Hey Wes, Cut a piece of 3/4" PVC to 36" to 48" as a push rod. You stick it down the middle, give a gentle push & "SHABANG", she's set. Same to undo. It fits in the bag and you look like a pro when you are setting it up.

I have the 48 and it’s my first Bowen’s style softbox. I am 6’2” and I have no issues getting it open or closed. But I too love the overall light. For in studio it’s my main light and then I add accent lights around if needed. I have only used it on location 1 time but I’ve only had it 2 months and it’s winter in Wisconsin. I look forward to getting a couple 28s and maybe a 36

Hey Wes, I'm making a video on the 34" dish and came across this video. The Westcott softbox in this video you opened easily isn't a fair comparison to the deep octa series. You would be better off comparing the Westcott RapidBox to the 36" Glow Octa Softbox. The Glow deep para softboxes and beauty dishes are tougher than the Glow Octa series to open. The difficulties in setting up varies from modifier to modifier. For example, my 34" beauty dish has a bit of tension but manageable to me without removing the diffusion panels, but the 42" beauty dish is much more difficult and requires me to take it off. Hope this helps.

Thanks brother for good review, kitty in background. Also, for the encouraging lyrics you were singing with your group, especially during Covid time.

I have the 38" box. Have used it a couple of times. No complaints. Got good results with my AD200pro.

Wes, I always enjoy your videos and get so much out of them. Thank you for your work.

I have quite a few of their softboxes and I will say the smaller sizes are easier to open and close. That 48” deep para is probably one of the hardest to lock in.

@WesPerry

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, that seems to be the case.

"a little more dignified" lol... when you were shaking trying to open the softbox.... hilarious

Wes, that’s so awesome you play guitar and sing in church! Hod bless you and your family !!!

I have two of the Glow 34" EZ lock beauty dish modifiers. The only PITA is that you have to remove a portion of the two diffusers to gain access to the umbrella mechanism - both during setup and take down. I just leave them set up for that reason. For location shooting, I use the Glow 38" ParaPop which has a mechanism like your Laofas and you can leave the diffusers connected. It's way faster to set up - but costs about three times as much, no deflector plate included, no grid included, with a fragile looking plastic speed ring.

We have the 48", (2) 34" (our work horse) and a 28" all EZlock. We love them, have not had one fail yet. When we use the 48...I am the one setting it up, just a bit much for my wife.

@rashelrene6725

2 жыл бұрын

How do you think the 34” would work out for groups of up to 5 people. Example, family portraits?

@royaltykidstv

11 ай бұрын

@@rashelrene6725did you figure this one out? I need it for 5+ ppl too.

Awesome video Wes!!!!!

@WesPerry

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Frankie!

Glow recently introduced a snaplock version, where you individually click in each rod. Similar to the Leofast system. Its called the "Glow Profond Quick-Open". I bought the 35.4 inch version and so far am very happy with it. Significantly more expensive though. My 35.4 inch was USD 164 on Amazon.

@WesPerry

3 жыл бұрын

I hadn’t heard about that. I have a couple like that (more of an Aputure design), and they’re Okay, but still much more fussing than the Westcott.

@paulpedersen180

3 жыл бұрын

@@WesPerry I agree. I have the Westcott 24 inch rapid-box beauty dish and its a mechanical marvel! Very expensive though, especially when you add the honeycomb grid.

@WesPerry

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, those honeycomb prices are literally insane. The profit margin must be 99%!

I have one of these beasts. And yes, you can turn yourself inside out trying to set it up. I found it even harder to close. The umbrella-like thumb push button takes a lot of strength to make it work. I gave up on it once I found I had to take a small hamper to tap the thing to make it spring closed. It now sits in its bag in the closet.

@WesPerry

3 жыл бұрын

If the button worked as expected, that sure would be nice. Instead you have to get down in there again and push the whole ring down further before it depresses 😒

@tundrusphoto4312

3 жыл бұрын

@@WesPerry Thanks for the tip! I have only opened it maybe three times. It sits on a shelf. It needs a good home - maybe a post COVID Kijiji sale?

@WesPerry

3 жыл бұрын

Or just convert it into an epic umbrella? 😂

@tundrusphoto4312

3 жыл бұрын

@@WesPerry The hole in the top makes for a leaky umbrella. I may turn it into a cat toy.

I bought the Godox ad-s65s and i had the same setup issues. Really challenging to setup so i returned it.

