Hi All, I’m new to flash photography.
Many flashes now come with a round flash head. Are they better or worse than the old rectangle flash heads?
I shoot really wide and round heads sacrifice some coverage I’d need
I shoot really wide and round heads sacrifice some coverage I’d need
There’s no difference between round and rectangle flash heads other than some of the round heads have magnets in them making it easy to attach compatible accessories. This will depend on manufacturer of course.
Usually, the psyche of people is used to seeing reflexes in the eyes of a round shape - the Sun. Therefore, round ones are more attractive. But you should choose according to the functionality, and not according to the shape of the lamp.
Neither. Different applications with different pros and cons.
Anyone telling you a round head has higher ‘quality’ or softer light is at least kind enough to out themselves as an idiot, though. So there is one point for round heads.
Here is a decent write up on comparing them;
Anyone telling you a round head has higher ‘quality’ or softer light is at least kind enough to out themselves as an idiot, though.
Ah, photographers.
Just a basic understanding of how the quality of light works. Size relative to subject. Changing it’s shape and not its spread does very little, if anything, to its quality. You can see examples in the link.
Regardless, you will still hear photographers regurgitate this misinformation based on what they have been told by someone conveniently selling them a round head flash.
This guy flashes. 👆
Nightmares about calculus and the heat equation…
Unless you’re shooting straight on a wall in an otherwise dark room, you’ll never notice the difference. You should literally ignore it for the purposes of purchasing. Pick the flash with the features and cost that make sense.
Such a small difference between the two on camera should not be a deciding factor.
Flashes are fickle things so make sure you get one with a good manufacturers warranty, I buy the flashpoint units instead of the identical godox units just to get the warranty from flashpoint.
If I buy the round adapter is that the same thing or do I still need a round head flash ?
It makes virtually no difference. The difference in surface area is minimal, so it won’t be noticeably softer and the catch lights in eyes won’t look any different at any normal viewing size.
I like the quality of light from round flash heads better, but it’s a minute difference besides the reflection. When using diffusers you won’t be able to tell a difference if done right. Don’t get into your head to much about it, especially when you’re a beginner and just go with what your budget tells you.
Do you mean the actually head , because for 50 plus years they are usually round or are you talking the soft boxes surrounding the strobes …
Not particularly - but there are a number of attachments designed specifically for round-headed flashes that can improve your shot.
round flash heads tend to create more pleasing catchlights in the eyes, but both shapes can look harsh without diffusion. ultimately, the difference in size is unlikely to be noticeable in eye reflections.
I prefer octaboxes and beauty dishes hides
round reflectors will have a cone of light output and a rectangular reflector will have a bar of light output. Put a flash behind a diffuser and the light output will be the shape of that.
How will you be using the flash, close up, wide shots, zoom lens?