I would like to build a DIY diffusion panel, something like 2m x 1.5m. I wonder what is the best material I can use in order to have a high quality soft light. Is it a good idea to use tracing paper? I must mention that the source of light will consist in a group of Nikon speedlights.
Although tracing paper will work nicely with speed lites (they won't heat the paper), the paper itself is fragile, and depending on your shooting conditions, you might need to replace the paper (baffle) often.
I'd recommend shelling out $7 US and purchasing a panel of Rosco or Lee diffuser. It's available in 18x24". If you still want larger, invest in the rolls by Rosco and Lee. However, they span in price from $125-$200 US, but will be 3 ft wide. The other advantage of purchasing actual diffuser is that you'll have the option of choosing, and knowing, exactly what intensity your light is. Example: 1/4, 1/2, 1/3, 1 stop of light, etc.
As for the housing: If this is a modifier you plan to take on location, you might want to fabricate the housing from BlackWrap. It will be light weight, but on the delicate side. If it's something that won't move around much, you can reenforce it by fabricating out of black foam core.
Invest in a roll of black gaff, regardless.
Another option is to make the front baffle from milk plexi; it's translucent white. Will be rock solid, though depending on size, heavy.
Thanks for your detailed answer and suggestions. Unfortunately for me is too difficult to import in my Country the suggested panels so I need to go on the creative way
The panel needs to be large, will be built in an indoor location for an one time (one session) usage... that's why I considered the tracing paper. Do you have any idea, at least an approximation how much light is lost by diffusing through this kind of paper?
Depends on the tracing paper. Without a piece, or a meter in front of me, I'll say 1/4 to 1/2 stop.
Are you sure you can't order from B&H in NY to your country? If so, you can surely purchase the Rosco or Lee panels. They are paper thin, and roll-up. Size is 18x24" when flat, 18x2" rolled. It's essentially a paper product.
If not, buy a frosted vinyl shower curtain. This will be more than large enough, and offer the same effect. Shop around for different degrees of frosting. Some will cut less light than others.
Look for "white nylon .75 ounce spinnaker cloth". (A spinnnaker is a type of sailboat sail used in light winds.) It is light weight ripstop nylon fabric used for sailboat sails and kites, and is the same material used for the front panel in a lot of soft boxes.
You sould be able to buy it from a sailmaker, or from someone who sells supplies for kitemakers. It is usually sold in widths of about 1.4m. I don't know about pricing in Rumania, but it costs about $10 to $15 per running meter in the USA.
Skarkowtsky wrote:
Depends on the tracing paper. Without a piece, or a meter in front of me, I'll say 1/4 to 1/2 stop.
Are you sure you can't order from B&H in NY to your country? If so, you can surely purchase the Rosco or Lee panels. They are paper thin, and roll-up. Size is 18x24" when flat, 18x2" rolled. It's essentially a paper product.
If not, buy a frosted vinyl shower curtain. This will be more than large enough, and offer the same effect. Shop around for different degrees of frosting. Some will cut less light than others.
Well, at least I have an estimation... Thanks!
I can order from B&H... but because if is outside EU I have to go through custom... and here is the problem... they work so precarious and one needs to wait in line for hours just to pick something insignificant as value... I try to avoid this as much as possible...
Good idea with the frosted vinyl curtain... I'll eventually look for one.
aborr wrote:
Look for "white nylon .75 ounce spinnaker cloth". (A spinnnaker is a type of sailboat sail used in light winds.) It is light weight ripstop nylon fabric used for sailboat sails and kites, and is the same material used for the front panel in a lot of soft boxes.
You sould be able to buy it from a sailmaker, or from someone who sells supplies for kitemakers. It is usually sold in widths of about 1.4m. I don't know about pricing in Rumania, but it costs about $10 to $15 per running meter in the USA.
This is another great idea, thank you! I think I may found a dealer of this kind of nylon... and the cost is competitive. I can also save it for future use.
