Review of Broncolor's new Entry-Level Senso A2 Strobe Pack

[MattBeardsley]

Hello LL,

I've spent a couple weeks with Broncolor's latest, a compact 1200 Ws pack aimed to compete with the Profoto Acute 2R.  It's a snazzy little strobe pack with lots of control and solid performance.. though a little weak in the flash duration department.  Take a look, let me know what you think!

http://photoartsmonthly.com/blog/2011/04/15/introduction-the-broncolor-senso-a2/

~Matt

[BobDavid]

interesting review, useful

[MattBeardsley]

Shot this pack during a studio set with a 2-year-old over the weekend.  The controls make it easy to dial in strobe power without moving stands around too much and staying focused on the subject.  I didn't miss the duration speed in the studio... I suspect I'd miss it on location or with a camera like the S2, H4D, RZ33, or 645DF shooting at quicker that 1/180s.  Even still, it's a compelling alternative to the Acute 2 (and the 2-head kits are priced within $6 of each other!)

~Matt

[Dustbak]

The Acutes aren't the fastest pack on the block either. It is kind of difficult to compare the duration between the 2 where Broncolor gives the duration in t=0.1, Profoto in t=0.5. It might be even so that the acute will be just as slow if you could compare both at t=0.1 (or the Bron just as fast at t=0.5). Even though stating t=0.1 is the most 'honest way' to do it is kind of akward since nobody else does it that way making it very hard to compare packs based on this. All IMO naturally.

[AlDoori]

indeed.
senso 1200 t=o.5 = 1/600 sec
acute 1200 t=o.5 = 1/560 sec

[K.C.]

Even still, it's a compelling alternative to the Acute 2 (and the 2-head kits are priced within $6 of each other!)

Not for a moment when you consider rental availability or service/repair of Broncolor. Both are pretty much nonexistent anywhere but the coasts and even then they're limited.

[UlfKrentz]

The senso is a vivid, extremely small and light unit, I was really surprised, when I first saw this units last year. I think it is a fair review, if someone is interested in this type of gear it´s definitly worth a deeper look. Let´s hope you don´t need servicing, in case you should do, does it really matter if the next service point is 70 or 700 miles away? Regarding additional rent, get the additional gear that is offered. If it is proper equipment (and it usually is) it will fit well in the setup. My 2ct.

Cheers, Ulf

[MattBeardsley]

I used the Senso/Litos for a fast-set-up corporate affair over the weekend.  It is quick and easy to use and looks great on set.  I especially love the very small Litos heads.  Compact and tough and with a little aiming wand (yay! I miss that on the Acute heads).  Not sure about Bron speed rings... I'm always nervous I'll smash the glass while trying to line up a softbox with the little tabs... I like the big rubbery Profoto rings, but they're so darn expensive and big to pack...  Speedotron anyone?

matt

[WPalank]

Matt,

Nice review. I just took the A2r with extra head to Ethiopia. Packed it in a Pelican-like case and that sucker was bouncing around the back of the 4x4 like you wouldn't believe, I thought it would be trashed by the time we reached the destination. Anyway, they featured me on the Bron Imaging Blog two days ago:
http://tinyurl.com/3gt7rsc