What's you favorite Diffusion and Why?

puredrifting

puredrifting

Major Contributor
Looking at acquiring at least a couple of new 6x6 rags to use with a pair of our Aputure LS-1S as a key source. Two Lightstorms have a good amount of output but I don't have the horsepower to use unbleached muslin, which I really like but I've use it more with HMIs or other higher output instruments. The Lightstorms put out a decent amount of light but not as much as the newer Astras but I have them, they are paid for and I am not going to replace them anytime soon. I am thinking 1/4 grid noiseless is my best bet at about 1.2-1.5 stops of light loss? Or should I get a 1/2 grid (Light) instead or in addition to? Matthews rates their Light grid at two stops light loss. Anyone like silks better, less light loss but I tend to like grid cloth a lot.

Opinions? Mostly for interviews, I only shoot scripted stuff with actors 2-3 times a year whereas I shoot interviews every week. But this 6X source would be cool for narrative stuff too.
 
Doesn't score many points in the BTS department but I've used a $6 frosted shower curtain for my main key light for interviews almost exclusively for the past 3 years. Creates a nice soft source that still has a little glossy edge to it - kind of Opal-y. If the project has a gaffer (or if the director is embarrassed) then it's usually a 6'x6' 1/4 grid.

I'm usually pushing light that's already soft through the diffusion (Kinos, LED w/ softbox, or Skypanels).
 
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A bit smaller at about 2'x2'; have you tried these? https://www.amazon.com/Kamerar-D-Fuse-Large-Light-Softbox/dp/B01H7A5NPM/
I use these on our two LS-1s. For something larger, I've used umbrellas which provide nice diffusion and sufficient brightness. Umbrellas as quick to set up / take down and easy to transport. I cut a slot in a tennis ball and mount to the end for safety.

IMG_1418.jpg

Also used an 86" umbrella when using strobes for stills (e.g. silver reflector back with double diffusion cover). This kind of umbrella could possibly be useful with a point light source LED. https://www.paulcbuff.com/Light-Modifiers/PLM-Umbrellas/86-Soft-Silver-PLM-Umbrella.html , https://www.paulcbuff.com/light-modifiers/plm-umbrellas/ . Lots more options: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...alias=aps&field-keywords=umbrella+photography

Also have the good old shower curtain- found umbrellas to be more effective in our space. Note that tracing paper also makes good diffusion, and can be rolled up.
 
My diffusion rags are either 1/4 grid or Full in 4x4 and 6x6. I've punched old 4x Astra's through 4x4 1/4 before for interviews. But my Gemini's in soft boxes with grids have become my go-to's most of the time for sit-down's now, with my Astra's having become more for just stand-up/live shot(indoor) use. But that's just me, because of what I own, now. I've done Lord knows how many sit-downs with Astra's and would again, if need be and they fit the situation better(speed, portability, footprint). There have also been times when one of my guys will take a whole roll of something like 216 or opal and put it on a C-stand arm and un-roll it to the floor and shoot the light through that.
 
My standard order is opal, 250, 216 and 129. In silent grid: 1/4, light and full.

Probably the most used in a frame (in front of a fixture) is 250, and 1/4 for overheads. But over the course of a few days, we will often use all of them at different times for different fixtures and applications.
 
puredrifting said:
Looking at acquiring at least a couple of new 6x6 rags to use with a pair of our Aputure LS-1S as a key source. Two Lightstorms have a good amount of output but I don't have the horsepower to use unbleached muslin, which I really like but I've use it more with HMIs or other higher output instruments. The Lightstorms put out a decent amount of light but not as much as the newer Astras but I have them, they are paid for and I am not going to replace them anytime soon. I am thinking 1/4 grid noiseless is my best bet at about 1.2-1.5 stops of light loss? Or should I get a 1/2 grid (Light) instead or in addition to? Matthews rates their Light grid at two stops light loss. Anyone like silks better, less light loss but I tend to like grid cloth a lot.

