The Moon Unit is extremely lightweight, compact and easy to assemble. The Moon Unit consists of a reversible gold / silver reflector surface in an octagonal shape, a removable front nylon diffuser with center hole, a removable black fabric mask to convert the octagonal shape to a perfect circle, a rotating speedring, assembly rods and a special reflector that properly bounces the flash energy into the Moon Unit instead of forward. If all the above elements are used, the result is a round, soft 30-inch aim-through light source - thus the name "Moon Unit." Remove the black mask and it becomes an aim-through 31-inch octabox. If the diffuser is removed, it becomes a silver or gold umbrella-like source for increased specularity. Finally, removing the center reflector yields an intense center light source surrounded by a dimmer 30-inch round or 31-inch octagonal halo of light, either diffused by the front fabric or bounced directly from the gold or silver umbrella-type surface. Each configuration yields a different catchlight structure as well as different styles of light formation on the subject.

The Moon Unit Mask Set

Add our exciting Mask Set to alter the shape of the light from the ringflash to become a giant ring, stars, half-moons, sunburst, clouds and a host of other shapes including your own custom creations. The mask set consists of twelve die-cut black paper masks that fit over the face of the 30-inch Moon Unit where they are retained by the black fabric circle mask. There are eight masks with predefined light patterns and four blank masks the user can cut with scissors or with a knife to create custom shapes. Some masks are designed to produce more light at the top than at the bottom to produce subtle modeling shadows that define facial features in a brand new light. Then there are the catchlights. Instead of the time-worn rectangular or round eyelights that appear in uncontrollable positions, you can have any shape you want, perfectly placed.

Please note that the set is comprised of die-cut black paper masks designed to conveniently offer light shaping capabilities while maintaining a light, flexible construction. As the mask set is not a highly durable product, you will need to handle and store the masks with care so that they are not ripped or damaged. Minor tears can be repaired with Scotch tape. In some configurations you may find it desirable to secure the masks to the Moon Unit with Bulldog Clips or other spring clips offered by office supply stores.

Click here to learn more about the MOON UNIT MASK SET (opens in a new window)

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Paul C. Buff - Photo by Debbie Buff (2006) Taken using the ABR800, the Moon Unit and the moon and stars mask.

The Moon Unit is a unique softbox-like accessory that attaches to the ringflash unit with its own quick-release rotating speedring. Unlike conventional softboxes, the camera lens can "see" through the center of the Moon Unit, thereby achieving a unique large-source light on the camera axis. Using the ringflash with the Moon Unit produces subtle, controlled, almost indiscernible shadows and large appealing catchlights at modest camera-to-subject distances. Its minuscule depth and weight allow hand-holding right along with your camera, or you can use it as a conventional off-camera compact softbox.

The Moon Unit is designed for use with the AlienBees ABR800 Ringflash and the ZEUS™ RingMaster (click here to learn more).

Moon Unit (MU-30)

$59.95

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