This is great. I like this content because everything is documented and repeatable, meaning we can actually learn how to do something specifically (and spend our own money wisely!) I also appreciate that you do explain your own choices and why you made them, yet leave it completely up to the viewer to draw our own opinions. I liked the parabolic-spot for hard lighting close to medium distance, and I was surprised how good the octobox 100 looks in pretty much any position for a subject for which you might want a much softer light.

@JohnGress

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Bob. When I tested several soft modifiers, the deep octa 100 really out performed it’s weight. kzread.info/dash/bejne/pZZ7s9V6n9i6dsY.html

I must admit, I found the differences between most of the modifiers quite subtle at least on the models face in terms of hardness and overall look. The different head angles made it even more challenging to assess. Once I started looking at the amount of light hitting the background, the impact of the modifiers became more apparent but I assume this could be managed in a couple of ways. Perhaps it is that a very similar result could be obtained with most of these modifiers but some require less finessing to get the desired look or work better when one considers uncontrollable such as work space, ceiling height etc. Thanks so much for all you bring to your audience. A real learning place.

@JohnGress

3 жыл бұрын

Very good points. A flag or a black vflat could control the spill with some of the modifiers. I guess it mostly would come down to what you have and what’s most convenient.

Cool video. Nice to see that what we consider to look good/flat/3d/contrasty and so on really is personal. I picked other shots than you did almost every time. All shots looked good.

@JohnGress

2 жыл бұрын

I know right! It’s so subjective!

Great breakdown. Your workshops seem like they would teach the most since it covers so much and reduce the learning time of understanding light quality and how modifiers create different looks depending on size, and distance.

@JohnGress

2 жыл бұрын

It would be great to have you! In 2022 expect one day workshops possibly in NYC, DC, ATL, MCO, DFW and LAX. Plus two day workshops at my studio in Chicago.

Your videos are always full of valuable information and shot very well. Thank you for sharing. 🙏🏾

@JohnGress

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Jamal!

@yahmanml

3 жыл бұрын

@@JohnGress 🙏🏾💯

Fantastic video sir! Sincerely, thank you!

@JohnGress

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much 🙏🏼😊

Hey John, as always thanks for sharing all your tips with us. I wanted to revisit this particular one just now, 2yrs on and add my 2c 😆. Like most other comments I agree that the differences are subtle but what I must also say is that ALL of these modifiers are very high quality. So comparing high end modifiers is always going to be a personal choice. My takeaway is that the deep Rotalux still is such a great light..!! It really holds up well against these bad boys..!! I’ve been using it for over a year with incredible results (John, your video put me on to it). I have a third party beauty dish, it’s great when used accurately but Mola’s are the best and this video shows that. For me, I will rent a parabolic first before buying, mainly because the Rotalux light is really doing it for me right now. But thx again John for all your help.

@JohnGress

6 ай бұрын

Thanks Steve! If you could only own one modifier, the 100 Depp octa would definitely be it!

I really like your content, didnt know that i need a Channel like yours. Always got some questions on my mind but no answer until ive found your Channel. Greetings from Germany.

@JohnGress

3 жыл бұрын

Danke my friend 😊😊😊😊

Thanks for making this useful comparison. I mostly use the Rayo outside on location, even for full body images. Looks great from some distance, when mixed with slightly underexposed ambient - concentrated light but not as hard and obvious as the usual basic reflectors. Doesn't get toppled by wind when mounted on a stand and is manageable handheld by an assistant, on a battery strobe (our usual setup for whenever we need to walk to location away from the car or move quickly). The Setti is great but needs to be used from quite close, otherwise the result is flat. The Setti also works nicely from slightly behind the subject as it is large enough for the light to wrap and sculpt the face. Combined with a reflector or a touch of fill from camera position, a nice setup for formal team portraits that need consistent, flattering lighting for a bunch of people with different faces, hairstyles, skin types etc.

