikon SB-5000 and Profoto A1 Air TTL are excellent flashes, but they cater to different needs. The Nikon SB-5000 is best for Nikon users who prioritize seamless integration and flexibility within the system, while the Profoto A1 Air TTL is better suited for photographers who demand ultimate portability and versatility. Consider your personal preferences, budget, and requirements while making a decision.
Recommendation:If you are looking for a dedicated, well-integrated off-camera flash solution specifically designed for Nikon cameras, the SB-5000 is a great choice. However, if you need a highly portable and versatile flash with excellent recycling times, the Profoto A1 Air TTL is the way to go.
The choice ultimately comes down to your priorities and individual needs as a photographer. Both brands are highly respected in the industry, and either option will undoubtedly serve you well in your photography endeavors.
Built in motor-zoom with hand control. LED model ING light. Round head with soft and smooth light falloff. Smart magnetic on mount for A1 Light.
TTL/MAN switch. Air Remote built-in. Auto focus AF assist. High Speed Sync HSS mode for illuminating the subject and capturing ambient light.
Battery performance up to 350 full power flashes. Rechargeable and exchangeable Li-Ion battery. Battery charges in 80 minutes. Large Hi-Res display.
Air TTL Automatic Flash mode. This flash creates the most beautiful soft light, you can easily increase or decrease power by turning dial up down.