16Sep Stacking Grid Light modifier
There are a number of DIY projects that show you how to build one of these grid light modifiers out of straws, foam core, and electrical tape. Most of the methods I’ve seen use around $10 to $15 in parts and supplies. This is pretty reasonable when compared to the $50 grid from Rogue, but if you can simply buy one for $22 like the one above, it might be worth $5 or $10 extra dollars in time savings. It also doesn’t require you to glue or attach anything to your flash head. If you really want to save money there are a even a few of these grid modifiers sold for under $10.
If you aren’t familiar with a stacking grid light modifier, basically it’s a grid placed in front of a light source that reduced the amount of light that is allowed to scatter. This effectively produces a soft beam of light on your subject. The longer the tubes are that the light travels through, the smaller the beam will be. The shorter the tubes length, the wider the beam will be.
For a 3 in 1 stacking grid light modifier, the thinnest grid provides the largest beam, the thicker grid provides the medium sized beam, and the two combined will give you the narrowest beam. Each grid can be added or removed from the snout by rotating the locking circle on the front of the unit.
This unit is designed for the Canon 580EX II, but it’s shape and size allows it to easily fit many other flashes. The design isn’t as compact as Rogue’s offering, but for $27 in savings it’s large plastic size is pretty easy to deal with.
With the thinnest grid in place you end up with a light beam that looks something like this. It can be a nice effect if you’re trying to isolate a subject from the background. It also provides pronounced a vignette which can be pleasing and give an old timey feel to an image. At $22, this stacking grid light modifier is worthing taking a look at and adds another reasonably priced lighting effect to your kit.
