Comparing 3 Different Softbox Sizes (Interesting Results!)

[@SjoerdWess]

Okay, let's be honest. After watching the video, which softbox impressed you the most?👇🏼

[@gabrielmiersch]

I liked the 90cm softbox the most. To me it looks the most natural... smaller one looks a bit more "cheap".. and to bigger one even a bit "fake" or unnatural. So, I´m happy I purchased a 90cm softbox 😄

[@elieh.studio]

For the most part 90cm but for the top down no doubt 150cm, there’s where I see the biggest difference !

[@SjoerdWess]

Absolutely! Agreed!

[@steveteare3865]

150 all the way. Unfortunate that it's also the most inconvenient. 🙁

[@cristxart5861]

aputure dome 150 my favorite🔥

[@3DThrills]

I have small softboxes. For a large effect I hang a sheet. This also allows you to adjust the distance of the light source from the diffusion.

[@SjoerdWess]

Thats really smart!

[@matheussp13]

As a cinematographer, our job is to make a slightly more interesting version of reality that needs to be also believable. I feel like the most natural to my eyes is the 90 one. Once you go bigger, it starts to look 'too perfect' for most environments, making it less believable. Despite of that, I have a 47' and a Mini Dome but i'm selling the bigger one because of light spread. As you can see at 04:01, Hollywood Cinematographers often use Litemats or a Softer light source bounced, it makes everything so much better. Flexible Lights ans Litemat offers consistent light spread but they're also bighter (vs parabolic softbox), only a bit more expensive and the most important: Easy of Use. A top-down lighting setup like the one at 04:18 requires a not only a strong C-Stand, Arm, Sandbag but also a ton of space, which we often don't really have in reality. A 2X2 Litemat/Flexible LED with an extra layer of diffusion would offer roughly the same amount of light, softness compared with a 90' Softbox and you could hold it with your hand, since it weights 500g. Point light sources are really versatile but for a key light they come with this caveat. Easy of use is the most underated factor in Cinematography.

[@SjoerdWess]

Damn man, thanks for this great comment. I absolutely agree and believe you’re 100% right. Strong point sources are great to light up spaces. The new era of mats are so good and definitely will make a video on this soon🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@gretabonnaud7778]

Your videos have a relaxing and cosy feel, while being really informative and inspiring. :)

[@SjoerdWess]

Thanks so much, Greta! It's something I personally like when watching something. So it's nice to hear you experience this from my videos :-)!

[@keyonthomas2205]

Love how simplified this video is. Before this video, I was stressing about which soft box to get, but because of your coloring skills this was further proof to me that it’s not the gear but the artist. I could barely tell the difference only when I looked closely and tried to nit picked at the difference in highlight harshness and still came to the same conclusion. Great work!!

[@SjoerdWess]

You got my point indeed man. Well done! For sure, a nice huge softbox will be different in ways, but many times I bring the trusted 90cm parabolic, which works for almost everything!

[@Andy-ho7wx]

Thanks for the comparison! Besides the light becoming softer, contrast also increases by moving the light source closer to the subject!

[@SjoerdWess]

Thanks for the tips!

[@MrStibaer]

Great structure, great side by side comparison, exactly what i was looking for, thank you! 🙏🏼

[@SjoerdWess]

Thanks a lot!

[@lifescansdarkly]

I was hoping I wouldn't like the Light Dome 150 because I couldn't fit it in my studio, but unfortunately it was my favorite across the board! Skin imperfections just melt away and it's super flattering.

[@SjoerdWess]

Agreed! However, the beautydisk (smallest one) really does a remarkable job when super closeby! But yes.. the 150 is stunning haha

[@MrFraiche]

This test is perfect. Shows the effect of both key variables newbies need to know when setting up lights: size of soft box and distance.

[@SjoerdWess]

Cheers dude!

[@byFedericoKapitany]

wow! the top down light really blew me away..... it changes almost everything!! well done, top content right here!

