Filmlexikon.
Support
Aputure Light Dome Mini
Lighting · Equipment

Aputure Light Dome Mini

Murnau AI illustration
aputure light dome ii aputure light dome se aputure light dome aputure lantern

Compact, foldable Bowens-mount softbox by Aputure for diffusing LED continuous lighting on film sets.

Overview

The Aputure Light Dome Mini is a collapsible softbox light modifier manufactured by Aputure. It is not a light source itself but is attached via a Bowens-mount speedring in front of a continuous light fixture to transform its hard spotlight into a soft, directional floodlight. It is the more compact version of the larger Light Dome and is aimed at setups with limited space, such as for interviews, beauty setups, or run-and-gun shoots.

Its characteristic feature is its round construction, built with numerous parabolic rods. Aputure markets the Mini as a parabolic softbox; the original and Mini II, with their 16 heat-resistant rods, are technically octagonal (16-sided) in construction, with the rods forming a nearly circular light-emitting surface, thus creating soft, round reflections (catchlights) in the eyes. Only the Mini III is designed as a 32-sided, truly circular front. Across the product generations (Light Dome Mini, Mini II, Mini III), the setup mechanism has been primarily simplified.

Technical Specifications

The dimensions vary depending on the generation. Common ones are:

ModelDiameterMount
Light Dome Mini (Original)approx. 27" / ~68 cmBowens
Light Dome Mini IIapprox. 21.6" / ~55 cmBowens
  • Device Type: Collapsible softbox modifier (marketed as parabolic, original/Mini II octagonal with 16 rods)
  • Mounting: Bowens-mount speedring, compatible with Bowens-mount LED fixtures
  • Interior Coating: Reflective silver for high light output
  • Included Accessories (model-dependent): Front diffusion, honeycomb grid, and carrying bag
  • Grid Angle (generation-dependent): Original Light Dome Mini 37.8°, Light Dome Mini II and Mini III 40°
  • Weight Mini II: approx. 1.3 kg

On-Set Use

The Light Dome Mini is typically used on Aputure and Amaran LED lights with Bowens mounts (e.g., the 120d/300d series). Its compact size allows it to be positioned even in tight locations or close to the subject. The included honeycomb grid limits light spill and prevents unwanted overexposure on backgrounds and ceilings. As the Bowens mount is an industry standard, the softbox can also be used with lights from other manufacturers with a Bowens mount.

From the crafts

Perspectives

Cinematographer

Aus DoP-Perspektive ist dieses Element essentiell für die visuelle Gestaltung. Es ermöglicht mir die gewünschte Farbstimmung und das ästhetische Bild konsistent umzusetzen.

Producer

Diese professionelle Lösung erhöht die Produktionseffizienz und reduziert Post-Production-Anforderungen. Sie ermöglicht flexible, schnelle Anpassungen während des Drehs.

Gaffer

Als Gaffer ist dies ein unverzichtbares Werkzeug meines täglichen Handwerkszeugs. Es ermöglicht mir professionelle Lichtkontrolle und schnelle Anpassungen auf Set, was Zeit spart und Qualität sichert.

More in the lexikon

Related terms

Test your knowledge

Quiz

1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Aputure Light Dome Mini"?

2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?

Report an error
From the Filmfarm ecosystem

Understand visual language, budget productions, connect crew.

The Lexikon is part of the Filmfarm ecosystem — alongside budgeting (FilmBalance), an industry magazine (FilmCircus) and crew networking (FilmCall, CrewMesh). One shared vocabulary for the whole production.

FilmFarm FilmRadarComing soonFilmPulseComing soonFilmNumbersComing soonFilmCapitalComing soonFilmLabComing soonFilmBalanceComing soonFilmCircusComing soon