VFX-HDRI Visual Sphere
20cmVFX-HDRIProfession Camera Reflector Stainless Steel Hollow Sphere Photographic Props Set
A hollow stainless steel sphere is a precise tool for visual effects and high dynamic range imaging, designed to reflect light and environment with accuracy. This piece is a 20 cm chrome and a 20 cm grey reference sphere, made for use in film, VFX, and photography studios where consistent lighting data is required. The set includes two 45 cm lightweight carbon fibre handles and a tripod mount with a 1/4 inch UNC thread, adaptable to 3/8 inch UNC on request. It is intended for indoor studio use, not outdoor installation.
| Material | Stainless steel |
|---|---|
| Size | 20 cm, or custom size |
| Surface | Chrome, grey |
| Mounting | 1/4 inch UNC thread, adaptable to 3/8 inch UNC |
| Handles | 2 x 45 cm lightweight carbon fibre handles |
| Kit Weight | 6.5 kg |
| Packing | No outer box included |
Dimensions and materials outside this table are confirmed against your duty sheet before quotation.
Key Benefits
What This Nozzle Gives You
- Chrome and grey spheres provide reference points for lighting and colour correction in HDRI capture
- Hollow construction reduces weight while maintaining structural rigidity
- 20 cm diameter is standard for studio-scale HDRI work, fitting most camera setups
- Tripod mountable with 1/4 inch UNC thread, adaptable to 3/8 inch UNC for larger tripods
- Lightweight carbon fibre handles allow for easy positioning and repositioning
- Kit weight of 6.5 kg keeps the setup portable and manageable in a studio environment
Application Scenarios
Where It Is Installed
- A film production studio capturing HDRI lighting data for a digital environment
- A VFX team setting up a reference sphere for a CGI character’s lighting match
- A product photography studio needing consistent reflection data for render passes
- A visual effects artist calibrating a camera’s exposure and white balance in a controlled space
- A post-production team verifying lighting consistency across multiple shots
Who It Is For
Buyers Who Specify It
- Film and VFX teams requiring accurate lighting reference spheres
- Photography studios working with HDR imaging and digital compositing
- Visual effects artists setting up studio lighting for 3D renders
- Product photographers needing consistent reflective surfaces for renders
- Digital artists building virtual environments from real-world lighting data
Problems It Solves
What It Fixes on the Line
- A team using mismatched or non-reflective props that fail to capture accurate light data
- A setup that lacks portability, making it hard to reposition spheres during a shoot
- A need for a lightweight, durable sphere that can be mounted and adjusted quickly
- A lack of standardised reference spheres between different shots or scenes
Technical Features
How It Is Built
- Hollow stainless steel sphere formed from two hemispheres welded together
- Weld ground and polished to ensure a seamless surface for accurate reflection
- Chrome finish provides a high-gloss, mirror-like surface for precise light capture
- Grey finish offers a neutral, non-reflective surface for contrast and calibration
- 20 cm diameter standard for studio-scale HDRI work, with no mention of custom sizes
- Tripod mount with 1/4 inch UNC thread, adaptable to 3/8 inch UNC on request
Materials
Body Materials and Where Each One Suits
- Stainless steel body for durability and consistent surface quality
- Chrome finish for high reflectivity and accurate light capture
- Grey finish for neutral tone and contrast in lighting calibration
- Carbon fibre handles for lightweight strength and portability
- 1/4 inch UNC thread standard for tripod compatibility
Manufacturing Process
How the Part Is Made
- Scheme design based on studio lighting needs and camera setup
- Two hemispheres formed over a mould and welded together
- Weld ground and polished to eliminate visible seams
- Surface finished in chrome or grey to match the intended use
- Handles attached and tested for balance and grip
- Final inspection before shipment, with no outer box included
Quality Control
What Is Checked Before It Ships
- The company states it runs its own professional QC team
- Welds are ground and polished to ensure no visible joint on the finished sphere
- Chrome and grey finishes are checked for uniformity and reflectivity
- Handles are tested for secure attachment and weight distribution
- No outer box included, so the internal packing must protect the polished surfaces
Customization
What Can Be Changed to Suit You
- Chrome and grey finishes are available for reference spheres
- 1/4 inch UNC thread can be adapted to 3/8 inch UNC on request
- Order can be placed from a photograph or drawing provided by the customer
- Base and mounting detail can be adjusted to fit specific studio setups
Comparison
How It Compares With the Alternatives
| A painted steel reference sphere | Painted steel may fade or chip under studio use; stainless steel holds its finish and reflects light consistently |
|---|---|
| A foam or plastic sphere | Foam or plastic is lighter but deforms under pressure and cannot maintain a true spherical shape for accurate reflection |
| A solid metal sphere | Solid metal is heavier and more expensive; hollow construction reduces weight without sacrificing rigidity |
| A glass sphere | Glass is fragile and prone to breakage in a studio; stainless steel is durable and safe for repeated handling |
Use Guide
Fitting and Running It
- Use the chrome sphere to capture HDRI lighting data for digital environments
- Use the grey sphere as a neutral reference for colour and exposure calibration
- Mount the sphere on a tripod using the 1/4 inch UNC thread, or adapt to 3/8 inch UNC if needed
- Handle with care to avoid scratches on the chrome surface, which affect reflection accuracy
- Store the kit in a dry place; the lack of an outer box means internal protection is critical
- Plan for shipping and setup time, as the kit is delivered without an outer box
Questions Buyers Ask
20cmVFX-HDRIProfession Camera Reflector Stainless Steel Hollow Sphere Photographic Props Set Questions
What is included in this VFX reference sphere kit?
The kit includes one 20 cm chrome sphere, one 20 cm grey sphere, two 45 cm lightweight carbon fibre handles, and a tripod mount with a 1/4 inch UNC thread, adaptable to 3/8 inch UNC on request.
Can the tripod thread be changed from 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch?
Yes. The tripod mount comes with a 1/4 inch UNC thread and can be adapted to 3/8 inch UNC on request.
Is this kit suitable for outdoor use?
No. This kit is designed for indoor studio use only, where controlled lighting and handling conditions are maintained.
What is the weight of the kit and how portable is it?
The kit weighs 6.5 kg and is designed to be portable with lightweight carbon fibre handles, making it easy to move between setups.
Does the kit come with an outer box for shipping?
No. The kit does not come with an outer box. Care must be taken during transit to protect the polished surfaces.
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Send the liquid, the pressure at the nozzle and the thread on your header. Trial samples can be sent free of charge and samples can be ready within 10 days.