Lindsay Adler's Optical Spot Modifier Explained
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- Опубліковано 22 бер 2022
- In this video I talk about the Optical Spot -- a hard light modifier that I designed in conjunction with Westcott.
I truly love this modifier and it's been a long time in the making so I'm super happy it's here! I use the optical spot create pockets of light, on my subject, create drama with slivers of light and cast shadows with the various gobos. It's really become a staple in my photography arsenal!
Now, you might be wondering, what separates this modifier from similar ones on the market. Well that's exactly what this video is for! I aimed to create a truly high quality modifier that comes with a kit lens already and everything you need to start creating amazing images (sans the light of course). I really wanted my version of the Optical Spot to be something I can be proud to share with my fellow photographers. We used a quality lens and manufacturing to ensure that this modifier gives you the results you want without any fuss!
Westcott has a variety of different mounts available and will be coming out with even more, so don't fret if your light isn't compatible yet, I'm sure it will be!
To get your hands on one check out 👉 lindsayadler.photo/wcopticalspot.
The Optical Spot comes with a FREE 40 minute tutorial that shows you how to use the modifier in creative ways, so that's a bonus for sure.
I also have one of my exclusive lighting recipe guides available for even more creative inspiration as well 👉 lindsayadler.photo/opticalguide.
👉 Check out the Optical spot playlist too for more videos: • Optical Spot
👇 If you already have one of these definitely drop a comment below and let me know what you think or if you have any questions! - Фільми й анімація
Great courses. Wish you great success this year and next year also.
This is great for beginners or advance people who doing a campaign. This should sell well for home or commercial studio.
Lindsay Adler has always been an inspiration to me. Because of that, I bought not one, but two of this Optical Spot. Since I live far away in Sarawak, I have to wait for a month before it finally arrived. I received mine yesterday and can't wait to use it. Looking forward to hear the new updates from Lindsay, especially that wide-angle, sharp lens for this Optical Spot.
That is awesome!
Lindsay this is a well-designed modifier that addresses many styles of photography. and...affordable too. Great job.
Thank you so much. I honestly just wanted to create something that I was use ever day... and I do!
Congratulations for give us this amazing piece of equipment!
I must say, after finagling with the cheaper versions of the optical spot, I could never find one I truly liked using- until I tried yours. The ability to change lenses, and the inclusion of a leaf shutter you find on more expensive "leko" stage lights really sets this apart from the rest. Not to mention, there arre hardly ANY light leaks with the GOBOs, etc. I'm glad I added it to my lighting kit.
So so so so happy to hear that.
I have had this optical spot for 4 months and I love it! I try to use it in most of my studio shoots and it never fails to amaze me with the results I achieve! I experiment with it constantly with the shutters and gobos. I have purchased the organic expansion set and l love the effects it produces. This modifier is an absolute must have for anyone's studio. You will not be disappointed!
I have to say I bought this as a Christmas gift for myself and I absolutely love it. I have used projectors like the Light Blaster before this, and I have to say it's all about that lens that comes with this kit. You can get your light so sharp with this thing it's amazing. I really want to see more lenses be made available for this. I know we can use any EF lens but nothing focuses like the one that comes in this kit. I really need something wider like a 25mm so Lindsay and team please make it happen.
And I wish this video came out before I bought the Optical Spot because after I bought it, I saw some of the cheaper ones that look just like this on Amazon and was wondering if I should have gone with one of those and saved some money. But I'm so happy that Lindsay addressed those cheaper ones in this video. I'm sure I would not have be as happy with those projectors as I am with this one. If you want to get more creative with your lighting buy this one from Lindsay and Westcott you honestly won't get similar results anywhere else.
Side note: I use this for boudoir photography and recently did a video showing off how I use the optical spot to create some bold and vibrant fine art nudes. Here's the link to that video if anyone wants to check it out. ua-cam.com/video/dbHt0GzlRmw/v-deo.html
What's your budget though? Because there are several 24mm & 25mm lenses you can buy that are EF-mount from Rokinon to SLR Magic or Canon to Zeiss lenses.
