Butterfly 3×3 m – Manfrotto SkyLite Rapid Extra Large

Manfrotto SkyLite Rapid Extra Large 3×3 m is a large butterfly-style diffusion frame designed for photography and film sets where broad, soft and controllable light is needed. The 3×3 metre working area makes it suitable for diffusing strong sunlight outdoors, softening powerful artificial sources or creating a large overhead diffusion surface above talent, products or small groups. The system is based on a lightweight aluminium frame with a clip-on fabric that is tensioned across the structure for an even working surface.

Large 3×3 m diffusion surface

The Extra Large version measures 300 × 300 cm, making it the largest square SkyLite Rapid panel in the range. Its size allows the source to be softened over a much broader area than with smaller diffusion frames, which can be especially useful for full-body portraits, interviews with several people, automotive details, tabletop sets or exterior scenes. Used overhead, it can reduce the harshness of direct sunlight and create a more even exposure across the subject.

1.25-stop diffusion for softer light

The 1.25-stop diffusion fabric reduces the intensity of the light while spreading it across a larger area. This helps soften hard shadows and decrease contrast without completely removing direction from the source. The fabric clips directly to the frame, creating a taut surface with a small gap around the edge that also helps reduce wind resistance. The same frame can accept other compatible 3×3 m SkyLite Rapid fabrics when a different level or type of light control is required.

Lightweight aluminium frame for location work

The frame is made from lightweight, rust-resistant aluminium and uses an internal elastic cord to keep its sections connected during assembly and transport. The complete 3×3 m kit weighs approximately 5.2 kg. Despite the relatively low weight, a panel of this size creates a large surface area and should be mounted securely on suitable stands, grip heads and properly weighted supports, particularly outdoors or in windy conditions.

Fast setup and compact transport

SkyLite Rapid is designed to assemble quickly on location and collapse into a much smaller transport form after the shoot. B&H lists the packed dimensions at approximately 23 × 15 × 105 cm, which makes the 3×3 m system considerably easier to transport than a permanently assembled butterfly frame. This combination of a very large working surface and compact storage makes it useful for crews that regularly move between studio and location work.

Rent a 3×3 m Butterfly at CamCam Rental

At CamCam Rental the 3×3 m Butterfly is a practical choice for shaping sunlight, softening large fixtures and creating broad diffusion on photo and film sets. We can help you choose suitable stands, grip equipment, sandbags and lighting depending on how the frame will be used. Equipment availability can be checked online and the rental can be ordered directly through the website. If you are comparing lighting setups and want to understand the relationship between source power and practical brightness, see our guide: https://camcam.pl/en/blog/led-light-wattage-vs-brightness