WOW! what a lot of great content John! 👏now i've to get another modifier! Cheers! 🥃

@JohnGress

3 жыл бұрын

Sorry 😉 thanks!

Thank you for this review. I’ve been considering a parabolix reflector.

@JohnGress

3 жыл бұрын

Happy to help!

@holdmyown32

4 ай бұрын

Did you end up getting one?

Nice video! My take a way is that the parabolic has the edge because you can focus it. it’s all about how your light is reflected onto your subject matter!

@JohnGress

Жыл бұрын

Good point!

Hi john thanks for this review this is by far the most detailed review for parabolix users like me, currently I own a mola demi and a parabolix 45 comparing the two the skin tones on the parabolix is really good vs the demi, that being said I guess the size of the modifier of the p35 also plays a difference in the light as they both play along, Thank you so much for this I learned a lot! still a parabolix fanboy here hahaha all the love from sunny manila !

@JohnGress

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! I think the great thing about the Parabolix is is you can dial in your contrast to taste depending on your subject.

@shaolin95

2 жыл бұрын

You should try the Setti. I sold my 35D parabolic after getting the Setti

@rapyuphotos

2 жыл бұрын

@@shaolin95 im really happy with the p45 that i currently have, its quite a combo with the demi and the skin tones it produces are really amazing!

@shaolin95

2 жыл бұрын

@@rapyuphotos if it works for you then all good. For me, the setti was just king. Regards

thank you for revealing these subtile differences

@JohnGress

2 жыл бұрын

Any time! Thank you for watching.

Great! Useful!

@JohnGress

Жыл бұрын

That’s great to hear! Thanks!

I liked the Setti @ 28” the most.

I have two Parabolix being shipped to me right now. Excited to try them out. That rayo looks pretty awesome. Need to look into getting one.

@JohnGress

3 жыл бұрын

I hope you get them soon. Mine was on back order for 6 months. I’m definitely keeping the Rayo! 🙌🏼

@jaredwolfe8438

3 жыл бұрын

@@JohnGress yeah, I ordered mine in Dec during their special but I got the shipped notification earlier this week. Here on Monday if USPS delivers on time!

@rapyuphotos

3 жыл бұрын

@@jaredwolfe8438 6 months into backorder? wow that's a long time

@jaredwolfe8438

3 жыл бұрын

@@rapyuphotos when I ordered in Dec they disclosed orders would not be shipped until March since they were upgrading the mount hardware - which is why they gave a good discount. I saved about $400 Took even longer though with all the logistics and supply chain disruptions. Not sure that it is still a 6 month back order if you were to order now.

@rapyuphotos

3 жыл бұрын

@@jaredwolfe8438 i ordered mine too last april and the logistics was the hardest part to have that shipped here in tbe philippines without paying a chunk of taxes and dues! but the p45 is super worth it! david is super nice to talk to as well he was very accomodating to queries

Hi John 😎so very interesting to see! Superb channel and so highly informative, Bravo! Always used our humble-studios parabolic reflectors within their ø distance! Started by experimenting with making our own in-house ø 60cm ruffled fabric paras (from Vintage Bowens hard-reflectivity fabrics) for shooting jewellery with a light-tent set, had to fill-in with a gridded snoot - the resulting 3D effect is something else! Always recommend experimenting with light shaping!! Our Briese 115 S-H para.2 parabolic flash-lighting system, is truly in a class of its own, as, it has “dual reflector curves” (of both soft reflectivity in the outer section and hard reflectivity on the inner and around the apex curve of the para). The Briese 115 H-S para.2 is unique in that respect, as it can be focused over 5 stops - without any colour shift! The tonal range, including the mid-tone contrast from having the much longer design Briese exposed u-shaped flash tube, with a counter reflector, produces a very unique light-signature, that simply cannot be replicated by using any reversed flash-head with a much shorter tube design, as the shorter tube, both emits/produces a much harsher light with less available tonal range, especially in the mid-tones! Anytime you find yourself here in UK, you’re always most welcome to visit our humble-studio here in Scarborough and have a shoot on our Briese system! Best wishes 😎 Richard Alan Mulford

@JohnGress

8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much Alan! It sounds like I could learn a ton from you and lmk if you ever find yourself over this way.