I had the 28" inch, never had to make that much of an effort to set up or tear down. I guess the issue is the size. I'm considering if to buy it again.

Wes I suspect the rigidity comes from the size in which they have to make sure it will be stable. Anyway, I'm curious to know what size your rapidbox is. Is it 36 inch or ? Probably would be fair to do comparison of the same size but I suspect you opted for the larger one for diversity in your kit. Anyway, kudos for the honest review.

...and Westcott makes you purchase the deflector plate...which is like buying a television and having to buy the remote...

@WesPerry

3 жыл бұрын

As well as the grid. It’s quite annoying. And the grid costs almost as much as the softbox!

Very informative..great Music also...we will order one god bless

I have the 28” ez glow.....so much easier to setup and take down.

I was laughing before you even try opening it up through the back zip door. Saying no way in hell you’re going to get that thing the latch all the way open. They are tough son of a gun you can only go from the front when they are that big.

@WesPerry

3 жыл бұрын

A guy can always hope, though, can't he? haha

I use Paul C Buff soft silver 60” umbrellas… I also have the Glow and it’s a beast to set up and yes, as Wes says, it looks silly setting up.

I have the 38" and I love it. It is hard to open, but I always open it on the floor, flip it and then attach the light while it's still on the floor. This is the recommended method by the company. Plus, you won't look sill trying to mount such a big softbox to the light while it's on the stand. Nice review.

@WesPerry

3 жыл бұрын

I had the thing out in a muddy field a little while ago and I couldn't find anywhere to open it that wouldn't fill it with mud and grass. It was just a disaster 😒

@Ranger7Studios

3 жыл бұрын

@@WesPerry I've also just opened it like an umbrella over my head in bad weather. But, yea, I hear ya. Not the easiest thing to open.

@WesPerry

3 жыл бұрын

I’ve been told by Adorama that the smaller ones are easier. So odds are it’s not so bad with the 38”?

Octobox is much easier due to number of poles

Glow has the metal deflector which almost eliminates all hotspots. Totally worth it. You are struggling to open the soft-box which is superior to the others. I suggest practice with this as I open mine in 2 minutes.

@WesPerry

3 жыл бұрын

2 minutes is a very long time. Do you mean 2 seconds?

The best I’ve found so far and I leave my 26” open a day before a shoot to relax it some.

Wes - I have two Glow Beauty Dishes ADS-65 and EZ Lock. Both are Fkn hell to open and lock. I like the portability of the ADS-65 just mounting directly to my AD300, but I sweat opening this thing. I now only use it when I have too - not because I want too.

Nice review! What's your opinion of the MagMod Pro Kit? Feels expensive buying into a system like that, but potentially looks less clumsy when setting up in front of a client...What are your thoughts?

@WesPerry

2 жыл бұрын

I can’t say I find it terribly compelling. Very limited by the size of the smallish softbox and flash compatibility. I’ll take Bowen’s over that any day, but that’s just me ;)

@daviday87

2 жыл бұрын

@@WesPerry makes sense. I recently stumbled onto Jinbei (Westcott's supplier) and their gear looks extremely reasonably priced here in Europe. Looks like their lights have full compatibility with Canon and their softbox's look like they'll do the trick for someone like me dipping my toes into flash photography :)

@WesPerry

2 жыл бұрын

I’m full in on Godox over here now lol

What isnt so good is that those grids fall apart pretty quick on the Neewer. I use the Neewer umbrella 40+" and the Godox. The Godox fabric is nicer. Both have same center rod , which is flimsy and more than once I have heard photographers break them from transport or drop with light. etc.

I am still laughing about your "set up". Only because that was my first experience. This 48 inch deep parabolic was the first of many Glow EZ lock products I've purchased. The 48 inch Glow EZ Lock Deep Parabolic is definitely hardest to set up. But I have also had my moments with the Glow Quick Ball Lantern Softbox.

@WesPerry

3 жыл бұрын

Glad I’m not the only one 😏

Love the videos! Do you know how to mount a color gel to the light and use the EZ? I believe the Aputure includes a gel holder accessory.

@WesPerry

3 жыл бұрын

Oof. That would be pretty difficult due to the umbrella assembly on the inside of the softbox.

@WesPerry

3 жыл бұрын

The best I could think would be to get one of those heat resistant custom cut gels for the bulb itself.

