Profoto B30 500J Kit: What You Get and How to Set It Up
By Matphoto | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: Product Reviews
Learn what's included in the Profoto B30 500J rental kit from Matphoto and follow a step-by-step setup for reliable location lighting.
Quick answer
The Profoto B30 500J kit from Matphoto is a rental package built around a 500J battery-powered strobe, and setting it up takes about 15 minutes. Unpack and inspect everything first, charge or verify the battery, attach your chosen light modifier, then power on and test-fire before your shoot. For most location work, start in Eco mode to extend battery life, and switch to Freeze mode only when you need to stop motion.
What's in the B30 500J kit and what you'll need to add
Matphoto's rental listing for the PROFOTO B30 500J - KIT includes the B30 head, a battery pack, and a charger. The kit is designed to be self-contained for location work, but you will still need to bring your own light stand, a camera trigger or sync cable, and any modifier you want to use. The listing does not specify whether a carry bag or sync cable is included, so confirm those details with Matphoto before you pick up the kit.
Choosing a modifier for the B30
The B30 uses Profoto's dedicated modifier mount, so you can attach a wide range of light shapers. Two rental options from Matphoto are worth considering. The PROFOTO BOL WIDEZOOM REFLECTOR gives you an adjustable beam angle from 40° to 80°, which is useful when you need to quickly change coverage without swapping modifiers. It is designed for use on a ProHead, so verify compatibility with the B30 before you rely on it. The PROFOTO SOFTZOOM 120 is a 120 cm umbrella-style modifier that produces a broader, softer light, making it a good fit for portraits or larger product setups. If you are unsure which modifier suits your shoot, start with the Softzoom 120 for soft light and add the WideZoom reflector if you need more control over spill.
Setting up the B30 500J kit: a step-by-step process
Follow these steps in order to get the B30 ready for your shoot. Each step includes a checkpoint or a common mistake to watch for.
Setup steps for the Profoto B30 500J kit
- 1. Unpack and inspect the kit: Lay out the B30 head, battery pack, and charger. Check for any visible damage and confirm that all items listed on the rental agreement are present. Common mistake: skipping the inspection and discovering a missing cable or damaged modifier on location. If anything is missing or damaged, contact Matphoto before you leave.
- 2. Charge or verify the battery: Fully charge the battery pack before your shoot. If you are picking up the kit the same day, ask Matphoto whether the battery is already charged. Checkpoint: a fully charged battery should power the B30 for a typical portrait or product session, but bring a spare if you plan to shoot all day.
- 3. Attach the modifier: Mount your chosen modifier—such as the Softzoom 120 or WideZoom reflector—onto the B30's front mount. Ensure it locks securely. Common mistake: forcing a modifier that is not compatible. The WideZoom reflector is designed for the ProHead, so test the fit before your shoot.
- 4. Power on and set the mode: Turn on the B30 and select Eco, Boost, or Freeze mode. Start in Eco mode for longer battery life and faster recycling. Checkpoint: if you are shooting fast action, switch to Freeze mode and reduce power to get the shortest flash duration.
- 5. Set power and test-fire: Adjust the power output using the dial or display. Use a light meter or test shots to confirm exposure. Fire a few test flashes to ensure the trigger is working. Common mistake: forgetting to set the correct sync channel on your trigger. If the flash does not fire, check the channel and battery contacts.
- 6. Position the light and fine-tune: Place the light on a stand at your desired angle and distance. Adjust the modifier's zoom or position to shape the light. Next step: once your exposure is set, you are ready to shoot. Remember to power down and recharge the battery after the session.
Key specs for the B30 500J kit
- PROFOTO B30 500J - KIT: 500J output with Eco, Boost, and Freeze modes; 11 f-stop power range (0.5-500 Ws); recycling times from 0.01-1.8 s in Eco mode to 0.01-2.1 s in Boost/Freeze mode. The wide power range lets you dial down to 0.5 Ws for close-up product work or open up to 500 Ws for larger scenes, while the fast recycling keeps up with rapid shooting.
- PROFOTO B30 500J - KIT: Flash duration t0.1 ranges from 1/300 s at full power to 1/9,800 s at minimum power in Freeze mode. Freeze mode is the setting to use when you need to stop motion, such as splashes or falling objects, because the shortest flash durations occur at lower power settings.
- PROFOTO BOL WIDEZOOM REFLECTOR: PROFOTO BOL WIDEZOOM REFLECTOR provides a 40° to 80° adjustable beam angle and is designed for use on a ProHead. The adjustable beam lets you change coverage quickly, but check that it fits the B30 before your shoot; if it does not, you will need a different modifier.
- PROFOTO SOFTZOOM 120: PROFOTO SOFTZOOM 120 is a 120 cm light modifier for Profoto lighting systems. The large size produces soft, even light that flatters portraits and reduces harsh shadows on reflective products.
