Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

I don't have any PCB softboxes but the new large strip light is tempting. Has there been any testing on the color output, I'm wondering how they will fit in with my other gear.

thanks

In the range of color flash (i.e. 5000-6000K), our softboxes shift (reduce) color temperature by less than 250K.

Also, they are not treated with optical brighteners that can fluoresce, especially with non-UV coated tubed and shift strongly to a blue/magenta. Many white fabrics in the industry are treated, especially in cheap "eBay" products, and even some name brand items.

thanks.



Yes I've tested a couple cheaper softboxes that always ran cooler and not compatible, they cause more problems that they are worth.

Essentially all Nylon and Polyester diffusion fabrics (without brighteners) will lower color temperature 150K to 200K. Those with brighteners typically raise color temp by up to 1200-1500K (Blue/Magenta).

We test all our fabrics carefully for minimal color shift - see http://www.paulcbuff.com/plm-competitor.php for examples.

A 200K shift is pretty insignificant, but brightened fabrics are a nightmare. Most monolights vary by about 400K with power adjustment - with Einstein™ being the exception in the real-world price range.

thanks.

With the strip lights is the front diffusion always inset with a slight barndoor effect, or can the diffuser be mounted at the front edge?

It is inset. Having it at the edge, the fabric would not be large enough to fit (the "flared" shape of the softbox continues past the front fabric, so the open face is a little larger than the fabric).

However, there is still a wide-ish spread of light, even with the recessed panel.

placed an order for the big strip box. thx.

How are you finding the giant strip box?

I like the new softbox. This is for in-studio only so I can't comment how it would do moving it around. Although I do like that it stays taut/tight. Fits well with my other boxes as far as color. So overall, I like the box. The only downside is that I received one of the earlier versions with the script logo/font :)