Parabolic Reflectors Compared - Budget vs Expensive

Parabolic reflectors are one of my favourite modifiers, but due to the price of them, many photographers often try to find more economic solutions compared to some of the top brands. (bit.ly/paraboli...)
But how do these more budget options actually perform compared to the top brands?
In this video, you can see the results yourself after I did a direct comparison between two different brands of parabolic modifiers.
I also tried a hack to try and make a cheap parabolic softbox modifier work more effectively.
See the results in detail: bit.ly/paraboli...
Parabolic Reflectors Video: • Why PARABOLIC LIGHTING...
Parabolic Softboxes Video: • The Myth of Parabolic ...
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[@joseph-the-seventh]

The broncolor is in a league of its own. If you can afford one (and know how to use it) your portraits will have that special quality to them. Having said that, I can’t help but think that the law of diminishing returns applies here. But for some people that “sculpted” light will be worth the investment.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Yes sometimes the final differences are very subtle and hard to define but viewers subconsciously 'see' them. I've run tests asking people which picture they prefer and they nearly always choose the one I hoped for but if you ask them to explain why they find it very difficult as they are unable to describe the differences as their is very little language to do so.

[@longliveclassicmusic]

Would love to see the Brons compared to the Glow Profond reverse mounted paras. I now own both the 4-foot version and the 6-foot version. Unlike the "cheap" version in this video, the Glow version has an interior silver material similar to the Broncolor version, and I find that it does in fact get a very distinctive ring unlike the cheap one here. But I would still love to see them compared! Fabulous video!

[@samcooper5539]

I second the Profond comparison. Maybe Adorama would be willing to send one across the pond!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you enjoyed the video, hopefully they'll send me one to test.

[@AnthonyWilson247]

Thanks for the video Karl! I also have a Glow Profond and find it performs much better than the cheap one in the video. It also can generate similar light patterns to what you would expect from such a modifier. No doubt not as perfect as the Bron but way better than cheap one in the video.

[@returntohome330]

Thanks for this comment because every company labels everything parabolic it's hard to find true parabolic modifiers. If you or someone else knows of any others I'd like to hear of them!.

[@josephchan4198]

Hope to see more sample videos this Spring. Great work as always.

[@SonofRobinson-lo5qo]

It's GREAT and USEFUL !!! Thanks Master.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

You are welcome!

[@vewert.photography]

Would have loved to see a comparison with the Parabolix system, since it is more expensive than the pixapro, yet also appears to be of a much higher quality, and also still way less expensive than the Broncolor setup. Anyways, thanks for the content! Appreciate the comparison with the pixapro. Now, I can erase it from my shopping list without hesitation.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Yes I hope they send me one for a test sometime.

[@sburgos9621]

Someone did a comparison albeit not very accurately because they failed to keep many factors controlled between the the modifiers they were comparing. Even though that is the case I see a similarity between the effect of the parabolix reflective material to the pixapro material most likely due to that fact that they both have a stippled texturized interior as opposed to the broncolor which is smoother. Because of that I would assume they both suffer from similar issues.

[@rejeanbrandt]

Would love to see a comparison using a Parabolix brand parabolic modifier.

[@kevinrinaldo8304]

I guess it will never happen :'(

[@RUMBLEKATmule]

Thanks again Karl for adding some sanity to the YT photog community! Hopefully the godox/dpreview fanboys dont attack ;). I was also shocked at the terrible colourcast (?) of the fake paras. The skin tones seemed so yellow to me compared with the Bron.

[@genin69]

you are the only guy out there that seems to know what a parabolic light modifier is. so many videos showing 16 sided softboxes deceiving people into thinking they are parabolic light modifiers

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks.

[@eriztonoqarzwoss]

This is an excellent video. But the snarky replies to comments are a turn-off

[@anthonysheridan8057]

I think parabolic reflectors would be great if you have the budget. But I also think you can get a very similar effect by using 2 or more lights/modifiers for a fraction of the price. Even with one light and tweak it in post. However there's definitely advantages of paras with regards to saving time.

