Lighting accessory for photography and video that tightens beam control and reduces spill. Creatives and professionals gain cleaner, more repeatable lighting for portraits, product shoots and interviews. Is SMALLRIG 8-Leaf Lighting Barn Doors the right upgrade for anyone seeking precise directional control and quick gel changes?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Light Control: Eight adjustable leaves allow fine shaping of the beam and minimise unwanted spill
- • Best for: Photographers and videographers needing precise directional lighting and reduced background glare
- • Not ideal for: Users who require ultra-compact on-camera modifiers for run-and-gun shooting
Bowens-mount barn doors with an 18cm diameter suit most standard modifiers. Includes a 30-degree honeycomb grid, colour gel clip and Bowens adapter for versatile beam control.
Precise beam shaping – with eight adjustable leaves
Eight metal leaves expand control beyond the usual four, and a damping shaft keeps leaf positions steady during use. A snap-fit bayonet adapter ring locks the assembly to Bowens-mount fixtures for a secure connection.
Fine edge control limits spill onto backgrounds and prevents unwanted glare, making hairlights and edge separation easier to create. Stable leaf positions maintain consistent shaping between shots and on location.
Quick colour work – thanks to the colour gel clip and magnetic holders
A dedicated gel clip plus four strong magnets accept gels of varying thicknesses and materials while preventing slippage. The clip integrates with the bayonet adapter so gels sit close to the opening for even coverage.
Rapid swapping of gels enables on-the-fly creative looks, from subtle colour correction to bold RGB effects. Reliable grip keeps gels secure during handheld or mobile setups.
Focused falloff – with the included 30-degree honeycomb grid
The 30-degree honeycomb grid narrows the beam angle to concentrate light and reduce diffusion. High-temperature resistant paint on the grid and a metal construction resist deformation under sustained use.
Tighter beam control improves subject separation and highlights without brightening the background. Particularly useful for product shots, portrait rim lighting and controlling specular highlights.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for SMALLRIG 8-Leaf Lighting Barn Doors
- Robust metal construction — Ensures long-term durability and resists deformation during use
- Bowens mount compatibility — Works with most Bowens-mount lights for wide modifier support
- Damping leaf shaft — Keeps leaf positions steady for repeatable lighting setups
- Included accessories — Honeycomb grid and gel clip add immediate creative flexibility
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Category: Lighting accessory
- Compatibility: Bowens mount; compatible with SmallRig RC 120, RC 220, RC 350, RC 450 and most Bowens-mount lights
- Diameter: 18cm barn door opening
- Leaves: 8 adjustable metal leaves
- Mount: Bowens mount adapter with snap-fit bayonet ring
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will these barn doors fit my Bowens-mount LED light?
A: Yes. A Bowens mount adapter is included and the 18cm diameter is compatible with most standard modifiers, making the kit suitable for Bowens-mount fixtures.
Q: Can I use different thicknesses of colour gel?
A: Yes. A colour gel clip plus four magnetic holders accommodate different gel thicknesses and materials while preventing them from falling off.
Q: Will the leaves stay in position during a shoot?
A: Yes. The leaf shaft uses a damping design to prevent the leaves from shifting, and the snap-fit bayonet adapter ring secures the assembly to the mount.
🏆 Our Verdict
Suitable for photographers and videographers who need precise, repeatable beam control on both studio and location shoots. The combination of eight adjustable leaves, a 30-degree honeycomb grid and a gel clip delivers flexible shaping, focused falloff and quick colour changes. Durable construction and included accessories make the kit a practical long-term addition to a lighting kit.
