Feature request

[Hannes]

I just found out, that there's a feature I'd really like to have.
I have a scene with some additional lightsources that represent wall lamps. I wanted to have some really soft shadows, because the shades aren't completely transparent like glass is, but are made of:
opal glass, frosted glass, translucent glass, milk glass - what's the right word? Anyway, I think you know what I mean...

So here is my request: in the sunlight's tab you have the parameter "Soft shadow diameter", which the other lightsources don't have. So, it seems, it's impossible to have really soft shadows from additional lightsources. Increasing the samples doesn't do anything, apart from increasing render times.
I thought about adding little suns as additional lightsources, but here you have no way to limit the light's Max distance.

[Dune]

softness changes if you alter the diameter of the source. maybe that would help?

[Hannes]

Thanks Ulco, never thought of that...
I'll have to try, if there is more softness (if any) when using larger diameters or smaller ones.

Anyway, good point!

[Dune]

Just promise you won't win 

[Hannes]

I'm only in it for the money!!!

[Dune]

 

[Hannes]

Actually the default diameter is 0, so I guess smaller (negative) diameters will produce strange results, but I'll see...

[Hannes]

So, actually it seems to be working. I tried a diameter of 3 and aborted the render, because rendertimes were exploding for some reason. What I could see so far, was the softness I was looking for. Even way too soft with a value of 3, so now I'm trying 0.5. I hope rendertimes will be better. So no need for testing negative values, although it might be interesting to see what happens.

Once again thank you, Mr. Glimmerveen!!!!!

[Dune]

With negative diameter, you get blacklight 

[Hannes]

Did some tests (in lower resolution).
As you can see in the image below, I first tried another way to get around the harsh shadows (second image) by not using lightsources, but a high luminosity value for the lamp shades instead. Doesn't look too bad, but there are nasty bright edges on some surfaces close to the shades. But rendertimes are quite low, so indeed something to consider...
I also tried Ulco's suggestion of using a higher source radius of the light sources to make the shadows softer (third image). Rendertimes are quite high, but it looks perfect.

Hard to say what I should do...

[bobbystahr]

the third one has the ring of realism to it and the way I'd go...the other 2 are obvious CG
here's a pre vis of a project I'm working on atm myself

[Dune]

Yes, the third is perfect. How about lowering the samples to 5 or so? You may not notice it on the rough wall, and that saves a lot of time.

[Hannes]

Yes guys, I decided to use the third way. Thanks for your opinions.
Ulco, I rendered a complete 3K pano overnight. It took a bit longer of course, but it wasn't that bad. But I'll do some tests with lower samples. Thanks for the tip (once again!! )

[Dune]

Now, we'll just HAVE TO share the first prize

[Hannes]