Would love (or rather, need…) the ability to combine Vray Sun and HDRI Sky maps. Right now, whenever I render water, it comes out looking like mud with Vray Sun. On the other hand, with HDRI sky maps I get a nice reflection, I cannot control shadows very good (need them to be accurate for the location and time of day). I sometimes do renders with both, but it’s a pain to setup and switch between two different light systems for each scene/render and takes a lot of time to combine in Photoshop.
You can get good results using both physical sun or HDR, the problem is mostly in your water material setup. Use a proper volume for water not just a plane and give it a shader with 1.33 IOR in refraction/reflection plus some slight tint for the fog, then choose a proper material for the bottom.
Ok, maybe you’re right. Water is 9 meters deep, but I can try and make it deeper. Fog colour might make a difference. How would you suggest adding a material to the bottom? Something like a sand texture or similar?
However, I still want the ability to have the sky reflecting in the water without losing accurate shadows so my original question still stands.
Hi Glenn,
We understand the need and we are working on the ability to combine Sun and HDR.
As for the water material - it is not necessary to make it that deep. I mean, even with a simple plane and the correct material settings, you can achieve the effect you want. Have you tried with any of the library materials (here: C:\Program Files\Chaos Group\V-Ray\V-Ray for Revit\vrmateditor\materials\Liquid). You can use any of them as a base.
Best,
Ana
@sirio76 , I totally agree with you.
Are these renderings created in V-Ray for Revit?
Hi Ana, both are made using an old version of Vrayforc4d but I assume the principles are the same also in Vray for Revit 
Yes, they are. I was just curious…
Reviving this old thread. The problem in my initial post was indeed an old autogen water material, removing that fixed the problem.
I would still like to know if there’s been any updates regarding using a combined Sun and HDRi?
Hi Glenn,
Yes, there is. A beta is coming containing exactly the capability you’re asking about.
You’ll hear from us very soon.
Best,
Ana
Excellent. Really appreciate your speedy responses, Ana.