@user-yl4py6fn3i

8 ай бұрын

@@JohnGress That’s so very kind John 😎 thank you kindly Sir! Your professional studio lighting channel presentations are absolutely superb and so highly informative, Bravo Contemplating doing a coffee-table style book for a studio-flash lighting guide, mainly for our humble-studios recent flash-lighting experiments with avant-garde lighting effects, produced as in-camera effects, shot in a single exposure/capture. Recently been experimenting with our dual-reflector curve parabolic lighting system by “being arty and dragging the shutter” yielded some rather interesting experimental lighting-demo results with using various focus tube-positions up in the spot/focused range of positions within the paras ø distance. Just working currently on applying this new technique to portraiture, so in-effect the flash fires and over the next 4 seconds the shutter remains open the modelling light is providing the light-source for the dragging, its yielding what looks like the "ghosting soul of the sitter coming out, in 3D", but its getting the " turntables-repetitive-horizontal-rotation-timing" in the right "ball-park" to be in the "zone of yielding the effect" - which makes it also so much fun!! Kind regards, Richard Alan Mulford 😎

Thanks for this comparison. The differences are smaller than you think... I agree with you that the para is best at it's focussed setting. But that might be different with a female model. I use my Profoto Zenith para for beauty shoots and use it in flood position. It gives a more crisp look than a (white) beauty dish and the models and make-up artists love the light quality. The Rayo is a class of its own.

@JohnGress

3 жыл бұрын

Oh I agree with you, I think parabolix is a great choice because it offers a lot of versatility in a portable package

@simonomis5246

3 жыл бұрын

Please tell me where did you find the Profoto Zenith...!?

@johnspijkers7368

3 жыл бұрын

@@simonomis5246 I was looking for a parabolic but Broncolor and Parabolix seemed to be the only options. Parabolix was not for sale in the Netherlands and Broncolor, though very good, a bit expensive. I use Profoto and at that time I walked in at my local camerastore and they had just received a Zenith M and L. They did not even know what the prices were. I bought the M immediately. I love the quality of light, but the construction is not very good. I have to use a clamp to open mine properly. Profoto admits that the quality is not up to their standards and that that is the reason they stopped producing it after the testbatch of 750 pieces. It is now a rare item; I probably own one of the maybe 10 still working in the Netherlands.

@simonomis5246

3 жыл бұрын

@@johnspijkers7368 Thx for your kind answer...yes I know they are rare...I hoped for a moment that some shop there still had some copy I could buy...

@johnspijkers7368

3 жыл бұрын

@@simonomis5246 I think that if you run into one, it might have the same problem as mine... I know a rental house that had three. Two of them were broken and the third one was never rented, because nobody knew it existed. They eventually sold it to Erwin Olaf.

The Parabolix product did well and I prefer the middle and spot positions at 4ft.

@JohnGress

3 жыл бұрын

I think the great thing about the Parabolix is is you can dial in your contrast to taste depending on your subject.

Hello John! Great content sir. I'm really liking your channel! I was curious how your tether station is set up on that stand! Specifically the table that holds your light stand and the amazing little shelf on the third grip. I wish I wasn't so busy so I could come to your Portland class...:( I guess things could be worse..ha. Thanks for your time with all these great videos.

@JohnGress

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! Maybe next time. My camera stand is by Studio Titan studiotitanamerica.com/products/portable-studio-camera-stand-side-kick-3-section-sta-06-093-full-option-kit

@justingraftonstudios

3 жыл бұрын

@@JohnGress thank you! Damn thing is out of stock! I own a manfrotto version of that stand and I ordered an extra handle grip. Now I just need a table to attach to it. Again thanks for all the inspiration lately!

