Got an email today that Broncolor Paras and Broncolor Para accessories are 25% off this month (September 2022) and you can get a free grid with a para kit purchase.
Got an email today that Broncolor Paras and Broncolor Para accessories are 25% off this month (September 2022) and you can get a free grid with a para kit purchase.
Guys.
Would you be interested in seeing how the SMDV Mega lineup compares to the Parabolix?
My only issue is that it seems the Mega smaller sizes are less parabolic than say their 160 model which is 63" but my Parabolix is only 45"
I contacted Parabolix to see if they can loan a 65" model but not sure if that would happen.
Thanks
GabrielPhoto wrote:
Guys.
Would you be interested in seeing how the SMDV Mega lineup compares to the Parabolix?
My only issue is that it seems the Mega smaller sizes are less parabolic than say their 160 model which is 63" but my Parabolix is only 45"
I contacted Parabolix to see if they can loan a 65" model but not sure if that would happen.
Thanks
Considering the price advantage Parabolix has at the moment, the SMDV would need to perform significantly better at all positions to be a better value. Do you think the higher 24 rod count in the SMDV mega 45" would make a difference over the 16 rods in the Parabolix?
Although, compared to the 24 rod Godox 47" at $1600 MSRP, the SMDV could be a good deal.
jeffbuzz wrote:
Considering the price advantage Parabolix has at the moment, the SMDV would need to perform significantly better at all positions to be a better value. Do you think the higher 24 rod count in the SMDV mega 45" would make a difference over the 16 rods in the Parabolix?
Although, compared to the 24 rod Godox 47" at $1600 MSRP, the SMDV could be a good deal.
Well, its hard to tell how much the 24x16 will affect things. Just from the looks of it the SMDV 45: does not look as parabolic as their bigger models so i feel like I rather test the bigger model BUT, the bigger model may not be as "useful" or interesting to most people as I feel many prefer to keep it around the 45" size. Plug grabbing the bigger SMDV means I need a larger Parabolix which I dont own, to keep things more apples to apples.
I may just go with the SMDV 45" and see how it turns out.
I saw one comparison shot which was not super promising but it looked like exposure was not kept very similar between shots so I dont want to use that as final judgement evidence until I try it myself.
But yeah, Parabolix pricing and performance puts it on a good spot making it tough for other options indeed
GabrielPhoto wrote:
Guys.
Would you be interested in seeing how the SMDV Mega lineup compares to the Parabolix?
My only issue is that it seems the Mega smaller sizes are less parabolic than say their 160 model which is 63" but my Parabolix is only 45"
I contacted Parabolix to see if they can loan a 65" model but not sure if that would happen.
Thanks
I see that you did not jump on the Broncolor Para sale earlier this year. The interesting thing about Parabolix is that they made a change in the silver a few years ago. I did not realize it until I was thinking of getting a 45" from them. That's probably why the current soft silver is closer than the Para than in the past. I have an older model that has more of a textured silver. And even more interesting that Broncolor rep said the Para 133 and 88 have even more light scattering material than the 222, so they have less control.
In the end, I just bought a Para 133 to add to my collection of Parabolix and Godox. Now to see if the Godox Grid would fit.
As for the SMDV, not seeing any advantage over the Parabolix. It is the same as the Glow Grand Parabox.
Nice..what are your feelings now that you own both?
hiepphotog wrote:
I see that you did not jump on the Broncolor Para sale earlier this year. The interesting thing about Parabolix is that they made a change in the silver a few years ago. I did not realize it until I was thinking of getting a 45" from them. That's probably why the current soft silver is closer than the Para than in the past. I have an older model that has more of a textured silver. And even more interesting that Broncolor rep said the Para 133 and 88 have even more light scattering material than the 222, so they have less control.
In the end, I just bought a Para 133 to add to my collection of Parabolix and Godox. Now to see if the Godox Grid would fit.
As for the SMDV, not seeing any advantage over the Parabolix. It is the same as the Glow Grand Parabox....Show more →
GabrielPhoto wrote:
Nice..what are your feelings now that you own both?
Hard to say. I haven't had much time to shoot yet. But if you want to do a comparison, please check out the Selens Parabolic. From your test, we can clearly see that 16-side vs. 24-side won't matter as much as the silver material and shape.
hiepphotog wrote:
Hard to say. I haven't had much time to shoot yet. But if you want to do a comparison, please check out the Selens Parabolic. From your test, we can clearly see that 16-side vs. 24-side won't matter as much as the silver material and shape.
I contacted Selens but sadly they are not interested.