[@SjoerdWess]

Thanks a lot mate!

[@shauncy]

Dude your videos are awesome! I'm impressed. Very articulate and to the point. I hope you continue to grow.

[@SjoerdWess]

Thanks a lot!

[@PinkPerch]

Finally! After watching 20+ videos I found this one. Amazing job! That's the way such videos should be made. Thank you Sjoerd

[@SjoerdWess]

Cheers mate! Appreciate it!

[@_ballistic]

I photograph people as a hobby. Like... strangers and people I meet on the street. This guy would be the first one I would ask to take a photo of ahahaha

[@SjoerdWess]

What, me?? haha

[@santiagoserrano8765]

Great information. Just adding that 1. the bigger the source... and 2. the closer the source... follow the same principle. A source "increases" in apparent size when it gets closer to the subject, or vice versa. For example, the moon is a huge source, but if it's really far away, it appears "small".

[@SjoerdWess]

Correcto!

[@bbrunorocha]

great videos !! i love the side by side comparison you did, really shows the difference ! The bigger the source, the better for sure , but you would also need stronger grip to handle all the weight I've been using the aputure lantern because of this, it's still a nice size and not as heavy as other modifiers, helps a lot when doing a top light setup

[@SjoerdWess]

Lanterns are amazing as well! Might be fun to test out a bunch later!

[@paulm8157]

Clearly presented, illustrated, and explained, Sjoerd. Clever thumbnail. Side by side comparison shots and animated pic-in-pic work well. Font on diagram insets could have been larger - enough room. Post was silent on light wattages used; all the same power though, right? Have no size preference. My issue is more mundane - collapsing the things after use - no kidding. Channel suggestion: Add subject related hashtags (like #softboxlighting) to vid description. I understand that adding tags can boost channel exposure/views/subs from tag based search results (if that makes sense). Including a geotag for your location might also be a plus.

[@SjoerdWess]

Thanks Paul! Ill get into the hashtags right away! The usage wasn't really relevant since the picture was just exposed as it should. As there is no way around this, I felt like telling how bright it was, wasn't necesarry. But most of the times, the 600x was at light 0,01% :-p haha.

[@saile_1994]

THANK YOUU for the quick, effective and detailed explanation!!

[@SjoerdWess]

Cheers mate!!

[@jserenity]

Thanks for the detailed and with actual example explanations. As a newbie, I learned

[@SjoerdWess]

Amazing! Thanks for letting me know

[@coachpeterwilliam]

What a great comparison, thanks so much! I just bought the 90 and looking forward to try it out. By the way, what’s the sound track? Love it

[@SjoerdWess]

Thanks a lot man! It's from Artlist, probably from the Jazz section haha

[@oupekha]

@SjoerdWess Love the side-by-side comparison thank you for showing how does it look between the size and angle not lots of people do that. I have a question. I am building an 8x8x1.5ft ceiling soft box there are two speakers both sit side by side 2-3ft apart and look straight to the camera there are 3 cameras. I want to create a super smooth light comes from the top the studio ceiling. The ceiling is about 9.5ft high. The background is mid gray about 8ft from the speakers I will block the light as much as possible to keep the background not too bright I will put 4x200w Amaran lights inside so it will be 800w. (I still have no idea how to mount the light in the soft box yet). I just want to make sure the light is large enough to avoid too much shadow under the nose eyes and chin. Do you think 8x8ft is enough the avoid those shadow? Or is it too large and make everything looks flat? Or do you have any suggestion?

[@SjoerdWess]

I think its good, but personally would try to work woth a chinese lantern first. Or spacelight! Then you can always add another layer of diffusion underneath if its too hard!

[@MrOnemorerene]

For the top light the smallest, for the rest, the biggest! Great video, do more!)

[@SjoerdWess]

Dope! Thanks dude!

[@SabbaLinga]

Dude this is such a useful video, great job

[@SjoerdWess]

Thanks mate!

