While camera manufacturers seem to focus on resolution, high ISO, and dynamic range, in the strobe industry the past few months have been all about fast shutter speeds synchronization. However, Broncolor still didn’t have any in-house solution to offer to their client until Photokina and the new RFS 2.2 transceiver.
Broncolor followed the steps of the other Swiss flash manufacturer, Elinchrom, and decided to use their own version of HyperSync to allow their customers to achieve flash synchronization at shutter speeds of up to 1/8,000 of a second. Another similar feature is the possibility to adjust the triggering to maximize the synchronization.HyperSync to allow their customers to achieve flash synchronization at shutter speeds of up to 1/8,000 of a second. Another similar feature is the possibility to adjust the triggering to maximize the synchronization.
The RFS 2.2 was designed for every photographer in mind, but the HS capability is aimed towards those using Siros L units or Move L packs. Broncolor still recommends their studio photographers to use the very short flash duration of their generators, such as the Scoro S, to freeze motion when power and color consistency are crucial. Users of the Move L will have to get their unit updated by Broncolor or one of their dealers in order for the HS to be enabled.
The new transceiver is available for Canon, Nikon, and Sony. No version mirrorless just now, but let’s hope it will come in the future, because I’m sure quite a few Fujifilm GFX users will be Broncolor owners as well.
No price what specified yet. I heard it would be released at about USD 110-120, but that is something I overheard at Photokina, not an official statement.
The fun fact is that two years ago, Broncolor announced their first Siros at Photokina. It was not battery powered like the Siros L is, but they recommended a power inverter from Godox to use it outdoors. In 2016, the high-end flash manufacturer releases the RFS 2.2 which stems from a partnership between the two brands. That just leaves one wondering if this relation will evolve and lead to other new products. One thing for sure, I cannot wait to try it out and compare it to the Elinchrom system!
For more details regarding the technical specifications of the product, please visit Broncolor’s website.
soooo Godox is their OEM. That's interesting.
My thoughts exactly.
I wonder if this little fact is going to raise the market's respect and by extension the price of Godox products. I hope the market's respect goes up, but I hope the price doesn't rise with it. What can I say? Sometimes I have unreasonable expectations.
It does add some street creds to Godox.
Definitely a brand to watch. I'd much rather look at my bank balance after a Godox purchase than a Broncolor/Profoto one and so far haven't really noticed many significant differences....except maybe a few that favour the cheaper brand!
Color and power consistency, as well as build quality, rentals availability, light shapers choice and quality, are all things that place brands such as Profoto, Briese, and Broncolor in the high-end market. But not everyone needs high-end flashes, just like not everyone requires a 100MP digital back to shoot :)
I Haven't yet seen a comprehensive test of colour and power consistency done of any of the Godox units but I suspect they will perform well, I'm new to them myself so haven't had enough time to comment.
Light shapers are more and more interchangeable now, and whilst in some ways the way each outputs light (recessed tubes vs exposed bulbs etc) could be a little better with certain modifiers it could be worse for others.
I've been using profoto exclusively for the last couple of years, I've adapted profoto modifiers to fit on some occasions.
I haven't sold the Profoto's yet.... who knows if I will!
Either that or Godox provided the radio part that allows HSS. Still, kudos to Godox for that! I was actually looking to order a Godox flash but was worried about the HSS functioning correctly. Now I am not :))
As long as it works properly I doesn't care about roots of the trigger...
I've ordered one and my moves are on the way for software update on October...
Now I need to travel 3000 km just to have my Move1200L updated to have HSS.
I'm sure a local dealer/support center can get it done without having to travel all the way to their HQ in Switzerland ;)
unfortunately, that's the nearest one :)
the only thing keeping me from Buying A gfx is the HSS trigger support for the siros l. I am not going to use an Nd filter as alternative. Broncolor need to get their game on. Im sure Pro Photografers have been emailing them about the issue. Hope the come up with it soon.