I am doing the formal shoot with the Selens on Saturday but if my preliminary tests are accurate, my recommendation for best Broncolor alternative will be changing! I will explain in more detail about my support experience asap
@@LuisGabrielPhotography I will be the first like on the upcoming video then! I need that parabolic reflector system so bad! Thank you for your reactivity
Glad to help. Contact me via IG if you like if you are in a rush to get the modifier so I can provide some extra info and not gold back your purchase :)
@@mitigoI agree. I was hoping I was wrong but yeah my test, specially that flooded and mid positions of the Broncolor just has something unique to it. 👍👍👍
Actually I was looking foreward to buying a Godox parabolic reflector. But the performance of the Godox is really bad. Many thanks for your eye-opening test. Your have saved me a lot of money.
@@LuisGabrielPhotography After watching your video the following video by Adorama came to my mind. In this video the difference between Broncolor and Godox is stated as well and is derived from the difference in texture of the fabric (as you assumed as well). ruclips.net/video/U__NHd3rmXo/видео.html
Hi Luis, thank you for the comparison video. A couple questions: • How did you managed to mount the strobe to the Bron Para? I assumed you used a Bowens mount strobe? • You mentioned that the Glow and Godox are somewhat glorified soft boxes, wondering if you could check out the new Profoto zoom rod accessory? It essentially allows users to mount the strobe to fire into any Profoto mount modifier including Octa softboxes, hard reflectors etc. Wondering if that accessory essentially makes any comparable softbox into a Glow/Godox para? Would be interesting to see a video comparison. • Do you know if there is a look difference between the HR and non HR versions of the Bron para? However subtle the difference might be Lastly a suggestion for future comparison videos: a request to put the image side by side as well so that it’s easier to directly compare them. Sometimes clicking back and forth makes it harder to finely compare. Thank you!
I think in the end the big winner ends up been the Parabolix.. That's the feedback I'm getting from most viewers. Glad that it was useful and thanks for watching : ☺️
I feel like the Godox ease of setup is a major plus but after watching this direct comparison it doesn't seem to give a close enough look to the Broncolor when compared to the Parabolix, straight out of camera. I wonder how much editing it would take to bring it close enough. If it is simply a matter of boosting contrast and/or a few minor tweaks then saving that as a Lightroom setting I would be happier to own the Godox over the Parabolix. Would love to see if you could do a video where you take the same sample images and edit the Godox to match as close as possible the Broncolor. Im very interested to see how much editing in post it would take. I subscribed to see if you make that video.
That is an interesting idea. I mean with Photoshop some people can do magic but I do feel some of the rendering will be lost. I will play with this to see what I can do. Thanks for the suggestion!
This was very helpful to me, thank you for making this video. I have been asking the same questions, in considering which para to invest in (the broncolor is not an option because of the price). So I have been wanting to see a technical comparison between these paras. I’m very impressed with your results with the Parabolix, much more impressive than the Godox.
I am glad it was helpful. I was not able to find any good comparisons so I started contacting people to get this done and luckily B&H believed in me and loaned me the Para. Yeah that would be my call as well.. If the Para is out of reach, I would get the Parabolix. The Godox was a let down for sure. Thanks for your comment!
Hey Luis I just watch the video once again and I wanna update my comment to you. I think that the Parabolix is the better value. I went to their website, the 45 is 800 and some bucks. You said in a couple of the images, well actually more than a couple, that you preferred the look of the Parabolix. And I agree that some of the Parabolix images was better. The broncolor is the best there is no doubt it is much more consistent in the various positions. Although I think that one would use them in the focused position most of the time. And that was the strong point of the Parabolix.
Hello. First, thank you for watching the video :) For my preference I tend to like the Parabolix focused in several of the samples and the Broncolor on mid and Flooded position. I personally shoot a LOT of the time flooded as I love what that "ring of light and dark center" does, so that pushes me towards the Broncolor plus focused is still great on it. When I want a more dramatic focused look I got my Demi with grid. 😁👍 And of course, the setup and breakdown which matters for my use a lot too. But indeed Parabolix is clearly above the other 2 contenders, and at the price it's hard to argue against it for sure. Regards
I have a look at your photo’s. The reason for the Godox not performing is the material. In all the photos the Godox matched with the Broncolor when lighting the subject because of the material there was more spill on the background. The Broncolor has similarities to a silver beauty dish and the Godox has the same as a white beauty dish. The white giving a softer light and more spill than what the silver would do. A sliver would lose a stop of light on the background. I masked out the the background and under exposed it in photoshop the results are similar in the mid and extended. The Godox being a little bit softer. If you add the grid it would have been interesting. Might have gotten similar results I think.
All 4 are outside my budget :D. But Para 133 is just ridiculous in terms of the price ... but I guess if someone makes money with photography it's not a big deal. Great comparison. Looks like Godox is not a way to go.
I was really wanting the Godox to match the Broncolor. I like you have a ton of these. Profond, Also Grand Glow box from SMDV. I should have just originally bought a Broncolor as I have the same money out as if I did.
I hear you. I have done the same thing in the past when I buy something cheaper knowing I wanted something else and in total I end up spending more adding more gear to get me where I would have been if I had just purchased the one I wanted to begin with lol Thank you!
I think that no matter what you purchase, all can be corrected in post edit when it comes to shadows and light...so that's my thought. Especially when the brown color is $4,500 compared to a few hundred lmao!!! Nice video though and I commend you for taking so much time testing and explaining! I know that took some time to do.
I now own the Broncolor 88. The Salens is very close like 95% the same as Broncolor. The Broncolor is a little bit more magenta. I tested the two on fixed tripod and lightstand.
Fascinating stuff. It begs the question of what the magic sauce is with the Broncolor and whether we can modify the cheaper reflectors to replicate that effect.
Yeah this was a good comparison. It just shows that the Broncolor is better, but the Parabolix is a close second, so… if you have the money, you must purchase the Broncolor, because even though the Parabolix was second it's still second-best and that ain't good enough. I just thought I'd throw my opinion out there on this hot topic.
