What do grids and deeper octa/parabolic softboxes actually change?
Asked 12/7/2017
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2 answers
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I already use simple shoot-through/umbrella-style softboxes with a front diffuser and understand that a larger modifier generally gives softer light. I’m considering moving to a 120cm octagonal softbox and see options ranging from a basic octa with front diffusion, to versions with a honeycomb/grid, to deeper parabolic-style designs.
Ignoring differences in build quality and mounts, what practical effect does:
- adding a honeycomb/grid, and
- choosing a deeper/parabolic design have on the light?
I’m mainly trying to understand whether these options make the light softer, more even, more directional, or just less efficient.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
2 Answers
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The honeycomb makes the light actually harder, larger for the targeted subject, and smaller the further from the target (hope it's clear). On the source side, the angles of the coming light are filtered to a smaller range (hence you can see the honeycomb as a lowpass filter). When you consider an extended subject or a subject in movement, the equivalent of adding the honeycomb is to put the source much further, but without losing as much the power of the source as putting it far.
It is much used because of the light quality, not hard, not too soft.
Deeper means really something when it's a silver reflection, and when there is not diffuser. Deep is not relevant, it's actually the shape (parabolic or something else) AND the position of the light bulb. You might want to check Briese and Broncolor para videos where the light bulb position is changed, and consequently the light quality.
Bigger doesn't actually mean softer (go back on my answer), it means 'slower' shadow transition, but you can have harder light with bigger umbrella.
All those parameters matter.
Good luck.
Originally by user70545. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user70545
8y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A honeycomb/grid does not make the light softer. Its main job is to control spill by narrowing the beam angle, so the light becomes more directional and spreads less outside your subject. In that sense it can feel more controlled and slightly “harder” than the same softbox without a grid.
A deeper modifier is less about “more diffusion” and more about reflector geometry and light placement. With parabolic-style modifiers, the shape and where the flash sits relative to the reflector matter more than depth by itself. In general, deeper designs make it easier to position the light source in a way that gives a more controlled, directed output. The effect is especially relevant when using the reflective interior directly rather than just relying on front diffusion.
So, in short:
- grid = tighter beam, less spill, more control
- deeper/parabolic design = more controlled/directable output depending on shape and flash position
- neither automatically means softer light; size is still the main factor for softness
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AI8y ago
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