@JohnGress

3 жыл бұрын

Sure thing! I used to use a laptop tray from newer that had a 3/8 thread on the bottom. Maybe try Amazon🤷🏼‍♂️

I don't see a pic here that a client would pick. Closest portrait-wise maybe is the Mola Setti or more headshot-ish is the Parabolic Medium but you can see the angle le of the guy's face is turned more into the light. Because he's a live model, it's tough to make a point of difference. My suggestion would be to do this MOST EXCELLENT comparison using your camera on a tripod and a human sized bust/statue. Then leave the Light stand in the same place and just change the modifier. Thank you for this presentation! I happen to use a Profoto Beauty dish a LOT. Daily, almost. Like all these lights, it's critical to get your model into the right place AND the light at the right height and angle. I totally agree with your math, too! I shoot my beauty dish closer. Maybe at 16"... and use the Whites Curve in Lightroom to calm any potential hot spot that the MUA may have missed. Best from NYC!

Practical & scientific, fantastic work!

@JohnGress

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! I live a good experiment.

Hello John, thank you for your qualitative content, I was wondering your feedback on the Parabolix 35d after a long run with it ? I was about to get one but I heard a few issues regarding a lack of lighting homogeneity due to the tension of the fabric. Is it something you can relate to ? Best Kevin

@JohnGress

4 ай бұрын

Hi Kevin, I haven’t used mine much in the last year because Ive been using beauty dishes more often. Which I think are sort of equivalent to this modifier. I think if I had to do it all over again, I might consider getting a 55” or 65” since those wouldn’t function anything like beauty dishes.

Great content John and much appreciated. Can you show us your tripod setup? What are you using and why?

@JohnGress

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! It’s a portable camera stand from studio titan. studiotitanamerica.com/products/portable-studio-camera-stand-side-kick-3-section-sta-06-093-full-option-kit

Great video and testing with the vast variety of modifiers. I have two Parabolix Lights, P30 and P45, and I love them both! I also have the Mola Rayo 16" and I LOVVVEEE this dish! Great video for comparing what these tools can do and placing the results next to each other. I do say that everyone will have their own opinion with shapers. John is very direct with his thoughts according to his eye, and that is great! Everyone will not have access to all of the tools that John has. If you are considering any of these shapers, they are all great. One is not superior to the other, they are all great tools to have in your bag. One last point from me is that I purchased the Parabolix Light system about 5 years ago and have loved them! To me, they were the best option compared to the Broncolor Para system witch was out of my budget. Once I matured into the system, it was not about comparing to Broncolor and more about the versatility that the Parabolic shaper can provide. The tip I can provide is that the parabolic shaper is much more useful when you think about fill light, reflectors, etc. It's a killer tool that will be much more useful when you start to consider the entire image creation process. Again, this is a great video and John did a great job. Just my two cents without me making a video...LOL

@JohnGress

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much David! Have you also found differences in color temperatures based on the positioning of the rod? I think I did but it doesn’t make sense to me. Maybe it’s just the lack of fabrics that is throwing me off on WB. Other commenters said that the Parabolix is all about Crating the exact amount of contrast you want based on the rod position. I didn’t think of it that way but it makes sense. What makes makes it good for fill? The fact that the wb is the same as the main? A

@earthrokk01

2 жыл бұрын

@@JohnGress As for white balance, there is some variation in WB but not enough for me to be concerned with. I notice that the Blues will shift more overall and I think is more noticeable with less light output. So the lower the flash output, the more blue shift I noticed. Also, the more defocused the rod is, the bluer I saw. These shapers are coated with some type of UV treatment and I think it helps to improve the quality and longevity. I liken the reflector material to the Elinchrom Octobox materials but I do not think is from the same source. I do not think that the material quality is as good as Elinchrom's and thus the variation, even if it is minor. Maybe the particles from the coating are more concentrated at the focused position than the extended position and the difference is noticeable. If you were to compare these to the cheaper "Neewer" or "Selens" versions, I wonder if there are more glaring issues to deal with?