Yeah if money is not a problem, to my eyes the Broncolor is the winner not only in results but that quick setup and breakdown system is just so great on location that I can't get enough of it But of course it doesn't mean that you can do good work with others of course. To me is an investment that will pay off on the long run saving a lot of time and giving amazing results. Thanks for the comment !
In case you haven't purchased the para 133, I just noticed it's 25% off currently, and this with the high heat fabric- so tungsten lights up to 2,000 watts can work with it. Right around $3000 with the focusing tube. I purchased the Parabolix 45. Beautiful light... from your test I'd prefer the 133, but still too expensive for me. I do find the light easy to assemble and break down- if not as easy as the Broncolor. But I can see what a pain it would be outside in cold weather.
Just watched another Para video and the Godox and Broncolor were compared briefly. It seems a lot of what you may be seeing has less to do with the shape but because the Godox silver material is not as shiny and specular as the broncolor and parabolix. The the material is is diffusing the light more. You can see this in the catchlights as well with the Bron and Parabolix having strong distinct reflections with sharp falloff and the godox having a smoother falloff. I think that extra shiny bron material really creates that extra pop and depth that we love. Did you notice any differences in the shine of the materials?
It could be related to that but I also felt the focusing/shape was playing a role as well based on the catchlight when flooded no matter how many different positions I tried on the Godox. Thank you! :)
Awesome video Luis. Thank you so much for being thorough in your comparison. Since you already own Mola beauty dishes, how do you plan on using a para ? Flood, Mid, Focused.
Thanks so much for the kind words. I mostly love the Flooded look personally but the Focused one can also work nicely for some more dramatic looks specially if I am only bringing THE one modifier. I think I normally use the MID position the least unless I want a more "softbox" like rendering. The Mola compared to the Para would be very interesting for sure but to me their looks are pretty distinctive. :)
This is a great video. I have the parabolix 65 and 30. The setup and tear down of them is pretty annoying. The Godox intrigued since they looked easy to setup and looked soo much like the broncolor. Seems from the video that the Godox looks pretty disappointing. I actually just purchased two broncolor paras - 88 and 177 just a few days ago since they are on sale from Broncolor this month. Very excited to get them. My parabolix will be up for sale soon.
That is awesome. Let me know how you like those 2 please. Sounds like one fantastic combo. And yes, specially the Velcro part are the most annoying part of the Parabolix
Thank you so much for making such a details comparison of these 3 focusing parabolic systems. I have to say that I am a little surprised by your findings as I would have expected that Godox would have "tuned" their system extensively against established brands like Broncolor or Briese. That said, the results speak for themselves. The textured (more mat) finish of the Godox P128 is likely the issue here. I will be downloading your images; thank you! Also, in your intro you talked about using lasers to measure and set angles to make sure that everything was equal between each modifier test. How did you determine the correct position of the strobe (FOCUSING ROD POSITION) for the focused and defocused images? I have used the Godox P128 system for the last few months and I feel that the makings ("0" or "10") do not correspond to the "best" or "correct" positions on the P128. The focusing rod for the P128 is the SAME physical rod model as for the larger P158. Therefore, it is unlikely that using the reference markings printed on the rod is the correct way to set "focused" and flood positions. Do you recall at what reference positions you set these for the "flood" and "focused" images ? I'm using a more omni-directional light source than you and setting my rod at 0 or 10 definitely does not give good results on the P128. Just something to consider.
For Godox and Profond I tested taking photos of the light patterns to see which setting will give me the closest look to the Broncolor, specially trying to achieve that ring light, dark center flooded for example. I am familiar with the issues of generic rod for all sizes because the Profond has the same issue where they use the same size and same markings for all their sizes which makes ZERO sense to me. :/ I made small markings on the rod for the Godox and Profond to set to the best I was able to achieve before comparing. Unfortunately, nothing I tried was able to get them closer to true parabolic look and trust me, I REALLY wanted the Godox to win due to the price and easy setup. Thanks for your comment!
@@LuisGabrielPhotography Thanks for the reply! In the last few days Ive been trying various options including using a Godox AD1200 head to see if I can darken the centre more; but ya, I agree; the effect is there but diluted. Again, this is because of the more texture surface I believe. Have you seen this video? (which I suspect was done in response to yours...) ruclips.net/video/U__NHd3rmXo/видео.html
@@ottawamountainman Thanks for that link. I was not aware of that video and I doubt they have even seen my small channel to be a response to me :) Looking forward to your 1200 results! I am glad that he showed a comparison between the Broncolor and Para because it clearly shows how much better the Broncolor is which validates my own findings. While he HAS to say they both are excellent because well, they sell both, I think the images speak for themselves in my opinion. Like here : ruclips.net/video/U__NHd3rmXo/видео.html What do you think? Thanks again !
Thank you for doing all this meticulous testing! Told me everything I needed to know. Unfortunately, for me there's no way around it: I'll have to save up for the Bron para 133. Problem is, my Siros L lights are a bit too heavy for the rod so that includes a pack + light too. Ouch.... Or do you think a Siros 800S (the non-battery powered version) would be ok?
You are welcome. I'm sorry I'm not familiar with the siros to provide an accurate answer :/ I can tell you one thing .. my new favorite is the Selens Edge P120 It is so good that I no longer think about the Broncolor any more and much cheaper :)
Thanks for posting Luis. Not sure this would make a difference (as I don't own any of these, and they are currently don't meet my use case or need), but it seems that Godox recommends only using the AD 1200 pro and 2400p with their Parabolic set of modifiers. Thoughts on how this would have changed your results? You also mentioned you use / have the Mola Demi and was wondering what advantage you find using this heavier, more expensive, larger beauty dish?
