Phot-R150cm Umbrella Octagon Softbox + Honeycomb Grid Bowens S-Type Mount Speedring + Inner & Outer Diffusers 31" Collapsible Portable + Case for Photo Studio Continuous LED Lighting Flash Light

Very impressed with this. It's an umbrella type so goes up in a second - no more messing around with poles. There's an internal diffuser and the main outer diffuser. There's a broad velcro rim on the softbox so it's easy to attach the outer diffuser and a grid (which I bought separately). The metal spokes of the umbrella mechanism are high quality and inspire confidence. Equally, the material of the softbox is considerably better than I was expecting and would pass at treble the price. Plus it comes with a nice carry bag. It produces a beautiful light with my speedlites (plus suitable adaptor) or with my studio heads, and with the added bonus of round catchlights.All the above completely sealed the deal.Minor grumbles are that, on my sample, it’s quite painful to collapse the umbrella mechanism. Strong pressure is required to push in the metal tab on the stem, and that metal tab is very narrow – so it proper hurts my non-macho fingers. I was disappointed to find that even this 80cm version remains quite big and cylindrical in its collapsed state. It’s definitely not as portable as the small, square, folding-type of softboxes (those that fold like a reflector into a tiny bag).Nonetheless, I’ve now ordered the 120cm version as well. This is because I’m knocked out with the premium-quality materials, ease of use, and budget price.Edit: I've now received the gridded 120cm version to add to the existing 80cm version. It's equally as impressive in terms of convenience (i.e umbrella style) and quality of materials. Fabulous kit for the money.FYI, I measure the 80cm version as 75cm diameter and the 120cm version as 110cm diameter. That's measured flat, straight across the front face, middle of one of the eight edges across to the middle of the opposite edge. That's not a complaint just one measure to indicate the size to expect.

Originally, I was informed this item wouldn't arrive on time due to postal strikes, however it did arrive as promised, and it is fantastic, so I have decided to keep this item. It gives beautiful soft lighting, and the quality is excellent for the price. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone.

So easy to open and close. I have managed to cut my finger on one of the sharp edges inside when closing it so you need to be a bit careful.The build quality is great for this price. The bag has survived 3 outings but I'm not convinced it will last a long time.My only slight negative is the light distribution when using a speedlight. A lot of metal work inside the box causes shadows. But that doesn't seem to cause problems for the final image.

I've seen reviews for much more expensive softboxes than this one which don't seem half as good. Where to start? First putting it up, the box is already put together so there's no need to put rod a in slot one, rod pop out poke you in the eye and start again. It is just like putting up a large brolly, but you will need to put the mount on a firm surface. Secondly put your light on the box rather than the other way round or you will be in for a fight, but again this is more simple than I was expecting although I advise sandbags to steady your light stand. Finally and most important the quality of light, it is advertised as suitable for up to 650ws. My lights are only 300ws but I get f10 to f10.5 wherever I tested which is a phenomenal 1/6 of a stop difference at 2/3 power. (I'm working on f8-f11 being one full stop) Would I recommended this product from this supplier (5 day delivery over Easter weekend)? I'd call you a fool not to buy one if you are interested in an extremely soft light with no hard shadows either for head shots or productsUpdate: It's been over two years since I first got this modifier and it’s easily my most used modifier. It’s incredibly easy to put up and take down, it gives a big soft light and incredibly versatile. I bought a 120x180cm as an alternative and another large light to use with it, but even though that light only has four rods it takes at least twice as long to put up and is much more work. I’ve noticed people saying this octabox is hard to put it down, which I found to begin with, but the trick is to push the rod as if you were putting it up and release the pressure on the catch it goes down very easily.

I didn't realise until this arrived that it uses the 'umbrella' method to open rather than having to insert rods into the mounting ring, so I can out this up far faster than my smaller Newer octabox.The construction is very solid and the reflector fabric is robust. The back of the reflector can be opened via Velcro flaps, and it is possible to use the box as a giant reflector while poking your lens through the back by opening one of those.Comes with internal and external diffusers and the 'egg crate'; the latter would cost twice as much as the Phot-R alone if bought as a 'marque' accessory.As you would expect from a box this size, it gives beautifully soft wrap-round light for portraits, and is big enough to use as a white background for head and shoulders shots.At less than £50 this is an absolute bargain.

Really happy with this purchase. There is no substitute for a large diffuser if one wants to shoot with soft shadows and a nice even light output.This 150cm folding softbox umbrella is very well made for the price. I've read that some find the release for the center post is unkind to the fingers or thumb, however it's quite usual for any mechanism of this kind to be hard to operate while under full tension.If one puts the umbrella speed ring down on the floor and push down on the center ring which the ribs are attached to, it's quite easy to depress the release tab. If this is not done, yes it will be hard to depress, no doubt of that. Just requires a little thought, not in any way a flaw with the product.This diffuser is fantastic for working with a single strobe, one can get great images without having to spend ages setting up, as the light is so forgiving.All I would add is that if buying the 150cm unit, it's big. I knew this before buying, it's why I bought it as smaller units have different characteristics in terms of light output.Highly recommended.

The materials and construction seems great. However, the shaft is flawed. There seems to be WAY too much tension put on the tab which holds the umbrella open which bends and permanently collapses/bends the spring. I was surprised to see the softbox came with a spare shaft and then I quickly realized why. They both broke during the first 2 uses, both times the umbrella collapsed with no warning. So, make sure to sandbag the stands!It is maddening that a really good product is let down by a single bad quality part.

Softbox kam nach zwei Tagen hier an.Material ist sehr gut, Klappmechanismus auch.Wenn man etwas geschickt ist, kann man beide Diffusoren UND auch das Wabengitter (grid) auf der Softbox montiert lassen und dennoch die Softbox zusammen falten und auch wieder aufbauen, weil man durch die beiden Eingriffe, die sich mit Klett verschließen lassen, mit der Hand hineinfassen kann, um den Schirmmechanismus lösen zu können, ohne das Wabengitter und die beiden Diffusoren abnehmen zu müssen.Ich verwende die Softbox mit einem Yongnuo 568 Aufsteckblitz an einem Bowens-Halter.Die Softbox wird sehr gut ausgeleuchtet (siehe Fotos).

Broke after few uses. The teeth pole that holds the umbrella open snapped after about 5 usage. (though it comes with an extra, it too broke after few uses in similar matter) Plus, the tension on it is quite immense that I almost lost a figer closing the damn thing. Be really careful when you are closing this thing! Maybe I had a defected one but its quite unfortunate as the price of it is great and worked well until it broke.

What i liked the most about this softbox is the set up time. it's really quick and easy to assemble and disassemble! The price is great as well considering the quality of the materials they use, it feels durable and the fabric is thick. Shipping is really fast as well (2days and im not even a prime member). I just wish they included the honeycomb grid on the package just like what I've seen in the unboxing on youtube. Overall, i can say im really happy for this purchase, i just hope this will last me a long time. 😀

Really fast shipping, good quality. Professional quality, looking forward to try !