25+ Modifiers Tested and Compared: Find the Best Studio Photography Lighting for YOU

[@realthoprivate]

Such an effort went into this. As always, high quality, no-BS content. Highly appreciated Mr. T.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Much appreciated thanks

[@darkdrift0r124]

@@VisualEducationStudio Love your videos man. Its a godsend

[@adsertheblade]

Shockingly good content. No one has come even close to such a detailed comparison. Another wonderful video, thanks Karl.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@thomasriggs2914]

"The more beautiful the model, the more aggressive you can be with the light", sage advice Karl - so true! A wonderful comparison with complete details. I appreciate your willingness to adjust your favorite modifier based on these results with this model. Clearly you have studied the results objectively. Bravo!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you Thomas.

[@AbhinavanandSingh]

Can't imagine photography without you!

[@funnybugsbunny]

Wow, this is not a comparison, it is a database!! Thanks

[@ghananatgeo]

You are truly the best. Always satisfied watching you.

[@shanebakerstudios]

There are a handful of top photographer channels I watch. I go to each one for different things. Karl, the information you provide and the way you provide it are unparalleled. This is a University level education you are providing and it looks like myself and thousands of others really value it. Thank you.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Very kind thank you.

[@Mphonik2013]

Karl this is great! I have about 18-20 modifiers and I know what they all do but seeing 25+ modifiers with the same model same shooting conditions is a great way to compare. Thanks for taking the time to do this!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks and welcome.

[@frankluo230]

Thank you Karl very much appreciated. The sheer amount of work involved to produce this comparison is remarkable. You not only provided the broadened knowledge in modifiers but also went in depth with each one of them. Unbelievable.

[@tayoakinmulero]

I cannot take for granted how much time you put into this. Absolutely incredible individual you are !!! Well done and thank you

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Wow, thank you!

[@luciano.armani]

Such a comprehensive study. great work!

[@WadihSaghieh]

I will subscribe to his courses just because of this video and tremendous effort put into it with such professionalism.

[@miguelsuarez1511]

Great as usual Mr. Taylor. Thanks!

[@drewsleyy3836]

for my own reference of my favorites: (all referenced against 150cm/59" octabox) 8:33 -- strip softbox 120 x 30cm (reduced fill reflector) 9:53 -- 75cm (29.5") octabox 13:38 -- 70cm (27.5") silver beauty dish 15:19 -- 34" parabolic reflector, "hard position" 15:49 -- 34" parabolic reflector, "soft position" 17:18 -- 47" parabolic reflector, "soft position" 21:50 -- Fresnel, "spot position" 25:43 -- P70 reflector with wide grid, then medium grid

[@jaimesilva3934]

Thank you so much for taking the time to compile this valuable information and share it with us.

[@jacquesvandenhoorn843]

Dear Karl, I've become accustomed to seeing a new, much appreciated, video of your hand appearing about every week. I haven't seen a new video for a few weeks now. I hope that you and your loved ones are doing well, and that there is no unpleasant reason behind it. Thanks again for all your great work. Best regards, Jacques

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks Jacques, all good thanks just extremely busy over at Karl Taylor Education so had to prioritise things!

[@jacquesvandenhoorn843]

@@VisualEducationStudio That's good news Karl! Good luck with your work.

[@varunchauhan5216]

Super informative content ! Thank you for doing this :)

[@Thomasmcse]

What a great comparison. Thanks!

[@youngblake]

amazing video & comparison explanation. This is like a college class on modifiers

[@Govannonart]

Wow, what huge work was done to make this video. Thanks a lot for doing that. Now it'll be easier to choose another modifier for my equipment. Best regards from Mother Russia

[@VisualEducationStudio]

You are welcome Nikolai!

[@knowingisbeing]

Extraordinary effort and experience on lighting. You are awesome Karl , i have been watching you from past 16years

[@cbplibra1012]

Thank you Karl, I've just spent my entire next paycheck!!!!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad to help Courtney!😂

[@danbrowning2418]

Fantastic video, Karl. Thank you!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

My pleasure

[@Mattrossphoto]

Super helpful! The man always delivers🙌

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Cheers.

[@josephchan4198]

This be great for upgrade from umbrella to another modifier. Thanks.

[@TMM6900]

Love the beauty dish look

[@michaellin2631]

Great test, thanks for sharing this comparison

[@salmonefotografia77]

At first, thank you for sharing, then let me watch this!!!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Cheers.

