Quick answer
Buy the Newell P2B1 if you already own Profoto-mount softboxes or modifiers and want to use them on a Bowens-mount strobe without buying new light shapers. It is a simple, affordable way to bridge the two mount systems, and the included 12 colour filters add creative options. Skip it if your lights are not Bowens mount or if you need to mount a Profoto light onto a Bowens modifier.
What the P2B1 actually does
The Newell P2B1 is a mounting adapter that lets you connect Profoto softboxes and modifiers to lights that use the Bowens mount. It is a passive metal ring with a Bowens-style light-end fitting and a Profoto-style modifier-end fitting, plus a set of 12 colour filters for tinting or warming your light.
It does not convert your strobe into a Profoto light, and it does not add any electronic communication between the light and the modifier. It is purely a mechanical interface. That is exactly what most photographers need when they are mixing brands in a studio.
Why mixing mounts is common in real studios
Most photographers accumulate gear over time. You might start with Bowens-mount strobes because they are widely available and affordable, then later add Profoto softboxes because you like their shape or light quality. Replacing every modifier when you change lights is expensive and wasteful.
A mount adapter for strobe use solves that problem for a fraction of the cost of new modifiers. It also helps when you rent a Profoto modifier for a specific shoot but your lights are Bowens mount. You can keep your existing light setup and still get the light shaping you want.
What to check before you buy
First, confirm your light has a Bowens mount. The Bowens mount is a three-prong bayonet with a roughly 100mm opening, and it is common on many studio strobes and some LED monolights. If your light uses a different mount, this adapter will not fit.
Second, confirm your modifier is Profoto mount. Profoto softboxes and modifiers use a different bayonet and are usually labelled as Profoto mount. If you are unsure, check the modifier's mounting ring or the product listing.
Third, think about weight and size. The adapter adds a small amount of depth between the light and the modifier. Large softboxes can put more leverage on the mount, so support heavy modifiers properly and check that your light stand is stable. The Manfrotto 110G Wheel Set is one option for making a heavy stand easier to move around the studio, though it is not required for the adapter itself.
How the P2B1 compares with other ways to adapt
There are three common ways to put a Profoto modifier on a non-Profoto light: a dedicated adapter like the P2B1, a speed ring adapter, or a custom bracket. A dedicated adapter is usually the simplest because it is a single piece that locks into the light and accepts the modifier.
A speed ring adapter can work if you already own a speed ring for your modifier, but it adds more parts and can be bulkier. A custom bracket is rarely worth the effort unless you have a very specific or heavy modifier that needs extra support.
The P2B1 is not the only option, but it is one of the more straightforward ones for Bowens-mount lights. It also includes 12 colour filters, which can be useful for creative effects or for balancing mixed lighting.
Using the included colour filters
The 12 colour filters slide into the adapter and sit in front of the light. They are a quick way to add colour to a background, warm up a portrait, or create a gel effect without buying separate gel holders. They are not a replacement for high-quality lighting gels, but they are handy for experimentation.
Keep in mind that filters reduce light output slightly, and they can affect colour accuracy. If you need precise colour, test them before a paid shoot. For casual creative work, they are a nice bonus.
Alternatives worth considering
If you are also working with Nikon Z cameras and want to use older F-mount lenses, the Nikon Mount Adapter FTZ is a different kind of adapter that solves a similar brand-mixing problem for lenses. It is not related to lighting, but it is a good example of how adapters can extend the life of gear you already own.
Nikon Mount Adapter FTZ
If you are looking to soften the light from a Profoto softbox, the Profoto RFi Flat Front Diffuser 1.3x2' is a direct accessory that mounts onto a rectangular or square RFi softbox to make the surface completely flat. It is not an adapter, but it is a useful addition if you already own Profoto RFi modifiers and want more control over the light quality.
Decision rules: who should buy the P2B1
- You own Profoto modifiers and Bowens-mount lights: This is the ideal scenario. The P2B1 lets you use your existing Profoto softboxes and modifiers on your Bowens-mount strobes without buying new gear. Buy it.
- You own Bowens modifiers and Profoto lights: This adapter does not work in reverse. It adapts Profoto modifiers to Bowens lights, not Bowens modifiers to Profoto lights. Look for a Bowens-to-Profoto adapter instead.
- You need to mount a Profoto light on a Bowens modifier: The P2B1 is not designed for this. It is a modifier-side adapter, not a light-side adapter. Choose a different adapter or a speed ring that matches your light.
- You want a simple, low-cost way to mix brands: The P2B1 is a single-piece adapter with no electronics. It is easy to use and does not require any setup beyond mounting it on your light. It is a practical choice for most studio photographers.
- You need electronic communication or TTL/HSS pass-through: The P2B1 is purely mechanical. It does not pass any electronic signals between the light and the modifier. If you need TTL or HSS, check whether your light and modifier support it natively.
- You use very heavy modifiers: The adapter adds depth and leverage. Large or heavy softboxes may need extra support. Check your light stand and consider a stable base. Use a sturdy stand and support heavy modifiers properly.
Product facts
- Newell P2B1 Profoto / Bowens Mounting Adapter: Newell P2B1 mounting adapter to connect Profoto softboxes and modifiers with Bowens mount lights. Includes 12 colour filters. This is the core function: it lets you use Profoto modifiers on Bowens-mount strobes, and the filters add creative flexibility without extra purchases.
- Manfrotto 110G Wheel Set 100mm w/ Brakes: The Manfrotto 110G Braked Caster Set features 3 wheels, each with a diameter of 100mm, with an adapter for any light stand legs that have a diameter of 22mm. They are compatible with almost any light stand that has a round leg ending of 22mm. If you use heavy modifiers and need to move your light stand around the studio, these casters can make repositioning easier, though they are not required for the adapter to work.
Fit guidance
Best for
- Photographers who own Profoto softboxes or modifiers and Bowens-mount strobes
- Studio shooters who want to mix brands without buying new modifiers
- Anyone who wants a simple, affordable mount adapter for strobe use
- Creatives who will use the included 12 colour filters for effects
Not for
- Photographers who need to mount Bowens modifiers on Profoto lights
- Users who require electronic communication, TTL, or HSS pass-through
- Anyone whose lights do not use the Bowens mount
- Photographers who need to mount a Profoto light onto a Bowens modifier
