I'm still an amateur photographer and wanted to take a serious step forward and just dive into studio photography. The first octagon softbox I saw was the Photoflex octodome3 and loved the results it produced. I then noticed Picture People also uses these massive octagon softboxes for all their shoots (they use all Paul Bluff gear in the particular shop I went into). This one is by far the cheapest and I am getting the same exact results as the other softboxes.
As far as build quality, this thing is solid. I also want to mention, I do NOT intend to break these down and set them back up as I will only be shooting inside of my house or throw this in the back of the truck if need be.
As far as set up, this thing was super easy to put together. The only I'd like to mention is the holes on the speed ring are not labeled so you have to figure out which holes to put the 'umbrella poles' in. It's easy, just make sure the poles are equally spaced from each other. You'll see what I'm talking about; just keep that in mind. As far as the order in which you insert them into the octabox, it's like putting in lugnuts on your tire, but instead, insert them in pairs (2 on, then 2 across and so forth).
I am usig this with an Alienbee B1600.
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Middling quality but great price
A couple things: There's a reason this is 1/5 the price of Chimera or Profoto. The spokes really don't like to stay in the tips, and, because it's a bargain product, there are no little sleeves for them like in a Chimera. I put some Velcro tabs at the strobe end, but they still like to pop out of the skimpy pockets at the diffuser end. I might hack the strobe end with a hole punch, lighter, and zip ties. The velcro is a little cheesy.Note that you shouldn't really be disassembling this or any other softbox after use. Just fold it up like a dome tent. A couple little DIY tweaks to this one ought to keep the spokes secure. Update: I squoze a big blob of shoe glue into the tips, with the spokes in. You have to do this while the light is on a boom stand, as the face should be parallel to the floor. After 2 days drying it stayed together all day through assembly and wrap. Makes it quite a bit more user-friendly.And read Vincent's review. Like he mentions, it is oddly heavy, probably 50% heavier than a Large (4x3) Chimera. The fabric functions, but rolls up pretty big. Probably twice the roll size of said large Chimera. BUT the light QUALITY is REALLY nice. Put the interior baffle in. Seems prettier than a square box. The surface area, by the way, of a 60" octagon is, if my math is correct, 25% more than a 3x4. Also, it barely fits back into the dumb Fotodiox bag : )If I like using an octa in the future enough to continue, I'll pop for a proper Chimera.Photo caption: Set up in a teeny room just big enough for the 5' seamless. No room for fill!
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Top reviews from other countries
- Chris KovacsReviewed in Canada on December 28, 2014
Very Very Happy!
This is a great product! Way better than I expected. It arrived fast and packed very well. I use a continuous fluorescent lighting set up so I had to customize the rods a but by cutting off the tips of the fat ends and then widening the holes on my light head using a drill. Very easy modification and it works and looks amazing!Chris KovacsVery Very Happy!
Reviewed in Canada on December 28, 2014
I purchased all sorts of Fotodiox products from soft boxes to lens adapters to reflector kits and I've always been very satisfied!
Couldn't find anyone around so I did a test shot using my kids stuffed owl, as seen in the photos.
Thanks Fotodiox.
Chris Kovacs
Adore Noir Magazine
adorenoir.com
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