GEAR
LIGHTING SPECIAL
Nowadays, it seems like every young YouTuber can’t live without the Aputure Light Dome II in their studio. It’s mostly to produce soft and flattering light when talking to camera, as well as lighting products up close. Part of the attraction is that it’s designed by every influencer’s favourite light maker Aputure, but also because – at £227/$219 – it’s affordable and works great. The most popular is the 34.8in version we tested, but it comes in smaller sizes that cost even less. The Light Dome II uses 16 flexible steel support rods, which quickly click into place, expanding the unit into a 24in-deep softbox in seconds. When it comes time to dismantle, quick-release catches make it equally fast and easy. Inside is a highly reflective silver interior to maximise output. To soften the light, you can fit a small inner diffuser. Aputure supplies two front diffusers: the standard cuts 1.5 stops of light, while the thicker version cuts 2.5 stops. A 40° fabric honeycomb grid is included to help prevent light from spilling out; this simply uses Velcro to fasten to the front. The Light Dome II comes in a Bowens S-mount fitting – ideal for many Aputure, Nanlite or other MILLENNIAL DOME
manufacturers’ fixtures, or even studio flash units. Its deep parabolic shape does cause the light to be more focused than a flatter softbox, and this can lead to a slight hotspot in the middle of the output – that’s where the small, inner diffuser comes in. The 2.5-stop outer diffuser creates more even light across the whole front of the softbox. That may be important to you, or you might actually prefer the thinner outer diffuser for its extra power. With the Aputure, there are options. The kit also comes with a metal gel holder that goes inside the Light Dome II, with a spring-loaded door to keep filters in place. This is a bit of a faff, especially if you are using the internal diffuser. But actually, it’s quite a simple and easy solution for holding gels securely, rather than having to cobble something together with gaffer tape or clips. The idea of a softbox like this is to create flattering light that wraps around your subject and produces round, natural-looking catchlight in the eyes. And the Light Dome II does a great job of that, especially up close. Additionally, it’s good at preventing too much light spill around the set. And if you use the honeycomb grid, the light is still
BROLLY STYLE The dome collapses down like an umbrella, for packing up quickly
SOFT TOUCH Light becomes gentler and more even, compared to a standard reflector
soft, but doesn’t spill around the shot. This is perfect for keeping dark backgrounds dark. As well as lighting people up close, it’s also particularly suitable for overhead use in product shots. Here, it washes the subject with even light. Or, if you have enough power already, back it up and it can wash a whole scene with relatively soft light. This is a versatile, well-made light modifier that works especially well with S-mount COB LEDs, and is a great price for something of such high quality. A large softbox is an essential buy for anyone who employs powerful COB lights, and the Aputure version is an equally capable and great-value option – however old you are! aputure.com
NO DOME
“Part of the appeal is that it’s designed by every influencer’s favourite light maker Aputure, but also because it works great”
WITH DOME
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