Honestly I would have to test those to confirm but I don't buy that story. If I had to bet, I would bet against that changing the results. Somehow both Broncolor and Parabolix are just fine with either the ad200 or 600 pro extension head I used them with. Go figure lol Funny you mentioned the Molas as I recently went through a lot of personal testing of all my modifiers including molas and other softboxes and beauty dishes. The Molas surely give a different rendering to my other ones like the old Joel Grimes, glow 25" and other softboxes from glow like 36" They have a dramatic mix of highlights and shadows that give a lot of pop while still giving beauty lighting. In comparison the softboxes looks just flat and dull. The Joel Grimes BD is not that different from the budget BDs to be honest. Just marketing The interesting one was the 25" Glow BD ad it gives a nice light that it's surpsignly more like a Mola than the other BDs. Is not as good but if I had to buy a budget BD right now, that would be my choice for sure. The Molas are hard to explain until you try one. After all my test I love all 4 buy I think I an going to let go the Sollo ad the silver finish is not the best fit for my style so I am keeping the Setti, Raya and Demi. I am also testing the Parabolix 35D with a new material and loving the results btw I hope this made sense as I am replying fast whole a model is changing to continue a shoot lol Thanks!!
@@LuisGabrielPhotography You're the best and so kind to respond between shoots. Thank you very much. Since I am a new photographer (and amateur), lacking in experience shooting with any beauty dish (silver or white), I'm sure some of what you said needs to be experienced first hand to understand (i.e. the Mola dishes). That said, I did understand the the general points you were making (i.e. marketing of the JG beauty dish - I'd heard that elsewhere as well) etc. I really appreciate you taking the time to answer, because I keep track of responses for future dates (for me to review) as my knowledge base grows and every little bit helps. So far, even this early in my lighting adventure (2 weeks), I've learned a lot shooting and reading or watching and then shooting again. I'll likely come back in the future videos with other questions. Again, I can't thank you enough for taking the time.
@dance2jam I'm very glad to help and thank you as well for taking the time to watch and comment. Lighting is my passion so it makes me very happy to see more photographers joining this adventure . Anything I can help with, let me know :)
@@LuisGabrielPhotography Again, very much appreciated. I was a bit frightened at first to take this path (and having started with wildlife photography, only had to concern myself with natural light/shadow. However, I enjoy taking portraits and the people I photograph seem to like their photos, so this was a natural extension to that adventure. Keep you posted - and I'll keep following your videos.
I like my Parabolix 45" for most of my work including engagement but at least I would do the 35D. For weddings I don't really do events like that so I don't want to give you wrong information about what sizes are better such occasions, aorry
Hi Luis! Thank you so much for this comparison! Can you tell us if the grid for the Godox Parabolic is compatible with the Broncolor Para 133? Broncolor original grids is extremely expensive… Thank you for the good work
Oh man I wish I had tested that but unfortunately I didn't and I doubt I would get my hands on another Godox para again. I am very sorry. Thanks for watching, for the kind words and commenting! :)
I have the Profond, I've also had a Parabolix in the past but I noticed the markings on their focusing rod for the Profond are incorrect. The flooded setting they recommend (depending on the size of your flash tube and its depth) is actually not correct. If you use their flooded setting you are actually spilling light outside of the parabolic reflector (therefore brightening your backgrounds) and it needs to be focused in about a couple of inches to prevent the spill. After putting in my own markings for flooded, mid and focused it is actually comparable to more expensive options you just have to do the testing and find out exactly where your markings should be depending on your strobe/flashtube etc... where as Parabolix and Broncolor do a much better job in properly testing their focusing rods with a variety of flash heads to prevent user error.
I should have mentioned that. I don't use their marking because they use the same .markings for all of them which makes no sense. I had the 55 and 78 as well and made my own markings on all of them after testing them. So what you see here is with the "correct" settings not based on their terrible markings on the adjusting rod. Thanks for the comment!!
Great video Luis, thank you for your tremendous efforts. I subscribed to your channel in a hope you'll make more videos like this one in the future. Hello from a fellow FM user :)
Nice, comprehensive comparison! I shoot sometimes with the Parabolix, but in studio only. Not surprised that the Bron "won". Did you also consider the Briese paras?
I actually has shot with the Parabolix and the Broncolor outdoors as well. Not the Godox as I didnt see a point. No I have not tried Briese Paras yet. Thank you!!!
Thanks for putting all that effort in the comparisons. From your tests, both the Broncolor and the Parabolix seem to do a great job in creating a focused beam. I wonder if the smoother skin rendition with the Para might be due to 24 vs 16 panels creating more of a spherical reflective surface. I have the Parabolix 55 as I shoot more full body images for fashion in the studio and am happy with what it is capable of.
I am glad it was helpful..yeah I wonder that too! But yes while I wanted to get the para the fact is...it's hard to make the decision with the huge price gap . Thanks for watching!!
I have not. I had smdv before but not those parabolics. I had tried working with them before but they showed no interest in loaners for reviews. Looks like B&H has them so I can talk to my contact friend there to test one vs the Parabolix.
@@LuisGabrielPhotography thankyou for the reply i would really love to see the comparison if you could especially for the 140 and bigger because i read on a forum that 140 size and bigger have more a parabolic shape.
Excelente comparación , yo ya trabaje con los Godox y si, no enfocan la luz tanto, no por la forma ni el diseño sino por el material interior todo tiene que ver que uno es mas liso y el de las Godox es mas texturizado , causando que la luz se disperse mas ..
Selens seem to have a range of inexpensive (I think they're called 'Edge') parabolic reflectors but never seen a review of them, have you any experience of those?
@@LuisGabrielPhotography I don't get some companies, the Selen's (for a budget product) it looks they put some effort into making the product but seems to put no effort in marketing the thing
@@LuisGabrielPhotography Thanks for the super quick response! Did you use the Broncolor Para Universal Adapater or did you use a Broncolor to Bowens adapter? Im seriously considering getting a Para133 since I have the Godox Ad600Pro with Extension Head already
I actually use the same cage from the parabolix as it attaches to the Broncolor adjusting rod, perfectly. You can't go wrong grabbing the Para 133 that's for sure. You are welcome :)
@@LuisGabrielPhotography I’m looking into getting the 128 but don’t get me wrong the BC is boss the way you have show it is really a no brainer to go for the BC but it’s that cost that in my personal way yeah the Godox parabolic 128 with a touch of post will match it.