[@CalliopePresents]

Very informative! I hope Cheetah Stand sends you their QPB-48" with focusing rod, and Glow their Profond Quick-Open 47.2 Deep Parabolic Softbox with Focusing Rod System

[@GilbertCarosinPhotography]

yep but the broncolor while a clear winner is 4 month salary here in Mauritius island so i.ll keep using my cheap 120 para and add light or reflector to create dimentionality .... the real advantage of this is of course you set one light and you good to go without any aditionnal lighting setup it is so a real time saver and ease your workflow...correct me if i am wrong but it looks like this is working like a huge beauty dish ;)

[@jlwilliams]

During my newspaper days, our photo studio had two ancient portrait lights that consisted of rigid parabolic reflectors about three feet in diameter, made of polished metal and mounted on wheeled cast-iron stands. Each had a shielded 250-watt photoflood lamp mounted at the reflector's exact focus. These produced marvelously crisp light, but they also focused so much heat on the subject that most people couldn't stand more than three or four shots! This may have something to do with why modern paras use faceted or matte reflecting fabrics... although as Karl's excellent demonstration showed, it doesn’t matter what kind of fabric is used if the reflector's structure can't maintain a true parabolic shape.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Hi JL yes the bigger paras such as the 222 have a shinier surface to make the light 'crisper' because it is bigger and therefore also softer. If a true mirrored surface were used in paras such as the 133 they would be too aggressive like the rigid ones you mentioned.

[@RichMaciverPhoto]

Karl you've nailed it! What a great breakdown and comparison, top notch.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you Rich.

[@azeemsher6568]

5:20 wasn't expecting that😂😂😂😂

[@RichMaciverPhoto]

And just acting like it was nothing! haha 😂

[@azeemsher6568]

@@RichMaciverPhoto ikr😂😂😂😂

[@HDEFMAN1]

I did find this video useful and enjoyable to watch.

[@sternschnupper]

the hacked one with the light further out would be super interesting, how close it then comes to the real parabolic reflector!

[@ChundomanX]

Can i have a link for the central focus rod?

[@BizSustain]

I would be interested in a comparison and review of the Godox true parabolic reflector - not softbox - line (vs Broncolor Para line).

[@adsertheblade]

Karl, you are, quite simply a wonderful educator. Can't wait to see the comparison with the octobox. You channel has taught me so much. Thanks BTW, I noticed you had a model that didn't feel the need to undulate, and do all that weird stuff that gives, what I would consider unnatural looks, after all, humans don't tend to have their hands and faces in those positions. I'm assuming the gyrating is a trendy thing that models do to look interesting. Was this one a breath of fresh air for you?

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you very much. For this sort of test then it is best that the model maintains a consistent simple pose for us to more easily evaluate the results. In my usual fashion work which you can view on Karl Taylor dot com - you will find some many other poses, especially jumping shots which I like. Yes you are correct many poses you see in fashion are quite bizarre, as you say, to make them more interesting. Some of them I don't mind but others are not to my liking.

[@Filokalee999]

Thanks a lot for providing such insight on parabolic reflectors, Karl! I didn't noticed at first that Brittany (model) was holding a color checker passport. Just curious ... was it used to adjust white balance of images or a full color profile was generated? Did parabolic reflectors made any shift on the colors?

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Hi just the white balance and yes there was a difference between the three because of their respective reflective materials. Although that occurs across many modifiers from beauty dishes to umbrellas and softboxes.

[@enricomarconi8358]

Agreed! The Para 133 is stunning - I shoot with it and it's unbelievable. At the end of the day, you get what you pay for...

[@잔망루피-w8m]

Hello. I have a question. I'm curious about the difference between using a parabolic diffuser and a regular Fresnel lens by adjusting the angle (e.g., 30 degrees, 40 degrees, etc.). The reflection of light on the subject and the direct contact.. Is there any difference beyond that?

[@sternschnupper]

Karl, i recently had an idea to improve the hacked one in the soft position: the main benefit of the true para there is that it basically acts as a big ring of light - so could the hacked one considerably be improved by shading of the central part? (maybe ideally with some cone shape reflecting even more light to the outer ring?)

[@cecilsharps]

Thank you for the video.

[@anhquyenvuong9658]

Hope you test Glow and Parabolix brand, thanks!

[@LuisGabrielPhotography]

I tested both and the Parabolix is MUCH closer to the Broncolor. The Godox was a big let down

[@karlbratby4349]

Nice comparison. However have you tried the born para with the bron ring flash, this creates the pure para look it was designed for. when I had the 220 combined with the ring flash it was sublime, tilting the ring flash slightly created even more creative possibilities not to mention some stunning catchlights even when using with the Diffuser 1 fabric. The ring flash combined with the smaller para 88 was not so successful though.

