Speedlite grid vs snoot

How is a softbox a replacement for a grid?

bobbyz wrote in post #13738938
Unless you really really need grids for $50 I might as well get cheapy eBay softbox.

Softboxes I have, but I need tighter pattern control than that.

Todd Lambert wrote in post #13738934
I'm not sure I understand the mounting issue? They strap on using velcro on the sides, so it sits pretty firmly over the top of the Flash. I've never had issues with it slipping or falling off. In fact, I often leave mine on the flash for extended periods of time, in my bag, while backpacking, etc...

If you put velcro on the front of them as well, you can then stack them, for even more direct beam of light.

I wish mine worked as well as yours.

Todd Lambert wrote in post #13738945
How is a softbox a replacement for a grid?

Well he mention grid or snoot for use as a hair light. To me softbox works much better. I hate snoots. Besides being able to make one with cereal box for me atleast they least useful of any modifier for portraits. Now the honey comb grids for hot shoe flash, I still prefer softbox look on the hair. Now I agree most of the time I use stripbox with grids for the hair light. Bare flash with honeycomb grid is much harder to adjust and not usable if you got more than one head to light.

gonzogolf wrote in post #13738952
Softboxes I have, but I need tighter pattern control than that.

Small softbox, nice if comes with grids. You can also use flash zoom. That is what grid/snoot is doing on bare flash.

Ah, ok gotcha. Just was curious, because I don't normally associate a soft box with what a grid does (unless it's a gridded softbox).

windpig, not sure whats up with that. I do use the supplied velcro straps it came with, and I do of course have industrial velcro already applied to my speedlight heads.

Do yours really fall off?

Todd Lambert wrote in post #13739164
Ah, ok gotcha. Just was curious, because I don't normally associate a soft box with what a grid does (unless it's a gridded softbox).

windpig, not sure whats up with that. I do use the supplied velcro straps it came with, and I do of course have industrial velcro already applied to my speedlight heads.

Do yours really fall off?

Hi Todd,

Are you using the HONL grid? That's the one I have. Because the grid is larger than the speedlight, the velcro straps come off it at an angle such that the force is not truly horizontal, but pulling up, as if you were pulling the velcro off. I'll try and shoot an image later tonight.

Yeah, exact same thing, the HONL. Yes, the straps are not lined up, as they go out at an angle, as you said.

It can sometimes take an extra "rip" and replace with the velco to realign on the head, but I've never had one fall off.

Wonder if the velcro I have on my head is the difference?

I've not had the grid fall off, but when shooting at a down angle it doesn't stay snug enough to have the lighting control that it's designed for.

Hmmm... I'll have to try it. Admittedly, I don't use my grids like most people do. I use them to extend the distance of my flash in addition to controlling spill. I use them for light painting, and so I am often hand holding the flash.

Todd Lambert wrote in post #13739247
Yeah, exact same thing, the HONL. Yes, the straps are not lined up, as they go out at an angle, as you said.

It can sometimes take an extra "rip" and replace with the velco to realign on the head, but I've never had one fall off.

Wonder if the velcro I have on my head is the difference?

Mee too

I baught some extra straps and i double strap the grids. Kind of a PIA but the grids work really well especially at night

Gonzogolf,
Watch that a small rectangular GRID on speedlight gives you enough specific/refined light and doesn’t get absorbed particularly on the edges by your main light; rather than perhaps, a more desired unique separation/character that multiple lights create in a well done “pop”/dimensional portrait. i.e. instead of flatness, I prefer the captivating intrigue of lights and shadows - however, that obviously depends on your signature photographic eye and style.

Like Bobbyz says a gridded softbox is softer for hairlight applications but Gonzogolf your original post indicated you are space constrained; then another possible option is a GRIDDED SNOOT that takes under a minute to setup – done! Regular snoots (without grid) as you have probably found out, tend to create sloppy light. With proper power level setting, GRIDDED SNOOTS can enhance highlights while minimizing light specularity.
e.g.
INTERFIT SNOOT [Mfr# STR106] with 20 degree grid (30 degree may spill too much for you, depending on how many people in your portrait):
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Snoot_for_STR10​0_101.html
Or
Versatile ROGUE LARGE FLASH BENDER [Mfr# ROGUERELG]:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …r_Large_Positio​nable.html
with a ROGUE GRID [Mfr# ROGUEGRID]:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ROGUEGRID_Rogue​_Grid.html
[yes the Rogue stuff is relatively expensive but saves a lot of set up hassle and enables one to be concentrate on the creativeness or dynamics of a shoot (subject/client oriented), rather than having to fiddle with equipment. It is super compact, versatile & easy to use for not only a space constrained application but other different future applications and fits securely on flash with its own self contained Velcro, speedlight left clean/free – a cool tool!].

Good luck with finding a path and tool that works for you and your style.

I have the rogue flashbender. I have softboxes, but they arent appropriate for this case.

Dear Gonzogolf,
GRIDDED snoot (regardless of the make/type) is just a suggestion addressing charateristics of grids and your original inquiry of merits of small grids over snoots, when used in a hairlight, space constrained application. Obviously it's your choice & style - good luck with your situation.

windpig wrote in post #13739259
I've not had the grid fall off, but when shooting at a down angle it doesn't stay snug enough to have the lighting control that it's designed for.

I have the Honl grid and strap. The Honl strap has some elastic sections so you can pull it to make a tight fit to your flash head. The velcro strips hold the grids on very securely for me. Perhaps when the velcro gets older and wears out it will not work as well.

There is the David Hobby (Strobist) "hack" for attaching grids:

http://strobist.blogsp​ot.com/2010/06/hacking​-grid.html