Softbox vs. PLM

[Michael Rose]

Originally Posted by scootermcq

Yup, there is an internal baffle and a front panel. That's the whole thing about soft light. 5' is to not have to shoot in the range of f16 and risk defraction. in need to get some ND gells. On the bright side, because of the size I can have it back from the subject and it is still a soft light. One of these days i will do a comparison shot between it and a huge beauty dish, which would be a closer comparison to the light from a plm.

BTW taking the difussion panel off a front facing soft box would be like shooting bare strobe. i guess i could do a comparison with my rear facing octa with no front panel.

You and I seems to agree, that when the topic is Softboxes: regardless of the brand of 'octagoanl-shaped softbox' (a B&H category of Softbox) about the use of whatever internal baffles and front panel/diffusion fabiric when they're being used as a Softbox.

Sorry about your problem with not being able to reduce the power of your lights enough to bring your light source closer.

Have you thought of trying/getting some ND-filter(s) for your lenses, instead of 'gelling' your lights?

Not gloating, but I waited quite awhile for PCB Einstein 640s, with them, power-reduction isn't a problem-- I highly recommend them.

I'm nor sure what you mean about the comparison between "a huge beauty dish, which would be a closer comparison to the light from a plm"? The sizes are quite different--
HTH

[Michael Rose]

It's been mentioned that PLMs have a central hot-spot or words-to-that-effect?

The three (3) right-most, thumbnail links on this page, when clicked, expand to show the light pattens all three (3) different varieties of PLMs both with and without a Front Diffusion Fabric fitted to them.

The bullet list on the right-side of the page and Features section at bottom, both describe the type of light produced by each the PLMs when a Front Diffusion Fabric is fitted to them.

Paul C. Buff - PLM White Front Diffusion Fabric

I would ask all of you look at this to know just how PLMs differ, when a Front Diffusion Fabric is fitted to them.

Since light is fired inward, no internal baffle or reflector is needed, the light is reflected off the parabola of the interior fabric out the front, and optionally through a Front Diffusion Fabric.

Disclaimer: I do not have any connections of any kind with Paul C Buff, Inc., not Personal or Business in nature-- I am only a happy paying customer of his organization.

IMHO the PLMs would work a little better (theoretically), with more accurate information, and without the 'wet-blankets' being thrown over them(s).

But, for some reason, I have joined this particular (very confusing?) thread in the hope that I could help with the subject matter which I firmly believe to be advising someone about the pros and cons of two (2) different products, both of them 'Soft boxes' that he wanted to use for Portraits.

This thread, like others like it, has gotten-off-into-the-weeds!

I'll do my best to stay with it and be helpful-- but can we help the guy out with his problem, or what?

Respectfully Yours...

[zemlin]

FWIW, I just placed an order for a 64" white PLM with outer cover and the front diffuser. I don't have an octabox for comparison, but I do have the Buff 60x30 soft box which should be a reasonable comparison on one axis.

When the new PLM arrives, I will take some photos comparing the different modifiers. I will use comparable modifier positions and will also compare flash settings to achieve the same meter readings at the subject.

Soft box - mounted horizontal to show comparable wrap.
Soft box + grid
X-Silver PLM no diffuser
X-Silver PLM + diffuser
White PLM no diffuser
White PLM + diffuser

Not sure when I'll be able to shoot and post the photos. Will try to have it done within a week.

[jerryph]

Looking forward to seeing your results, but I mostly expect them to be the same as mine for the most part.

BTW, Michael, a PLM is not a softbox, it is a parabolic umbrella.

[zemlin]

Buff was a little slow to ship, so no new toys this weekend.

[jerryph]

That's unusual, they are normally bang on for their shipping estimates. Oh well, maybe next week. That would at least work better for me anyways, I will finally be back home and able to do some playing too.

[zemlin]

Made time tonight for a few quick test shots with the new PLM gear. Modifier face was about 4' from subject (me). Angled down at about 20 degrees and 45 degrees from front. Centerline of modifier passed probably 16" or so in front of me - back edge of the modifier was slightly in front me.
I can sketch a rough diagram if this isn't clear enough.
Camera set at f/8

In order
Extreme Silver, No Diffuser 11.5WS -5.8 (seems like I missed the metering on this one)
Extreme Silver, Diffuser 17.4WS -5.2
White + Cover - No Diffuser 20 WS -5.0
White + Cover - Diffuser 23WS -4.8

Test shots with 30x60SB positioned so front of modifier matches front of PLM diffuser
SB + Grid 45.9WS -3.8
SB 34.8 WS -4.2
SB Inner Only 24.6WS -4.7
SB Empty 17.4 WS -5.2
SB Front Diffuser Only - forgot to write it down
Bare Flash 38.4WS -4.2

[zemlin]

[jerryph]

Yup, pretty much as I thought it would be. That is using the PLM in the fashion of a softbox, now use the softbox in the fashion of a PLM and see the results too.

[ESP]

But, for some reason, I have joined this particular (very confusing?) thread in the hope that I could help with the subject matter which I firmly believe to be advising someone about the pros and cons of two (2) different products, both of them 'Soft boxes' that he wanted to use for Portraits.

This thread, like others like it, has gotten-off-into-the-weeds!

Thank you for your astute observations.

Also, thank you to everyone for contributing eventhough it got a little side tracked.

Eli