[@JustDushawn]

Such a nice and simple way to explain it.. and i looove the Dune lighting the whole movie is just cinematic marbel :D

[@SjoerdWess]

Totally man. Saw it 4 times and still feel like I havent seen it enough haha

[@ahmedshamz]

Nice content. Btw, what light do you have in the background? Is it with a snoot/gobo?

[@SjoerdWess]

Yessir. Spotlight on an amaran light

[@ShirtlessMenNetwork]

Oof. That opening made my knees buckle. And I'm sitting down! 😂

[@SjoerdWess]

Hahahah, whoops.

[@MikeLamotheSales]

What are you using as a softbox for this video it looks amazing

[@SjoerdWess]

The big one!

[@StephanBechert]

great! What lightstand do you suggest for the 150?

[@SjoerdWess]

Avanger Combo stand

[@roehaus1]

Great video... you would think just the opposite was true about the subject to light source distance. Perhaps an explanation of this effect would be helpful.

[@SjoerdWess]

Good idea for a future video! Thanks!

[@jarodparkerdirector]

Hey, great video! Where did you find the lighting and camera icons when demonstrating on the right? Want to take my light planning more seriously! Thank you!

[@SjoerdWess]

This is called Filmsetobjects. However, the Aputure app for mobile and ipad has a great planner build in!

[@jarodparkerdirector]

@@SjoerdWess Perfect! Thank you very much!

[@hanshart1413]

In fashion shoots you actually use harder light sources like beauty dishes, small soft-boxes etc.

[@SjoerdWess]

Very true!

[@oliverticalstudios]

LOOOOOVED THIS VIDEO!!! Popped up in my suggestions I guess after searching for lighting tutorials. So glad they recommend you. Definitely have a new subscriber in me! Superb work brother!!! Question. For that top down shot, what kind of adapters and boom arm did you have to use to hand that light? Don’t know if I’m using the right thing or not but I bought a Matthews Magic Stand 2 section riser and secured it with wires. Is it there a cleaner or more proficient setup you would suggest or am I in the right ballpark. Thanks in advance for the help!!! 🏁🏁🏁🫡

[@SjoerdWess]

Thanks mate! This is so nice to hear! I am using a Manfrotto combo stand and an Avenger Junior boom arm. This is extremely steady stuff!

[@daniloteixeirasantos]

Hi, I’m gonna start to do portraits, products and food photography, I’m thinking to get 2x 90cm, which light do you recommend for this type of work ? Congrats for the content 🙌🏻

[@SjoerdWess]

Hi! I guess the Amaran 200x would be nice! Or if you have more money, the 300c by amaran

[@ziggy6425]

I like how well your content goes with Aputure's lightning tutorials. It would be awesome if you guys will collab for a lightning tutorial in the future!

[@SjoerdWess]

That would definitely be dope man! We are talking, I can say... heheh!

[@topicruben]

Great explanation, man. They are all different and it depends on what we want to express, as you wisely said. In the last shot, with the light above your head, I preferred the biggest dome, but again, it depends on the feeling of the scene. I need to use softer lights more often to hide my wrinkles, lol!

[@SjoerdWess]

Thanks a lot dude! hahaha, well, I can use em too. :-p

[@Cancan_lv]

感谢~~但是除了顶光，其他的没看出来太大区别哈哈哈

[@juces-dron]

I want all, thanks for the video.

[@Ameusia]

For the Rembrandt effect, how high do you have the light, what power, and what angle?

[@SjoerdWess]

45 degree of my face. Hight is not very important, just experiment!

[@Luk_FIlms]

i love the 150 Dome...in all position for me, is the best. im in love with the softer lights

[@SjoerdWess]

Same here mate!

[@rasihcaglayan1740]

Aputure Dome II looks useful - good to me. I' ve learned a lot from the video, thank you very much.

[@SjoerdWess]

Thanks man!🙏🏼

I really need to understand how to make full body catalog pictures whith white background. Do i need two 150 for the subjet and two lights for the background? is necesary a separation ligth? :( i am a little confuse.

[@SjoerdWess]

Bigger light would better for this situation!

[@idkprobnot]

Just picked up the Dome II, so this was a happy coincidence I came across this video. Good stuff!

[@SjoerdWess]

Meant to be! :-)

[@you82.League]

thank you that was the video i've been looking for also have a question I make video for youtube in a small room like 4*3 meter and wanted to know is it ok I go a 95cm softbox for my face as key light?

[@SjoerdWess]

Absolutely!

[@omegaman1409]

I would always go for the 90cm. It a great middle ground that and if taking outdoors I wouldn’t go any bigger. They tumble over or get in the way.

[@SjoerdWess]

Agreed!

[@PrimetimeMusings]

Is there a preferred type of bulb that should be used in the soft box?

[@SjoerdWess]

Cob light is nice!

[@carlosibanez2451]

Increíble video, gran trabajo hermano, de verdad me encanta! podrías ayudarme respondiéndome estas 2 preguntas que deseo mejorar en esto: poseo una luz zhiyun molus 60w y deseo adquirir un softbox para hacer videos. Que tamaño me recomiendas tengo una habitación pequeña, ¿un octabox de 90cm podría ser buena combinación? por temas de presupuestos he visto softbox con montura de sombrilla y las comerciales son con montura bowens, hay alguna diferencia de calidad que da una a la otra? que me recomiendas por favor, gracias!!

[@SjoerdWess]

Hey man. Ill reply in english if thats okay! Id always go with a 90cm. Amazing for so many reasons. You can still use that same softbox years down the road!

[@carlosibanez2451]

@@SjoerdWess Thank you very much brother, can I then use 90cm with umbrella mounting? True?

[@Trojanpige]

Which light stand were you using at 4:25?

[@SjoerdWess]

Manfrottos and avenger stands!

[@CreativeGrowthMedia]

Hey, If I want to get your Lut package.. Can you help me decide which is best? I am very very new to this so I know almost nothing. I have a canon r50 that doesn't shoot in log. but I use hdrpq for 10bit (whatever that means lol) so If I want to use your luts.. which one should I get?

[@SjoerdWess]

Hey bud, send me a DM on IG and ill guide you through the process. I'd get the Gemini LUT bundle as it's the most versitile!

[@CreativeGrowthMedia]

@@SjoerdWess Hey I messaged you and no response

[@ihassan1001]

I'm so glad I subscribed your channel... learning a lot.

[@SjoerdWess]

Thanks so much mate!

[@kidcoma1340]

You were showing a profile shot from Dune, when you look at the actual portrait shots of that scene, the face is much more lit from the side/back, also add an eyelight. Also there is one thing that no youtuber talks about, which is light falloff. There is a reason why most professional DPs don't place their lights so close to the talents, it doesn't look natural.

[@SjoerdWess]

It depends on what you’re shooting. ‘Professional DP’s’ also put lights close when they shoot interviews for fogue. You’re talking about feature films specifically. I believe there is loads of ways to light and each technique is used in a scenario.

[@difflocktwo]

Lol the thumbnail. Also, a nicely structured video with clear comparisons.

[@SjoerdWess]

Cheers man!

[@TimediaUg]

Just used soft box for the first time, I just ideas but didn't know which size is for what purpose....untill now

[@SjoerdWess]

Nice!

[@SumFriesWidDat]

Thanks dude!!! Super helpful:)

[@SjoerdWess]

Glad to hear it!

[@sanderduijvis]

Thanks for the informative video once again! Loved the intro hahahah. Have to say i’m mostly impressed by the smallest one but liked the 90cm the most out off all except in the top-down godfather/dune style the definitely the 150cm! Thanks😃

[@SjoerdWess]

I was veeeery surprised by the smallest one indeed! Thanks Sander🙏🏼

[@PradeepKumar-tq4ev]

Its short and very informative 🎉🎉

[@SjoerdWess]

Glad you think so!