[@FotoSession]

I would love to see a comparison between the parabolix and the broncolor system

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Me too, let's hope they send me some kit.

[@cubul32]

@Karl Taylor - what is the ceiling height in your studio? Do you have any vid talking about your work space? Just curious what features, space wise, you found useful for you; I understand your needs might not be my needs.

[@Noname-yu8qw]

The expensive one is better, but most people and photographers won't really notice the difference and if you can't afford it easily it's better to buy the chip one. And the extra quality that you get from the expensive one won't really get your clients excited enough to pay more ;) but if money is not a problem for you then for sure you should go for the expensive one

[@vodoo5553]

Great channel. Just a quick question. If you cant reverse mount your head so its pointing into the reflector allowing you move it back and forth is there any point having a paraboloic ? My flash head would have mounted at the back focusing out (AD200) am I better off getting a beauty dish Glow EZ lock I shoot more physiques

[@mavfan1]

Thanks for showing the Broncolor isn’t really any better than the others.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you for explaining to us your visual deficit.

[@memcrew1]

@@VisualEducationStudio 😂

[@os6219]

Edifying. Acknowledged. Thank you 😊

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Welcome!

[@EzdoesitPro]

incredible information! I currently use the Glow Ezlock Parabolic and this kinda makes me want to see if its able to be hacked as well. Whats your take on that brand?

[@dantan357]

Does bron have a Hmi version I would like to use this for video work

[@VisualEducationStudio]

They used to do a series of great HMI lights but I don't think they make them anymore

[@dantan357]

@@VisualEducationStudio thanks I’m looking to shoot video with a briese but they are super expensive I was hoping to find a alternative

[@banuphotography]

Always top quality content 🙏😍. Thank you

[@VisualEducationStudio]

My pleasure!

[@tanegaranchu]

Seems like there is a new kid in town. Godox Parabolic 88. The new line seems to have Replicated the shape and has 24 ribs too. Be great to see an update of this video and see how it does.

[@olbtube]

Very nice comparison, thank you! As the qualities of the parabolic reflector seem to increase with the reflectivity of the inside, could you explain what to expect if the reflective part was mirror-like? Would it be overdone and too hard then? You mention the "right level" of specularity, hence my question. Thanks!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

It's a very good point. Good paras increase their reflective material the bigger the para, so for example the Para 222 and 333 have a shinier material to compensate because being a larger light they are softer. A completely shiny material on the Para 133 or 88 would be too aggressive for their size, which is why the 88 also has a slightly less shiny material than the 133.

[@olbtube]

@@VisualEducationStudio Clear! Thanks again for sharing your knowledge!

[@anttiranki3690]

Hi Karl! Question, I see that your paras are on a "t-bar/stand" which is on a large combo stand. Any idea where I could get one of those T-bars or what they are called?

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Hi Antti, see this video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZmaqKyFismLgZo

[@speterlewis]

As always, extremely helpful. And in all your videos, I drool over your high ceilings... :-)

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks Peter, Ah yes they are 6m at the highest point and 5m at the lowest, although this comes with it's own set of problems as every time we need to do proper rigging we need to rent one of those mini bucket cranes.

[@RobJorg]

good video Karl, thanks.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks.

[@hashimqureishi8562]

Which para to purchase if we can afford only one for full body fashion shoot. Para222 or 133

[@VisualEducationStudio]

If you need to do full body then it has to be the 222

[@mordavian]

Broncolor has 24 petals?

[@DiviPhotos]

Cool video

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks.

[@utube321piotr]

Para133 costs 3kUSD in my country, incredible result for incredible cost. The hacked reflector made girls skin green and very unnatural.

[@fatihyasinsonduren]

no different for me

[@flamixin]

I found the green cast on the hacked version is disgusting. 😨

[@iamtheblackwizard914]

Britney is beautiful!

[@pablovi77]

The sad thing is, they’re not even cheap.

[@flashforum939]

Would be interesting to see the Broncolor Para compared to the Godox Parabolic reflector - they should both follow the exact shape but I have seen different results regardless

[@NoWahBelair]

Have you ever used the paras by Parabolix

[@alonvisuals449]

I'm sorry but the fake frustration at 2:38 thats supposed to be showing how much better Broncolors overpriced stuff is, is just absolutely hysterical. Oscar worthy, nice commercial :D

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Hi Bouncy, there was no acting (or ever is) in my videos unless you take Star Wars meme we did once. The focusing rod on that para was stiffer than your wallet. Please try one your self it was ridiculous.

