GODOX SA-17
How to convert the Godox SA-17 Optical Snoot to use with
ANY STUDIO FLASH
with Bowens mount.
Yo, check it out, this is how you convert the Godox SA-17 projector to use with any studio flash.
Heads up, not all Bowens mount lights are compatible with the GODOX SA-17 optical projector.
The problem isn’t the mount itself, it’s the projector’s internal design. The projector has dimensions that don’t fit 100% of Bowens mount models.
You can check out my YouTube channel, @lorena_riga, to see how I convert the GODOX SA-17 optical snoot to use with studio flash.
All you need are two Bowens mount adapters. I’ll leave you direct purchase links on my website so you don’t waste a minute!
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Keep in mind that the flash will lose power when using the projector GODOX SA-17 (KIT)
Flash power loss is inevitable when using any light modifier. This is because any element between the flash and the subject will absorb some of the light. This is similar to how lenses lose light. Even filters can cause a stop of exposure loss.
Here are the measurements taken with different flash models and light modifiers. All were taken with a light meter at 3 meters, ISO 100, and power 1/1.
GODOX FLASH MS300
- No modifiers, bare flash: f/8 2/3
- Only SA-17 attachment: f/5.6 1/3
- With RFT-19 dichroic reflector: f/16
- SA-17 kit with 85mm lens: f/2 1/3
GODOX FLASH DP400
- No modifiers, bare flash: f/11 2/3
- Only SA-17 attachment: f/8 1/3
- With RFT-19 dichroic reflector: f/22
- SA-17 kit with 85mm lens: f/2.8
GODOX FLASH V1
- No modifiers, bare flash
- Zoom 105mm: f/11
- SA-17 attachment
- Zoom 105mm: f/8 1/2
- RFT-19 dichroic reflector
- Zoom 105mm: f/16
- SA-17 kit with 85mm lens
- Zoom 105mm: f/4 1/2
The GODOX V1 hot shoe flash has surprising power when using the projector, thanks to its internal zoom.
What is GODOX SA-17?
The GODOX SA-17 is a Bowens mount adapter that connects continuous lighting and flash units to an optical snoot.
What is the GODOX SA-P projector or optical snoot?
The GODOX SA-P Optical Projector attaches to the SA-17 adapter via a «claw» mechanism. This projector serves as a platform to install gobos and different lenses to suit your preferences, such as the 85mm SA-01 standard lens, the 60mm SA-02 wide-angle lens, and the 150mm SA-03 telephoto lens. The essential component in the optical projector is a fixed internal lens (condenser) that precisely focuses the light beam onto the moving lens. Gobos are inserted into a slot located between the fixed and moving lenses.
How many components are required to assemble the complete optical snoot?
I think GODOX is making a mistake by calling the SA-17 the complete projector. It’s actually just a connecting piece. To get the complete projector, you need the SA-17 + SA-P + (ANY OF THE LENSES, FOR EXAMPLE THE STANDARD SA-01) + SA-10 (GOBO HOLDER). This would be the BASIC KIT (SA-17+SA-P+SA-01+SA-10), which GODOX simply calls SA-17.
BOWENS MOUNT
The importance of the BOWENS mount in photographic and video equipment is straightforward. If your equipment uses this lens mount, you have access to twice or even three times as many accessories as users with other types of mounts. In addition to the wide range of options, it’s important to emphasize the cost advantage, as a standard lens mount typically results in a considerable decrease in accessory prices.