You are in luck... more are coming!!!
@@Neopulse00 So I already have a Rokinon 14mm and it's blurry and can't get it super sharp like the lens that comes with this kit. Also the modeling light doesn't shine through that lens well so it's hard to see the light coming out of it. I have no idea what kind of lens this thing is. I know it must be some specific type but when you rotate it to focus it can entend really long, so there is a vast amount of focusing range if that makes sense. I would love to know what other lenses are out there that function similar to this one.
@@lindsayadlerphoto that's fantastic news, can't wait!
@@lindsayadlerphoto Any updates on new lenses? I, too, need something much wider for smaller studio spaces. Thanks so much!!
This is very awesome! Congrats! I had the pleasure of being at your talk this year at WPPI.
Thank you for watching and stopping by to see me at WPPI. :)
got one- can't wait!!!
The samples of the optical look great for home or studio use. Hope to see another video this month. Great work as always.
Thanks for watching Joseph!
Love this spot Lindsay, really well thought-out product with a vast array of applications for photographers...
Thank you so much!
Thank you for this! 🙏🏾
Love love love this
I have been waiting for this.
I love the fact that you are new school but also old school
I will be getting one
Totally!
fantastic Lindsay ,, prob the best iv seen to date ,, well done and thank you
Wow, thank you!
OMG 😯 Lindsay, congratulations for that. This spot modifier looks so cool. By the way you are a great photographer and professional.
So, I've been trying to get one of these ever since I saw this video, but they're apparently so popular that they've been out of stock at all my usual gettin' places. I wanted one so badly, though, that I jumped through nine kinds of hoops to get it, and I finally have one on the way directly from Westcott. Yay!
Thanks for all your videos. They're informative and also a lot of fun. I look forward to seeing what I do with the optical spot when it arrives! :)
I'm glad you were able to finally get one. I've been pushing people to try to get it directly from Westcott since they get the inventory first and at least know when more will be coming in. Enjoy!
Looks like a great accessory if you have a studio. Love the design.
Not just for the studio! :D
Just awesome. Ordered one 🤩
Looks identical to Jinbei DP-06 and Rollei optical spot 🤔.
Many flashes look the same too, doesn't mean they are. 😉
My favorite photographer next to myself
haha well thank you. :)
Thank you again Lindsay, I just received my optical spot last week and I’m loving it.
omg you will have Balcar my heart I love my Balcar mono blocs I still have 3 im picking up the Bowens one for now
It dose look good, I will see if I canfind a supplier in the UK.
SUPER. SUPER , THE BEST VIDEOS
நன்றாக இருக்கிறது வாழ்த்துக்கள் ,CHENNAI
-R.MANOHAR(MGR) INDIA,*😊
I think you should talk more about the watt power needed for both strobes and constant lights. I feel like with the current lights that I have, I can’t use the optical spot in a day light studio. It needs to be super dark for this to work.
That's true either way because you need the lights dim to see the modeling light. I basically have the studio totally dark when I shoot.
Modelling light? I can't see ad600pro full power flash using 50 1.8 😬
Mark Patterson loves Linsay Adler she is a great photographer
I just purchased this bad girl, can't wait to lay my hand on her (Evil smile emoji)
You are awesome Lindsay thank you once again, I'll comment and let you know what I think of the product.
The quality and packaging are superb, the box itself is so good I don't want to throw it away.
Lol thanks!
Hi Lindsay!
How do you create a perfect circular spot? From a pinpoint to a larger circle? Is it a gobo or something else?
There are circle gobos of different sizes!
Hi Lindsay, 2 questions:
1> I mostly have Canon RF Lenses and would love to use them - Is there an adapter available to go from RF to EF?
2> And, if we put one of our own lenses on there, (for example the Canon RF 28-70) will the gels still be able to snap onto the front?
