Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Hi,

I've noticed that the reflector recommended for the einsteins is the 8.5-inch High Output Reflector, with 45º spread and a higher output.

Is there a real difference, other than the output, between a 8.5-inch High Output Reflector and a 7-inch Standard Reflector with a 40º honeycomb grid?

Other scenario, whats the difference between:
7-inch Standard Reflector with a 20º grid
The OMNI™ 18-inch Reflector with a 20º grid

I'm just learning about modifiers/reflectors. Hopefully someone would clarify it for me.

Thanks in advance.

Your difference will be in how the light falls off. "Degree spread" is measured from the center of the beam of light out to -1f. What happens after that will vary from modifier to modifier. A bare 7" reflector will have a pretty wide spread at less than -1f. The 8.5HOR will have some feathering, but a noticably smaller spread than the 7". Any light with a grid will have a pretty defined spot with rapid fall off.




You will end up with a spot of light that it 11" larger at the same distance. The Omni will be brighter and more even, plus you have the option of the diffusion sock.