[@cowboyyoga]

Karl... all of your videos are way more then useful! You are an amazing teacher and bring out a deep perspective to details that we have to learn to pay attention to. Thank you for making another video that is free here on KZbin. Thank you very much for your constant generosity !

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks Gary much appreciated.

[@tlukasiewicz6433]

I noticed the Para 133 has the 24 spoke configuration. I wonder how that compares to the Godox 158 that also has 24 spokes. Do you have any experience with that version and can you share your thoughts?

[@MrRandomatom]

I have to say, the moment when Sir Karl emerges from under the “nearly useless parabolic soft box” is among the most unexpected and profoundly comical moments in cinematic history. Well played, sir. Well played!

[@PeteEH]

I bought a set of 3 different size "parabolic" soft boxes. I didn't buy them for the parabolic shape, I bought them because they were snap open -type, quick to set up and store when using at home. But their depth does take way too much space when open, especially at home where there's not too much space to begin with...

[@danielzurakowski6358]

I hate these videos, because they make me want to sell my both livers LoL But seriously, the quality of light that Broncolor Para is producing is outstanding! I'm curious how do some softboxes with a deflector compare to Para, like Phottix Raja. I suppose the idea is to get a light quality similar to a beauty dish, but it would be interesting to see them in different combinations (deflector only, deflector + single diffuser etc.) compared to Para :)

[@christophstoebich]

you only have one liver :)

[@danielzurakowski6358]

@@christophstoebich Oh, indeed LoL I meant 2x kidney ;P

[@samrjuliea]

I wish Godox would send you a Godox Parabolic 128 Reflector Kit (47.2") for a comparison. The reviews on it sound promising, but want to know against the Broncolor Para 133 as it is basically the standard.

[@returntohome330]

I think the closest you can get to a parabolic without the cost is with a silver umbrella. But they will not focus power like a true parabolic due to the shape!.

[@VIDDTHEDESIGNER]

You can move the umbrella spoke more in to focus a bit more.

[@mroblige1018]

Just get an umbrella and put silver kraft tape inside of it. There you go. Hundreds of dollars saved

[@2011troya]

I’m curious, what is that light that is being used with the reflector? Is it also a Broncolour product?

[@Strravaganza]

I read the comments. I'm probably the only one who didn't like the light of these huge and useless things at all. At least the effect is not worth the money spent.

[@jnf1270]

you get what you pay for, good video. Thank you.

[@thatcreole9913]

I’d love to be an intern for this guy. His videos always teach me something.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Ha thanks and glad to hear but with the current situation we can barely get in the studio ourselves!

[@Govannonart]

@@VisualEducationStudio that's a pity. Hope soon this nightmare will be over PS. Would like to become your intern as well. But, I live in Russia )))

[@Theblesspodcast.]

Will these tip work for work for video as well

[@jaycho6747]

Thanks for reminding us poor people. 😭

[@winters3]

I use the para133 and i'm more than happy

[@leonardovillardo3059]

you saved me a LOT of money with your previous videos. here in Brazil this type of gear is VERY expensive... broncolor is almost unachievable for most photogs. I needed a simple good reflector... and a nice parabolic umbrella from a mainstream brand made it perfectly. I almost burned money with a para"soft"nothing. Thanks a LOT!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad to help!

[@alhardy1644]

How would it compare to the Godox?

[@allanmenard1651]

This is great. Thanks. Have you looked at or tested Parablix from LA? They are half the price or Bron-colour, and quite honestly I could afford a house before I could afford one of them.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

I have heard of them but not tested their products, hopefully they'll send one. I'd like to compare more but as you can imagine unfortunately I can't buy every brand for these tests.

[@allanmenard1651]

@@VisualEducationStudio I hope you send them a request. I am quite curious.

