Beauty Dish vrs softbox?

[Michael_Lambert]

Hey guys,

I currently use a AB800 and with there 36inch soft box unit. I have been getting more into shooting portraits mostly children however have a few models looking for some simple work done such as head shots and 3/4's.

I have been looking at the beauty dish from Paul Buff for the Ab800 and was wondering who use them and is it work the money compared to shooting with the Soft box?

Thanks in advance.

[Michael_Lambert]

No body? Did i ask a question that i should just know? Or does no one use beauty dishes?

[Mark1]

I think the biggest difference is the contrast and fall off. A soft box is just that. But a BD will add contrast, especially if you add the grid. It also has a sharp fall off with the grid. You can highlight a tiny part of the scene with it. A soft box will light up the whole scene. ( how much depends again, on a grid) A BD with the sock is just a small softbox.

A beauty dish and soft boxs can give very different looks. It is worth having both on hand. I say get it, and experiment, and find how you want to use it.

[TheGreatOg]

I absolutely adore my beauty dish (Bowen). The soft box is a work horse, soft but unremarkable light. The beauty dish can add drama to a shot. For me, that's when I use the beauty dish, that's when I feel like I'm really scultping with light. I agree with Mark, it's worth having in the arsenal.