Honeycomb Grid Softbox for Bowen Mount: When to Use It
By ephotoinc | Published: 2026-11-02
Category: How-to Guides
Learn when a honeycomb grid softbox on a Bowen mount beats a bare softbox, and follow a step-by-step setup to control light spill in portrait lighting.
Quick answer
Use a honeycomb grid softbox on a Bowen mount when you need to control light spill and direct soft light at your subject without lighting the background. Skip the grid when you want the softest, most wraparound light and don't mind some spill.
Why a grid changes the light—and when it doesn't
A honeycomb grid sits in front of the softbox and narrows the spread of light. It doesn't make the light harder; it simply limits how far the edges of the beam travel. That means less light hitting the background, floor, or nearby walls, which helps you separate your subject and keep the background dark or evenly lit separately.
The trade-off is output. A grid absorbs some light, so you'll likely need to raise strobe power or move the softbox closer. Also, grids work best when the softbox is aimed precisely; a grid won't fix a badly placed light. If you want maximum softness and don't care about spill, leave the grid off.
Grid vs no grid: a quick decision guide
Choose a grid for portrait lighting when you want directional softness, a darker background, or to avoid lens flare from a light aimed toward the camera. Skip the grid for full-length shots where you need light to wrap around the body, or when working in a small white room where bounce is part of your look. For group shots, a grid can cause uneven coverage if the box is too close, so test before committing.
Step-by-step: setting up and using a grid softbox on a Bowen mount
- Mount the softbox on a Bowen-mount light: Align the softbox's Bowen speed ring with the light's mount and tighten the locking screw. Common mistake: forcing the ring if it doesn't seat easily—check the alignment before tightening. Give the box a gentle tug to confirm it's locked before you attach the diffusers.
- Attach the inner diffuser: Fit the inner diffuser first, closest to the light. This softens the raw source before it reaches the outer layer. Checkpoint: make sure no edge is left unhooked, or you'll get a hot spot.
- Attach the outer diffuser: Add the outer diffuser over the front opening. This is the layer that gives the final soft quality. Common mistake: attaching the outer diffuser before the inner one—order matters for even diffusion.
- Fit the honeycomb grid: Press the beehive egg crate honeycomb into the front of the softbox, ensuring it sits flush against the outer diffuser. Checkpoint: the grid should be centered and fully seated; gaps let spill through. If the grid feels loose, re-seat it—don't rely on friction alone.
- Aim and test the beam: Position the softbox at your subject and take a test shot. Compare with and without the grid to see the spill difference. Common mistake: judging by eye only—use your camera's histogram or a light meter to check background brightness. If the background is still too bright, feather the box slightly away from the background or add a flag.
- Adjust power or distance: Because the grid reduces output, increase strobe power or move the softbox closer until your subject exposure matches your target. Checkpoint: keep an eye on the background—moving closer may also increase spill. Make one change at a time and re-test to avoid overshooting.
Product facts
- Photography Studio Portrait Honeycomb Grid Softbox for Bowen Mount BW6090GD: Package includes a 24" x 36" honeycomb softbox, inner and outer diffusers, a beehive egg crate honeycomb, and a carrying case. You get both diffusion layers and the grid in one kit, so you can switch between soft wraparound light and controlled spill without buying separate accessories.
Photography Studio Portrait Honeycomb Grid Softbox for Bowen Mount BW6090GD
