Chrome and Grey Reference Balls for Film and VFX
A reference ball is a measuring instrument that happens to be shiny. If the chrome surface is uneven the environment map is wrong, and if the grey is not neutral the whole lighting solve drifts in grade. Our VFX spheres go through more than twenty surface processes to hold a clean specular reflection, and the grey has been set through repeated post production testing rather than picked by eye. Five diameters, from a 6 cm travel ball to a 30 cm exterior ball.
What Goes Wrong on These Projects
Problems
- Garden gazing balls have uneven surfaces that distort the reflected environment
- A grey that is not neutral pushes the lighting solve off in grade
- Cheap chrome hazes after a few shoots and shows every handling mark
- Mismatched chrome and grey pairs are hard to reconcile in comp
- Balls without a proper mount shift on the stand between takes
What Buyers Need
- A clean specular surface that survives repeated use on set
- A grey that behaves consistently against the usual chart
- Several diameters so the ball can be matched to lens and set
- A threaded mount that holds position
- Packing that protects the mirror surface in transit
Products for This Sector
VFX HDRI SpheresVFX HDRI Reference Ball Set
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VFX HDRI Spheres25cm Half Chrome Half Grey Ball HDRI Ball 10” 50/50 Chrome and Grey VFX Ball
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VFX HDRI Spheres20cm VFX Store Movie Shot Ball Grey Ball
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VFX HDRI Spheres12.6cm HDRI VFX Ball Chrome Grey Ball
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VFX HDRI Spheres6cmVFX-HDRI Profession Camera Reflector Photographic Props Set
View DetailsTypical Applications
HDRI panorama capture on exterior and interior sets
Lighting reference stills alongside a colour chart
Reflection reference for CG element integration
Grey ball diffuse and exposure reference
Product and automotive photography lighting checks
Film school and studio training kits
How We Run a Project in This Sector
- Stage 1Tell us the diameters and whether you want chrome, grey or half and half
- Stage 2We confirm the set and quote with packing
- Stage 3Spheres pressed, welded and seam ground
- Stage 4More than twenty surface processes to reach a specular finish
- Stage 5Grey applied and checked for neutrality
- Stage 6Threaded mounts fitted and the set photographed
- Stage 7Foam packed with the protective film left on
Delivery Terms
- 15 to 30 days after deposit
- T/T, 50 percent deposit and 50 percent balance before shipping
- Foam packed inside a case with protective film on the chrome
- Sets shipped together so pairs stay matched
- Shipped from Shenzhen, China
Related Guides
What a VFX HDRI Chrome and Grey Ball Set Is Used For
Why a reference ball is a measuring instrument, which diameters crews actually buy, and what separates a production ball from a garden ornament.
Mirror Polishing Explained for Stainless Steel Sculpture
Why the quality of a mirror finish is decided during welding and fixing, long before the piece reaches the polishing shop.
Packing Lead Time and Shipping for Sculpture Orders
What the 15 to 30 day lead time actually covers, how pieces are crated, and what to send so the first quote is the right one.
Film and VFX Studios Questions
Which diameters do most crews buy?
20 cm and 25 cm are the common working sizes. 6 cm and 12.6 cm suit tight sets and travel kits, 30 cm suits wide exteriors.
Do you make half chrome half grey balls?
Yes, in the 25 cm size among others. They cover both references in one frame when there is no time for two setups.
How neutral is the grey?
It has been set through repeated post production testing rather than chosen visually. Shoot it with your usual chart and it will read consistently.
How do the balls mount?
Threaded mounting so the ball sits solidly on a stand, a magic arm or a tripod head.
Can we order a full kit for several units?
Yes. Tell us how many kits and which diameters and we will quote them as matched sets.
Discuss a Film and VFX Studios Project
Tell us the diameters and how many kits you need and we will quote a matched set with packing.