Do you know a great compact folding frame for diffusing sun

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bryersen

Member
I am traveling in a van shooting interviews for a doc. Occasionally, I film outside and would like a frame and material to diffuse the sun a bit. I'd like something about 3'x3' that folds up compactly as space is carefully used. And since it's just me, I appreciate something that's quick to set up. I do have one regular C-stand with me and two sand bags to help with any wind. Anyone got a product they like?
Thanks!
 
bryersen said:
I am traveling in a van shooting interviews for a doc. Occasionally, I film outside and would like a frame and material to diffuse the sun a bit. I'd like something about 3'x3' that folds up compactly as space is carefully used. And since it's just me, I appreciate something that's quick to set up. I do have one regular C-stand with me and two sand bags to help with any wind. Anyone got a product they like?
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Sunbounce made their name outside with their sunswatter line. The frame stretches the material tight so that wind doesn't cause any ripples or waves that can be seen in the video. Scrim Jim also stretches tight, but not as tight as a Sunbounce. Both are easily broken down and stored in a smallish bag. Both have available a variety of materials from black to white, silver, gold, to various levels of diffusion.

The lesser kits (5-in-1 reflectors, etc.) all tend to behave poorly in wind.
 
I've been using Chimera collapsible frames for years. I'm not sure of all the sizes, but I have 4x4's and 6x6's. They're aluminum tubing with a bungee cord run through them and they break down like tent poles into half their size, meaning a 4x4 is only 2' long when collapsed, and all pieces stay together. Nothing to lose or misplace.
 
Background - I own Lasto and calif SB, stands of many sizes and much grip.

General comments.
Wind is an extreme factor in using these diffusors outdoors.
I think the OP might be unrealistic to spec these as part of a solo, mobile crew.
The OP might consider a small light to fill in outdoors, lights are less affected by wind.
The OP might consider shooting in the shade or magic hour, needing no kit :)

A 36' in lasto light (pop out) can be useful to fill - held by a producer, passer by etc.

Comment on the rigid products
Lasto and CSB tubes are not of a regular size, special grip heads are required.
I dislike the amount of black around the edges of my CSB which can make odd catchlights/reflections.
 
I use the Chimera 42x42" collapsible frame. I've never quite understood why it isn't a full 4x4, but the slightly smaller size actually comes in handy indoors. Even the 42x42 is a bit concerning as an overhead outdoors with a single c stand. Any wind is likely to cause it to tip no matter how many sand bags you are using. It really needs two stands.
 
Thank you all!
I started looking at your suggestions last night and today. BH has just added the small Lastolite kit for $259. It's 3.5'x3.5'. The YouTube video made it look compact to store, just minutes to set up and nicely tight. Still to check out the Chimera and Lasto. And yes, getting the wind to stay away would be an issue...
 
cpreston said:
I use the Chimera 42x42" collapsible frame. I've never quite understood why it isn't a full 4x4, but the slightly smaller size actually comes in handy indoors. ny sand bags you are using.
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Never understood why Chimera made a 42x42” Frame either, especially as they sold a 48x48” at the same time.

I ended up buying their 48x48” ENG Kit that included two frames & handful of rags. Chose the size so it work with standard tie-on 48x48” rags from other manufacturers.

Also have two each of their 2x2’, & 6x6’, Frames. All the frames are remarkably strong, & I’ve flown the 6x6’ in strong wind on numerous occasions.

While I still use the 6x6’ Chimeras, the 4x4’ have mostly been replaced by Advantage Grip’s 48x48" E-Z Travel Kit (also own their 18x24”, & 24x36” kits), simply because they’re easier to support from a single stand (also they sell 48x48” Floppy rags).

http://www.advantagegrip.com/e-z travel.htm

https://www.adorama.com/adez4848sk.html

While I wasn’t a fan of the original Matthews’ RoadFlags, the updated version #2 looks quite nice, though even more expensive than Advantage Grip’s offerings.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1195347-REG/matthews_999028_road_flag_ii_kit.html
 
The tubing on the Chimera's is pretty strong, but the metal they use on the corners and the "straight" sections to join the tubes is not(maybe by design?). I've had to send several off over the years after a corner got broken when a frames got knocked over while still attached to stands. The most interesting incident happened when one got snapped completely in half by the rotor wash from a blackhawk helicopter. It's actually on YouTube, if you know where to look.
 
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