Softboxes, octaboxes, and reflectors have been around for a long time. And these have been providing photographers the exceptional lighting they desire when taking pictures. However, one big question that has been confusing professional photographers is, “what is the difference between the three?”
Well, we have come up with an answer to that. We have pinned all three of them together and have compared them to the tiniest details. Plus, in our article, you will find all the necessary details and will help you understand the difference between the two. So, let the battle of Octabox vs. Softbox vs. Reflector begin.
What Is an Octabox?
Well, as the name suggests, the octabox is an octagonal shaped light-emitting device. It does a very similar job and provides you with an even diffused light for better contrast, brightness, and sharpness for your masterpieces. And if you want to use the softbox, take good pictures of models, then this is the right choice.
What Is a Softbox?
These are rectangular and regular forms of light-emitting devices. Moreover, like octabox, these have the same functionality. These have a lightbulb that is enclosed within a rectangular structure, and the emitted light passes through a scattering material to give an even and diffused light.
What Is a Reflector?
In the world of photography or cinematography, reflectors are one of the key features to provide extra coloring, contrast, and so much more to your pictures. Generally, reflectors are of two types:
Lamp Reflectors
These are like lampshades. You need to put them close to a source of light (which is generally scattered) and turn it into an even and well-focused source of lighting for your pictures.
Board Reflectors
Another name for these types of reflectors is board reflectors and is a great option if you want to control contrast, shadow, and other aspects of the project that you are doing.
Octabox vs. SoftBox vs. Reflectors
Let’s get into the details of their differences;
Shape
One important difference you would notice between the three is their shapes. Octaboxes are like softboxes that have an octagonal shape. You see, a strobe bulb or any light source is placed in the middle and is enclosed with 8 high-reflecting walls to directly focus the light onto the object that you are shooting.
And proper softboxes have the same function. However, the shape is completely different. Instead of an octagonal shape, in softboxes, the light source is enclosed in a square or rectangular-shaped reflective wall.
Finally, reflectors tend to be concave or circular. Generally, lamp reflectors are concave, whereas the plane reflectors tend to be circular and flat.
Size
Now, this is a more important feature. You see, for closeup shots like headshots, the bigger, the better. And this is because if they are bigger, then more light is going to be focused and evenly diffused onto the object, and thus, enhancing the picture quality. So, in this comparison, it is a draw as well.
You see, you get to choose the size of the device that you are going to work with. And you can go for a bigger sized reflector, octabox or a softbox. Hence, it gives you the option to work in all kinds of ways.
Even if any of the devices mentioned don’t have adequate sizes, you can always adjust the distance for optimum light diffusion. Meaning you are in complete control of what you want to do with the devices!
Functionality
When it comes to functionalities, it might seem that all three of them are the same. However, that is where you would be wrong.
Octabox has a circular shape and is a great way to enhance the brightness, sharpness of your work. Furthermore, the item is the best option if you are planning to click pictures of people as there are known to provide a sparkle to the people. On the other hand, softboxes that use the same method of diffusion excel in another field.
With a softbox, you can more effortlessly control the light falling on the model or object, control the shadow, sharpness, and so much more. Plus, using it is way simpler than octaboxes.
And for reflectors, their purpose is completely different. If you are someone who is into headshots, reflectors are the best for you. Besides, using it is also like a walk in the park.
Price
The price of all the devices is quite similar and very reasonable. So, having all of them at once will not put a dent in your wallet. Instead, it will enhance the quality of your pictures. Also, you will be ready for any kind of task that is thrown at you!
Final Words
So, as you can see, all the products might have similar methods of diffusions. They have completely different functionalities. Hence, if you want to up your photography skills, then it is a must that you understand and use all these products adequately and properly for the task in hand.
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