Profoto Pro-B3 – Our Thoughts After Testing This Beast of a Light

If you’re a photographer who loves pushing boundaries—whether it’s freezing motion, working in harsh conditions, or just needing gear that can handle your insane workflow—The new Profoto Pro-B3 is definitely a light to look at.

My name's Oliver Minnett and as a photographer I’ve been a Profoto user for years, from my trusty set of B1X's to the lightweight B10's, so when I got my hands on the Pro-B3, I was curious to see if it was a worthy replacement. Spoiler alert: it is.

Profoto Pro-B3 with the Profoto Silver 3x4' Softbox
Photo by: @oliverminnett of Model: @graciiesmiith
Camera set up: Sony A1 + FE 24-70mm F/2.8 GM2

First Impressions

The Pro-B3 isn’t messing around. This light is built like a tank—750Ws of pure power, wrapped in a rugged, rubberized housing that screams durability. It’s not the lightest unit out there, but then again, it’s not supposed to be. This is a heavy-duty, workhorse flash designed for pros who need consistent, reliable performance in challenging environments.

From the moment I powered it on (oh, did I mention it’s battery-driven?), I could tell it was engineered for serious shoots. The high-capacity Li-Ion battery not only lasts forever, but it also powers the Pro-B3’s rapid recycle times—just 0.02 to 2.2 seconds. Plus, the flash duration can go as short as 1/75,000s, which is perfect for freezing even the fastest motion.

Testing It Out

I took the Pro-B3 out on a bright, sunny day with model Gracie Smith and paired it with my trusty Sony A1 and 24-70mm f/2.8. Even with the sun blazing, the Pro-B3 had no problem overpowering the light, giving me crisp, punchy results without breaking a sweat.

We used two softboxes and the new quick-release beauty dish, which is honestly a game-changer for anyone who hates fumbling around on set (ahem, me). The light quality? Classic Profoto—smooth, clean, and consistent. It’s the kind of reliability that makes you forget about the gear and just focus on the creative side of things.

The Good Stuff

Let’s talk about why this light impressed me:

• Power & Performance: 750Ws is no joke, and when paired with super-fast recycling and ultra-short flash durations, it’s a dream for action shots.
• Build Quality: This thing is rugged. From the durable housing to the user-replaceable quartz flash tubes, it’s designed to take a beating.
• TTL & HSS: Seamless integration with your camera makes life so much easier, whether you’re shooting in a studio or chasing the light outdoors.
• Creative Freedom: Fully compatible with Profoto’s extensive light shaping tools, so you’re never limited by your gear.

What About the Weight?

Yes, the Pro-B3 is heavier than the B10X, and that’s worth noting if you’re used to lighter, more portable units. But this isn’t designed to replace the B10X; it’s for those demanding workflows where you need serious power and reliability. For me, it’s a great addition to my kit for bigger, more controlled shoots.

Profoto Pro-B3 with the Profoto Fast Setup White Beauty Dish
Photo by: @oliverminnett of Model: @graciiesmiith
Camera set up: Sony A1 + FE 24-70mm F/2.8 GM2

Final Thoughts

The Profoto Pro-B3 is not just a light—it’s a tool that lets you take on those challenging, high-stakes shoots with confidence. Whether you’re capturing athletes in motion, shooting fashion on location, or just need a light that won’t quit, this is one to consider.

It’s built for pros who need performance and durability, and it delivers on all fronts. If you’re already in the Profoto ecosystem and want something that can handle the heat (literally), the Pro-B3 might just be your next favorite piece of gear.

Have questions? Reach out to us—We're happy to chat about how this beast of a light can fit into your workflow.