[@Ib3119cz]

pizza Pro🍕😂

[@bp-blackshark]

On the surface from the "cheap" parabolic reflector fabric are a lot of wrinkels...wrinkels, i don´t have on my Jinbei 120cm deep reflective softbox (which is also a parabolic reflector with the additional focus system). Cheap doesnt´t always mean: cheap/bad made. I am proficient with sewing machines, so i can spot poorly sewn fabrics. On the other hand, the broncolor mechanism - especially on the 177 and 222 - is way stronger than other constructions, to be able to stretch the fabric. This is also a reason for other brands, to choose their reflective material. Fabrics with more elasticity seems not to be as shiny as stiff materials. (elasticity: the ability of stretching diagonal) So the reflective fabric from my Jinbei 120cm deep reflective softbox is looking more like "softsilver", but it will give me perfect reflections from its 18 seamless smooth surfaces. If you keep in mind, that the complete set (softbox + 2 diffuser + grid + focus system) will only cost you 240€ in total, there isn´t anything, you could complain about it. Oh, and i guess, that the size from your location will also influence your choice from the parabolic reflector you would need (efficiency). In my case it´s my livingroom, which have about 2,80m x 3,50m open space between the bookcases. So the "weakness" from the a little bit less efficient reflective fabric is probably a benefit. Do i really need a reflector, where my eyes are starting to bleed? Lol! I also have the Elinchrome 120cm Litemotiv, which i bought many years ago. It has a "traditional" softbox design. It was made with a big slit on the bottom, so you could use a second lighting stand to simulate a "focus system". The fabric from the Elinchrome Litemotiv is more reflective...but it have the collar at the backside, so the 16 surfaces aren´t seamless. What i did like a lot on the Litemotiv, was the special heavy duty bracket...the Litemotive didn´t hang on your monolights...the monolights did hang on your Litemotive! So as a softbox or like a directional reflector, it´s very well balanced. Today there is also a focus system for the Litemotiv available, which would cost me about 480€. Then last year, i saw the Jinbei 120cm deep reflective softbox + focus system together for 240€, and thought:"Ok, i will give it a try!" What should i say...i was very impressed. A ready assembled construction, with a "click" system for each rod. You can use it as a directional reflector or, with the two diffuser fabrics, as a softbox...or with the additional focus system, as a focusable deep indirectional reflector. This year, i did also invest into some GODOX studio flash`s (2x QT600II + 1x AD600Pro...replacements for my old stuff), where i also got an lightweight external flashhead for the AD600Pro, which makes a LOT more sense on a focus system than a 3kg monolight. This external flashhead is turning your AD600Pro monolight into a mini-generator with a 600W flashhead on a cable. With that, i was able to reduce the counterweight on the focus system a lot! I don´t get a "thick neck" during the adjusting from the focus position from the flashhead, like you did show with the cheap parabolic reflector focus system. The things are out there, you only have to put them together, to get a "working system". Would i buy the Elinchrome Litemotive again with the knowledge, that Jinbei deep reflective softboxes are existing? Probably yes...because the Litemotiv is the "better" softbox...and you also can use gigantic flat TERA softboxes from Aurora Lite Bank on the heavy duty bracket (190cm diameter/66cm deep and 250cm diameter/70cm deep). The Jinbei deep reflective softbox + focus system is a nonbrainer...you get way to much stuff for the money. The Broncolor paras on the other hand are way out of my range. To expensive, to justify even a single one of them. There is a "pricewall", like for Hasselblads and Phase One´s...and Profoto. I think, there is a place for different parabolic reflectors on the market...like there is a place for silver or white beauty dishes. If it fits your taste, and...your wallet, why not?

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Yes you're right there is a place for everything and it's interesting to hear the solutions that people come up with. None of this is that important though, it's just nerd stuff - some of my best photos were taken with one bare bulb light and my own home made modifiers. The most important thing is the narrative and what the pictures says. I posted an image on my instagram feed yesterday that has been hugely popular, it used one basic softbox and one background light and one small snoot. That image has gone down much better than others where I've used lots of kit. It's always the emotion and the narrative that wins.

[@robertocovelli6826]

Karl got a good return making this ad for Broncolor. 95 % of the photografers use the cheap stuff and no matter what Broncolor does , it wont change

[@VisualEducationStudio]

We don't get any return at all from broncolor for this video or any others where we've shown their products, but I'm happy to be an ambassador for them as they make really good kit which I've been using for over a 15 years. In the past we have made videos directly for them such as the 'how to' series on their website and those videos we get paid to produce for them. For this video and others like it we make them to test things and for the audience to enjoy, if you have any particular comparisons you would like us to make we will happily make them if someone send us the products to compare.

[@JacekWPhoto]

If you could get the phottix Raja 150cm with a dish reflector you woule be supprised how nice it looks. It is more of a beauty dish construction with no focusing, but the construction and glossy silver inside gives a 150cm ring light with specular highlights and a middle small circle of light. If someone wants the soft defocused look of a para, this may be the cheepest solution available. It holds it's shape, has a quick setup with umbrella construction and is fairly lightweight.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

I'll have to see if they can send me one for a test. Thanks for your comments.

