Softbox Question

[Sam1971]

This is probably a really stupid question but I can't find an answer to it anywhere on the net. I'm going to buy one of the octagonal softboxes for a strobe light. The ones I'm looking at have a rod in the middle like a normal brolly and the strobe fits at the back directly behind the rod and spokes. Wouldn't this have some effect on the light distribution in some way, or cast some shadow?.

[ameerat42]

Well, YES, but not in any significant way (if it's made properly) mainly because the light it would be emitting would be very diffuse.
Could you find a link to a pic? Oh, it's not a stupid Q. Bad luck on that score:D

[Sam1971]

Well, YES, but not in any significant way (if it's made properly) mainly because the light it would be emitting would be very diffuse.
Could you find a link to a pic? Oh, it's not a stupid Q. Bad luck on that score:D

G'day, thanks for your post, heres a link to the softbox:

http://www.fotogenic.com.au/collapsible-octagon-soft-box-120cm.html

[WhoDo]

G'day, thanks for your post, heres a link to the softbox:

http://www.fotogenic.com.au/collapsible-octagon-soft-box-120cm.html

The only interference from the umbrella-style rod, Sam, is to help further soften and diffuse the light (yep, that's what I'm saying). In fact, in beauty dishes they put in a plate to achieve a similar softening effect by scattering the light rays further. That octabox also has 2 levels of diffusion - the outer white cover and an inner (removable) white scrim. All-in-all they make a great modifier, especially if you are opting for just the one strobe. And no, they don't cast any shadow. :th3: