Photek Softlighter Recommendation

The 7mm/8mm discussions usually stem from Elinchrom users that want Softlighter's.

In the case of using hot shoe flashes and standard umbrella adapters, you want to get the standard version of the Softlighter, which is the 8mm rod. Even though the extension is 7mm, that version of the Softlighter is considered the 8mm version, and that's the one you want.

Celtic Tiger wrote in post #12446947
Ok, I really tried to get this answer from the plethora of other threads on the subject; but just can't get there. Likely just my inexperience.

-Interested in the Softlighter II 60"

-Plan to use with use with 1 or 2 580EXII's (I know about the center sock and need for a bracket mod etc....that I've seen plenty about and understand)

-I plan to use a swivel bracket (modded as acknowledged above...let's say this one just for instance: http://flashzebra.com/​brackets/0041.shtml)

My questions surround the 7mm v. 8mm shaft:

1. Will the 8mm shaft not fit through the umbrella mount hole? Is that why they make the 7mm to fit this type of bracket? If it would fit, why would I not get the 8mm?

2. Only the 8mm shaft is "removable". Removable how and where? From what I read, it appears that it unscrews somehow; but how far up the shaft? The way I intend to use it, it needs to stick out far enough to go through the umbrella bracket right?

I'm just not getting this somehow. The product website is not clear on this at all. Anyone shed some light for me?

I have the 46", not the 60", but assuming they are the same...either will fit in an umbrella mount, but the 7mm one piece is too small to fit securely in the elinchrom umbrella mount. The 8mm is a two-piece shaft, about the last foot unscrews. I would direct you to get the 8mm.

EDIT: Damn, Rob is too quick, beat me to it again. To clarify, even with elinchrom strobes, you still want the 8mm shaft because it fits perfectly all the way up to the point where the 2nd piece unscrews, which happens to be about the perfect position anyway. The e*****hom strobes fit a 7mm shaft, but the Softlighter 7mm shaft has been shown by users to be more like 6.5mm, so it fits loosely in the eli strobes and is not very secure.

Is there a major difference in a softlighter II and a PLM with the difusers attached?

leeport wrote in post #12447026
Is there a major difference in a softlighter II and a PLM with the difusers attached?

My guess is that the PLM is slightly more efficient than the Softlighter but I can't see how the quality of light could be much different, using similar configurations.

The PLM is also a 16 sided umbrella as opposed to the 10 sided Softlighter.

leeport wrote in post #12447026
Is there a major difference in a softlighter II and a PLM with the difusers attached?

I'd believe the difference to be minimal, but, i quote David on this:

So hes likely to perform a plethora of tests and show off if any of the differences, i'll be curious to see his tests, i do hope that he tests both the Silver PLM, and the White PLM with all the extras attached....

Talking about nuissance of carrying extra, i actually got a silver PLM, and was thinking of the white, but the umbrella carrying thing doesnt have a pocket or slot or anything for the diffusion, i'm guessing the same with the white plm... I now have to find some means of efficiently carrying the thing around with its diffusion panel...

When i get some time i'm heading straight to the Arts store, they have these collapsable portfolio carrying tubes which might be a perfect fit and definitely much better protection!

Thanks, Rob & Dave Jr. It's clear to me now.

where is the the photek softlighter II pic thread?

It exists but I think people forgot about it.

PhilF wrote in post #12447764
where is the the photek softlighter II pic thread?

Photek Softligther II
photek softlighter II
Photek Softlighter II