Strip softbox or Octa?

[andy1868]

I'm looking at buying a larger softbox for use in the studio, mainly for full length shots but ideally would be great for small-family group shots too.

Now my initial thoughts were a strip light for single full length shots (ie a model on her own) and make do with the current 60x60cm softboxes for the groups which i've done in the past. A plus point for this would be able to minimise the amount of spill on the floor too, something that is a little pet hate of mine i must admit.

My second thought was to go all out and buy a nice 150cm octabox which would provide a nicely diffused light for the modeling (full length) but also a lovely soft key for the family groups and portraits in general. Is the octabox a "do all" kind of affair?

My hesitation for the strip light is it being too concentrated for the groups, having the light fall off to quickly and having to use the 60x60s.

my hesitation for the octa is the fact that i won't be able to control the light onto the model in quite the same way, with a fair bit of spill onto the background (not necessarily a bad thing but a choice is nice ) I'm assuming that the octabox would also be beneficial in shooting small groups full length to give the full spread of light over a larger area.

Do we think i'm asking too much of one softbox and am i best off in the long run getting both, giving me the right tool for every job? Given the situation what would you guys and gals go for?

Just FYI, the boxes i was looking at are the 150cm Profold Lencarta and the 30x140 Profold Strip

 

[Garry Edwards]

Get both when you can - they are different tools that do different jobs in different ways, and although there is of course some overlap, it's limited.

The big disadvantage of a large octa (apart from the physical size and the need for a high ceiling) is that it's difficult to control the area covered by the light, when in a more or less frontal position. It's possible of course to mask the front, but it isn't ideal.

The strip softbox is perfect for your single-person needs, and especially when used as a rimlight, but can only be used for large groups in the horizontal position - but because of the falloff of light, you may need an on-axis fill as well. A point worth mentioning, with the strip softbox you will also need the low level stand, this allows the softbox to be used for full length shots without tilting it, which is essential

 

[andy1868]

i had a feeling that would be the case, different tools for different jobs. That's given me more to think about at least, thanks Garry.

I think i'll go for a strip light for the moment as its fashion jobs that are coming up first, then hopefully splurge on an octa too in the future. Although you saying the need for a high ceiling is putting me off abit, i'm not sure the studio i use would be considered to have a high ceiling so i might have to rethink that one more when it comes to it.

I'm thinking the height shouldn't be a problem, the studio is fitted with Bowen's LiteLifts giving me a lot of control of height of the flashes. Although it is something to bear in mind if i ever find myself using them outside the studio!

 

[Garry Edwards]

The reason that I advocate high ceilings with large softboxes is because of the way I work, and not everyone agrees with me.

My starting point is that light from above and the front looks natural - it's the way nearly all light is, from the sky outdoors to room lighting indoors. It also tends to be flattering because it creates shadows in all the right places.

This type of lighting needs height, or at least it does when using a very large softbox.

Of course, there are always people who do things differently, and have lights off to the side or whatever instead of above.

 

[JonathanRyan]

Stripbox. It gives you far more options.

Plus you can grid them. Grids on octas tend to be less effective.

 

[andy1868]

Thanks guys Strip ordered, treated myself to a reflector holder arm too while i was there