Photoflex Multidomes and AB Grids?

[Double Negative]

Anyone out there ever use Photoflex Multidome Softboxes with Alien Bees Softbox Grids? I'm curious as to how compatible they'd be... I have two SBs, medium sized (24x36") and the grids are the same size, with velcro around the outside.

I'd love to get the AB grids as they're stupid-cheap compared to the alternatives (Photoflex is $99, Chimera is, well, bucks!)

[Double Negative]

Paul Buff peeps say, "Thanks for checking with us! If the Photoflex boxes are 24x36" and have Velcro on the sides then it should work. But just in case we do have a 60 day satisfaction guarantee so if they don't work you can just send them back and get a refund. I hope this helps and let me know if you have anymore questions. Thanks and have a great day!"

Hrm, now do I spend the $35/each on cheap grids, or do I splunk down the $99/each for the better Photoflex grids... Choices, choices.

[Hermes]

Get the cheap grids, they'll do the job just as well. In fact, get two cheap grids and stitch them together on one edge so you can flip the second one down and half the light spread again if you need to.

[Double Negative]

^ That's what I'm leaning towards. $70 vs. $198 seems pretty easy to figure out. The AB grids might not be the highest quality out there, but all it really has to do is hang there and direct photons. :D

[TMR Design]

^ That's what I'm leaning towards. $70 vs. $198 seems pretty easy to figure out. The AB grids might not be the highest quality out there, but all it really has to do is hang there and direct photons. :D

I tried directing Photons once but they simply did not want to listen. ;)

[Double Negative]

I tried directing Photons once but they simply did not want to listen. ;)

Almost like herding cats some times. :D

So I went for it; ordered the AB grids. I'll follow-up on this thread with how well (or not) they work out. If they truly do suck I have 60 days to send Paul a message. ;)

[pepperoni]

Late to the party as usual. :confused:
I own both and I have to say I like the Photoflex grid much better. It's "deeper" and the material is a bit heavier. Both do their job, but I like the depth of the Photoflex grid. I'm sure you'll be just fine with it.:D

[Double Negative]

Cool, thanks 'Roni.

With a deeper grid, that would suggest a narrower spread, yes? The Alien Bees grid is listed as 40º or basically half the normal (bare w/stock reflector) 80º spread.

[pepperoni]

Essentially, yes.
The AB grid I have is on the large octo, and the sides around the corner areas aren't really closed up, so I need to tape off those areas. The Photoflex grid is on their 55" halfdome strip box. Maybe not a true comparison (octo vs rect), but the Photoflex grid fits perfectly.

[Double Negative]

Well, I'm happy to report that the Alien Bees Grids fit the PhotoFlex Multidome's perfectly!

The quality isn't all that bad, considering the price - and the alternative. It's not great, but it does the job nicely. Fit was right on, install was really simple.

I'll post up pix if anyone is interested in the overall setup.

[TMR Design]

HI Mike,

Glad they fit the Pflex boxes. Did you get a 24" x 32" and a 36" x 48"? If you could post some pics that would be great. If you could get a closeup of the actual grid and the stitching I'd like to see that.

[Double Negative]

They're the 24x36" size on both SB and grids. I figured I'd start with medium-sized ones. They're a little smaller than I was visualizing, but I think they'll work out well.

I'll get some pix and post back.

[Double Negative]

Some quick snaps... For an equally quick install. :p

Click for larger/info:

http://litpixel.com/ee/images/thumb/_1D_2976.jpg (http://litpixel.com/ee/photo.php?photo=1573&exhibition=9&ee_lang=eng&u=1241,0) http://litpixel.com/ee/images/thumb/_1D_2975.jpg (http://litpixel.com/ee/photo.php?photo=1574&exhibition=9&ee_lang=eng&u=1241,1) http://litpixel.com/ee/images/thumb/_1D_2973.jpg (http://litpixel.com/ee/photo.php?photo=1575&exhibition=9&ee_lang=eng&u=1241,2)

[TMR Design]

Thanks Mike. :D