Most efficient light softener..

[jra]

If outdoors competing with the sun and I want to squeeze every once of light from my strobe while still softening the light a bit, what modifier would cause the least amount of light loss or be the most efficient? An umbrella, a beauty dish or a softbox?....assumming a similar size and a white reflection surface with the umbrella and dish. I do have a softbox and umbrella but haven't actually tested them yet for the amount of light they actually transmit....I don't have a dish to play with....at least not yet ;)

[Vad]

The answer is obvious but why wouln't you go outside and take two test shots ? Then besides the first hand knowledge you will also get a satisfaction that you discovered something yourself.
And about beauty dish - they usually are much smaller than umbrellas so your aumption above it rarely correct.
And as you do not have a BD I can give you a hint that it is the most effective option.

[TMR Design]

I don't think it's very helpful to tell the OP that the answer is obvious. If it was truly that obvious the question wouldn't have been posed.

I think that if we're going to help we should answer questions and offer assistance or not say anything.

Of course the OP could test and do experiments but based on the question the OP doesn't understand what produces soft light, hard light or what would make a modifier efficient, or even what to look for and we can't assume that they would know how to conduct a test.

[jra]

I could test what I have but it's getting late and I'm not going to get things out tonight....maybe tomorrow. In the mean time, I thought I would post it up here thinking that someone else may have ran accross this and already tried it out. Beauty dishes often are smaller than umbrellas but not always. There are small umbrellas and large dishes out there....along with small and large softboxes. As far as what produces soft light and hard light, I do grasp the understanding that it is directly related to the size of the light source in relation to the subject....although I would agree that I can't spell out the exact details when it comes to making one modifier more efficient than another.

So back to the original question, which I do know involves unspoken variables such as angle of light projection or the make and model of the modifier used, is there one that really "shines" when it comes to use in the harsh mid-day sun? (pun intended ;) ) If I had to take a guess, I would say that the beauty dish would be a bit more efficient due to the smooth reflective surface with the umbrella coming in a close second. Then again, maybe they are all so close and dependant on different variables that there is no universal correct answer.

[FlashZebra]

In general the larger the source of light, the softer the light.

Umbrellas, softboxes, and other devices increase the size of the light source.

Anything you do that makes the apparent size of the light source larger compared to the subject will soften the light.

The most compelling variable in the softness of the light is the size of the light source compared to the size of the subject.

A 16 inch softbox used for a full animal shot of a Chihuahua will produce a softer effect than the same softbox used for a full animal short of an Irish Wolfhound. It is the relative size that is important.

Enjoy! Lon

[Don Powell]

I don't know if this will be helpful, but I hope so.

I have a large silver umbrella which usually increases my light nearly a stop, if my memory serves me correctly. While increasing the size of the source, it does produce more specular highlights. This will cause a subject with oily skin or perspiration to be less attractive.

This umbrella comes in handy for me when shooting groups, at times.
Best wishes, Don

[Wilt]

I don't know if this will be helpful, but I hope so.

I have a large silver umbrella which usually increases my light nearly a stop, if my memory serves me correctly. While increasing the size of the source, it does produce more specular highlights. This will cause a subject with oily skin or perspiration to be less attractive.

This umbrella comes in handy for me when shooting groups, at times.
Best wishes, Don

...compared to what? We can't get more light output than the flash itself produces (or it would be contrary to the laws of physics).

[Hermes]

In the end, you'll probably find that once you take distance & coverage into account, most modifiers will actually give you pretty similar numbers. You're best off just choosing something that produces light you find pleasing and easy to work with.

[alphonsis]

What you're looking for is Robert's analysis of umbrellas, softboxes and shoot-throughs and the relative light fall off of each.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=642570

[Vad]

...compared to what? We can't get more light output than the flash itself produces (or it would be contrary to the laws of physics).
Yes we cannot produce more light but we can concentrate the light at the point of interest, exactly what umbrella does.

[Wilt]

Yes we cannot produce more light but we can concentrate the light at the point of interest, exactly what umbrella does.

But assuming that lights use reflectors, aiming that reflector into an umbrella will not cause the light to be any brighter. Umbrella directing light might potentiall be 'brighter' if the light otherwise radiated out from the flash tube in a full spherical area and was wasted. But that is not the case with a speedlight nor a studio flash with standard reflector.

[Double Negative]

You're concentrating more of the energy into a smaller space. So an exposure reading - not the flash output - will be brighter than a previously more diffused light.

[TMR Design]

You're concentrating more of the energy into a smaller space. So an exposure reading - not the flash output - will be brighter than a previously more diffused light.

OFF TOPIC: Hey Mike. Damm, it's been a long time. Hope you're well. :D

[Double Negative]

^ Straight up, Robert! It HAS been ages, eh? Good to hear from ya again!

I've been "away" shooting film; Leicas, Hasselblads and Mamiyas. Heresy, I know. :D

[Wilt]

You're concentrating more of the energy into a smaller space. So an exposure reading - not the flash output - will be brighter than a previously more diffused light.

Since I don't own a silver umbrella I cannot contest the point. If a silver umbrella indeed acted as a parabolic reflector it might have the effect of concentrating the available photons into a smaller area, but I fail to see how that is any more efficient in photon delivery than merely using a zoom head on the flash at a long FL setting. Admittedly the flash lens wouldn't be as soft as the umbrella!

[Don Powell]

I quess my response was not clear. I meant to say that using the silver umbrella was nearly a stop brighter than my standard umbrellas. Of course you can't get more light out of your flash, unless you narrow the beam.

I still think that was a no brainer!
Don

[Wilt]

I quess my response was not clear. I meant to say that using the silver umbrella was nearly a stop brighter than my standard umbrellas. Of course you can't get more light out of your flash, unless you narrow the beam.

I still think that was a no brainer!
Don

Thank you... No contest!

Since it was unstated, the other implication migh be 'silver umbrella...one stop brighter than a standard white lined softbox' or 'silver umbrella one stop brighter than a silvered softbox' or .... ;)