Question for Profoto B1/D1 owners

<p>I just received a pair of Profoto B1's along with the Air TTL Controller. These lights are amazing in build quality and beauty of light.<br>

I've been reading on some forums that the B1/D1's can benefit from the optional glass domes when using modifiers. Is this true?<br>

Currently I own a PF Beauty dish/grid, and a 7" Grid reflector with 4-grids. Also plan on adding the PF Magnum reflector and the Elinchrom Rotadux 39" softbox.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>PS: I shoot mainly portraits.</p>

<p>Mostly a point of personal preference. Reflectors and most softboxes work roughly the same with or without the domes.</p>

<p>Beauty dishes will have a different look with the flat glass vs. the dome, but whether the dome is <em>better</em> is a matter of taste. Similarly, some (generally larger) softbox designs may be more evenly lit using the dome, but whether that matters depends on your preferences and lighting style.</p>

A B1 user here: the alleged "gains" are not worth the cost, especially if you primarily use any sort of lighting diffuser:soft-box, umbrella,beauty dish, etc.

 

There is a slight advantage to controlling beam angle when using the glass done and the magnum reflector but it doesn't truly turn the B1or D1 into the equivalent of an Acute/D4 or Pro 5/6/7/8 head.

<p>I found using the dome increased contrast and the volume of light produced when using a beautydish. I also tested it verses an Acute head and found contrast, brightness and color temperature variances between the three heads, all of which I posed in this review: <br /><br />http://johngress.com/does-using-a-profoto-glass-cover-d1-frosted-dome-or-a-acute-head-make-a-difference/<br /><br /></p>