It takes me only 3- 5 seconds to deploy this unit and I have only opened it maybe 15 times, I consider it eazy . I watched your video and the second you pulled it out of the bag I knew you were going to have problems. First the zipper was unzipped and the fabric had slipped pasted the backside of the speed ring, that makes it much harder to deploy, you experienced this and we watched you pull the center ring and the fabric started to slowly slide up towards the speed ring . The zipper must be zipped up at all times, this also prevents the rods "arns" from coming out the other end which you also experienced in your video. This does not happen to me. With both diffusion fabric baffles in place, you find the two rods on each side of the zipper and un-velcro the outside diffusion fabric between those 2 rods, undo one of the middle baffle snaps in the same location. Place the speed ring to the ground, kneeling next to the softbox, unzip the zipper, this allows air in because as you press down from the top a vacuum is created, you push slowly so the vacuum pressure is equalized. It snaps on easy because the fabric is still around the back of the spreed ring and the pressure is equal. Once it clicks zip the zipper back up making sure the fabric is on the backside of the spreed ring. Do not unzip when collapsing. Usability for me is 9 out of 10 compared to the others you compared it to and the Wescott being 10 out of 10. Glow does make an EZ Lock Octa in similar sizes that are not deep parabolic are much easier like the Rapid Box (which is also not a deep parabolic but an Octabox design , I have the 60"EZ Lock Octa which is a usability 10 out of 10 and super easy even though huge. ... If you are an idiot or don't figure out how to deploy the 48" EZ deep parabolic it correctly it would probably rate a 6 out of 10 usability IMHO

How does this compare to the Aputure Light Dome in terms of light quality?

@WesPerry

2 жыл бұрын

It’s a little hard to objectively quantify this…although I’m working on it.

@conservovirtus5796

2 жыл бұрын

@@WesPerry The reason I ask is I ordered a Light Dome, but have now come across this for significantly less. So, if this is just as good or better in regard to image quality...

For something that large that does not seem like such a big deal. Try setting up a Chimera softbox. And for the cost come on.

I decided to buy the softbox because this review. I seem to have an issue with mounting the modifier on my ad400pro extension head and flashpoint 7’ lightstand bc it has a tendency to droop and it seems to be the limit of what the stand can take, even though it’s rated at 5kg (~11lbs). Should I just consider getting a c-stand to offset the weight of the modifier?

@WesPerry

3 жыл бұрын

A lot of people have this issue with the 300 and 400. Some have taken to replacing the gripping washer in the middle of the joint with some rubber so it holds better. Another option would be to mount the 400 in an S2 bracket, which I think has a stronger joint.

@leonchen4065

3 жыл бұрын

@@WesPerry thanks Mr. Perry for the quick response. I’ll look into the options you mentioned.

I love my Glow EZ softboxes, I have 3 of them.

I have been using the Paul Buff 46 inch softboxes for maybe 5 years, they are easy to set up, the older ones seem to be of better quality then the newer ones. It does not require supper human effort to engage the lock. I have two Cheetah Stand 48" Rice bowl softboxes that I don't use because they lock is almost impossible to lock open.

Is that the Wescott 36xl or 48xxl? I wanna just be able to stick my hand in there and set it up fast. Unlike my Glows lol.

@WesPerry

3 жыл бұрын

That’s a 36. It was a little stiffer when it was new, but not even remotely on the same level as the Glow. I think my ease of use also comes from know exactly how to grab it. It’s a matter of making sure the ring doesn’t bind up on the shaft, but once you’ve got it, you’ve got it. 👌🏻

I don't care if you can reach inside a softbox from the side. That has NEVER worked for me to set up any Glow softbox so I just do it the normal way. It's fast as well and I don't mind going through the front to set it up (I leave half of the the inner baffle's snaps unfastened as I don't like how it feels fully attached when collapsing the softbox). I love the Glow EZ Lock line and will never use the side zipper to set any of them up lol. I also actually prefer velcro to snaps. Snaps are annoying af. I wish Glow would get the memo. Also, I weigh over 300lbs. All I have to do is lean into it with my body weight and I have little issue with locking the softbox into place when opening it. And I don't think I look stupid reaching into it setting it up. I hardly think clients care that much if at all lol. However, short and fairly people and people with little physical strength, beware - this is probably not the modifier for you (stick to the Ez Lock modifiers that are not deep parabolics. They are MUCH lighter, produce beautiful light and are also MUCH easier to lock into place than this 48" deep parabolic softbox in this video. Little to no effort needed). But yes, the 34" and smaller sizes are VERY easy to set up. It's just that 48" deep parabolic is a little bit of a bitch lol.

