FotodioxEZ-Pro Strip Softbox 12x56" with Speedring for Canon Flash Speedlite 600EX-RT, 580EX, 580EX II, 430EX and more

Anybody else having problems with mounting the speedring? 3 screws are wayyy to tight - I can't get them off! Is there some trick I'm missing?

Two main parts in this product that do warrant to be reviewed separately, the soft box and the speedring.First the soft box: It was relatively easy to deploy once you realize that there is a locking mechanism, and that the only way to lock it is to place your hand through one of the four hook and loop openings in the back and pull. The other method that works well, when the light diffuser is not installed, is to place the ring side on the ground and push downwards, with both hands, on the mechanism around the center rod until it locks in place.The internal light diffuser was easy to install, using the elastic corners and hooks preinstalled (sewn) in the unit. The external light diffuser was a little more tricky, as I wanted it to be as flat as possible, with no wrinkles in it, that possibly could deflect some of the light in unwanted directions.The best way I found was to install the deployed unit on a projector, place it on a telescopic tripod and tilt the top forward, using the strobe hinge to lock it in place. This allowed me to hold the top of the hook and loop on the diffuser and stretch with both hands as I applied it on the top edge of the box. Then I did both the sides, and finally the bottom. After I was done, I had to reposition the top a little bit to eliminate all wrinkles. I also made sure that all the material (black side of the cloth) was pulled outside of the ring, so that most of the light would be trapped and could only flow through the front of the box and not the back.Second, the speedring: In the back of the ring, there is a screw, meant to be used as a brake to create a positive lock between the box and the ring during installation. I tried to lock the ring, but there was no way as not enough pressure was created to fully lock the ring. I simply added one washer to the one already provided, underneath the screw, which did the trick. It was then easy to quarter turn the box to lock it on the strobe. When done, do not forget to release the screw so that the box can be freely oriented in it desired position. Leaving the screw locked in place would risk unhooking the box from the strobe, and the box could fall off.Overall this is a great product for the price.

I found this while looking for something else but it seems to be great for taking a large softbox on location. It was delivered on time and nicely packaged by both Fotodiox and AMAZON. Fedex delivered with hardly a scratch on the outer packaging. No instructions provided, but everything was straightforward. The metal Bowens style speed ring needed to be attached but a screwdriver took care of that. Next, I opened it up and snapped it open, very much like an umbrella. The Bowens fit right on. I was very happy with the overall kit which includes inner and out diffusers as well as a nice deflector dish to bounce the center of the flash back into the umbrella and block the hot spot. I note that the on-line photo above depicts the deflector installed backwards! Be sure to mount it with the side (with the ridges) you see in the photo facing back towards the flash tube and smooth side facing out of the umbrella. Any number of beauty dishes and some umbrellas use a curved deflector like this to achieve the same effect. None are bowed out like in the photo above. On a heavier duty light stand (westcott), this modifier and a Bowens Gemini 400 work quite well. It is well balanced, not too heavy. My initial results were a wonderful fill against a daytime outside window with just 1/3 power, 125th sec at F11 and about 800 ISO. I was expecting wonderful soft light and easily got it. The finish of this modifier is very good. The umbrella style works well; easy to set up and disassemble. The fabric is on the lighter side as may be expected for this application. Overall, I think it is a good fit for the photographer who cares for their equipment and does not intend it for everyday, heavy use. For a lot less than the price of a great modifier, I have two Fotodiox modifiers for the Bowens Gemini: this 48-in portable, easy to set up, deep octabox, AND a very nice 60-in octabox which, once set up, is quit solid, but much less portable. Note: results after using the deflector dish and the two diffuser panels were excellent. This set up lit up a whole portion of the room like it was a television set, yet the light on subject had a naturally soft, window light like cast. This ones's a keeper just like the last Fotodiox box I purchased.

Why is this my personal favorite style of strip box? Two main reasons. I like the larger size (12"x56") for full length rim lighting AND it has the quick setup capability (make sure that it's the EZ-Pro model and not the "Pro" (assemble rod by rod) model. It's the tallest size that I've been able to find that still has the quick umbrella style setup. I use the included deflector to help get more of the light to the two far ends of the softbox. The light output won't be even for ANY of the larger strip softboxes, but this helps significantly.I'd strongly suggest picking up the matching grid, as normally you'd be using the strip softbox to create a narrower vertical beam of light highlighting the sides of your subject.If you're looking for a taller strip softbox that you'll be frequently setting up and taking down (i.e. one that's a quick setup), then I'd recommend this style.

The media could not be loaded.  The only reason I didn't give this softbox a solid 4 or even 5 star review is because the reflector disc that it came with is made of the cheapest, most garbage plastic known to man. The FIRST time I opened up the softbox and slid the disc onto the rod, it bent and nearly cracked all the way through. Luckily, it's still working for now but after a few more shoots, I anticipate it's going to end up in the recycling bin and I'll be searching only for a metal reflector disc to replace it with (hopefully this stuff is standard size and easy to replace). Fotodiox, if you read this review please let me know if you have a metal disc version, I'll be emailing your customer service directly in the coming days too.

Like other Fotodiox Pro Studio Solutions softboxes, this is an excellent product. The quality is significantly better than their regular softboxes, with better superior materials and diffusion filters. and a significantly above-average carrying case.The style of umbrella softbox is also great; I prefer the ones that mount the light on the rear with a speedring because they can be angled or mounted on a boom more easily, and I like the umbrella-style opening because the setup/takedown is very fast. On the other hand, in order to have both, the softbox needs to be quite a lot larger for storage and transportation, but this is a good trade-off in most cases, in my opinion.The speedring size (required outer diameter) is 6" or 152mm, should you wish to swap it.

This punches some great soft light at an amazing price for a 5ft octa. Its massive, and is very well constructed with what looks to be decent quality parts. It folds up and comes with a cheaper fabric bag that the softbox fits into.Setting up the softbox went pretty well. To open up the box it takes some strength to push the umbrella rod and lock it into place but it gets easier each time you do this. There is an internal baffle and then an outside diffusion fabric that velcros into place. It stays put quite well and seems to be good quality velcro.The speed ring can be changed out. I bought a bowens speed ring adapter with this so it would work on some of my interfit lights. It should take any speed ring adapter. The plate removes with a few tiny screws that hold it into place.There are flaps at the back of the octa that un-velcro to allow heat to escape.Overall this is a solid octa for the price that is easy to setup and is built quite well.

A useful and versatile product that can be purposed for a number of different scenarios. My favourite is to use it with the small beauty dish and without the diffusors to take a somewhat more realistic portrait that doesn't smooth over or obscure the details. Used without the dish but with the baffles will give a softer, broader throw and be useful in small groups. A great second light to add to key. Initial assembly took me a hot minute to accomplish for my Alienbees.