1) What is EggCalc?

EggCalc is an interactive tool designed to provide comprehensive data about the distribution of light from large diffusers when using Lighttools Original Soft Egg Crates and CUfocus Soft Egg Crates compared to the same diffuser with no egg crate.

2) Why should I use EggCalc?

EggCalc is a quick and easy way to determine which soft light control tool (egg crate) will be the best choice for your lighting requirement.

3) How were the values in EggCalc determined?

EggCalc data has been verified by thousands of controlled light measurements using 6’ X 6’ and 12’ X12’ evenly lit full diffusers and theoretical analysis with various models of Soft Egg Crates.

4) What are Original Soft Egg Crates and what purpose do they serve?

Original Soft Egg Crates are made of uniform parallel cells that control off-axis light at right angles to the diffuser. A secondary effect is that Original Soft Egg Crates reduce the near-to-far light ratio, creating a more uniform near-to-far exposure. This more uniform lighting occurs due to increased occlusion by the cells at near distances.

The benefits of using Original Soft Egg Crates are: 

* Block off- axis light in four directions

* Reduce variation in near-to-far light values

* Creates separation and depth

* Controls spill and flare

* Requires less grip equipment, reducing setup and teardown time.

* Allows the more time on lighting design

5) What are CUfocus Soft Egg Crates. and what purpose do they serve?

CUfocus Soft Egg Crates are made up of angled cells that provide full-source illumination at near distances. These angled cells also tightly block light around the desired subject, avoiding spill in the most confined spaces. Full-source illumination achieved with CUfocus Egg Crates is not possible with Original Soft Egg Crates due to the angled cell design.

6) In describing the CUfocus models, what is meant by CU 0.75, CU 1.0, and CU 1.25?

These designations describe the sweet spot or focus distance, based on the diagonal dimension of the diffuser. The focus point is the distance point at which there is no occlusion (the same effect as if no egg crate were installed), while at the same time achieving tight blocking of light around that focus point.

CUfocus 0.75 models are the models that we keep in stock.

7) How do I compare exposure values from the selected centre axis to any off-axis point?

This information is displayed in the third column of the Light Loss Chart by moving the cursor (green dot) to any selected point on the graph (red dot). The exposure difference takes into account both occlusion and attenuation (which is the natural decrease of light when measured off center axis).

8) What is the meaning of the dynamic green numbers that change with movement of the cursor on the graph?

The horizontal number shows the offset distance from the centre axis and the vertical number shows the distance from the red line.