[@salmonefotografia77]

@@VisualEducationStudio Finished, this viedo is very useful for me, thanks a lot!

[@linkfactors]

Those Para's are absolutely stunning when it comes to the light quality and sculpting effect they produce. Maybe one day I can afford one, Lol. Another great demonstration, Karl. Appreciate what you do, and I really enjoy listening and watching you. Love this channel.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you for watching and commenting. Broncolor are definitely worth the investment however there are also other decent lighting modifier manufacturers out there to choose from

[@plyazcady]

Is the new godox parabolic 158 same concept for the paras?

[@anthonypc1]

wow this is an epic comparison video

[@CarlosDavidFoto]

Karl .. putting in the work. Well done!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Cheers Carlos

[@TheGazzadj]

I bet that was enlightening trying all the modifiers side by side and seeing the results.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Certainly was 💡💡💡💡💡

[@pedro_a_martins]

Great work! Thank you for the explanation and the examples

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@longliveclassicmusic]

The fascinating thing I just noticed in this about the true paras in the soft position is that you get extremely soft, flattering, but still crisp light on the model…BUT, you ALSO get a WAY darker background because from the vantage point of the background which is further away behind the model, the ring of light created inside the para falls outside of the modifier so to speak. From the vantage point of the background you wouldn't even see a ring of light, or any light really, reflecting off the modifier. It's a truly extraordinary phenomenon, seeing how really soft light is almost impossible to control in a studio. Even with v flats, far away walls, high ceilings, and black moving blankets on the floor, a standard soft light source has more surface area firing light on every portion of the background, providing far less falloff of light. But in the case of even a large, soft, true para, that simply isn't the case! So amazing! It's almost the same effect a grid has, but the problem with grids is they make the light harder on the subject because only so much of the illumination is visible from any particular point, unlike a para where the full light circle is unblocked within that plane of focus. Grids also still don't stop the center of the modifier firing fully onto the background, whereas this phenomenon with the para literally shuts it off from the background… Thanks for sharing these comparisons! As a studio photographer, I use paras as well as other modifiers regularly, but seeing the paras in this particular lineup, one modifier after the other, really shocked me when you got to them because of how suddenly the background was super dark but the subject super soft. I will definitely be using this knowledge to my advantage! 🔥

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you enjoyed it, cheers.

[@michaelbyz23]

Thank you Karl!!

[@sergio_x2487]

Really brilliant work!

[@zeljkomihalic55]

Absolute gem of a video. Thanks a lot!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Very welcome

[@seemoris]

TYSM!

[@EuricoDzivane]

This video is simply wonderful! A great guide for people like me.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad to hear it

[@erikpratama6039]

Correct me if im wrong, but i think the reason why the flutter and pulso shadow definition is less when in focus position rather than in flood position, is because when used in focus position the light is focused in central point but also creating penumbra in the outer portion. In contrary, when used in flood position due to frenel lens front optics it creating a collimated light that throws light straight forward hence the real function of fresnel light modifier. Anyway i did really enjoy your educational content and i do learn a lot from you in my photography journey. Best regards from Indonesia, Karl.

[@harvymckiernan93]

Wow! A phenomenal video Karl. There's certainly a lot of information in this. Although I understand the scientific principles, suddenly! Diffusion, contrast, inverse square law and parabolic focusing makes a whole lot more sense. This is definitely, "each modifier is equal to a thousand words" on light sculpture.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you enjoyed it Harvy, thank you.

[@mansouralba1987]

Man this guy is insane , the information you get from one of his videos is equivalent of 20 random videos in youtube. I subed to his website but my brain need little break after this one

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks!

[@danielblanco7507]

I love this 😍 thank you !!

[@andrewjones2045]

Another true and in depth, no BS comparison. Thank you for all your effort. I was wondering what your thoughts are on modifiers on modifiers ie; a sock on an umbrella, a diffusion panel on a parabolic or even a grid on a beauty dish. From what I saw in this video, it would seem counter intuitive in that you end up destroying the characteristics of your chosen modifier? I am not sure as I don’t have the resources to test it but it would seem to make sense. I see a lot of photographers place grids on modifiers but often think they’d be better served using flags so they benefit from the modifier they initially chose??? Cheers

[@VisualEducationStudio]

You hit the nail on the head there. In most cases those accessories take away that actual characteristics of what the modifier was designed to do so I also prefer flagging as a better option. Occasionally a very very thin diffusion on Parablolics can work the ones where you can still see the light through them. Honey Comb Grids on standard reflectors are very useful though as they are for making the light project just a small ball of light when necessary.

