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5.0 out of 5
100.00% of customers are satisfied
5.0 out of 5 stars Unique Illuminative Qualities.
A photographer, that is, someone whose means of self-expression is realized through the creative use of light, and whose relationship with that medium is surely no less intimate than that of a sailor’s relationship is to the wind, understands that the main subject of any photograph is light. Because if light weren’t there, neither would anything else; a photographer records light.The Raleno Parabolic Softbox is a “Light Modifier,” as such, it takes raw, unmodified light from an original source, and by virtue of its shape, the nature of its interior reflective surfaces, and the translucent materials it’s directed through, until it finally illuminates the subject of interest with an altered luminosity, or light “modified” from its original state. How the light is modified and the resultant quality are the creative choices of the user.In my opinion, the light that the Raleno Parabolic Softbox is capable of emitting is not only unique, but versatile as well. In the brief testing I’ve done so far, I’ve found it to be capable of a directional light with a wide latitude, or dynamic range; directional, that gradates off pleasingly, and softly. It’s not the light I’d use for a dramatic effect, however, when detail is desired throughout the contrast range, I found it to be exceptional.The front surface is basically a meter in diameter and, like any “softbox,” can be used in whole, flagged, gobo’ed or carded to reduce the area of output to suit the subject at hand. Used on a boom and correctly flagged, it can be placed above and behind the subject, whereby the subject is then lit with its reflected light. In other tests, I pointed the light perpendicular to the subject and camera lens, and by carding off the edge closest to the subject, it gradates beautifully across the background while maintaining glowing skin tones. In other words, the subject is lit only by the most distant edge of the Raleno Softbox, the one closest to the camera.As a reference, the balsawood milliners mold used in the pictures I’ve included has tones similar to those of light Caucasian skin. As is evident from the shadows, the light is above and pointed down on the mold. The Raleno Softbox is the only source of light; no reflectors are in use. The light is more to the side than the front and relatively close to the subject (less than a meter), generally increasing contrast. Nonetheless, there is tone throughout the range, in both the highlights and the shadows. Light on the background is controlled without cards by turning the light away from it, while the subject remains lit; this variation of background tone can be seen in the pictures. This is can be a compelling effect when used with mottled background surfaces.The pictures shown were shot using both of the diffusers in place along with the honeycomb grid. Using a 120W LED at full power, the exposure was f4 @ 1/125 with the camera set to an ISO of 400; the front of the light about 30” from the subject, very usable settings for fashion, beauty and portraiture. Different configurations of the grid and diffusers open up other creative possibilities, as well as the use of strobes. For my work, the Raleno Parabolic Softbox (“softcircle”) is likely to be my go-to light modifier going forward as I get to know it better.The body of the Softbox appears to be made from parachute nylon and has sewn seams along each of its sixteen flex poles. Flaps with Velcro style closures keep light from escaping at the juncture of the poles and Bowens mount. A great deal of the reason that this softbox has the qualities it does is attributable to it’s true parabolic shape, the integrity of which is due to the use of sixteen flex poles, one every seven inches. That continuity of shape wouldn’t be possible using fewer poles, nor would the quality of light be the same. That amount of detail incorporated into its construction makes the Raleno Softbox a good value at its current price.The Raleno softbox doesn’t incorporate a quick release system, each pole is flexed and released individually, however, it doesn’t take much time to set up or breakdown. In addition, once the diffusers and grid are attached, if so desired, the softbox can be folded for storage with them left in place. A storage case with carry strap is provided along with a photographically illustrated user manual.The output quality of any light modifier is a function of the synergistic effect of the culmination of each of its components; its shape, materials, diffusion, dimensions, and so forth. Occasionally, a myriad of confluences comes together to create a captivating source of illumination; I believe I’ve found such a source by way of the Raleno Parabolic Softcircle.
5.0 out of 5 stars Works wonders - a couple of tiny issues and it would be perfect for me!
Disclaimer: I've been working with parabolic diffusers and china lantern on and off for a short while, so working with them is relatively new for me.Having said that, the RALENO does control and diffuse the light very well, controlling spill but with a wide enough angle for more than just a single subject.Like the competition (name brands), the inside is foil colored, reflective, comes with two layers of diffusion, the small one that goes near the fixture and the the large one that attaches on the other end, closer to the subject. Plus, of course, the honeycomb attachment all of the above with hoop and loop straps.I was concerned about it being too large for my 60W FOBs but, as you can see in my photo, it works perfectly - you're looking at 50% intensity on the lamp!My tiny issues with it - the opening it up is not as easy as the manufacturer would have you believe. Yes, it has the couplings so all you do is pull each rib out until it clicks into place but, oh my goodness, did it take me time and effort. Be patient and give yourself plenty of time to set up if you work alone as I do. If you have a crew, let them deal with it!I was scared I might rip the fabric in the process, but it is sturdy and has hoop and loop openings around the bell that will allow you to fiddle with it - and fiddle you will! Oof! LOLI personally tend to use their large diffusion only, plus the honeycomb and leave those on all the time in y other parabolic diffusers. I'm definitely doing that with this one as well.The diffuser is heavy, the part that attaches to your Bowens mount is heavy as well so just be aware of the weight you're adding to the stand and the actual mount on your lamps or adapters.The other tiny detail is the carrying bag... OMG, it fits like a (too) tight glove so removing the diffuser and putting it back inside is also a bit of a pain. I would sincerely advise the manufacturer to give the bag a little more breathing room - these things are meant to be set up and taken down quickly, and as it is, you'll spend more time than necessary managing that issue.Finally, and this is somewhat strange to say, but, considering it is a no-name brand, I would price it a lot lower because, as it is, it's the same price as other, well known brands so, why would you get this one if it's exactly the same (and perhaps just a little tougher to mount).You WILL get a GOOD PRODUCT, mind you, just not anything different or better value than the competition.
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
I have several softboxes, but nothing even close to anything this large.It's very well made and should last a long time if taken care of. It does come with its own soft case so when not in use...it stays nice and clean. Very packable and portable.The larger the 'box' the softer the light becomes, though the light circle is larger. I have a 60w light on this right now and consider that to be the minimum power needed for good effect. It puts out a very nice soft circle of light...perfect for studio work.It comes with several diffusers, a smaller one that will stay permanently on the inside closer to the light (see images). You also receive a larger 'outer' diffuser, as well as a soft honeycomb grid. I have several of those honeycomb diffusers, some are soft and some are stiff. I prefer the soft ones like this personally...easier to store and transport...same effect in the end, no matter what the material is.Not surprisingly, it has a full sized Bowen mount, which should make it easy to swap out to any other full sized light.Nice softbox for the coin...recommended!!
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RALENO 35.4"/90cm Parabolic Softbox with Bowens Mount, Honeycomb Grid, Carrying Case Quick Setup Lightweight Studio Softbox for Portraits, Video, Photography, Streaming, Video Recording
BHD74408
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Product origin: United States
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