DoPchoice’s SNAPGRID CORE is a flexible 40° honeycomb grid for tube lights that fits without tools, and longer versions angle their outer cells inward to focus the beam.

DoPchoice has released SNAPGRID CORE versions for Astera’s Titan and Helios tubes, as first reported by Newsshooter. The range already covered ARRI’s Omnibar 2 and Omnibar 4.

Tube lights are hugely popular with filmmakers and photographers because they’re light, battery-powered and can be hidden in a set. The downside is that a bare tube spills light everywhere. A grid is the standard fix, but fitting one to a long, thin fixture has often been awkward.

A flexible hard grid

DoPchoice describes SNAPGRID CORE as a first-of-its-kind flexible hard grid system. It uses a 40° honeycomb cell structure to control spill while remaining light, and attaches using slim webbing, so there are no tools needed to fit it.

The longer versions also feature CORE FOCUS. Here, the outer cells are progressively angled inward, directing more light towards the centre of the lit area. The result should be a more focused, controlled output from a tube, rather than simply a narrower spread.

Each grid comes with a carry bag.

Why it matters

Controlling spill is the difference between a tube that looks like a practical and one that becomes a genuine shaping tool. For interview setups, product work and small studios, a grid that snaps on in seconds and angles light towards the subject could make tubes far more versatile. We like that DoPchoice has thought about beam shape, not just spill.

DoPchoice SNAPGRID CORE specifications

DoPchoice SNAPGRID CORE price and availability

The SNAPGRID CORE for Astera Titan costs US$230 and the Helios version costs US$145, according to Newsshooter. Both are available to pre-order now. UK pricing hasn’t been confirmed. More information is on the DoPchoice website.