Egg Crate 30°

Overview

An Egg Crate (literally "egg carton" in German, also called Soft Grid, Fabric Grid, or Wabengitter) is a textile light modifier accessory in film and photography lighting. It consists of a grid of black fabric cells that is stretched in front of the luminous surface of a softbox, a diffusion frame, or an overhead/butterfly frame. Unlike a hard honeycomb grid made of metal, the Egg Crate retains the soft, broad character of the light while simultaneously restricting side light spill.

The number 30° denotes the beam angle: the light is focused into a cone of approximately 30 degrees. The smaller the degree number, the narrower and more directed the light output; 30° is a comparatively narrow, highly directional variant. Other common angles are 40° and 50° (wider, softer fall-off) as well as 20° (even narrower).

Principle of Operation

The Egg Crate reduces the side light spill from the soft source without destroying its softness. This allows the light to be placed more precisely, reduces spill light onto walls, ceilings, or adjacent set areas, and provides better contrast control. Typical applications include interviews, portraits, product shots, and situations where a soft source is positioned close to walls or other lights.

The beam angle is determined by the geometry of the cells. According to manufacturer specifications from DoPchoice, the angle results from the cell size with a constant grid depth: smaller or deeper cells produce a narrower angle.

Forms and Manufacturers

Egg Crates are manufactured to match the size and shape of the respective light source – for rectangular and square softboxes, round/octa-softboxes, tubes (tube lights), as well as for large overhead and butterfly frames (e.g., 4×4, 6×6, 8×8, 12×12). Attachment is typically tool-free via Velcro or straps.

Common products and suppliers include SNAPGRID from DoPchoice (available in 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, and as a 30°/50° combination) as well as soft egg crates from various grip equipment suppliers for overhead frames. "Egg Crate 30°" is therefore not a single product name, but the generic designation for a soft grid with a 30° beam angle.