Rectangular Softboxes vs Octa Softboxes

Gear Used:

In this video, @heyashleyboring breaks down the differences between rectangular and octa softboxes!

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[kirkdarling]

I've got and use both square and round. I also pay attention to the indoor/window-outdoor/sun aspect of the catch light shape. The aspect of better controlling the falloff is also very important to me, and is another reason I prefer a square soft box indoors. One thing that seems to be true in my use is that a round softbox (mine have more spars than a genuine "octabox") seems to be able to withstand more physical punishment because more spars catch a fall or bump...there is less stress on any one spar.

[adstudio]

Nice video. Question: I notice that you aim the boxes not fully at the model but a bit offset, like, the model is out of the full range of the beam. Why is that?

[agoldphotopetphotographyst]

We use mostly Octa soft boxes for key lights. We also use strip lights for rim lights. Would love to see a video about strip boxes and also soft box placements. Ashley’s were pretty offset from the subject and that would make for a great video.

[Roddriley]

Owning a square godox 80x80cm and a, triopo octa 90cm which I got abt 4 months ago I find myself loving the octa more. I meanly use the square godox as hair or fill light. The catchlight from the octa, s best to me

[ClarkSandersPhotography]

Octas are my go to. Only have one square and haven't used it in a long time!

[DJCENTIF]

Would love to see a video on maybe a group of six people inside with suggested light placement. Love the straight to the point videos

[maheshmehendale]

Nice vid. Thx for posting
Octa is my choice also for a sturdy, tight construction (8 vs 4 rods)

[diegopisante]

I pick the deep parabolic over the octa. But I agree the square is nice to play over subject, sideway, or even off subject.

[ToddWhiteStudios]

I shoot mostly portraits and use the octa the majority of the time. I have all the octa sizes and love hem. I use them for my video work as well. Love the double diffusion.

[gluteusmaximus]

Great video! Short and clear with great visuals. Thanks!

[henrycartie]

I have always been using semi-big octas and never really asked myself why (except for the traditional catchlight topic). One thing I have noticed though is that when in tighter spaces such as office portraits on location they tend to spread a LOT of light. The wrapping can sometimes be too intense (even with flagging) and the models face start to loose shape. Will try regular softboxes and see if the falloff can be more defined and eaiser to control with feathering.

[photozen]

In certain situations where talent is against a wall and light is the same ( creating gradient ) rectangular flushes with wall and will serve …. each situation demands a tool as long as you know what are you doing.

[jimtincher]

The 2x3 looks like it has a hot spot compared to the Octa. Was there a plate installed in the Octa?
I typically use an Octa because of the falloff and the catch lights...

[datalaforge]

Thanks for this! You just made up my mind for what to get. I currently have a huge umbrella that I can use outside and I'll get a rectangle soft box for inside : )

[fionngorilla]

Thanks a lot for pointing out the subtle differences. I prefer my square one, because its easier to packt.

[crissignori]

very nicely done and well explained .... thank you

[karlbratby]

Forgive my ignorance but a square is not 2x3 and a square does not have two orientations. If you are going to refer to the soft box as a square then use a square, not a rectangle 2x3.

[WAPhoto]

That’s was great. Any chance there will be a comparison between the Octa and MO Beauty Dish?

[MadBuff]

How do you know when to use which shape when shooting outdoor?

[Dragon-Slayr]

There's 2 dark rectangles top is thin and bottom is thick with a very thin/skinny line separating it which is or has become a internet modem with 2 antennas

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