[@aproopphilemon2989]

Neat video. Tell us which soft box are you using for this video 😅

[@SjoerdWess]

Sorry man, it was in the description but then I bulk changed it lol. 150cm, 90cm parabolix and mini dome all from aputure

[@contactojaime]

Thank you very much for your work. Very useful.

[@SjoerdWess]

Cheers man!

[@anotherguycalledsmith]

Thanks a lot, now I know why _bigger is better_ is actually true - and size really matters ;-)

[@SjoerdWess]

Thanks! Glad this brought light to the situation, haha

[@halimrahman]

Good looking model!😄

[@SjoerdWess]

Cheers haha

[@rezakarimi-w7b]

How did the softbox lights shine so softly? Even the largest size was light controlled

[@SjoerdWess]

Depends on where you place the light. I recommend just practicing a bit!

[@iam-md]

How is the light not spilling on the background? Because i do get light spill even with grid....Nice video by the way

[@SjoerdWess]

This mainly has to do with the size of the studio! It's a big full black limbo studio :-)

[@iam-md]

@@SjoerdWess thanks

[@hugoferrazporto]

great tests and results

[@naomilamb4712]

Great video, very helpful! Can you do this exact video, but with a black person?🙏

[@SjoerdWess]

Unfortunately not. Won't make a difference though

[@Kashilembo]

You are getting better at making this thumbnails bro great video.

[@SjoerdWess]

Thanks a lot mate!

[@Kashilembo]

@@SjoerdWess anytime man Keep this educational videos coming .

[@SjoerdWess]

means a lot mate!

[@MartinV.]

Great Video!

[@SjoerdWess]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@M0ritsch]

i wish i had a video like that 4 years ago

[@tkarim]

Great content man!

[@SjoerdWess]

Thanks man!

[@ladharms]

@sjoerdwess Hey man great videos on softboxes. I made a purchase today after seeing these videos. I am using a Sony ZVE10 with a lens kit. I am trying to create the same dark mood(reason why i enjoyed your videos more). Can you suggest camera settings and the lens I should go for this video setting that you are using. I will really appreciate your response. Thank you

[@SjoerdWess]

Its all about lighting my friend. Keep your cam at the basics, and use a fast lens!

[@PJLeblanc]

Thanks for this.

[@SjoerdWess]

My pleasure!

[@nitishaukhajah8955]

What light source you advice with 90cm Softbox and 150cm softbox for videography? I am new..i dnt know.

[@SjoerdWess]

Doesnt matter! 100,200,600 watts. All good

[@blueburry3781]

Wow, the difference is actually surprising

[@SjoerdWess]

Haha it is right! I thought the same

[@NuurMaged-II]

Amazing video literally

[@SjoerdWess]

Thanks man!

[@najlacam]

Aputure Dome 150 it is so good for me super

[@SjoerdWess]

Nice!🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@UnknownUnknown-wr8ly]

lol 🤣🤣🤣 that intro is awesome

[@SjoerdWess]

Haha cheers mate!

[@joshmilteer4234]

Thanks for the video!

[@SjoerdWess]

Pleasure

[@fonskarssemakers]

Nice video Sjoerd! Hope your neck is well after all the posing ;)

[@SjoerdWess]

Hahaha, i felt it the day after😅

[@royaltykidstv]

Is this for photography too or just Videography?

[@SjoerdWess]

Both!

[@royaltykidstv]

@@SjoerdWess thank you

[@tobytorials]

Great video man! Wish my english was so good as yours! One of the reasons I dont make youtube videos anymore... Thinking about it a lot to start again. Anyways keep it up ✌

[@SjoerdWess]

Thanks Toby! Mate, please, don't let your English keep you from making videos. You'll get better over time!

[@tobytorials]

​@@SjoerdWess True that!

