Do I need grid in order to use gels?

[eyob_kidanmariam]

I am thinking of using gels to be able to change background colors. I have alien bees strobe light (1600 and

800), and I am thinking of buying the background package http://www.alienbees.com/background.html and also add

some gels http://www.alienbees.com/filters.html. However, I am confused as to whether I need to have the grid or

just buy the strobe and the gels. If I do not need the grid, how then the background light can spread to all over

the backdrop?

[wayne_f1]

The gels attach by one of the two methods shown in the pictures at top of this page:

http://www.alienbees.com/filters.html

 

So either that holder, or you can just clip them to the reflector.

For this latter, get their package of Bulldog clips here: http://www.alienbees.com/parts.html (some of the "nylon clips" on that page comes with each light, but the Bulldog clips are easier)

 

A grid is not required, unless you want what it does. You use a grid as a limiter to make a smaller spot of light in middle of background, with an unlighted surrounding. The reflectors cover 80 degrees, probably the entire background. The grids are like 40 or 30 degrees, to only make a bright spot in the center of the background (the grid restricts the width of the reflector coverage). All this depends on distance of course, but the background illumination is definitely wider without the grid, the grid limits the size coverage of the reflector.

 

The grid is independent of the gels, you can use either, or both, or none.

 

The grid is a honeycomb pattern, a filter, which only allows the light to go straight out, instead spreading wide from the reflector.

 

You may be interested in this page: http://home.insight.rr.com/alienbeegels/

[Charles_Webster]

I made cardboard frames for my gels (which I buy by the 20" X 30" sheet) and clip them to my AB (and Norman) reflectors with bulldog or binder clips.

 

An Alien Bee 7" reflector is spec'd at 70 deg. AB sells sets of 4 honeycomb grids 10, 20, 30 & 40 deg. Grids are very useful, especially in small studio situations.

 

<Chas>

[wayne_f1]

>> An Alien Bee 7" reflector is spec'd at 70 deg.

 

80 degrees.

 

http://alienbees.com/7abr.html (second line)

[Charles_Webster]

Thanks for the correction Wayne.

 

<Chas>

[trebor_navilluso]

Clothes Pins work fine too for holding the gels on. Grids are optional as previously stated. However be careful of the heat the generate. Let the gel bulge out and not be in contact with the grid.