Opinions? Mostly for interviews, I only shoot scripted stuff with actors 2-3 times a year whereas I shoot interviews every week. But this 6X source would be cool for narrative stuff too.
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Your pair of lights will still show up as obvious hot spots in a 6x6 frame (which may give you a look you're happy with despite not evenly filling the frame).

I'd get 1/4 silent grid from canvas grip and use light diffusion e.g. 251 straight on the lights too.

I have 1/4, 1/2, full silent grid cloth and 1/2 soft frost for diffusion. The grid cloths all get used fairly regularly, the soft frost not as much. Space becomes a factor to store several rags (I dedicate the entire front passenger side of my van to rags!) but I think having a "set" with similar qualities is a good idea.

DPs may have a "favourite" diffusion that they use as a trick up their sleeve to give a special look, which may be different to what's most useful or required the most frequently.
 
Run&Gun said:
My diffusion rags are either 1/4 grid or Full in 4x4 and 6x6. I've punched old 4x Astra's through 4x4 1/4 before for interviews. But my Gemini's in soft boxes with grids have become my go-to's most of the time for sit-down's now, with my Astra's having become more for just stand-up/live shot(indoor) use. But that's just me, because of what I own, now. I've done Lord knows how many sit-downs with Astra's and would again, if need be and they fit the situation better(speed, portability, footprint). There have also been times when one of my guys will take a whole roll of something like 216 or opal and put it on a C-stand arm and un-roll it to the floor and shoot the light through that.
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I tested the Litepanels Gemini last year for HD Video Pro, that is a sweet light. Just a bit big and heavy for my needs (one in a case took up ,most of the trunk of my little car) but the output was beautiful and I was amazed at how soft and diffuse the light stayed even when used to light a scene from a distance where the apparent size of source became small in proportion to talent. I was impressed.
 
rob norton said:
Your pair of lights will still show up as obvious hot spots in a 6x6 frame (which may give you a look you're happy with despite not evenly filling the frame).

I'd get 1/4 silent grid from canvas grip and use light diffusion e.g. 251 straight on the lights too.

I have 1/4, 1/2, full silent grid cloth and 1/2 soft frost for diffusion. The grid cloths all get used fairly regularly, the soft frost not as much. Space becomes a factor to store several rags (I dedicate the entire front passenger side of my van to rags!) but I think having a "set" with similar qualities is a good idea.

DPs may have a "favourite" diffusion that they use as a trick up their sleeve to give a special look, which may be different to what's most useful or required the most frequently.
Click to expand...

I think you are right, it will be two blobs of light punching through a 6x6 but it will be soft. I have a medium Chimera Quartz Pro with an egg crate that I like to use as a key source but as you know, building it in a smaller room, it takes up a lot of room with it's depth and I have to have a separate C-stand to hold the rig, then another for the LS-1S and the opening is really not suited to punching both LS-1S through it. It works well as a key source for single interviews but at times, I interview 2-3 people at a time and it's not large enough. However I used it to light a green screen interview with Common a few weeks ago, just using the one LS-1S, I used the other as a fill source underneath punched through a 42" diffusion disc and it was workable in a dark room. The thought is, if I have a 6x6 rag, even if room is tighter, I can use it more as a 4x4 but when I have the room, I can stretch it out and fill up the space with a larger soft source. I'm not precious about that a rag MUST be stretched on a frame and built and lit perfectly. It's a big blob of softness is my thought, it doesn't really matter if its perfectly, evenly lit and I may even try using it as a book light on occasion if I have the room and exposure latitude.