[@365potatochips2]

This is great video and education to understanding help photographer 👍👍 After I see this video now is more make sense between the all each differences modifiers

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Great to hear

[@arkstudios1]

Excellent, thank you.

[@hakeryk]

In few days I will be going to photography shop to buy my first lamps and modifiers so this is just perfect timing from You with this movie! :)

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Great glad to help.

[@veselinvasilev9362]

Thank you very much!

[@clementschoen5187]

Amazing Work here Karl well done !!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Many thanks!!

[@y0utube5uxx]

Karl, great video, and the tool itself is amazing. Thanks!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you like it!

[@dragonspitch4rk]

Watch listed! I’m just getting familiar with lighting concepts. Thanks!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

No worries, cheers.

[@lubanestube]

very useful video! Thank you Karl!

[@davidburton2294]

This is so great thanks!

[@ChemaGD]

Congrats great tool and great content you got!!!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks!

[@libertydigitalconcept884]

Sir, great video

[@alessandrozugno]

Awesome video Karl, you did a gigantic work

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@photographylerning]

so useful and informative karl, i've learnt a lot from your videos

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you think so

[@bulentkamali]

I am impressed

[@david-photography4903]

Fantastic video , thanks

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Voldein]

this is one for the ages, thank you so much for such amazing content

[@VisualEducationStudio]

My pleasure CatCat!

[@hearts4tv670]

i like soft light give magazine vibes

[@RS-Amsterdam]

Only at Karl Taylors, great video. What an eye opener seeing all those lights next to each other in comparison. Superb app too. You keep surprising us Karl, thanks for sharing.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you enjoyed it. We're going to continue developing the app

[@Chitownbrez]

Great, now to get every modifier I have to sell a kidney, lung and a liver.

[@frnkjones40]

I wasn't expecting that. I knew for sure the Para 133 would be my favorite. The 30 x 120 and the Flooter Fresnel shots thoroughly surprised me. I figured they would finish near last. Wrong. The Para 88 looks awesome.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks but it often depends on the model and their features as to which modifier will be the most effective.

[@frnkjones40]

@@VisualEducationStudio Agreed. Thank you for sharing such valuable information.

[@cedricphoo]

Nice video, may I know what strobe model do you use?

[@oneclickbeaute9244]

Great sir

[@grgygantz6760]

The Para 222 looks like it could be my favorite.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

It's one of mine too - beautiful piece of kit

[@KONEKOPHOTOGRAPHY]

Great video!!!!!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@187onaPigeon]

The satellite is very nice.

[@kristiyangoytchev3005]

D most broken comparison! GOOOD work mate!

[@jlesterhealthcare6555]

Your content is priceless thanks for the efforts you’ve put in 👏👏

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you.

[@thearabicdp]

I'd love to see this video done again on a product with some reflection

[@woodylinder338]

Great tour of your flashes that you have and the different results. I set up a big flash shooting into cheap silver umbrella through a scrim and got the nicest soft wrap around light. Have you tried that? Or is it a waste of time considering other methods available?

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Scrim lighting is covered extensively on our platform. Although it can be used as a large soft light source it's primary purpose is in creating gradient reflections in glossy surfaces such as product photography.

[@itswaleed6904]

The vedio was very useful thanks. Sir, my request is make a vedio on when to use direct flash,

[@borisbuchmann9697]

Thank you so much for your work - Not only for this Video! 👍 💪💪 Seeing these lightformers in comparison is outstanding! Hensel does have a PDF-sheet for downloading about the same subject, also.

[@masausuki1464]

The most respected lighting platform for professional photographers. He is not lying, I've got massively gained my knowledges and philosophy of photography by Karl. The monthly fee is NOTHING in front of the value you'll get on KTE. Trust me!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you Masa, much appreciated.

[@pawelecphoto]

Awesome modifier comparison, thank you for this Karl & team! I have the Octa 150 and Para 88 which are two of my fav modifiers, but I also have the Octa 75 and rarely use it... until now. I like the punchier contrast from it. Go #TeamBroncolor!

