For those Profoto and Softlighter users out there - can I assume that getting the 'sock' over the smaller AcuteB (in my possible case) umbrella reflector is less of a $%^ PITA than doing so with the larger diameter Elinchrom unit?
Been largely ignoring a 46" SL I had because 'quick setup' was an oxymoron (strictly due to the sock's vs the Eli umbrella reflector's relative diameters), but I've been playing with it a bit of late - and it's a hell of a modifier for the $$. Nice light, packs up tiny, low price, etc. So much so, may just acquire 60" IF I make the switch to PF AND setup is faster.
I have a couple of softlighters and they slip over all my profoto heads very easily. More often than not, I use the head inside with no reflector at all, but have used the umbrella reflector too with no problems at all.
Agreed, I don't use any reflector at all with a Softlighter, regardless of what head I'm using.
I think by "umbrella reflector" you're referring to the Disc Reflector (unless they've changed naming again)? I've got two of them, but I honestly never use them as they don't seem to provide much that I can't get by just pulling a Zoom reflector back to its widest setting. But yes, it's probably 1/2 to 2/3 the diameter, so it would be an easier fit if you really wanted to use a reflector at all.
Run a light meter around your SL with both a bare head inside, and the various reflectors. You'll quickly find that the sweet spot (ie the hot centre) is larger without a reflector.
Right now am using Eli monos, but am contemplating a move to AcuteB so getting some "I wonder" questions out of the way. Running the SL with Eli and no reflector would take some skill to get diffuser from contacting the bare bulb.
Shatter - you're right, was referring to disc reflector.
I've got the 60"? (really large) & the 36" SL II. In each case I"ve pit the sock on the lamp head then put the reflector on the lamp head and re arrange to have the sock over the butt end of the reflector trying to leave as many air ways unobstructed (7B head is convection cooled - no fan, but I don't run the modeling bulb much, Acute 2/D4 heads pull air from the back and blow into thru the lamp head). I've used these w/both the std zoom reflector & the disc reflector.
Using the SL or SL II it a true ace up your sleeve for beautiful soft light. Ranks right up there as one a few very favorite modifiers, Beauty Dish, Ringlight & Softliters.
Annie uses them a lot. Look at the front cover of her latest 'At Work', her assistant is holding one on a small boom arm as a mobile key/fill. I've replicated that rig, just don't have an assistant w/a clue to man that contraption!
I must confess I never gave the SLII (I currently have the 46") much thought until started using it of late. It's a nice quality light - and versatile. My stupid fault for not using it more until now. Probably one of the best bang/buck modifiers out there. Think a 60 is in my future.
My biggest hesitation using mine was the #$%^ fight it took to get the sock over the Eli umbrella reflector. After posting here, I tried it on a BXRi with no reflector. MUCH easier but have to be very careful the sock doesn't creep back into contact with the exposed tube (which it tried to do) or even the modeling light. Sounds like if I move to AcuteB's the fight will be less of an issue.
Jon - great input. Saw AL using one on the Profoto exec shoot video - nice tight quarters setup. Have also seen some flickr setup shots (shatterkiss) using one in the same manner. Nice thing is if the wind (or the assistant) gets it mangled, your not out large $$.