I think having something like a Genesis would work much better than my two LS-1S but that is a pricy light for me and I no longer have a truck where I can carry lots of bigger, heavier gear. My thought is I usually can fit four C-stands in my trunk, I can use the 6x6 stretched on the two 40" C-stand arms, I have small kit stands I can put the LS-1S on, I have other LED panels I can use opposite for fill and I have my Luxli Cello for a hair/rim/BG light and i am thinking about picking up the Nanguang RGB88 also as a hair/rim/BG light. I'll still also have the Medium Chimera when that look is needed. It just feels like I would like a larger, softer source to play with and a 4x4 is almost the same as my Chimera so what's the point? A 6x6 is a good sized source for single and double interviews
 
Patryk_Rebisz said:
Lightgrid and opal.
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I think Light Grid (Rosco 3032?) is about the same as the Matthews 1/4 Grid or is it more opaque like Matthews Light Grid Cloth, which I think is 1/2 Grid? Ughh, none standard terminology can make our business challenging. Opal means something at least? ;-) I know the Matthews Light loses 2 stops, which I can't afford as I don't have very powerful lights.
 
rob norton said:
Your pair of lights will still show up as obvious hot spots in a 6x6 frame (which may give you a look you're happy with despite not evenly filling the frame).

I'd get 1/4 silent grid from canvas grip and use light diffusion e.g. 251 straight on the lights too.

I have 1/4, 1/2, full silent grid cloth and 1/2 soft frost for diffusion. The grid cloths all get used fairly regularly, the soft frost not as much. Space becomes a factor to store several rags (I dedicate the entire front passenger side of my van to rags!) but I think having a "set" with similar qualities is a good idea.

DPs may have a "favourite" diffusion that they use as a trick up their sleeve to give a special look, which may be different to what's most useful or required the most frequently.
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What's your preferred light(s) to punch through a 6x6 grid?
 
David W. Jones said:
Whatever you decide on, might I suggest Canvas Grip as your supplier. They have always been great to me.
They have website and direct contact, as well as availability to purchase on eBay.

Speaking of... There is an unused 6x6 1/4 silent grid for sale on eBay right now.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Canvas-Gri...h=item2ac2d913c6:g:~mEAAOSwledcTi99:rk:7:pf:0


Dave
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Wish I would have know about these guys several years ago when I switched out all of my sandbags for shot. They’re about 1/3 less $.
 
Often we will employ a "double break" with punchier units (pars/fresnels) that need a lot of diffusion to spread out to fill a larger frame. Say, an M18 pushing into a 4x4 frame of 250 with another 4x4 frame (or larger) of 216 spaced further away. You can do a similar effect with diffusion right on the doors and then a frame, but will need heavier diffusion in the frame. Same with a unit with a Chimera on it.
 
For a 6x6 you are going to what a fair bit of light. Charles is spot on with a M18. HMI's seem to get the light through more than any led.
 
thekreative said:
For a 6x6 you are going to what a fair bit of light. Charles is spot on with a M18. HMI's seem to get the light through more than any led.
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I'd love to see someone bringing out an M18 in it's hard case out of the trunk of their Corolla ;-) When I shoot a project with a budget, I always hire a G&L truck with a gaffer and grips, they supply the big boy toys. This is for me shooting OMB or small crew interviews using my existing lights, especially when traveling. I had a Joker 1200 watt HMI PAR back in the day that I bought used for a deal, used it for four years, then sold it at a 45% profit. I should have kept it although in the case, it was still fairly big and heavy for what I do mostly. But would have filled up a 6X6 nicely.
 
Seems like one of those shoots where you hire a truck would be a great opportunity to have them parade a bunch of different diffusions in front of your Apertures to see what does exactly what you need for your 6x6!
 
puredrifting said:
That looks like a smaller source (looks like a 3x3?) than my medium Chimera. I want something large for two or three talent in the chair or lighting narrative scenes. And I have four LED panels so I am looking for diffusion, not buying new lights but thanks for the suggestion.
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Did you watch the video? I think that 3'x3' source will provide a lot more diffusion than a 6'x6' with any LED source. As noted in this thread, double diffusion with an HMI level source is really needed to get decent light output and high diffusion at that size (a reflective umbrella with diffusion would also work). At $3K for the 200W version and $4K for the 350W version it's priced out of what people on this forum tend to purchase. Looks like the future of diffuse lighting- "illuminated fabric" (that's how I found it).
 
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