[@barryduff9839]

Wonderful and very informative. Nice custom light modifier. Made out of a microwave/satellite dish. :)

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you very much

[@lune28x]

Thanks for this video

[@VisualEducationStudio]

You're welcome.

[@alexeyrybakov2116]

Grazie!

[@Mara-xd7bg]

Some of them were shot from different distance, right? The perspective on model looks quite different in some cases

[@tubelator]

Top content!!!!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Cheers.

[@thomaspinches9518]

Excellent content - very useful! You sound like a fellow Devonian - could be wrong but I swear there's a south west twang...?

[@kevinnguyen3869]

Hey Karl, I'm a big fan of your portfolio and your contributions towards putting out free education for photographers however I was concerned if the distance of between you and the model factored in lens distortion as the shots were hand-held. I'm concerned about this because I thought it affected how much her face pops out of the photo in conjunction with the amount of contrast from the modifier.

[@mikebarker9187]

You need a make-me-taller-than-model filter. 😊 I really like your excellent videos.

[@RayValdezPhotography]

Great video. I also finally got my 222. Did you see that Godox is actually making real paras that look like copies of broncolor.

[@oliverlane4050]

An excellent video, I love the idea of the horizontal strip box, one of my favourite lights but never thought to use it like that 😀. Karl Taylor Education is a wonderful source of information and step by step tutorials and well worth the investment, I will certainly subscribe again when I am ready and able!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks Oliver.

[@omegaman1409]

There is a difference by using a beauty dish vs a softbox. Made the comparison some years ago.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Yes absolutely of course there is a big difference.

[@Hebhansen]

Hey Karl - Did you try out the Godox Parabolic system and what are your thoughts?

[@AlexOmana]

wow , i feel really poor hahaha, amazing video

[@johnmckay428]

brilliant

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Cheers

[@user-oc6mr1jr6s]

Karl, thinking about subscribing only for the product tutorials. I have 2 speed lights only - is that enough as strating point?

[@bobrob8839]

Brilliant video, Karl. The Para 133 has been listed as “more on the way” for as long as I can remember. So I’m going with another manufacturer here in the states for now. Thanks for this, cheers.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Cheers.

[@longliveclassicmusic]

There isn't "another manufacturer." 😂 Broncolor is practically "it." I use Glow Profond which is really really really close, probably the closest. But nobody does parabolic reflector like Broncolor. The others are generally not the correct exact shape.

[@bobrob8839]

@@longliveclassicmusic dynamite drop-in there.

[@iustitiaepervenit]

Thank you for the work you have done for us. I really would like to know this before I invested in my studio 😀😀 But I wanted to ask you whether all the pictures were edited with same settings, because some of them look more green than other and I wonder if it is the effect of the light or some settings. Would really apreciate your answer, because if the settings are exactly the same and color changed because of the modifiers, then I suppose I need to recognize that I don't know anything about light and modifiers)))

[@andyvan5692]

great effort, bet the model felt realy 'flash' after all of that shooting!!, but seriously other than the continuous lights and the pico light, what head/monolight flash did you put the umbrellas and the soft boxes onto? as I can't see any mention of this in the description either. and also if you could a follow up with flash/modifiers for still life and product photography would complete the set, especially as fashon is mostly what videos concentrate on, and would be an added insite into your and urs 's broncolor tutorials on composing these kind of shots, as you have the flash and modifier ready to go, and for us starting out as pros, or these genre's of photography a look into the options is a good place to start.

[@PeteEH]

Absolute legend! One thing came to mind. What if you use an edge mask that only reveals the edge of the softbox, umbrella etc. to mimic the para in soft position?

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks, yes the edge mask on soft boxes also provides another look. We have many other lighting scenarios covered on KTE.

[@ChloexLashay]

I’m interested in seeing how the new lanterns modifiers compare to the other modifiers you tested 🧐

[@marcodibari5713]

I'm very tempted to get a standar reflector with a good selection of honeycomb to get into studio light photography 🤔...this video is soo amazing but also give all many choices that is hard to choose

[@ezzstudio-j6h]

great effort!! thank you karl, i have godox tools and i notice huge color temp difference between every modifier and i saw the same issue with the results so may i ask how do you solve that in your images?

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Yes I find softboxes often run a bit warmer in all brands

[@therealiamlove]

Is it possible to do a video continuing as a series part to this video. Not super extensive but to show some comparisons when adjusting exposure levels in post?