FROST FRAME GRIDS

Frost Frame Grids are designed to mount directly onto metal frost frames, typically placed in front of a powerful light source with diffusion. They offer directional control for already-softened light and attach quickly with elastic straps—with no extra rigging required.

Butterfly Grids, on the other hand, are larger fabric grids stretched across modular frames using a bungee cable system. They're ideal for use with large-area lights or in overhead setups and are commonly used as part of a modular lighting setup with additional diffusion layers.

Frost Frame Grids work in combination with standalone frost frames and offer beam control for large, soft light sources—often created by bouncing or diffusing powerful lights through a separate frame.

Softbox Grids are built specifically to integrate into softboxes like SNAPBAGS^®. They focus the beam of a direct light source that’s already diffused by the softbox’s front screen, creating a more controlled and directional output from a compact unit.

• Narrow beam spread:
  A butterfly grid narrows the spread of the soft light created by a diffusion. This helps prevent unwanted spill onto the background, ceiling, or lens.
• More directionality:
  It adds a level of directionality to soft light, giving you a controlled, beautiful falloff—especially useful in interviews or close-up work.
• Maintains Softness
  It maintains the soft quality of your large diffused source while giving it shape—unlike flags or cutters, which hard-cut the beam.
• Better Contrast Control
  By controlling the spread, you reduce light wrap and flare, which helps maintain contrast in the image.
• Location Work
  On tight sets or outdoors, a Frost Frame grid helps you contain your light, so you don’t accidentally light up background elements or bounce off things you don’t want.

The degree of a frost frame grid—like 30°, 40°, 50°—refers to the beam angle of the light that’s allowed to pass through the it.

The Degree = Beam Spread

• A lower number (e.g. 30°) means a narrower beam—more directional, more controlled.
• A higher number (e.g. 50°) means a wider beam—less directional, softer edges.
• 30° = Narrow Spread and Tight control
• 40° = Medium Spread and Balanced, general use e.g. Interviews or portraits
• 50° = Wider Spread and Softer, Subtle shaping, large spaces

If you’re choosing one for your butterfly setup, think: how much spill can you afford?

• Need to control it tightly? Go 30°.
• Need more ambient spread but still shaped? Maybe 50°.

Built from tough, precision-stitched fabric, these grids are made to endure the demands of professional sets—maintaining their shape, tension, and performance over time.

The degree is determined by the size of the cells in the grid. The depth remains constant on all our DoPchoice Grids.

BOX CELL Structure:

Pros:

• More directional control — sharper beam edges
• Less spill
• Tighter geometry — useful for lighting edges, faces, backgrounds
• Often better in windy outdoor setups (if made rigid as are all DoPchoice Grids)

Cons:

• May cast harder shadows if the light is too close
• Less forgiving in flexed or odd mounting angles

HONEYCOMB Structure:

Pros:

• Smooth light shaping — gentle transitions, organic falloff
• More flexible material (can conform to slightly curved surfaces)

Cons:

• Less rigid in form (especially on large frames)
• Slightly less precise beam control compared to box cells
• Not ideal when ultra-sharp edge control is needed

SQUARE CELL Pattern:

Pros:

• Offers uniform light control in all directions
• Ideal for creating a balanced, even spread of light
• Provides consistent beam shaping regardless of mounting angle
• Works well with square or symmetrical fixtures

Cons:

• May not offer the same directional precision as a rectangular cell pattern
• Can be less effective for controlling light on longer, narrow fixtures or elongated areas

RECTANGULAR CELL Pattern:

Pros:

• Provides more directional control across one axis (longer or narrower beams)
• Great for targeting specific areas, such as backgrounds, edges, or lighting on elongated surfaces
• Ideal for use with rectangular or large-format fixtures, offering precision without wasting light

Cons:

• May create uneven light distribution if not aligned properly
• Less uniform than square cells in certain setups

Disadvantages Interlocking system:

• Less structural rigidity — the grid can sag or deform more easily, especially on large frames (8x8+).
• Edges are weaker — can fray or come apart under tension or over time.
• Setup is fiddlier — you may spend time aligning cells or untangling them.
• Less durable long-term — they don’t like wind or rough handling.

Advantages of the fully sewn cells in every DoPchoice Grid:

• Very stable and precise cell shape — better beam control and cleaner shadows
• Fast setup — unfolds cleanly, no fiddling
• Stronger in wind and movement
• Much more durable — lasts for years, even in rental environments