+ The focusing rod: The Broncolor has a specific "tuned" rod in term of length and markings for each of their Para size. That is not the case for the Parabolix and Godox. So 0 (Zero) mark on the Godox rod (used for both P158 and P128) would be too far out on the P128, thus losing a lot of contrast. Even on the P158, it already pushes the lighting assembly too far out (in comparison to Broncolor). What does that mean? IMO, Godox and Parabolix users need to find their "ideal" fully flooded and mid-focus settings.
+ The silver material: I have the older of version of the Parabolix with more textured surface; I believe the newer version has even more reflective silver. But to me, the older Parabolix still has most reflective surface out of the 3. The Godox and Broncolor have similar surface patterns, but the actual silver itself is different. Godox has a more sparkling/scattering surface.
+ Construction: The backing fabric of the Broncolor feels very similar to the Godox, feel somewhat flimsy. But the Para I got was from Adorama Rental at a deep discount, and it still works great, no tear on the fabric. No problem with my Godox or Parabolix so far.
+ Rendering: Hard to compare with the different sizes I have. But I love the Broncolor light on my first shoot. I think it's just perfect for skin, just the right amount to soften the imperfections while shape the face nicely.
IMO, the Broncolor is still my ideal Para for outdoor shooting. So much easier to deploy and break down. It does feel lighter than even my Parabolix 35D. Pairing with a Kupo gear head, the Broncolor should be a joy to use on the field. Godox did improve a bit on the Broncolor with easier rod adjusting knob and tighter back cover (less light leak). I don't think 16 vs. 24-rod matter a whole lot from Luis comparison.
bobby350z wrote:
Thanks. Just curious how do you think they are different if you used say a simple modifier like an Elinchrom Deep Octa.
I have not used that Octa. My shots by no mean reflects the full potential of a Para, but it should come with more practices . Anyway, this should be true, IMO, to a Para regardless:
+ You can get a range of hard and soft looks from one modifier, though it's not quite the extreme of a fresnel or a double diffusion softbox.
+ Quite efficient in term of light using within its range. You can certainly throw light from far away.
For me as an amateur, I do enjoy using these more than other modifiers even though it's more cumbersome. The Broncolor does make it much easier to carry around for shooting. I love the results I am getting from these Para, and I don't see myself selling any of them. If anything, I would sell the Godox and Parabolix to get the Para 88.
+ The focusing rod: The Broncolor has a specific "tuned" rod in term of length and markings for each of their Para size. That is not the case for the Parabolix and Godox. So 0 (Zero) mark on the Godox rod (used for both P158 and P128) would be too far out on the P128, thus losing a lot of contrast. Even on the P158, it already pushes the lighting assembly too far out (in comparison to Broncolor). What does that mean? IMO, Godox and Parabolix users need to find their "ideal" fully flooded and mid-focus settings.
+ The silver material: I have the older of version of the Parabolix with more textured surface; I believe the newer version has even more reflective silver. But to me, the older Parabolix still has most reflective surface out of the 3. The Godox and Broncolor have similar surface patterns, but the actual silver itself is different. Godox has a more sparkling/scattering surface.
+ Construction: The backing fabric of the Broncolor feels very similar to the Godox, feel somewhat flimsy. But the Para I got was from Adorama Rental at a deep discount, and it still works great, no tear on the fabric. No problem with my Godox or Parabolix so far.
+ Rendering: Hard to compare with the different sizes I have. But I love the Broncolor light on my first shoot. I think it's just perfect for skin, just the right amount to soften the imperfections while shape the face nicely.
IMO, the Broncolor is still my ideal Para for outdoor shooting. So much easier to deploy and break down. It does feel lighter than even my Parabolix 35D. Pairing with a Kupo gear head, the Broncolor should be a joy to use on the field. Godox did improve a bit on the Broncolor with easier rod adjusting knob and tighter back cover (less light leak). I don't think 16 vs. 24-rod matter a whole lot from Luis comparison. ...Show more →
To clarify the Parabolix website provides the focus point for their models (not the flooded though or mid). The Godox and Profond I had to test a lot to find the best spots and mark the rod on those.
Looking forward to more impressions as you use them
GabrielPhoto wrote:
To clarify the Parabolix website provides the focus point for their models (not the flooded though or mid). The Godox and Profond I had to test a lot to find the best spots and mark the rod on those.
Looking forward to more impressions as you use them
Right on! I must have missed that part if you mentioned it in the video. Then I think it very much depends on the silver material. Now need to shoot more with the Para