@@LuisGabrielPhotography looking at it again tho I might go for the BC lol it does look good tho and like you said if you have a lot going on post will slow you down if you keep going in.
Thank you so much for this I texted many reviewers to do a direct comparison with the godox and asked if it could even get till 80% of the bron that's more that enough. But not one person commented or replied I guess there could be an embargo of some sort from godox. Thanks again for the practical approach.
I am glad that it was useful. This is unfortunate that nobody replied. I was dying to test the Godox as I had high hopes and luckily my friend from B&H helped me get my hands on it. I was finally able to find out how it performs. Thanks!
@@LuisGabrielPhotography Same here Godox and Bron are the only two brands available here but I don't work in the segment where investing in Bron would be itself in a few years. My plan was that if godox got close enough I could spend some time more time in editing to get a desirable output plus it would look professional on set as it's still a considerable investment in a most of the Asian countries. Now will have to wait for sometime.
Hello. First of all, thank you for asking for that. Means a lot. I don't have one but I just asked Parabolix if they have such a program so I can join it and provide one. :)
@@LuisGabrielPhotography Very useful. I have the Parabolix 45, but because it is not a true Parabolic reflector, I expected the Godox to win out. I will continue investing in Parabolix for now.
I think you are doing good with the parabolix compared to the godox for sure. I have the same 45 for a while now. The dream is or course the Broncolor :)
@@LuisGabrielPhotography That would be interesting. From these, despite being the most expensive, Broncolor still seems like the best choice in the long run.
@@jeresalem Yeah I still prefer Broncolor but I feel Parabolix is not that far and certainly not when considering the price. Do you feel the same? The others are not in contention
@@LuisGabrielPhotography Well it's not that far, but there's definitely something very pleasing in what the Broncolor produces. Also, at least personally, the way it packs and opens up makes it a much better product overall.
thx for so much effort on sharing all these info about Parabolic, I almost going to buy the Godox, but after watching your comparison video, I changed my mind
I think you made the right call. I love my godox lights, and I am sure Godox will never work with me sfter this, but i have to always be honest . Glad it was useful :)
Quick update! I will be receiving the Selens Edge 120 for test and comparing to the Parabolix.
I was about to order the Parabolix but your update just stopped me, could you explain a little more about the topic?
I am doing the formal shoot with the Selens on Saturday but if my preliminary tests are accurate, my recommendation for best Broncolor alternative will be changing!
I will explain in more detail about my support experience asap
@@LuisGabrielPhotography I will be the first like on the upcoming video then! I need that parabolic reflector system so bad! Thank you for your reactivity
Glad to help. Contact me via IG if you like if you are in a rush to get the modifier so I can provide some extra info and not gold back your purchase :)
@@LuisGabrielPhotographyThank you Luis,I just wrote you on IG, you're the man !
very disappointed in the Godox
Yes indeed. I tried contacting Godox but I dont think they will reply back to see if they feel my unit was somehow defective.
@@LuisGabrielPhotography maybe it has some to do with the textured silver interior. There really is no substitute for the broncolor paras.
@@mitigoI agree. I was hoping I was wrong but yeah my test, specially that flooded and mid positions of the Broncolor just has something unique to it. 👍👍👍
Actually I was looking foreward to buying a Godox parabolic reflector. But the performance of the Godox is really bad. Many thanks for your eye-opening test. Your have saved me a lot of money.
I am glad it was useful. Yes I was very disappointed as well as I had it in my mind that it was going to be my new purchase until I tested it.
@@LuisGabrielPhotography After watching your video the following video by Adorama came to my mind. In this video the difference between Broncolor and Godox is stated as well and is derived from the difference in texture of the fabric (as you assumed as well). ruclips.net/video/U__NHd3rmXo/видео.html
Hi Luis, thank you for the comparison video. A couple questions:
• How did you managed to mount the strobe to the Bron Para? I assumed you used a Bowens mount strobe?
• You mentioned that the Glow and Godox are somewhat glorified soft boxes, wondering if you could check out the new Profoto zoom rod accessory? It essentially allows users to mount the strobe to fire into any Profoto mount modifier including Octa softboxes, hard reflectors etc. Wondering if that accessory essentially makes any comparable softbox into a Glow/Godox para? Would be interesting to see a video comparison.
• Do you know if there is a look difference between the HR and non HR versions of the Bron para? However subtle the difference might be
Lastly a suggestion for future comparison videos: a request to put the image side by side as well so that it’s easier to directly compare them. Sometimes clicking back and forth makes it harder to finely compare.
Thank you!
Thanks for doing this, I also had really high hopes for the Godox as the Broncolor is currently out of my budget.
I think in the end the big winner ends up been the Parabolix.. That's the feedback I'm getting from most viewers.
Glad that it was useful and thanks for watching : ☺️
So which one do you prefer of these? Or do you prefer shooting with something else? Parabolix affiliate link added on Nov 23rd 2022
I feel like the Godox ease of setup is a major plus but after watching this direct comparison it doesn't seem to give a close enough look to the Broncolor when compared to the Parabolix, straight out of camera. I wonder how much editing it would take to bring it close enough. If it is simply a matter of boosting contrast and/or a few minor tweaks then saving that as a Lightroom setting I would be happier to own the Godox over the Parabolix. Would love to see if you could do a video where you take the same sample images and edit the Godox to match as close as possible the Broncolor. Im very interested to see how much editing in post it would take. I subscribed to see if you make that video.
That is an interesting idea. I mean with Photoshop some people can do magic but I do feel some of the rendering will be lost.
I will play with this to see what I can do.
Thanks for the suggestion!