[@dansmediaonline8622]

What's the light man? 300d or 600d?

[@SjoerdWess]

600x!

[@rageshgovindan]

What's the ctand used in the video for the light?

[@SjoerdWess]

Avenger Combo stand

[@rageshgovindan]

Appreciate if you could specify the exact model with the boom details. Been looking for one for a long time and looks like this is what I need. Thank you. @@SjoerdWess

[@SjoerdWess]

@@rageshgovindan Avenger Boom D650 with any combostand.

[@rageshgovindan]

Thank you so much@@SjoerdWess

[@FreedomFlight1]

Nice job.

[@SjoerdWess]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@director-estudiomw8233]

Does watts after size of softbox like am having Godox Sl60w which can work best ?

[@SjoerdWess]

90cm is nice

[@Pulparx]

are u using a 6k pro in this video???

[@SjoerdWess]

Yess sir!

[@justinoff1]

One is not better than the other. Human anatomy plays a massive role in selection. Some faces can hold the light because of their shape while others need a more flattering source. You really need multiple sizes to have in your quiver. Obviously the aesthetic is important to maintain continuity. But I will say soft light is being phased out as an aesthetic choice these days far harder more specular. The over all aesthetic in the commercial world is in a race to the bottom

[@SjoerdWess]

I agree!

[@Tristan.mp4]

having used the Aputure dome II for the past 3 years i never gone back to my cheaper and smaller Godox Boxes

[@SjoerdWess]

Agreed. I absolutely love the softboxes. They are a tad more expensive, but so worth it!

[@gabrielmiersch]

What are the main advantages? Handling or quality of light? I own a godox softbox and I am happy with it... but I never used one from Aputure though

[@SjoerdWess]

Just handling mostly. Setup in 4 seconds, nice bag, just overal quality thing. Godox is great too.. no need to have fomo haha

[@gabrielmiersch]

@@SjoerdWess Haha, fomo decreased by alot! Setup is really not the most fun part, but if I leave the diffusion blankets in place the setup is also done in 2 minutes... that´s good enough for me

[@SjoerdWess]

Thats it mate!

[@jimmystewartuk]

Wish my space could fit the 150! 🔥

[@SjoerdWess]

It's quitttte big, haha :-)

[@jimmystewartuk]

@@SjoerdWess that light quality though 🤩

[@liviu-danielcirdei8859]

GODOX SL60 Is enough? I Need Something stronger?

[@SjoerdWess]

Depends!

[@jenniferifeanyi2366]

I love This ❤

[@SjoerdWess]

Thanks Jen!

[@jellemaarten3066]

well, this is what I needed. Like, exactly what I needed ._.

[@SjoerdWess]

Sweeet man!

[@cristxart5861]

awesome, good video

[@mannlk]

Good video 🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@SjoerdWess]

Thanks dude!

[@Cookies205]

great stuff

[@SjoerdWess]

Cheers!

[@brikbravo]

Cool 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@Obscurainc]

thank you sir

[@SjoerdWess]

All the best

[@Yo_bii]

awesome

[@SjoerdWess]

Thanks!

[@Jakepf]

I fuckin 5:02 loved the big boy soft softbox! I can't wait until i can afford the giant one and the gear necessary for it

[@SjoerdWess]

Heck yes mate! Keep at it and one day you will!!

[@jashanjassi10]

tnx 4 video.i get dat wt i wan..tx

[@Schoolkid237]

Let me try the biggest one

[@SjoerdWess]

Go ahead! Its amazing

[@lifeafterwork_62]

I have to watch twice to understand this ,oke i will focus focus to watch this time

[@SjoerdWess]

Haha good!

[@jonathanblanckaert]

There is a lot of color difference, that makes it harder to see the shadow difference😅 but nice video for the rest

[@SjoerdWess]

Yeah true. Thansk1

[@SarahMakeoverstudio]

Super

[@SjoerdWess]

Cheers Sarah!