Brent i think you are simply comparing apples to oranges. You are presenting commercial photos that have been retouched and used for advertising, to those of random samples on the web.
UPS just dropped off my 64" PLM this afternoon. I definitely have a hate relationship with UPS as they've left "signature only" orders on my front porch in the rain, lost orders for up to two weeks with NO explanation as to what may have happened, and about anything else you can think of.
Thanks Paul for packing this thing in a good sturdy tube inside the box it came in. True to form, UPS all but destroyed the exterior box. There almost wasn't enough of the shipping label left for them to tell where to toss it off. The guy dashed up to my porch, knocked ONCE and was back in the truck and GONE before I even had time to yell at him to wait to see if there was any damage. Thankfully, there wasn't.
Will have time this coming weekend to get out and play with the new toy. Initial inspection is pleasing and the only complaint I've got has already been voiced - I wish the velcro restraining strap was attached, because I know I'll lose it at some point.
turbodude wrote:
very nice, Im intrigued. Will it have teh same overall shape or did you add steps in it similar to the MOLA
I played with stepped surfaces but didn't like the result - rings of light. The steps are necessary for a larger BD or the center will be too dark. I really think people will be very pleased with the lighting and catchlights from the 22rHO.
LesMizzell wrote:
UPS just dropped off my 64" PLM this afternoon. I definitely have a hate relationship with UPS as they've left "signature only" orders on my front porch in the rain, lost orders for up to two weeks with NO explanation as to what may have happened, and about anything else you can think of.
Thanks Paul for packing this thing in a good sturdy tube inside the box it came in. True to form, UPS all but destroyed the exterior box. There almost wasn't enough of the shipping label left for them to tell where to toss it off. The guy dashed up to my porch, knocked ONCE and was back in the truck and GONE before I even had time to yell at him to wait to see if there was any damage. Thankfully, there wasn't.
Will have time this coming weekend to get out and play with the new toy. Initial inspection is pleasing and the only complaint I've got has already been voiced - I wish the velcro restraining strap was attached, because I know I'll lose it at some point....Show more →
That's UPS. As for the velcro strap, we were going to do this, but on the white versions the attached strap interferes with the optional black cover. I would throw the strap away and just use the fabric sleeve to transport/store it.
turbodude wrote:
Brent i think you are simply comparing apples to oranges. You are presenting commercial photos that have been retouched and used for advertising, to those of random samples on the web.
runs right into what i have seen with the PLM. Slightly different but the wrap is similar as well the distribution.
I think alot of folks are just jumping the gun, and judging a light modifier waaaay before any real shoots have been conducted.
I totally agree. The PLM can certainly do this (rather uncreative) shot. What it comes down to is the size of the source, the evenness of the pattern and the evenness of the light across the source (for catchlights), and the efficiency. The 16 PLM sides really contributes a lot in the latter parameter and I think users will be very happy - if not amazed at the PLM performance in all these departments, and can't see how a megabuck giant par is going to look any different in real use. If I'm wrong about this I'll sure hear about it here.
He uses one a lot. Only one I know of off the top of my head. I think the main difference between this and other Para's is that the other para's are focusable. Unless this one is as well and I just over looked that feature.
E-Vener wrote:
With a 2500 w-s Zeus pack at full power with and head at 10 feet ISO 100 I got f/45.
Remember, with a source this large the guide number goes up significantly as you increase the distance. For example, the 42" will produce slightly more light than the 86" at say 5', but the same at 25'.
Got the PLM today. It's interesting. 86" white with the front diffusers. I didn't realize the black back cover wasn't included, so its still up for review.
So far it seems fairly focused, but then again a lot of light is lost because I didn't have the back black cover to maximize the efficiency. The front diffuser is annoying to put on, mainly because I'm used to using modifiers that are not umbrella style. Having to dismount the light and stand to attach the white front diffuser was a bit annoying, but oh well.
