I haven't done exact measurements, it will make about a 400 Kelvin difference.
For colour conversion I use gels, I have made different sizes of 1/1 + 1/2 CTO's using Velcro, I can easily fit them to all my modifiers with exception of the large Octa.
I haven't measured it either, but I will say it is pretty subtle. Understandable when you realize that there is a lot of direct light hitting the reflector/liner not just coming back off the deflector. Nowhere near the jacked up jaundiced look you get from a gold lined softbox.
Normally with softboxes I clip square diffusion gels to the inner rods, which will cover most all the light coming off the flash tube unlike bouncing off deflectors. But on BD's this is not practical. My big BD is silver and my small BD is white. Again it is a very subtle difference, but I think I like the effect off the white BD better for head shots, it is creamier and a bit more pronounced. The gold reflector on the silver BD seems to mainly warm the spectral highlights, which would be great for stuff like body builders or beach shoots.
They break down and store pretty easy, so it's nice to have them around for a touch of warmth when you need it on location.
Otherwise in the studio I'd just stick with gels to get the right mix.
So Carmen? I've been agonizing over getting a 17" or 27" white BD. For head shots, children, and occasionally beach shots of 1 or two people head shots. Which one?
Gregg Heckler wrote:
So Carmen? I've been agonizing over getting a 17" or 27" white BD. For head shots, children, and occasionally beach shots of 1 or two people head shots. Which one?
Greg,
Even though it is easier to make a big modifier small than it is to make a small modifier bigger, I'd lean towards the 17" if you are taking it to the beach. Mainly because it is much easier to transport and it will definitely catch less wind. Other than for head shots, it sounds like you will be using it more as a large reflector than a traditional BD anyway, so size probably won't make too much difference anyway. Especially, if you are using it as a fill light.
Since you asked , I'd also be more inclined to get the silver instead of the white surface. It has a nice a matte surface and will give you a little more efficiency and pop. If you wanted to soften the light more, you could simply add the sock.
BTW, in your situation and in bright sunlight nothing says you have to leave deflector in if you need a little extra raw power.
I may have gotten you mixed up with Shoe who's probably basking in the "down under" summer sun. But my comments still generally apply.
You also might want to check out some of Chuck Gardners posts on how a BD really works to help aid your decision, one way or another. Also there are few others hauling them around here on this site. I personally avoid using BD or location work as much as possible. My 17" square gets a whole lot more play for that.
p.1 #10 · Color Temp of Elinchrom's Gold Deflector
Thanks Carmen, that's good advice. I should have grabbed the 17" silver dish that was on eBay a few weeks ago. I didn't think of the diffusion sock until I saw some of Joe McNally's stuff.
, I'd also be more inclined to get the silver instead of the white surface. It has a nice a matte surface and will give you a little more efficiency and pop. If you wanted to soften the light more, you could simply add the sock. 