[@danielzurakowski6358]

I wrote my comment before reading yours and guess what - I did suggest comparing Para to Rajas with their reflector discs ;D Seems your videos left me with some serious conciderstions about them ;) Para is way out of my reach at the moment hence I'd love to see Karl comparing those modifiers to see if Rajas are capable of producing better light quality than those para-like solutions tested in this video.

[@JacekWPhoto]

@@VisualEducationStudio if you don't mind, I can try to arrange Phottix to send one to you. Will I be able to find your studio address online?

[@VisualEducationStudio]

If you find the contact page on karl taylor dot com the address will be there

[@JacekWPhoto]

@@VisualEducationStudio I passed the message and someone should be in contact with you :)

[@everardwilliams1008]

Karl

[@tubelator]

Ok.. if you are a superpro the broncolor is nice, but 3500$ vs 150$... :) Let's keep it real if your not working for Vogue and Esquire :)

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Yes let's make all youtube videos about speedlites and a $50 umbrella.

[@IAmSamuelCharpentier]

You should check out the new parabolics from Godox, with focusing rod and all

[@LuisGabrielPhotography]

Not a good one. I tested them and the one that was very close was Parabolix

[@Sipp.Purr.Repeat]

Karl Taylor once said *"Parabolic Softbox"*

[@VisualEducationStudio]

I said Parabolic Softboxes are a waste of time in another video

[@PhotoArtBrussels]

Thank you for the extra work to make the comparison. I have learned (by cost of buying) that indeed i better stick with all the abilities more standard, less expecive light modifiers. They already provide a huge amount of possibilities, and some things i'll simply not be able to do. Something i did test, with a cool result is using a 1.8m silver (smooth surface) umbrella and putting a disk (white cardboard cutout) in front of the strobe; the result was indeed a reflection in the eyes a bit like the para in soft setting. Cheap and cheerful, but a cool effect non the less.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks for your comments, it's great to try stuff like that, I've got loads of 'home made' lighting bits of kit in my studio too.

[@noenken]

Would really like to see how the new godox reflector holds up against the Bbon. Roughly 1/3 the cost, seemingly built well enough and has a non textured interior surface.

[@aradhyakumar7383]

Actually want the comparison myself. Only a few can afford the broncolor paras but if the godox ones come close to these it would be accessible to a ton of people in the industry.

[@ingadreamer]

Hard to say smth when colour temperature is too warm

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Our apologies this one might be more to your liking - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGK8imSHmctlm8k

[@rebelwwg1wga431]

Karl..please compare to godox

[@LuisGabrielPhotography]

I tested it. I was VERY disappointed with the Godox. The Parabolix is much closer to the Broncolor: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpa2goiEZa-trpYsi=gCp-P6RBoPlB0qm3

[@infamismworldwild6248]

Thank you for the explanation, learned something new & useful today

[@rajsabareeshramalingam9927]

Why's the light hard when it's close and soft when it's far?

[@Chevy-jordan]

The inside of the parabolic shape is a smaller circumference - smaller light source means harder light (think of the sun on a clear day ☀️ or a torch). When “far” on the outside of the parabolic shape it’s a larger circumference - larger light source means softer light (think of a big window or a cloudy day ☁️ ) . Hope this helps :)

[@rajsabareeshramalingam9927]

@@Chevy-jordan Thanks. Understood clearly :)

[@framebyframegames]

That model is a nightmare. Her skin is 10 different colors.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

The models skin is the same, what you will find is that each lighting modifier will have it's own tint and if you don't use a checker card to neutralise then that will be picked up.

[@framebyframegames]

@@VisualEducationStudio That's interesting. Her body is very yellow while her face is far more red. This is a body value #966e32 and this a face value #d89067. The hue is radically different and I don't envy anybody who had to edit it.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Oh I see what you mean, i don't really know. It might be make up. I didn't really look at it from that point of view as the files are straight out of camera for the simplicity of the lighting tests.

[@RickMentore]

The difference is negligible, I sense a bit of the "Kings robe syndrome." in most of the comments! I cant imagine an editor or client refusing an image that was shot with the cheaper reflector, on grounds that, "there is an imbalance in the quality of light."

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Hi Rick, yes sometimes the differences are small and it does depend on personal taste. Personally I still love the look of a silver beauty dish which is much less expensive.