:D
1. No but we are working on new lenses!
2. Nope, but you can just tape regular gels on the front
@@lindsayadlerphoto thank you so much!
The rubber handle for my gobo holder was black and can be easily confused with the other handles. How can I get a red handle?
At 5:22 we can use the ef mount lens. I have the old tamron ef lens 28-300mm with f3.5-5.6, can I use this lens?
And does the aperture f3.5-5.6 of this tamron lens affects the quality of the light in any way?
Thank you 🥰
I would like to see more results and how do you use the spot.
Check the channel, plenty of videos where I use it.
Where can I buy the Bowens mount only? I bought the Profoto version of the optical spot already.
Not entirely sure if you can buy the mount only. I would reach out to Westcott directly to find out.
in B&H website it says it can work with LED upto 100watts only, will there be a heat problem if we use it with 300 or 600 watts LED lights? , please clarify
Hi there! feel free to contact support@fjwestcott.com. I use it on more than that, but not sure what the actual rating is. I use it on 300 no prob but again best to check actual rating.
Hi Lindsay,
Love your work and your educational materials. When I first saw this product I thought that we would be able to put our own lens on it. I have a substantial investment in Canon fast glass. Is it possible to buy the kit without the front lens? I feel that your name should be on the larger body, because when a different lens is attached your name is now in the bag and not on display. Oh, and who distributes this product in Australia, please?
Cheers
Andrew Greig
Melbourne Australia
The lens is made because it is very sharp and bright. It is not available without, sorry! And If you reach out to Westcott directly they can let you know about distributors--- I apologize but I'm not part of that side of the business!
Can you change the aperture of the canon 24-70 when it’s attached to optical snoot?
Not familiar with canon ef mount lenses. Some need to be attached to camera to be able to change. It’s very important moment to have aperture open
Sorry I really dont know! I dont think so
@@lindsayadlerphoto but does this lens stays open at f2.8 when it’s of the camera ? As you would need more light to pass true it. Just only this stops me buying this. Which version of canon 24-70 are you using? Appreciate your time answering. Regards
hi lindsay ! its a great video .can it be done with only one light ? i have seen many videos on your channel where you have used more than one light. do have any video where you have used this with only one light with this optical spot?
The optical spot is meant to go on a light so yes it can be used on one light. I have many videos on this channel that use the optical spot, I recommend checking through the channel.
@@lindsayadlerphoto i have seen almost all the videos .but everywhere you are using fill light as your second light . without using fill light any video is there ? It would be great if you could share a link . Thanks
I don't recall off the top of my head. You don't have to use a fill light with this.
@@lindsayadlerphoto thanks
Hi Lindsay, could this be mounted on any Bowen mount?
Yes it can
The standard Bowens mount (not the smaller one).
This optical spot lighting modifier is similar to an ellipsoidal shutter barrel and lens. What separates this model from an ellipsoidal is its portability and light source flexibility. This unit can easily break down from the light source and the lens, carried separately in protective casings, and assembly on site without having conducted alignment. The exchangeable mount allows you to change out light sources (strobe and continuous) even from different manufactures, which isn't really an option of ellipsoidal. The Canon mount eliminates the dependency you have on Wescott offering additional lenses. I am assuming using gels are easy as attaching film over the front of the lens. One feature not clear to me is if this unit can utilize glass gobos. Can this modifier utilized glass gobos?
Yes! I have used glass gobos before for sure! :D
@@lindsayadlerphoto I am very glad to know this Optical Spot can accomodate Glass gobos.
😁
Would you consider design change to alllow to use Nikon lenses. May be thru an adapters option similar to what you offer for strobe mount ?
Unfortunately we looked into that and cost wise it wasn't worth it to produce-- was easier for people to just buy their own adapters.
@@lindsayadlerphoto Thanks for your response.
i have the same snoot from another band can i use the gobo sets from lindsay a its 0,6mm...?
