Cinematographer
Aus DoP-Perspektive ist dieses Element essentiell für die visuelle Gestaltung. Es ermöglicht mir die gewünschte Farbstimmung und das ästhetische Bild konsistent umzusetzen.
Spherical light modifier that diffuses a fixture's output in all directions, creating soft, omnidirectional illumination.
Overview
A Lantern Diffuser (also known as a Lantern Softbox or simply Lantern) is a spherical or balloon-shaped light modifier that is stretched over or around a light source, scattering its light in almost all directions. The result is a soft, omnidirectional soft light with a large, evenly illuminated surface and a gentle fall-off.
The Lantern Diffuser is essentially the professional, reusable evolution of the classic paper lantern light (China Ball or Chinese Lantern). Instead of a paper balloon around a bare bulb, it uses a heat-resistant diffusion fabric and a sturdy mount that connects directly to a modern daylight or LED spotlight.
Function and Light Character
Unlike a traditional softbox, which concentrates light in one direction, a lantern emits light all around. Manufacturers typically specify a very wide beam angle for them – depending on the model, approximately 270° (with skirt) up to almost spherical.
- Soft Light: The large, spherical luminous surface creates soft shadows and a gentle transition from light to shadow.
- Omnidirectional: The light fills a space all around – ideal as fill light or ambient light hanging from above into a scene.
- Skirt/Gobo: Many lanterns have a black, removable skirt that can be used to limit the downward or side light output and control spill light.
Construction and Connection
Lanterns are usually designed to be foldable and are adapted to the spotlight via a standard mount. Common connection types include the Bowens Mount, manufacturer-specific bayonets (e.g., Aputure Mount), and for studio/video lanterns, a Speed Ring. For the best all-around effect, they are preferably used with bare-bulb-like sources.
| Example Model | Diameter | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Aputure Lantern | 26″ (approx. 66 cm) | Bowens Mount |
| Aputure Lantern 90 | approx. 90 cm (3 ft) | Bowens Mount |
| Aputure Lantern 120 | 120 cm | Aputure Mount |
| Chimera Lantern | 20″ (approx. 51 cm) | Speed Ring |
Use on Set
Lanterns primarily serve as a soft, wide-reaching light source when the light output is not intended to be directional. Typical applications:
- Soft overhead light for table or dining scenes.
- Even illumination of groups or interviews with multiple people.
- Ambient and fill light in interiors, often hung from boom arms or suspended from the ceiling.
- As a motivated light source when a visible hanging lamp is to be simulated in the shot – the clean, professional version of the China Ball.
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 „Laterne-Diffusor"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?