What is the difference between octagonal lampshade and quadrilateral lampshade, and how to choose it in specific use?

The purpose of the soft box, to put it bluntly, is to add a layer of paper (cloth) in front of the flash bulb to make the light more natural and soft. The soft paper of my four soft boxes is the same texture, so the biggest difference between them is only the light scattering area and softness.

Round soft box:

The scattering area is the largest. When the light effect between the subject and the background needs to be coordinated, one or two can be used as the main light source, and then other lights can cooperate to shadow.

Illicium verum:

The scattering area accounts for a small proportion of the circle, which has a certain light gathering effect, but it is not particularly obvious, especially when shooting local (makeup, small still life).

I don't need so much. Most of the time, I mix it together (unfortunately ...). For example, I add a layer of soft light cloth inside to reduce its soft light intensity and create a layered feeling with other lights (for example, when shooting clothing details).

Rectangular flexible (four corners) light box:

This kind of soft box is most commonly used in daily shooting. The scattering area is average, but the multi-lamp combination plays the largest role.

In fact, the effect of tent shooting depends not only on soft mask, but also on condenser, radome and so on. ...

Their use should be adjusted according to the shooting target and expected effect, and cannot be generalized.

Many photographers try new things, such as fluorescent tubes, projectors, flashlights ... as long as they can produce good photos, they are good accessories.

Soft masking is only part of the effect of photographic accessories. ...

Novices suggest using four-corner control to cut the most.