How to Fit Barndoors to the 70-Degree Wide Reflector

By Westcott | Published: 2026-11-01

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to attach the barndoor set to your 70-Degree Wide Reflector and use the four leaves and gels to control light spill and shape output.

Quick answer

Attach the barndoor set directly to the front of your 70-Degree Wide Reflector by aligning the mounting tabs and pushing until it clicks or seats firmly. Then adjust each of the four leaves independently to shape the light and add gels if needed.

Why barndoors matter on a wide reflector

A 70-Degree Wide Reflector throws a broad pool of light, which is great for filling large areas but can cause spill on backgrounds or walls. Barndoors give you physical control over that spread without changing the reflector’s output. The four-leaf design lets you cut light from specific directions, and the included gels expand creative options.

When to use the included gels

The barndoor set comes with yellow, red, blue, green, and diffusion gels. Use the color gels to tint backgrounds or create dramatic effects, and the diffusion gel to soften the raw reflector output. Because the gels are designed for this set, they attach quickly—but they are not intended for high-heat continuous lights unless specified.

Step-by-step: fitting and using the barndoors

Align the barndoor frame with the reflector: Hold the barndoor set so its mounting tabs line up with the slots on the front rim of the 70-Degree Wide Reflector. The frame is keyed to fit one way, so rotate until it seats naturally. Forcing the frame usually means it’s misaligned—back off and re-check the tab orientation.
Push firmly until it locks: Press the barndoor set onto the reflector until you feel or hear a click, or until it sits flush against the rim. Give it a gentle tug to confirm it’s secure. A loose fit will let the barndoors sag or fall off when you angle the light.
Adjust each leaf independently: Loosen the tension knobs (if present) and rotate each of the four leaves to block light from ceilings, floors, or sides. Tighten the knobs just enough to hold position—over-tightening can strip threads. Set the leaves before turning on the modeling light so you can see the actual spill pattern.
Add a gel if you need color or diffusion: Slide the desired gel into the gel frame or attach it to the barndoor front using the supplied clips. Make sure the gel is centered and flat to avoid uneven color. Keep gels a few millimeters away from hot bulbs to prevent melting or scorching.
Check for light spill and refine: With the light on, walk around the subject and look for unwanted spill on the background or lens flare. Fine-tune the leaf angles until the light is confined to the area you want. A quick test shot on a phone will reveal spill you might miss with the naked eye.

Product facts

Barndoor Set for 70-Degree Wide Reflector: Barndoors quickly attach to a 70-Degree Wide Reflector and include four-leaf metal barndoors plus yellow, red, blue, green, and diffusion gels. This means you get both light shaping and color control in one kit, with a direct-fit design that saves setup time.
Barndoor Set for 70-Degree Wide Reflector