Softgrid Buying Guide: Choosing a Grid for Your Octa

Start with the modifier, not the grid

A softgrid only works if it fits your softbox. Before comparing beam angles or prices, confirm the grid is made for the exact modifier you own. Profoto and Nanlite each design grids for specific softbox families, and a grid that does not attach properly will not control spill light the way you expect.

The supplied records show two different attachment approaches. Profoto grids use Velcro attachments and rely on the recessed front of compatible softboxes. The Nanlite grid is made specifically for the 90cm parabolic softbox. Neither is a universal fit.

Three grids, three different fits

• Profoto Softgrid for 4’ Octa – Quick Fold: Fits the Profoto Softbox line but cannot be used with the RFi, OCF, or Clic Softbox ranges. Limits light spread to 50° and attaches with Velcro.
• Profoto Softgrid 50 degree for 5' Octa: A 50° grid for the 5' Octa, made with fabric and supplied with a labeled soft pouch. The record lists a 5.0 ft (150 cm) diameter and a package weight of 0.3856 kg.
• Nanlite 90cm Parabolic Softbox Grid: A 60° fabric grid designed specifically for the Nanlite 90cm parabolic softbox. Folds flat for storage.

What the degree number actually changes

The degree rating describes how much the grid narrows the light spread. The Profoto grids in this guide limit spread to 50°, while the Nanlite grid is rated at 60°. A narrower spread gives you more directional control and more contrast, but it also means the light falls off faster toward the edges of your subject.

The supplied Profoto product details note that reducing spread creates more directed light and eliminates a large amount of spill light. That is useful when you need to avoid illuminating the background or surrounding areas. The trade-off is less wraparound fill, so you may need to adjust your fill light or reflector to compensate.

Profoto 4’ Octa grid: compatibility first

• Profoto Softgrid for 4’ Octa - Quick Fold: Compatible with the Profoto Softbox line; cannot be used with the RFi, OCF, and Clic Softbox ranges. This is the single most important check before buying. If you own an RFi, OCF, or Clic softbox, this grid is not the right choice even though it is a Profoto product.

  

• Profoto Softgrid for 4’ Octa - Quick Fold: Limits the light spread to 50° and attaches with Velcro. A 50° spread tightens the beam for more contrast and less spill, and the Velcro attachment is quick to add or remove on set.

Profoto 5’ Octa grid: size and storage

• Profoto Softgrid 50 degree for 5' Octa: Dimensions: 5.0 ft (150 cm) diameter; package weight 0.3856 kg. The 5' size matches the larger Octa, and the low weight suggests it is easy to transport, though the supplied record does not state a packed size.

  

• Profoto Softgrid 50 degree for 5' Octa: Made with fabric and delivered in a labeled soft pouch. The pouch helps protect the grid between shoots, and the fabric construction is consistent with the collapsible, portable design.

Nanlite 90cm grid: a different system

• Nanlite 90cm Parabolic Softbox Grid for 90cm Parabolic Softbox: 60-degree grid designed specifically for the Nanlite 90cm parabolic softbox. It is not a universal grid. Check that you own the 90cm parabolic softbox before ordering.
• Nanlite 90cm Parabolic Softbox Grid for 90cm Parabolic Softbox: Controls spill light, narrows beam spread, and folds flat for storage. The 60° rating gives a slightly wider spread than the Profoto 50° grids, and the folding fabric design saves space in your bag.

How to choose between 50° and 60°

If your main goal is dramatic, moody lighting with strong contrast and minimal background spill, the 50° Profoto grids are the more directed option. If you want some directional control but still need a little more spread, the 60° Nanlite grid may suit you better, provided you use the matching 90cm parabolic softbox.

There is no universal right answer. The degree you choose should match how tightly you want to shape the light and how much fill you are prepared to add elsewhere. The supplied information does not include measured beam patterns or comparative tests, so treat the degree rating as a starting point rather than a guarantee of a specific look.

Checks before you order

• Confirm your softbox model: Profoto 4’ Octa grid: not for RFi, OCF, or Clic. Profoto 5’ Octa grid: for the 5' Octa. Nanlite grid: for the 90cm parabolic softbox only.
• Check the attachment method: Profoto grids use Velcro and require a recessed front. The Nanlite grid is a fabric grid that folds flat. The supplied records do not describe the Nanlite attachment method in detail.
• Decide on spread: 50° for tighter control and more contrast; 60° for a slightly wider spread. Neither is inherently better—match it to your lighting style.
• Plan for storage: The Profoto grids come with a labeled soft pouch. The Nanlite grid folds flat. The supplied records do not state whether a pouch is included with the Nanlite grid.