@JohnGress

2 жыл бұрын

Interesting. I will have to monitor it over time and see what develops. Thanks again!

John, another great and informative video. Repeatable, documented --> perfect for those of us curious about new (expensive) gear. Like you, I am a Mola fan and have the Rayo 16" silver, Demi white and Setti white. I also have the Elinchrom 100 cm deep octa. I know the Rayo puts out its own really special light - just as you demonstrated in your clip. But I'm curious whether you've decided if the 35D replaces any of those other modifiers. My personal belief is that it is covered well enough by the the others listed (and tested) -- unless one wants to dump their gear (I don't unless it is THAT much better). I've been toying with the idea of getting a 40, 45 or 55 (eg Broncolor 133) instead of a Litemotiv or 5' octa (use it in the softbox configuration) and am driving down to LA tomorrow to meet David in his studio and play with the various sizes. P.S. I think your initial test on the Setti was incorrect. I think the results you got with this video were closer to what that dish provides. And I think it edges out the 35D in spot. Personal preference, I know. And I'm watching your video on an 11" screen. :) Anyway, keep up the good work! I miss the Windy City...and Portillo's...and Big Al's..and, well, you know...

@JohnGress

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mark! The first time I went to Portillios I thought there were going to bark at me if I didn't know what I wanted. They couldn't be any more friendly! The more and more I use the 35D the more I wonder if it was the right one for me, now I am curious about trying it with diffusion so I can see if it matches the 100deep octa. The odd thing now is that the WB seems off because there isnt any fabric and I can only use it with other modifiers that don't have fabric, like a indirect strip without the diffusion, othersie the other sources appear warm in the frame. I wonder if the Para88 warms up the light a little or puts out the same temp as the Parabolix. While the setti does look good the background spill is too much. THhe same really can be said for the Rayo when you want that spot look. I wonder if grids would greatly change the charater of the modifiers.

@mdzukunft

2 жыл бұрын

@@JohnGress I suppose spill is easy to fix with a grid (by the way, Honey Grids makes much more affordable versions for Mola modifiers) or pulling the model off the background (but I can't remember if you were using canvas or seamless AND your studio space looks a little tight in the video). Interesting about the WB issue... I had a really nice tour of David's studio and operations. Really nice guy. I'm sure he'd be happy to comment on the WB of the diffuser(s) and to do testing if required -- although he could probably tell you off the top of his head. He's got some cool stuff in the works too. Wish his company all the best. The one thing I did learn from him (as I use Profoto monoblocks) is that parabolics are not optimized for recessed flash tubes. They are really designed for pro heads. But you can use them with monoblocks, you just need to use the longer focusing rods (one size bigger) and this is true for Broncolor as well. Or you could just use what you have and understand you will not be using the modifier to its full potential.

On the whole as you can see there isn't a world of difference between most of them. More important is knowing HOW to use them to achieve what you want. I use the EL 1m deep quite a bit as my key light. I have the Mola demi too, but frankly it's a pain because it doesn't break down like the softbox. for transport. Bottom line-manufactures want you to believe the hype, a few choices (hard vs soft) and combine them and you are good to go.

@JohnGress

3 жыл бұрын

I know what you mean there isn’t a lot of difference but that is why I like to parabolic because it is quite versatile and you can pack it up And take it with you.

@mrg6424

3 жыл бұрын

@@JohnGress Exactly!

I'm moody af (not personality wise just in my studio lol) so I'm loving the mola rayo in the first set.

@JohnGress

3 жыл бұрын

Lol! What I didn’t say is it’s hard to aim but I fixed the exposure gradient you see in the photo in post. 😁

John very informative video, also whats that camera/laptop stand setup you using?