@@LuisGabrielPhotography Thank you for taking all the time and effort to create these videos! Looking forward to seeing more.
Glad that is helpful and thanks to you for watching and commenting :)
This was very helpful to me, thank you for making this video. I have been asking the same questions, in considering which para to invest in (the broncolor is not an option because of the price). So I have been wanting to see a technical comparison between these paras. I’m very impressed with your results with the Parabolix, much more impressive than the Godox.
I am glad it was helpful. I was not able to find any good comparisons so I started contacting people to get this done and luckily B&H believed in me and loaned me the Para.
Yeah that would be my call as well.. If the Para is out of reach, I would get the Parabolix. The Godox was a let down for sure.
Thanks for your comment!
My guess is that Godox internal fabric is not reflective enough and therefore lost the characteristics of a parabolic light and became a softbox.
Wauw! What a detailed video. Props an d thanks🙏 . Helps alot, almost bought the Godox.. I guess its saving for the Broncolor
Thanks for the kind words! Glad it was helpful 🙂
Have you used selens edge? if so, what are your impressions?
Hello. I have tried twice including one just now and both times they declined to participate so interpret that as you may. A shame really :/
You just saved me MONEY time and headache with this review. Guess I'll keep saving for broncolor or parabolix
Glad to help. Actually watch my latest video...I got a new favorite now.. The Series Edge.
Thanks :)
Hey Luis I just watch the video once again and I wanna update my comment to you. I think that the Parabolix is the better value. I went to their website, the 45 is 800 and some bucks. You said in a couple of the images, well actually more than a couple, that you preferred the look of the Parabolix. And I agree that some of the Parabolix images was better. The broncolor is the best there is no doubt it is much more consistent in the various positions. Although I think that one would use them in the focused position most of the time. And that was the strong point of the Parabolix.
Hello.
First, thank you for watching the video :)
For my preference I tend to like the Parabolix focused in several of the samples and the Broncolor on mid and Flooded position.
I personally shoot a LOT of the time flooded as I love what that "ring of light and dark center" does, so that pushes me towards the Broncolor plus focused is still great on it. When I want a more dramatic focused look I got my Demi with grid. 😁👍
And of course, the setup and breakdown which matters for my use a lot too. But indeed Parabolix is clearly above the other 2 contenders, and at the price it's hard to argue against it for sure.
Regards
I have a look at your photo’s. The reason for the Godox not performing is the material. In all the photos the Godox matched with the Broncolor when lighting the subject because of the material there was more spill on the background. The Broncolor has similarities to a silver beauty dish and the Godox has the same as a white beauty dish. The white giving a softer light and more spill than what the silver would do. A sliver would lose a stop of light on the background.
I masked out the the background and under exposed it in photoshop the results are similar in the mid and extended. The Godox being a little bit softer.
If you add the grid it would have been interesting. Might have gotten similar results I think.
Thank you for your feedback!
All 4 are outside my budget :D. But Para 133 is just ridiculous in terms of the price ... but I guess if someone makes money with photography it's not a big deal.
Great comparison. Looks like Godox is not a way to go.
Can't argue with that. It's a huge difference for sure :)
I was really wanting the Godox to match the Broncolor. I like you have a ton of these. Profond, Also Grand Glow box from SMDV. I should have just originally bought a Broncolor as I have the same money out as if I did.
I hear you. I have done the same thing in the past when I buy something cheaper knowing I wanted something else and in total I end up spending more adding more gear to get me where I would have been if I had just purchased the one I wanted to begin with lol
Thank you!
@@LuisGabrielPhotography Pay now, or pay later!
I think that no matter what you purchase, all can be corrected in post edit when it comes to shadows and light...so that's my thought. Especially when the brown color is $4,500 compared to a few hundred lmao!!! Nice video though and I commend you for taking so much time testing and explaining! I know that took some time to do.
It sure did take a long time so I appreciate you watching and commenting :)
I just received the SELENS EDGE 90. it looks very close to the Broncolor. The tones are rich and the spill is far less than my Glow Profon.
I wish i could compare the Selens but they didn't want to participate in the test. :/
I now own the Broncolor 88. The Salens is very close like 95% the same as Broncolor. The Broncolor is a little bit more magenta. I tested the two on fixed tripod and lightstand.
Nice. Are you doing a video or post with the samples?
@LuisGabrielPhotography I am Hoping to find the time.
Fascinating stuff. It begs the question of what the magic sauce is with the Broncolor and whether we can modify the cheaper reflectors to replicate that effect.
Indeed, the combination of material and shape of the Broncolor is really delivering the look in look I like best. :)
Yes you could if you put a more shiny fabric inside the Godox para 128 instead of the textured material that they come whit
Yeah this was a good comparison. It just shows that the Broncolor is better, but the Parabolix is a close second, so… if you have the money, you must purchase the Broncolor, because even though the Parabolix was second it's still second-best and that ain't good enough. I just thought I'd throw my opinion out there on this hot topic.
Yeah if money is not a problem, to my eyes the Broncolor is the winner not only in results but that quick setup and breakdown system is just so great on location that I can't get enough of it
But of course it doesn't mean that you can do good work with others of course.
To me is an investment that will pay off on the long run saving a lot of time and giving amazing results.
Thanks for the comment !
In case you haven't purchased the para 133, I just noticed it's 25% off currently, and this with the high heat fabric- so tungsten lights up to 2,000 watts can work with it. Right around $3000 with the focusing tube.
I purchased the Parabolix 45. Beautiful light... from your test I'd prefer the 133, but still too expensive for me. I do find the light easy to assemble and break down- if not as easy as the Broncolor. But I can see what a pain it would be outside in cold weather.
Thanks for the info, John!
Just watched another Para video and the Godox and Broncolor were compared briefly. It seems a lot of what you may be seeing has less to do with the shape but because the Godox silver material is not as shiny and specular as the broncolor and parabolix. The the material is is diffusing the light more. You can see this in the catchlights as well with the Bron and Parabolix having strong distinct reflections with sharp falloff and the godox having a smoother falloff. I think that extra shiny bron material really creates that extra pop and depth that we love. Did you notice any differences in the shine of the materials?
