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Rectangle vs Octabox softbox??


4 years 8 months ago #653013 by Linda Duncan
Assuming both softboxes are close to the same size, would you notice a difference in how the light looks on your subject?   

I'm looking at the Westcott Rapid Box - 26" Octa Softbox for one and started looking at some rectangle shaped softboxes and trying to figure will the shape really make any difference that would be noticed?  
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4 years 8 months ago #653014 by Nikon Shooter
All depends on the wished end result.

To simulate a window light: the rectangle. It will wrap better
at close range than the octa but no other advantage.

The octa is preferred as catch light because of more circular
shape of the reflection. A huge octa will wrap very well too.
Light is free… capturing it is not!
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4 years 8 months ago #653047 by KCook
Also, the Octas fold a lot easier for transport.

Kelly
Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/
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4 years 8 months ago #653126 by MYoung

KCook wrote: Also, the Octas fold a lot easier for transport.

Kelly


Have you tried some of the quick fold softboxes by Westcott?  
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4 years 8 months ago #653192 by KCook

MYoung wrote:

KCook wrote: Also, the Octas fold a lot easier for transport.

Kelly


Have you tried some of the quick fold softboxes by Westcott?  

Unfortunately, no.  My rectangular softbox is a cheap instrument of torture by Fotodiox.

ohwell
Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/
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4 years 8 months ago #653201 by Instamixes
The most obvious difference between the two is the shape. An Octabox, as the name suggests has eight different corners creating an octagon, whereas a Softbox typically comes as a rectangle or square. If you predominantly work with people and take portraits, then you would probably be better off getting an Octabox. This is entirely down to the shape and the reflection it would create in the eyes of your subject. A circular light reflection in the eyes would look far more natural and appealing than a rectangular one. Think of an Octabox as a specialist type of Softbox. 
 
Finally, consider the size and where you will be predominantly shooting. If you're going to be in a decent sized studio most of the time then this won't matter too much. However, if you're on the go a lot then you want to consider how long it takes to set up, take down and how portable they are. Whichever one you decide to go for, keep in mind the purpose of why you need it.
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4 years 8 months ago #653223 by KenMan

Instamixes wrote: The most obvious difference between the two is the shape. An Octabox, as the name suggests has eight different corners creating an octagon, whereas a Softbox typically comes as a rectangle or square. If you predominantly work with people and take portraits, then you would probably be better off getting an Octabox. This is entirely down to the shape and the reflection it would create in the eyes of your subject. A circular light reflection in the eyes would look far more natural and appealing than a rectangular one. Think of an Octabox as a specialist type of Softbox. 
 
Finally, consider the size and where you will be predominantly shooting. If you're going to be in a decent sized studio most of the time then this won't matter too much. However, if you're on the go a lot then you want to consider how long it takes to set up, take down and how portable they are. Whichever one you decide to go for, keep in mind the purpose of why you need it.



Good post!
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4 years 8 months ago #654046 by Kayce
What size softbox would you say is needed for full body portraits?  Will 36" be large enough?
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