Diffusion vs Diffusion Rosco #116 vs Rosco #3026

salils

Well-known member
Rosco #116
Rosco #3026
Does anyone know what the difference is between the two above gels? I'm looking for a gel that will give me some really soft shadows for use in cramped spaces where I can't always fit a softbox of photoflex diffusion. Any suggestions or input would be greatly appreciated.
 
Haven't used the product in question. I personally like the look of tough spun much better than tracing paper type diffusion.


J
 
The differences between tough white diffusion gels aren't that big, usually. If the diffusion isn't enough (that is: too much direct light coming through), you can always add a second layer. The light will never be as soft as from a soft box though, because what matters most for softness is the size of the light source.

I haven't used the gels in question, but as AwakenedFilms said, I also think diffusion from cloth-type material is a little nicer. Tough spun is good, but I like Lee "light gridcloth" the most. Double it up with some space in between the layers and you'll get the softest possible light. However, size matters a lot - a gelled lamp will never be as soft as a soft box.
 
You may be able to get your hands on a sample /swatch book of all the gels.

Buy a metre of each and do a little test.

BTW: I always choose diff material by eyeballing the scene with the material in place.

Note also that diffusion /softness is also controlled by the proximity of the source to the subject and the size of the source. The diff screen becomes the source when set in front of a lamp unit . Distant sources are "harder" than close sources. Large sources are softer than small sources.
 
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