@JohnGress

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Im shooting with a canon R5 and this is the stand Studio Camera Stand Portable Side Kick 3-section STA-06-093 Full Option Kit studiotitanamerica.com/products/portable-studio-camera-stand-side-kick-3-section-sta-06-093-full-option-kit Here is a video I made about using a tripod in the studio and here is the part featuring the stand - kzread.info/dash/bejne/aHZ-ztazj5efcbQ.html

@stallionsc

2 жыл бұрын

@@JohnGress Thanks appreciated keep up the good work...

I notice you're using the ELB500 a a light for your para. Would you think the ELB500 is powerful enough to light the para 35 outside during the day using HSS?

@JohnGress

3 жыл бұрын

I guess that depends on your desired exposure triangle settings.

Hey John, did you hear about Godox make realistic para's with 24 rods? Do you think it will eat at the Parabolix market?

@JohnGress

2 жыл бұрын

A high quality focusable parabolic reflector would democratize the market

I have always wanted to try a parabolic modifier but don't really have the ceiling height to put them to best use. I do love a good beauty dish though.... not one of those so called fold up ones.

@JohnGress

2 жыл бұрын

I hear ya. You can go with the 88cm ones in a small space, but any bigger than that forget it.

@daylanbrawley631

10 ай бұрын

I’m a year late but I have the parabolix 45 and I shoot portraits in my 2nd bedroom at my apartment with standard 8ft ceilings. Works just fine with (standing) models under 5’9. To compensate for that limitation I bought a posing stool and table. Extremely happy with the parabolix

I wish I could tethered shoot. I wish Fuji would put out a firmware for the XT30.

Is the centre of the modifier at the same height as the “nose” from the model?

thanks

@JohnGress

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Love your insight John! I'm an avid student of your art, and love being part of your online academy (praying one day to take one of your in-person masterclasses)! Quick product question: the stand you have your camera mounted on, who's the manufacture? And what kind of mount are you using to hold your camera as you work?! Is it part of the stand?! Thanks! FrankG

@JohnGress

10 ай бұрын

Thanks Frank and thanks for being a member! It would be great to have you attend a workshop some day. This is the stand this is the stand I am using in the video. Studio Titan America Camera Stand Portable Side Kick 3-section STA-06-093 Full Option Kit
B&H bhpho.to/3PoL4Zl However, I now use this one: Studio Titan Camera Stand STA-01-360 MK2 Adorama howl.me/cjGcfVD3aCG B&H bhpho.to/3cf4RfL The tripod head is a Benro 3-Way Geared Head (GD3WH) Adorama howl.me/cjCnFQZc9cy Amazon amzn.to/3ju7BFU B&H bhpho.to/3p8CAh8 Thanks again!

@frankgutierrezvisualartist5712

10 ай бұрын

Thank you SO much!!! I'm like in awe!! My role model responded to me! Thank you! :o) @@JohnGress

@JohnGress

10 ай бұрын

Anytime Frank and I hope to see you on one of the Academy Zooms soon!

@frankgutierrezvisualartist5712

10 ай бұрын

You most certainly will! Blessings! @@JohnGress

The spot on the P-35D looked the best in most cases. Especially when looking at how it separates the subject from the background. I use the P-40 in close-ish positions, and I like it flooded for the catch light. But for separating the subject from the background the spot wins for me every time. Going back to your test and considering all the comparisons, I'm glad I do not own the Setti or Demi, but I'm glad I own the deep 39” Rotalux. The Rotalux was also a champ.

@JohnGress

3 жыл бұрын

Good to know! The deep octa is a fantastic modifier. It really stood out as a great value among all of the options I tested in this video: kzread.info/dash/bejne/pZZ7s9V6n9i6dsY.html

Hey @JohnGress in the future make sure the pose is identical in seating direction and chin and nose direction and when posting comparisons.

what programm are you using to show the pictures immediately after u take them?

