Basic Diffusion Question

[Mark-P]

1.) Are diffusion accesories and softboxes specific to lights or can they be generally used
with different lighting kits? Should lights be purchased prior to considering the specific softboxes, etc.?

2.) Anyone have any advice on what I should look into difuse light for documentary style interviews and models who will be demonstrating different items and products?

Thanks.

 

[William_Robinette]

If you buy a Chimera softbox (for instance), you will need to get a speed ring for the specific light you want to use it on, but the soft box is interchangeable to a certain degree. They will very depending on wattage of the light and what kind of light it is. Fresnel lights require deeper softboxes then open faced lights do.

A 24" x 18" -ish Chimera on a Lowel Omni (500/750w) would be nice and compact for one person interview situations. Really portable and sets up in one minute.

 

[filmat11]

Chimera also makes a version of their speed ring to fit on several different types of lights. I would check out their website to see it in person, and determine if this solution is right for you, and the lights your considering.
One speed ring may be the way to go for you RIGHT NOW, but as you aquire more gear down the road, a second softbox and speed ring would be needed.
Making the decision to buy a dedicated speed ring for each light, or one that can adapt to several is your call... I have speed rings in my Arri Kit, that fit my 1K open face, and my 650 and 300 fresnels.. $$$ ouch.