You can check the page specs for the gobo size!
question, I just bought this getting ready to use it with my aputure 300d, by the time u respond I'll probably have my answer already, but will I break something if I use it with that much power at 100%?
It shouldn't break anything, but I would shoot at ISO 800-100 and F2.8-F4 to start so you dont have to shoot at full power
Does the Profoto version work with B10 series? I would love to add this to my kit if it does
Sure does!
@@lindsayadlerphoto Great thanks for the reply!
My optical spot just arrived. Is anyway using the AD600Pro, is the modeling lamp strong enough to project the gobo on the backgrround. Thank you
You'll have to turn off all ambient light in the room. We are also coming out with some new background lenses too. :D
@@lindsayadlerphoto thank you for reply. I purchased a 35mm ef to get a wider light. I was scared the my Ad600 pro light wasn’t strong enough. I’ll trying turning off the lights. Thanks again Lindsay
Which affordable second lens would you recommend? EF 50 1.8 maybe?
exactly!
@@lindsayadlerphoto Just a note for anyone thinking about getting this lens. Don't get it. It doesn't have manual focus when it is not powered so won't work with the optical spot.
@@nigelbaxter5710 Thanks. It is so important.
Is there a way to convert this to a balcar mount? The balcar version is out of stock and I"d love to buy this
I think so, but I believe you can order the balcar direct from Westcott if you need!
Can this item be purchased without a lens? The reason im asking is that i plan on purchasing another one to use exclusively with canon lenses i have thus dont need another 150 lens that comes with the untit as sold in the kit. I really do need a response. Thank you,
George
new one with a new type of lens coming Q2!
I’m new to flash and strobes, so forgive me if this seems ignorant, but this make me worry about the heat burning a lens because the heat coming from the modifier.
My thoughts exactly
They’re not in close contact. Heat won’t be an issue.
It comes with a lens!
Thank you for the replies. I know my Godox SKII 400 puts off a lot of heat so I was just concerned about using any other lens besides the kit lens that is included and have the heat destroy good optics. Like I said I am new to lighting rigs. I’ve always been a natural light photographer, and I’m working on my BA. I just had a Lighting class and my mind is going 20 different directions wanting to explore with this system.
Hi ! This is awesome !!!!! Does anybody know if i can use this in a visico ve or vc 300w flash ? It´s Bowens mount type-s ! I think it has to work, but i am not sure. Thanks !
Hi there! It comes in a Bowens mount, but Idk the difference between regular and type s. However, if you email support@fjwestcott.com they will help!
I purchased the spot from B&H but do not see the link Lindsay refers to (for the video tutorial) anywhere. Does anyone know where to find it? I'm having a blast with it so far BTW!
It is not within the box? Can you email me and Ill help you out. It should be on a little postcard in the box.
The link is not public btw, it comes with a card in the box. :)
@@lindsayadlerphoto I looked for it again after seeing your reply and didn't have anything. I'll shoot you an email! Thanks!
I'm a Nikon user, so I purchased a used Canon EF 50mm lens. When I put it on I cant see any of my gobo? I can't figure out if my light is too close or too far away to see a full wide background. Is it normal to always have a round gobo effect on the background projection with the kit lens? How far away do I have to move the light with the kit lens to make the gobo projection fill the whole background with the gobo design or, what EF lens and wattage of light should I be using? I understand that the further away I move the light the stronger it has to be but I am in a smaller space and I've tried moving back as far as I can to eliminate the "circle" but its not working??
Can you explain that a bit more sometime?
I love my Optical Spot for the leaves and color gels! Just need to figure out the gobos/ lens a bit more for background ambience.
Thank you!
Hi there! Yes a circle is always the default since the lens is a circle. We just came out with a new 50mm lens, and I'd say maybe 8ish feet will give full coverage. Id aim for 500 watts if you have it, but less can work. Hope that all helps.
Should the 50 mm lens be on manual or auto focus?
