Studio lighting equipment for photography and videography use comes in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re using incandescent constant lights, portable speedlight units, studio flash strobes, or one of the other common types of lighting equipment, you’ll need to invest in a few key peripherals to get the most of your lighting.
Speed Rings for Easier Studio Lighting
Speed rings serve as a solid connection point between your lighting fixture and common modifiers like beauty dishes, softboxes, and snoots. Instead of spending time attaching finicky accessories and modifiers, speed rings snap or lock into place using proprietary latching systems. Once attached, speed rings are durable and reliable, so you can make quick lighting changes and swap out modifiers during your shoot.
Common Types of Speed Rings
When choosing speed rings, you need to pay attention to the type of connection mount your lighting fixture uses. There are many manufacturers of lighting modifiers, but only a handful of mount types. Bowens is the most common type of speed-ring mount connection, but other common varieties include Profoto, Elinchrom Q-Mount, and AlienBees.
You can usually purchase lighting modifier accessories in your choice of speed-ring connection style to select a model that’s compatible with your existing lighting equipment.
Ring Adapters
When you’ve been working with a certain type of speed-ring mount but decide to upgrade or buy a different type of lighting fixture, a ring adapter lets you continue to use all your old lighting modifiers with your new lights.
Simply attach a ring adapter between the modifier and your new speed-ring mount, and take advantage of your full collection of modifiers. Ring adapters are also helpful if you’re using a less common type of speed-ring mount and can’t find modifiers configured for your lighting.
Compatibility for All Your Studio Lights
As you shop for speed rings and ring adapters, pay close attention to the compatible lights listed for each ring. You’ll need to know the style of lighting mount your equipment requires as well as the size and series of lighting modifiers each speed ring will work with.
How to Find the Best Speed Rings and Adapters
Feel confident when you shop by choosing lighting equipment from reputable brands like Broncolor, Flashpoint, Profoto, Westcott, and Glow. Plus, thanks to their durable metal and polycarbonate components, you’ll be able to securely attach even the heaviest softboxes to your lighting fixtures.