It could be related to that but I also felt the focusing/shape was playing a role as well based on the catchlight when flooded no matter how many different positions I tried on the Godox.
Thank you! :)
Maybe I'm blind... but... I can't tell a difference lol
😅 nice lol thanks for watching :)
Wow that's a really useful review. If you organize the results by equipment and share them in one sheet, it will be easier to understand.
Thank you!!
Which strobe head did you use on the Broncolor Para 133?
I used the Godox AD600 Pro with the extension head. Also tested the ad200 just in case but for the video all shown was the 600 pro
@@LuisGabrielPhotography thanks how does the extension head physically attach to the Para 133 isn’t it the wrong Mount ?
Awesome video Luis. Thank you so much for being thorough in your comparison. Since you already own Mola beauty dishes, how do you plan on using a para ? Flood, Mid, Focused.
Thanks so much for the kind words. I mostly love the Flooded look personally but the Focused one can also work nicely for some more dramatic looks specially if I am only bringing THE one modifier.
I think I normally use the MID position the least unless I want a more "softbox" like rendering. The Mola compared to the Para would be very interesting for sure but to me their looks are pretty distinctive. :)
thx for testing!!
You are welcome
Thanks for watching!
This is a great video. I have the parabolix 65 and 30. The setup and tear down of them is pretty annoying. The Godox intrigued since they looked easy to setup and looked soo much like the broncolor. Seems from the video that the Godox looks pretty disappointing. I actually just purchased two broncolor paras - 88 and 177 just a few days ago since they are on sale from Broncolor this month. Very excited to get them. My parabolix will be up for sale soon.
That is awesome. Let me know how you like those 2 please. Sounds like one fantastic combo.
And yes, specially the Velcro part are the most annoying part of the Parabolix
I’m looking for the Parabolix 65. If it’s still available let’s talk
hey Gabriel - any news regarding the Selens Edge 120? Is it better than the Parabolix & Godox in the end?
Thank you so much for making such a details comparison of these 3 focusing parabolic systems. I have to say that I am a little surprised by your findings as I would have expected that Godox would have "tuned" their system extensively against established brands like Broncolor or Briese. That said, the results speak for themselves. The textured (more mat) finish of the Godox P128 is likely the issue here. I will be downloading your images; thank you! Also, in your intro you talked about using lasers to measure and set angles to make sure that everything was equal between each modifier test.
How did you determine the correct position of the strobe (FOCUSING ROD POSITION) for the focused and defocused images? I have used the Godox P128 system for the last few months and I feel that the makings ("0" or "10") do not correspond to the "best" or "correct" positions on the P128. The focusing rod for the P128 is the SAME physical rod model as for the larger P158. Therefore, it is unlikely that using the reference markings printed on the rod is the correct way to set "focused" and flood positions. Do you recall at what reference positions you set these for the "flood" and "focused" images ? I'm using a more omni-directional light source than you and setting my rod at 0 or 10 definitely does not give good results on the P128. Just something to consider.
For Godox and Profond I tested taking photos of the light patterns to see which setting will give me the closest look to the Broncolor, specially trying to achieve that ring light, dark center flooded for example. I am familiar with the issues of generic rod for all sizes because the Profond has the same issue where they use the same size and same markings for all their sizes which makes ZERO sense to me. :/ I made small markings on the rod for the Godox and Profond to set to the best I was able to achieve before comparing.
Unfortunately, nothing I tried was able to get them closer to true parabolic look and trust me, I REALLY wanted the Godox to win due to the price and easy setup.
Thanks for your comment!
@@LuisGabrielPhotography Thanks for the reply! In the last few days Ive been trying various options including using a Godox AD1200 head to see if I can darken the centre more; but ya, I agree; the effect is there but diluted. Again, this is because of the more texture surface I believe. Have you seen this video? (which I suspect was done in response to yours...) ruclips.net/video/U__NHd3rmXo/видео.html
@@ottawamountainman Thanks for that link. I was not aware of that video and I doubt they have even seen my small channel to be a response to me :)
Looking forward to your 1200 results!
I am glad that he showed a comparison between the Broncolor and Para because it clearly shows how much better the Broncolor is which validates my own findings. While he HAS to say they both are excellent because well, they sell both, I think the images speak for themselves in my opinion.
Like here : ruclips.net/video/U__NHd3rmXo/видео.html
What do you think?
Thanks again !
Thank you for your work, really disappointing from Godox
You are very welcome
Heads-up..I finally found THE Broncolor alternative and I am trying to get the video posted this weekend finally :)
@@LuisGabrielPhotography Well I'm subscribing then!! :D
Thanks 😀👍
Parabolix looks great and very good on creating parabolic curve.
Let's hope they develop easier mechanism for opening & closing it
Yes if they can do that without increasing price too much, thar would be fantastic!
@@LuisGabrielPhotography agree. Also it would be hard to invent new mechanism without copying other brand mechanism to avoid copyright 😊
They just need to get creative 😁
why so long !!
If you were to get all those softboxes, a model, take the photos and sort them out to make the comparison how long will it take you???
Thank you for doing all this meticulous testing! Told me everything I needed to know. Unfortunately, for me there's no way around it: I'll have to save up for the Bron para 133. Problem is, my Siros L lights are a bit too heavy for the rod so that includes a pack + light too. Ouch.... Or do you think a Siros 800S (the non-battery powered version) would be ok?
You are welcome. I'm sorry I'm not familiar with the siros to provide an accurate answer :/
I can tell you one thing .. my new favorite is the Selens Edge P120
It is so good that I no longer think about the Broncolor any more and much cheaper :)
Thanks for posting Luis. Not sure this would make a difference (as I don't own any of these, and they are currently don't meet my use case or need), but it seems that Godox recommends only using the AD 1200 pro and 2400p with their Parabolic set of modifiers. Thoughts on how this would have changed your results? You also mentioned you use / have the Mola Demi and was wondering what advantage you find using this heavier, more expensive, larger beauty dish?