@JohnGress

3 жыл бұрын

Capture One

@iconlenny

3 жыл бұрын

@@JohnGress thx :)

and also where do u get ur backdrops from?

@JohnGress

3 жыл бұрын

I get them from Storm Backdrops and Gravity Backdrops

Interesting that the Parabolix Spot and Mola Setti have rather similar quality of light falling on the face.

you did the boring stuff (testing) and we have to choose the modifier that’s suits us! great job. loved the video. i’ve got a question. what do you think , would parabolix 55 ,when put close to a subject ,give as much isolation from background as parabolix 35 on 120cm? i’d like to buy one universal para to shoot full body and portraits.. do you think it is possible in some way?)

@JohnGress

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Anything close will likely fall off fast. A lot of people swear by a 133cm para. I haven't used one yet, but soon.

Looks like the Rayo was silver correct?

@JohnGress

2 жыл бұрын

Yes. Sorry when I bought it they only had silver.

@Loop1Photography

2 жыл бұрын

@@JohnGress Thanks John I liked the look of that Rayo closer in - I also shoot with Elinchrom currently but I have a lot of troubles with the packs not triggering reliably. I've talked to others with the same issue. It happens with different cameras and all the different triggers they make. Any suggestions? It's something to do with the signal coming from the trigger because none of the packs will trigger when it starts happening. Seems to work with out issue hitting the test button. I've seen it with Canon, Nikon and Hasselblad cameras.

@JohnGress

2 жыл бұрын

The Dgital RX? All of my Elinchrom lights fire correctly 99.9% of the time except for when I push the button too soon. I have mine set to not discharge until fully recycled so I don't have exposures all over the board. Also the Pro transmitter is way better than the others. Does that help?

@Loop1Photography

2 жыл бұрын

@@JohnGress I have the same problem with the Pro as I do the Plus and that other little one that comes with some kits. It's not a matter of them not being ready to go I"m waiting for the beep.

@JohnGress

2 жыл бұрын

The only other thing I could think of is a transmitter firmware update

May i learn the model of light meter?

@JohnGress

2 ай бұрын

Sekonic LiteMaster Pro L-478DR-U-EL Series Light Meter for Elinchrom EL Skyport System 
Adorama howl.me/cjzWPnYhPVY Amazon amzn.to/2NM9DTz B&H bhpho.to/3Lz1Og7

@mordavian

2 ай бұрын

@@JohnGress thank you 🙏

I feel like we’re missing the point of the Parabolix here. In this particular shoot you are going for a high contrast look (especially given the dark background). But the Parabolix gives you a range of lighting options between hard/high contrast, and soft/lower contrast, which you control by changing the focus rod position. In this sense it’s like having many different modifiers in one (from hard reflector to softbox). The other modifiers you test are limited by having a fixed output and fixed amount of contrast which you may- or may not like depending on the shoot and the subject. Once you start shooting different models with different skin types (think, oily shiny skin), against different backgrounds (like white background), you are going to want to adjust the contrast of the light in order to get desirable results. This is the power of the Parabolix (and Broncolor and Briese for that matter). The question becomes: would you rather have many different modifiers with a fixed output, and have to change them depending on the shoot, or have one modifier with a variable output that you can adjust according your shoot and subject matter? By the way, the Rayo is like half the size of the Parabolix 35D, so obviously it will have higher contrast (but that’s all you get out of it). Companies in the past made money by selling you lots of different modifiers to do different things, but that’s not necessary with the Parabolix system.

@JohnGress

3 жыл бұрын

I get that concept and have seen it in practice the more I have used it. In retrospect, I should have used it for a month before I made a video, but I am sure I will correct this with a follow up video at some point. I would obviously rather have this modifier than all of the hard modifiers I tested (minus the Rayo, great point about the size), which is what I hoped it would do, but so far for full body, I don't feel that the Parabolix on flood out performs the Deep Octa 100, maybe it would with diffusion.

