Extra-large octas, umbrellas, and parabolics:

<p>Here, at 100%, you see how small the actual source was, which was also partially blocked by the softbox:</p>

<p><img src="http://studio460.com/studio460/softtest1-eye.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>Another shot with the same set-up:</p>

<p><img src="http://studio460.com/studio460/softtest2-700.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="467" /><br>

Nikon D800E; 105mm AF DC-Nikkor f/2.0D; ISO: 100; f/3.5 @ 1/250th</p>

<p><img src="http://studio460.com/studio460/softtest2-eye.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>Again, as you can see in the reflection in the subject's eye, a good portion of the source is blocked by the softbox itself, reducing the effective size of the bounce surface. Unfortunately, we went out for dinner, and my model has now gone, so I can't try the bare-bulb set-up tonight. That'll be on the top of my list for next time . . .</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Last one . . .</p>

<p><img src="http://studio460.com/studio460/softtest6-700.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>[Note: Upon review, I noticed that the D800E images above are less than optimal--the images were inadvertently underexposed, requiring later exposure correction, revealing increased noise, resulting in reduced sharpness. Also, I believe the DC 105mm's attenuated-contrast appears to contribute to some apparent loss of sharpness as well.]</p>

<p>Slightly off-topic:</p>

<p>I finally decided on my new RAW converter, and just purchased the recently-released, DxO Optics Pro 8 for OS X. The original file was only shot as a .JPG, but when processed in DxO (at mostly default settings), the results are much sharper:</p>

<p><img src="http://studio460.com/studio460/softtest1-eye.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="467" /><br /> Aperture 3: Nikon D800E out-of-camera .JPG</p>

<p><img src="http://studio460.com/studio460/soft2-dxo.jpg" alt="" /><br /> DxO Optics Pro Elite 8: Nikon D800E out-of-camera .JPG</p>

<p>It was a tough decision, but the camera body- and lens-specific optical correction profiles in DxO finally won me over. Almost all of my current Nikkor lens inventory is supported in DxO for both my Nikon D3s and D800E (notable exceptions include my AF Nikkor 14mm f/2.8D, and AF Nikkor 18mm f/2.8D). Also, the $199 sale price ($100 discount) ends January 31st, 2013, so I wanted to take advantage of that as well.</p>