My preferred size is the 36 inch. Anything bigger is hard to use and gets in the way. I understand the softness is better but unpractical in the field.

@WesPerry

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, I wouldn’t take anything more than 36 out for use outside unless I’m trying to do something crazy, or have a team for a commercial shoot.

@royaltykidstv

11 ай бұрын

Is the 36inch good for up to 5 people? How far away should the softbox be from the people? I have a Godox ad400pro.

what softbox are you using for this video?

@WesPerry

3 жыл бұрын

For my part the Aputure Light Dome Mini I think.

Bro, I have several Glow EZ light modifiers and I don't struggle at all setting them up. Do a few push ups a day. 🤣🤣😂😂

@WesPerry

Жыл бұрын

I do about a hundred push-ups a day. Any other suggestions? 😏

Lol it was not that hard for me lmao but you finally got it! 😂😅

@WesPerry

5 ай бұрын

I think I must have a weird one after hearing everyone else’s stories. Used it for the first time in a while the other day and practically had to stand on it to open it 🤦🏻‍♂️

I love my Glow 48”. And yes I use the floor to set it up.

@WesPerry

3 жыл бұрын

Setting it up in a wet, muddy field is a less than ideal scenario 😏 Fine in the studio, a little touch and go 'in the field' (literally and figuratively).

Boy that box like to took him out trying to open it up he got it though!

sadly they don't sell them in UK

@WesPerry

3 жыл бұрын

It’s just an Adorama product, so they don’t really sell them in Canada either. Disappointing, as they’re a solid product for not much money.

@MrUffizzi

3 жыл бұрын

GilbertTV i use a company called MYUS.com for the shipping. Way cheaper than Adoramas international shipping

@tundrusphoto4312

3 жыл бұрын

I'll sell you mine. Never use it. Like new. Shipping to the UK will be a killer, though.

Mine tore the first time I used it.

@WesPerry

3 жыл бұрын

Ughh Did they replace it?

Bro I've got the EZglow parabolic not that hard for me

@WesPerry

3 жыл бұрын

What size?

@dcameron7736

3 жыл бұрын

@@WesPerry 38" I'm also 6'2" and 290 lbs athletic

@WesPerry

3 жыл бұрын

While I have heard the 38” is easier to open than my 48”, it sure sounds like you have a lot more leverage than I do as well! Haha

@dcameron7736

3 жыл бұрын

@@WesPerry Brotha I'm athletic and big like a lineman in college football or NFL. Its funny known for carrying a suitcase full of gear, c stands and modifiers all at once into an office shoot. I do mean carry suitcase off the ground and hold c stand plus modifier in other hand Definitely more leverage. Trick with this modifier is multiple opening and closing. Its about muscle memory and positioning the locking mechanism. Especially if your small. I'd do a two motion one to get mechanism close to locking pole. Then second line up push down and pull up at same time. Also Baeuty dish has same issue. Its just extremely tout metal ribs is all. Good luck. Also the 48 Octo box is a breeze to use. Anyone can make that modifier go up. Maybe change to that

@dcameron7736

3 жыл бұрын

@@WesPerry have you been actively booking lately. Washington state is terrible right now

Great review but did I just watch a Jesus song? Was that in there or am I high? I probably got the rona goin on right now so I could’ve imagined it.

@WesPerry

3 жыл бұрын

Mayyyybe. 😏

Dude, you need to go to the gym!! 😂. Just kidding! Lol

You had me until the not-subtle Jesus messaging. Peace out.

First haha

@WesPerry

3 жыл бұрын

“The last shall be first, and the first last.” 😏

Adorama. is a ripoff

@WesPerry

3 жыл бұрын

How so?

@michaelwalker2775

3 жыл бұрын

@@WesPerry They put the wrong address on my order, when I brought it to their attention. They told me it was my error not their and nothing can do. First at all I don't like how he talk to me, it took two days for me to talk to a person. Update my wife was able to get the package from the post office. I have trust issues a company that doesn't admit to their error.I was thinking about buying canon r6, along with 28-70mm f/2 lens, I have my doubts about them.