[@RickMentore]

@@VisualEducationStudio So cool of you to respond, KT. This video premiered in Feb. and you are still responding to comments, that denotes a commitment to your service; most commendable. Your videos are essential service to the online photo community!

[@messylaura]

forward planning, April 1st is coming up Karl, a spoof vid on cheap versus expensive models would be fun i'll be looking forward to the octobox comparison, i was eyeing up a metal incinerater lid the other day, the type like to old metal dustbins, i thought that might be interesting polished up on the inside as a reflector........

[@nateiverson8681]

Pricing those broncolor reflectors is painful! The para 222 is a single light modifier that costs as much as all of my photography gear put together. Renting is really my only option to use these. Not even sure if I can rent one locally, but I guess I migth try some day. Thanks for the video!

[@bala1000mina]

Thank you so much Karl for the helpful comparative video!

[@guydesgroseilliers34]

I might purchase a broncolor but im wondering wich size should i begin with.

[@josephdrawns201]

I wish he compared the profond parabolic reflector

[@Govannonart]

I was thinking about getting one for myself, but more budget version. Now, hell no. Better will stick to octabox. And today I got my hands on a Jinbei HD-610 pro strobe. Will shoot more outside with a studio light :-) As usual, thanks a ton for the knowledge you share, Karl. Best regards from Mother Russia

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks Nikolai.

[@piotrgorajek1289]

Aha! 6:45 mr light meter in eyes

[@paulpayne6373]

It is too obvious to me that Karl loves the Broncolor brand. I would not be surprised if the company sponsors him. The Pixapro costs $250 compared to $4 500 for the Broncolor. At that price difference the results shouldn't be that close. It would have been interesting if Karl didn't say which was which and let the viewers decide which photos were best. There is nothing wrong with liking a product but one should give the impression that it is the only useful product.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

I did a live show on my platform yesterday using Godox lights and modifiers, I've done others with Elinchrom and Speedlites. You'll even find two recent youtube videos on our channel showing me get great results with Speedlites and sometimes even desklamps. I'm an ambassador for broncolor in that I think their kit is the best there is and I use it in my day to day work. But I have no contractual obligations or sponsorship from anyone so I can say what the **** I like.

[@raydunn3501]

Hi Karl,,, For me,,, you only get what you pay for,,, with anything ,,, the bron was visually better by far,,, which is why you as a pro bought if,,, Your photos stand out with quality, thats why you have to stay in that league of expensive equipment,,, Yes you can obtain good and accepable images with lesser models,,, but for someone of your high standard,,, then the best is the best.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks Ray and yes that old adage of you get what you pay for usually rings true!

[@NickNightingaleYT]

Hey guys, in the US market there is a brand by Adorama called GLOW that markets parabolic focusing modifiers. They are affordable and have worked as advertised for me. Buuuuuut, I'd like to see one in Karl's studio for the blessing. :-) I think they go by the name Glow Profond.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Well like I said at the end of the video hopefully other brands would like to send me theirs for a proper test.

[@josephchan4198]

I am glad I signed up for your website and watch your youtube channel. Learned a lot. Wish you great success this year.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you so much and glad you enjoy our platform.

[@mariuszkedzior1541]

I didn't know anything about light in photography, but now I am an inch closure in my 100 miles journey. Thanks You for your time. It was great explanation. I was thinking till now - light need to be soft, and even with that knowledge I didn't, and still don't know how to achieve, but I'm try to learn from free video, but one day that probably won't be enough.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

My pleasure!

[@Neopulse00]

I wanted to ask something very specific Karl if possible. When it comes to the glass domes, do you think frosted glass domes perform better when taking a portrait shot? Or do you think the clear glass dome is preferable?

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Hi, I've not noticed any difference between a frosted or clear dome in a para, a frosted dome is essential in fresnels such as the Flooter to avoid and image forming of the flash tube. The other benefit of a frosted dome is when using diffusion scrims but not a huge benefit.

[@ricardodurand422]

Can you please review the Glow Profond Quick-Open Deep Parabolic Softbox. As a budget friendly one.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

If they please send me some.

[@SpecialVeloce]

Thanks Karl, for a starting pro really a good motivation to invest in the proper way. Would this kind of reflector work for wedding Photography? I had good results with a profoto softbox but never used parabolic reflectors and i was very tempted to try the parabolic softbox

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Yes, absolutely, I have friends who are wedding photographers and they like a couple of 88s for portability.