Cinematographer
Aus DoP-Perspektive ist dieses Element essentiell für die visuelle Gestaltung. Es ermöglicht mir die gewünschte Farbstimmung und das ästhetische Bild konsistent umzusetzen.
Fabric egg crate with 50° beam angle, placed on softboxes, panel lights, or diffusion frames to narrow light spread and reduce spill.
Overview
An "Egg Crate 50°" is a soft fabric grid (Soft Egg Crate / Fabric Grid) placed in front of the diffusion surface of a softbox, LED panel, beauty dish/octa, or diffusion frame (butterfly/overhead). It falls under the category of grip and light shaping equipment and serves to narrow the otherwise widely radiating beam of a soft light source without altering the softness of the light or its color temperature.
The number 50° indicates the approximate exit angle of the light: the smaller the value, the narrower and more directional the beam, and the stronger the spill control. Compared to narrower grids (e.g., 30° or 40°), 50° is a relatively wide angle that still significantly cuts down on stray light but allows for broader illumination. Manufacturers like Chimera (Lighttools series) typically offer these grids in an angle range of 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, and 60°.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Soft fabric grid (Soft Egg Crate / Fabric Grid) |
| Exit Angle | 50° (medium to wide angle in the standard range) |
| Attachment | Typically all-around via Velcro or ties to softbox/frame |
| Effect | Bundles the light beam, reduces stray light (spill); softness and color temperature are maintained |
| Properties | Lightweight, foldable, compact for transport |
| Compatibility | Softboxes and panel lights from various manufacturers (e.g., Profoto RFI, Godox, Aputure, Chimera) – size dependent |
The grids are offered to match the respective source or frame size – from small formats (approx. 18x18 inches) to large overhead grids for butterfly frames. Exact dimensions and weights depend on the manufacturer and model.
On-Set Usage
The 50° Egg Crate is used when soft light needs to be directed without becoming harsh – for example, in interviews, portraits, and product shots. Typical tasks include:
- Keeping stray light away from walls, ceiling, or background and maintaining contrast
- Keeping negative fill areas clean and avoiding light overlap between multiple sources
- More precisely limiting soft key or fill light onto the subject
In relation to narrower grids (30°/40°), the 50° version provides less aggressive bundling and thus broader, more even illumination with moderate spill control – a good choice when the subject needs to be lit over a larger area, but stray light still needs to be controlled.
From the crafts
Perspectives
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.
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Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Wabengitter 50°"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?