@dwalden74

3 жыл бұрын

@@JohnGress The 35D isn’t meant to be a full body light. It’s more of a portrait/editorial light. For full body I would go with at least a 45” or higher. Here’s a question for you I’m curious about: Have you ever shot someone with a certain modifier, and loved the lighting results, then shot a different person with the same modifier (and possibly a different studio and background), and the lighting didn’t look as good?

@JohnGress

3 жыл бұрын

The color and size of the studio has a lot to do with the outcome. The more places I have worked in, the better I have gotten at paying attention to the shadows and flagging reflected light or bouncing light with v-flats to get the desired output.

@dwalden74

3 жыл бұрын

@@JohnGress Right, so the perceived contrast of a modifier can change depending on the environment. What about on different subjects? Have you ever shot someone with one modifier, liked the lighting outcome, and shot someone else with the same modifier and were not as happy?

@earthrokk01

2 жыл бұрын

@@dwalden74 I respectfully disagree about the 35D not mean for full body. It is actually meant for closeup to full body for one person. You can stretch to two or three people, but the larger shapers are better suited for multiple people. I have the P30 and it has an imaging radius for full body shots. Again, shapers are used to peoples taste, so it varies from artist to artist.

i am quiet sceptic of the parabolix ... I frequently shoot with the broncolor paras, and they are on another level btw ... the US should adopt the metric system for good ... the imperial system is just to confusing ;-)

@mrg6424

3 жыл бұрын

"broncolor paras, and they are on another level"...only in build quality & Mechanics, but not leaps & bounds better.

@JohnGress

3 жыл бұрын

I tested the Broncolor Para 88 and the Parabolix 35D head to head 5 years ago and the Parabolix actually out performed the Broncolor at one point and was indistinguishable the rest of the time. It would be nice if we adopted the metric level.

Sell a kidney and get the Broncolor Para 133. 🤣

@JohnGress

Жыл бұрын

I’ll sell yours during your next layover 🤣

@petemcknight803

Жыл бұрын

@@JohnGress 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

It would have been better to do this test with a mannequin so every shot is the same. Tape on the floor so the light is in the exact same spot each time

@JohnGress

Жыл бұрын

Unless you’re a mannequin photographer, you need to see the results on human skin.

@silverdoggg

Жыл бұрын

@@JohnGress I agree that seeing the light on actual skin texture is important. But there is no repeatability, the light falls different with every slight turn of the models face.

Is useless to make a lighting comparisons with the subject changing poses... that's like basic knowledge

No Sir, all you say is: ...as long as your ":subject" does'nt move and there is no no fill and whatsever...but .there is a marginal difference.. I appreciate your Content, but here you leave the emotional Part of Photographiy.... It might be no Problem, if you dont interact with Humans..but .if you do so...this comparasion says...is doesnt matter.

@JohnGress

3 жыл бұрын

The comparison is about equipment

@DH-kx7ej

3 жыл бұрын

@@JohnGress and its dos not matters that much.

Not sure if you said so in the video and I missed it, but did you use all of the modifiers with nothing in front (sock, grid)? I wonder what these would have looked like with the grid. Did you not test with the grid because the light would have been too contrasty and harsh? I think at diameter distance the Setti was my favorite performer. At the 4ft distance I really like the contrast and drama coming from the Rayo. I remember watching another video from you where you borrowed your friends Demi and in that video you seemed to be more impressed with the Demi than the Rayo, but since I already own a Setti I think it would make more sense to go with a Rayo since the difference between that and the Setti is more distinct and the Demi never came out on top at least in my opinion, during your testing here.

@JohnGress

2 жыл бұрын

Good point. The Rayo would add a lot more value for you than the Demi. I just skimmed through the video and I don't see me using a sock. I don't own grids for my Molas and I think I only have a sock for the setti. When I had a grid for my Profoto dish I noticed it ruined the beauty of the light because it eliminated the diagonal rays coming off the sides so I never bought them for the Molas.