Honestly I would have to test those to confirm but I don't buy that story. If I had to bet, I would bet against that changing the results. Somehow both Broncolor and Parabolix are just fine with either the ad200 or 600 pro extension head I used them with. Go figure lol
Funny you mentioned the Molas as I recently went through a lot of personal testing of all my modifiers including molas and other softboxes and beauty dishes.
The Molas surely give a different rendering to my other ones like the old Joel Grimes, glow 25" and other softboxes from glow like 36"
They have a dramatic mix of highlights and shadows that give a lot of pop while still giving beauty lighting. In comparison the softboxes looks just flat and dull.
The Joel Grimes BD is not that different from the budget BDs to be honest. Just marketing
The interesting one was the 25" Glow BD ad it gives a nice light that it's surpsignly more like a Mola than the other BDs. Is not as good but if I had to buy a budget BD right now, that would be my choice for sure.
The Molas are hard to explain until you try one.
After all my test I love all 4 buy I think I an going to let go the Sollo ad the silver finish is not the best fit for my style so I am keeping the Setti, Raya and Demi.
I am also testing the Parabolix 35D with a new material and loving the results btw
I hope this made sense as I am replying fast whole a model is changing to continue a shoot lol
Thanks!!
@@LuisGabrielPhotography You're the best and so kind to respond between shoots. Thank you very much. Since I am a new photographer (and amateur), lacking in experience shooting with any beauty dish (silver or white), I'm sure some of what you said needs to be experienced first hand to understand (i.e. the Mola dishes). That said, I did understand the the general points you were making (i.e. marketing of the JG beauty dish - I'd heard that elsewhere as well) etc. I really appreciate you taking the time to answer, because I keep track of responses for future dates (for me to review) as my knowledge base grows and every little bit helps. So far, even this early in my lighting adventure (2 weeks), I've learned a lot shooting and reading or watching and then shooting again. I'll likely come back in the future videos with other questions. Again, I can't thank you enough for taking the time.
@dance2jam I'm very glad to help and thank you as well for taking the time to watch and comment. Lighting is my passion so it makes me very happy to see more photographers joining this adventure .
Anything I can help with, let me know :)
@@LuisGabrielPhotography Again, very much appreciated. I was a bit frightened at first to take this path (and having started with wildlife photography, only had to concern myself with natural light/shadow. However, I enjoy taking portraits and the people I photograph seem to like their photos, so this was a natural extension to that adventure. Keep you posted - and I'll keep following your videos.
@dance2jam it takes a lot of practice but you already did the best decision to start working on it :)
Very Nice.
Thanks!
Hope you test Jinbei, Selens EDGE Parabolic and compare with other brand, thanks!
Hello. I contacted them but they did not want to collaborate, unfortunately
What size do you recommend for wedding or engagement photography?
I like my Parabolix 45" for most of my work including engagement but at least I would do the 35D. For weddings I don't really do events like that so I don't want to give you wrong information about what sizes are better such occasions, aorry
Hi Luis!
Thank you so much for this comparison!
Can you tell us if the grid for the Godox Parabolic is compatible with the Broncolor Para 133? Broncolor original grids is extremely expensive…
Thank you for the good work
Oh man I wish I had tested that but unfortunately I didn't and I doubt I would get my hands on another Godox para again. I am very sorry.
Thanks for watching, for the kind words and commenting! :)
Thanks for super work ❤
I have the Profond, I've also had a Parabolix in the past but I noticed the markings on their focusing rod for the Profond are incorrect. The flooded setting they recommend (depending on the size of your flash tube and its depth) is actually not correct. If you use their flooded setting you are actually spilling light outside of the parabolic reflector (therefore brightening your backgrounds) and it needs to be focused in about a couple of inches to prevent the spill. After putting in my own markings for flooded, mid and focused it is actually comparable to more expensive options you just have to do the testing and find out exactly where your markings should be depending on your strobe/flashtube etc... where as Parabolix and Broncolor do a much better job in properly testing their focusing rods with a variety of flash heads to prevent user error.
I should have mentioned that. I don't use their marking because they use the same .markings for all of them which makes no sense. I had the 55 and 78 as well and made my own markings on all of them after testing them. So what you see here is with the "correct" settings not based on their terrible markings on the adjusting rod.
Thanks for the comment!!
Lol I just read the DPReview and FredMiranda discussions you were in. 💀🔥😂
I wonder which one..I try to stay away from dpreview and avoid trolls but sometimes...I can't 🤣🤣🤣
Great video Luis, thank you for your tremendous efforts. I subscribed to your channel in a hope you'll make more videos like this one in the future. Hello from a fellow FM user :)
Thanks so much for the kind words. Next video is the Selena Edge...the new favorite parabolic umbrella 😀👍
@@LuisGabrielPhotography Looking forward to it. The sample pics on FM look very promising!
Good job team, thanks Tocallo for sharing
You are welcome and thanks for watching!
Considering, Bron already is a cheap Briese copy...
Have you compared them side by side? I would love to test Briese too
Nice, comprehensive comparison! I shoot sometimes with the Parabolix, but in studio only. Not surprised that the Bron "won". Did you also consider the Briese paras?
I actually has shot with the Parabolix and the Broncolor outdoors as well. Not the Godox as I didnt see a point. No I have not tried Briese Paras yet.
Thank you!!!
Thanks for putting all that effort in the comparisons. From your tests, both the Broncolor and the Parabolix seem to do a great job in creating a focused beam. I wonder if the smoother skin rendition with the Para might be due to 24 vs 16 panels creating more of a spherical reflective surface. I have the Parabolix 55 as I shoot more full body images for fashion in the studio and am happy with what it is capable of.
