What exactly is a parabolic softbox? I’m putting together a lighting kit and I want to buy nice things and keep it to a minimum. I have 200 watt lights. What size should I get? I know what a softbox is, and I’ve normally used umbrellas with on camera flashes. This new kit will be for family portraits, but my expectations are high. My camera is a Sony A7R IV and all of the best GM lenses.
Terry
April 29, 2023
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A parabolic reflector is the best shape for directing light from a single source into a beam. The parabolic softbox has a parabolic reflector, which expands the apparent source size from the strobe size to the reflector size. Then is has a diffuser that evens it out and makes sure it's really soft. My advice would be to get the biggest that you can and will be convenient. I have a 72 inch and two 36 inch ones. The 72 inch is definitely most use as a soft forgiving main light. It's quite nice just on its own, but can be improved with a more complex setup.
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A parabolic reflector is the best shape for directing light from a single source into a beam. The parabolic softbox has a parabolic reflector, which expands the apparent source size from the strobe size to the reflector size. Then is has a diffuser that evens it out and makes sure it's really soft. My advice would be to get the biggest that you can and will be convenient. I have a 72 inch and two 36 inch ones. The 72 inch is definitely most use as a soft forgiving main light. It's quite nice just on its own, but can be improved with a more complex setup.
Wow, that’s a great explanation. Shouldn’t I limit the size to the power of my 200 watt strobes? I was thinking that 36” would be the largest, but
I’ll get larger. -
Would an 8” standard silver reflector with a sock make a good diffuser?
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What does the honeycomb grids do?
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I learned the huge SB thing from a studio manage of a studio I was using. It's hard to get a bad light from a big SB. Really, the power of the strobe isn't so important, it spreads the light out the same size whatever the power, so you get less light with a smaller strobe, but that's just life.
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It depends on the sock. A good SB has all the diffusion it needs built-in, so you don't need more. You just put in your strobe with a small reflector or none at all.
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prevent light spill out to the sides. Good for when you want the strobe somewhere where the stray light cause effects you don't want. Typically used for hair lights behind the subject, of background lights, which might actually be in shot but hidden by objects in the scene.
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prevent light spill out to the sides. Good for when you want the strobe somewhere where the stray light cause effects you don't want. Typically used for hair lights behind the subject, of background lights, which might actually be in shot but hidden by objects in the scene.
Bob, I really appreciate all of your help. I hope you don’t mind the beginner questions.
Regards,
Terry -
Buy a 48 inch it will do 90% of most studio work. any bigger and the light becomes flat. also you can take the front diffuser off and use it a a good beauty dish. but you need to buy one that comes with a double diffuser. Dont make your lighting to complicated a single light just to camera right and 45 deg to the subject is a great start.
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Thank you Don,
Can you recommend a good one without spending a fortune? I do want a good one though. I will need Bowens mount
Terry -
This exact softbox is sold under multiple brand names. I have the one that was sold under the "Neewer" name years ago which is no longer available. The trick is finding one with the grid included. The version sold through Adorama's house brand "Glow" has the grid. This one can be set up and torn down very fast in a similar fashion to an umbrella.
[EDIT] Guessing that this will be your first large modifier, I need to point out that it will require a C-stand to hold it's weight. I've always had good luck with the cheap Amazon chinese knock off C-stands. The advantage of Amazon for these heavy stands is free shipping (I'm a Prime member).
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Terry:
If you are new to studio lighting, there are a BUNCH of modifiers out there with “fancy names” that do change the light a bit but also cost a bunch more. Don’t get caught in the rat trap yet. My advice is to get an inexpensive SB of any kind and then maybe an umbrella or two (bounce and shoot-thru). Work with those a bit and then start to add things with a purpose. I owned a large parabolic reflector at one point. 72” as I recall. I loved it. But I would have done myself a disservice to have started with it.
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This is good advice.
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this is what im using and its been great.
www.ebay.com.au/itm/185002465228 -
I agree. Also, if you shoot portraits make sure your main light is round to get round catch lights in the eyes.
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Unless you’re trying to mimic window lighting (or need a sharp corner). LOL. It’s endless. I used rectangular SB’s for years to goo effect but, to your point, a nice round catchlight is quite lovely.