Thanks for your reply!🫶⭐️
@@joannovak1287 manual and aperture opened if the lens allows.
@@lindsayadlerphoto So I have older canon lenses they don't have the red strip at the top. I am a Nikon shooter, but someone gifted this to me. I have a 35- 105 I think it has the option for af/m with that said if I switch to manual i should be able to use it?
@@lb_studio7 That sounds about right... I think so? Let me know if it works!
i am from india and how can i buy this??
Adorama or Westcott!
The lens of of this optical spot not giving me sharp shadows like my cheap Chinese optical spot. Which lens I need to put to get really sharp shadows?
Mine is giving me razor sharp. Maybe you've focused the lens in the wrong direction? Not sure.
@@lindsayadlerphoto it’s not razor sharp, I try move to focus but it only changing the outer line of the light and not the shadows, maybe the lens is to wide for making hard shadow. When I put my ef canon 16-35 f4 it making pure hard shadows like knife, but the lens make the light very week I need to stop down the aperture on my camera lens and put the flash on maximum power (profoto b10x plus)
So maybe the lens that comes whit it have no aperture leaves and because of that not hard shadows? My cheap Chinese optical spot have smaller lens and it making the sharpest shadows as they can get,.. I’m little disappointed I must say.
Maybe I will find a lens that it have manual aperture ring and then it will do the job…
@@MeAmir Id say 2 things. One, mine is razor sharp so maybe email Westcott? Also, the kit comes with a large circle gobo-- try adding that to sharpen edges!
@@lindsayadlerphoto I’m not speaking about the edges. I’m speaking about shadows… maybe our sharp is not the same? Can you show me a picture please of the razor sharp shadow you get? Try shoring from adobe on a table something like flower
@@MeAmir Apologies I'm leaving for a 16 day vacation today and don't have access to images-- please reach out to Westcott and they can hopefully help!
I would buy one but you and everyone else still can’t answer the simple question. Will it fit in X model of light. Sure it has the correct mount but will the bulb fit.....
The reason you might not get an answer is very simple, it's either in the works or it's unknown. There are many different lights and configurations so I can't know all of that. Your best bet is to reach out to Westcott and ask directly about your specific light setup.
Can you use z mount lenses?
sorry no. but we are coming out with more lenses in the future!
@@lindsayadlerphoto thank you! I hope to see you again soon and will be making a workshop with you a priority!
Likewise! :D
I cannot buy it on Adorama because they do not deliver in Belgium 😥😥😥
Oh nooo sorry to hear that. I would check your local retailers then. I'm not sure if Amazon has them. Definitely reach out to Westcott though they might be able to direct you to retailers in your region.
@@lindsayadlerphoto Amazon did sell them for a short while :'( i'll do anything to get it :)
They go back and forth being in stock, you have to just catch it (like a Pokemon! lol) when it does. I know Westcott had some on sale recently.
@@lindsayadlerphoto thank you and will keep my attention to it :)
@@lindsayadlerphoto Thank you for info. I am looking to buy one and I am based in Poland.
Godox make the same thing for a 4th the price
You get what you paid for, light leaks, needing an adapter to mount it on even Bowens S-mount lights due to it being too short and not being able to use quality zooms and lenses on it.
You usually end up paying more than double for cheap modifiers to make up for bad purchases.
My 2 cents.
Kinda but not really, the Godox isn’t built for strobe and won’t support an ad600pro. The Godox optical snoot was designed for their S60/S30 hence the need for the adaptor. Godox also has their new range of optical snoots but the above both apply
As others have said, you get what you pay for. We didn't reinvent the wheel, we improved upon it. This is a high quality device that was designed in a way to improve upon existing applications.
Look at F-Stopper review. He compares the two. Lynsay/Wescott’s wins because it’s complete and designed to be usable.
Lindsay, is it possible to yue sony e-mount lenses? or when you bring a 35 or 50mm?