With the front diffuser it appears to be very even. Nice soft light. Not as tall as I imagined it would be, but I stand 6' even, and it if it touches the floor, I'm just as tall as it. Its as close to an EL Octa as I've seen, and for $75 its quite a bargain.
The build is decent. As good as any umbrella. I had to mess with my Quadra head umbrella adapter and scrape out some of the inside plastic, but it fits. I'm using a Bogen umbrella adapter to support the PLM, and the Quadra head is conveniently placed in front of the adapter at the optimum distance as defined by Paul. What a PAIN that Elinca has to use a 7mm shaft design, I'd rather use my 600RXs with this. Or, if everyone else made their shafts 7mm then no one would have to worry. Oh well, I'll find a way to hook it up to my 600RX. Carmen, you mentioned a 2nd shaft on the 600RX lights . . . unless I'm blind, I can't find one . . .
Pardon the model, just thought I'd test it out. About 6 feet away from me, up high just a bitwith front diffuser: Straight out of LR:
Paul Buff wrote:
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I played with stepped surfaces but didn't like the result - rings of light. The steps are necessary for a larger BD or the center will be too dark. I really think people will be very pleased with the lighting and catchlights from the 22rHO.
Paul, 22rHO....what in the world does that mean?
Quick question: how much.....and is the inside silver?
Receive my silver 86" today too, very good construction, all metal parts, nothing plastic, silver material is similar like Westcott halo boxes uses, fiberglass rods, main rod is heavy duty,
for around $150 Canadian I spent with taxes and shipping its a bargain.
All the comments about focusing and extreme output were in reference to the silver version. The silver doesn't need a black outer cover - it's already black. The white version has much lower output and very wide beam spread. Adding the black cover won't increase the output to speak of, but will eliminate back spill. For shots like yours the white will do a fine job. But for overpowering the sun and lighting from a distance, the silver is a totally different creature.
If you feel like you made a mistake, we will be happy to exchange - we always do.
For those looking for a dual Speedlite bracket that will place the heads close to a brolly shaft, AND allow them to face outwards/sideways, AND have enough grip on main shaft for outdoor use, have a look at this
roanjohnnyc wrote:
Paul, 22rHO....what in the world does that mean?
Quick question: how much.....and is the inside silver?
The 22RHO is a new 22" beauty dish. Highly focused silver interior instead of white. But the silver is textured to widen the beam out to around 40° and to produce extremely even and nicely feathered edges. I'm getting f16.5 at 10' at 320WS vs about f8 + 8/10 from classic BD. It has a removable - positionable direct light shield. It comes with a diffusion sock. With the sock in place it looks pretty much like the classic BD, but is more even across the face - very even, and about 1f more efficient. The high, focused output is a big advantage when using grids also.
Highly usable as standard beauty dish, but also as a long throw 22" source for groups and overpowering the sun - even sports. The $74.95 price includes the sock and it weighs 1/2 the classic BD.
Why is the price cheaper? Because we found a fantastic new manufacturer (in China). Better quality at a much lower build cost. Been working with them for three years on plastic molds - a super vendor. But we didn't know they also did metal spinning. Very quality oriented and reliable.
Paul Buff wrote:
The 22RHO is a new 22" beauty dish. Highly focused silver interior instead of white. But the silver is textured to widen the beam out to around 40° and to produce extremely even and nicely feathered edges. I'm getting f16.5 at 10' at 320WS vs about f8 + 8/10 from classic BD. It has a removable - positionable direct light shield. It comes with a diffusion sock. With the sock in place it looks pretty much like the classic BD, but is more even across the face - very even, and about 1f more efficient. The high, focused output is a big advantage when using grids also.
Highly usable as standard beauty dish, but also as a long throw 22" source for groups and overpowering the sun - even sports. The $74.95 price includes the sock and it weighs 1/2 the classic BD.
Why is the price cheaper? Because we found a fantastic new manufacturer (in China). Better quality at a much lower build cost. Been working with them for three years on plastic molds - a super vendor. But we didn't know they also did metal spinning. Very quality oriented and reliable....Show more →