I am glad it was helpful..yeah I wonder that too! But yes while I wanted to get the para the fact is...it's hard to make the decision with the huge price gap .
Thanks for watching!!
Thanks, a great modifier makes all the difference.
It sure helps a lot and speeds up the workflow
Would you share distance from BG to back of chair, and BG to light stand? thanks.
Hi.
On the photo with the model it was about 6 feet behind the model.
Thanks!
@@LuisGabrielPhotography thanks -
Thank you very helpful.
I am glad it was. Thanks for watching :)
This is an excellent video. Thank you for the careful hard work!
Thanks so much for the kind words!! :)
Great review, thank you :)
Thanks to you for watching:)
Really appreciate the hard work...awesome!
Thanks so much for the kind words! Glad it was useful.
Hi have you try the smdv mega 140/160/180 series if you have how are they compared too the bron and parabolix?
I have not. I had smdv before but not those parabolics. I had tried working with them before but they showed no interest in loaners for reviews.
Looks like B&H has them so I can talk to my contact friend there to test one vs the Parabolix.
@@LuisGabrielPhotography thankyou for the reply i would really love to see the comparison if you could especially for the 140 and bigger because i read on a forum that 140 size and bigger have more a parabolic shape.
Yes I was looking at that. Seems the bigger ones are actually the ones with more parabolic shape unlike the 140 and smaller
Excelente comparación , yo ya trabaje con los Godox y si, no enfocan la luz tanto, no por la forma ni el diseño sino por el material interior todo tiene que ver que uno es mas liso y el de las Godox es mas texturizado , causando que la luz se disperse mas ..
Gracias por tu comentario. Fue una pena que no fuera lo que yo esperaba
Selens seem to have a range of inexpensive (I think they're called 'Edge') parabolic reflectors but never seen a review of them, have you any experience of those?
I actually was just told about them and contacted Selens but they are no interest to send a loaner, unfortunately.
@@LuisGabrielPhotography I don't get some companies, the Selen's (for a budget product) it looks they put some effort into making the product but seems to put no effort in marketing the thing
Right??? They don't even have to give it to me just loan it for 2 weeks so I can do the test. Go figure lol
Great video! Thanks for all the work and details. What light did you actually use with the Para 133?
The godox ad600 pro using the extension head. .thank you !!! :)
@@LuisGabrielPhotography Thanks for the super quick response! Did you use the Broncolor Para Universal Adapater or did you use a Broncolor to Bowens adapter? Im seriously considering getting a Para133 since I have the Godox Ad600Pro with Extension Head already
I actually use the same cage from the parabolix as it attaches to the Broncolor adjusting rod, perfectly. You can't go wrong grabbing the Para 133 that's for sure.
You are welcome :)
Thank you for sharing!!!!!!
Thank you for watching and commenting :)
Great video there are others also I’m going for the Godox main thing is the price and second post can fix.
Glad that you liked it and thanks for your comment as well. You getting the Godox parabolic? What size?
Thanks
@@LuisGabrielPhotography I’m looking into getting the 128 but don’t get me wrong the BC is boss the way you have show it is really a no brainer to go for the BC but it’s that cost that in my personal way yeah the Godox parabolic 128 with a touch of post will match it.
@@LuisGabrielPhotography looking at it again tho I might go for the BC lol it does look good tho and like you said if you have a lot going on post will slow you down if you keep going in.
Thank you so much for this I texted many reviewers to do a direct comparison with the godox and asked if it could even get till 80% of the bron that's more that enough. But not one person commented or replied I guess there could be an embargo of some sort from godox. Thanks again for the practical approach.
I am glad that it was useful. This is unfortunate that nobody replied. I was dying to test the Godox as I had high hopes and luckily my friend from B&H helped me get my hands on it. I was finally able to find out how it performs.
Thanks!
@@LuisGabrielPhotography Same here Godox and Bron are the only two brands available here but I don't work in the segment where investing in Bron would be itself in a few years. My plan was that if godox got close enough I could spend some time more time in editing to get a desirable output plus it would look professional on set as it's still a considerable investment in a most of the Asian countries. Now will have to wait for sometime.
@@VivianSarky13 I hear you. The price difference is substantial for sure.
Whats your affiliate link for the other products? I am interested in checking out the parabolix
Hello.
First of all, thank you for asking for that. Means a lot. I don't have one but I just asked Parabolix if they have such a program so I can join it and provide one. :)
@@LuisGabrielPhotography is it on Amazon?
Ahh I just realized your links were B&H not Amazon. Sorry.
Yeah my links are for B&H as they are the ones helping me with loaners but Parabolix sells directly from them though
www.parabolixlight.com/
@@LuisGabrielPhotography Thanks!
Thank you sir! You saved me a ton of money!
You are welcome. I am glad it was useful. :)
@@LuisGabrielPhotography Very useful. I have the Parabolix 45, but because it is not a true Parabolic reflector, I expected the Godox to win out. I will continue investing in Parabolix for now.
I think you are doing good with the parabolix compared to the godox for sure. I have the same 45 for a while now. The dream is or course the Broncolor :)
Awesome. Very helpful, thank you.
Glad it was helpful. I am trying to get my hands on the SMDV Mega next to add to this :)
@@LuisGabrielPhotography That would be interesting. From these, despite being the most expensive, Broncolor still seems like the best choice in the long run.
Zero interest from smdv unfortunately. Oh well, I tried :/
@@jeresalem Yeah I still prefer Broncolor but I feel Parabolix is not that far and certainly not when considering the price. Do you feel the same? The others are not in contention
@@LuisGabrielPhotography Well it's not that far, but there's definitely something very pleasing in what the Broncolor produces.
Also, at least personally, the way it packs and opens up makes it a much better product overall.
thx for so much effort on sharing all these info about Parabolic, I almost going to buy the Godox, but after watching your comparison video, I changed my mind
I think you made the right call. I love my godox lights, and I am sure Godox will never work with me sfter this, but i have to always be honest .
Glad it was useful :)