I have seen lots of ads and a couple of early reviews on the new Creative Light modifier system that is out. Their prices are good and seem to be decently made. Is anyone using them? thoughts?
I am in need of replacing my studio gear that I had to sell the pay some bills. I had photoflex softboxes before, and I was wonder how these compare.
you know I placed my order almost 2 months ago and still there is no stock to deliver. They are either soo in demand or creative light is sooo slow in delivering them to vendors.
When you guys get one, could you measure how even the light is across the surface? Someone on MM tried one and thought it was horrible compared to Plumes...
Haven't used any, but the Creative line is made by/for Profoto (confirmed by a reputable dealer). They're using the line to get some modifier sales into the middle market and in the hands of non-Profoto light users. The biggest issue that's making me hold back is that stock seems perpetually low everywhere.
Conner999 wrote:
Haven't used any, but the Creative line is made by/for Profoto (confirmed by a reputable dealer). They're using the line to get some modifier sales into the middle market and in the hands of non-Profoto light users. The biggest issue that's making me hold back is that stock seems perpetually low everywhere.
In fact, Profoto doesn't make its own softboxes. A South Korean company, Aurora, makes Profoto's softboxes. Aurora is known in Europe, but not in the North American for some reason.
kenyee wrote:
When you guys get one, could you measure how even the light is across the surface? Someone on MM tried one and thought it was horrible compared to Plumes...
Almost all softboxes are horrible when compared to Plume Wafers!
I have the CL 5ft Octa, and I just LOVE it.
It's well designed and solid made, easy to put together.
Good quality fabric, two diffusing layers, rotating ring for my elinchrom.
It produces a nice and even light. I've used it for full body/fashion so far,
with some results that I'm really happy with.
I bought it from UniquePhoto in NJ, in August. They didn't have
a ring for Elinchrom in stock, but the manufacturer was kind enough
to ship one for me, to Canada, as they don't have a reseller here.
I have several Elinchrom softboxes, which I am happy with, too,
but they're way more delicate imho, easier to damage, while the CL
seems to me more of like a "military grade", I'd say
It comes with a nice carrying bag.
Not as nice as the Elinchrom ones, but flat - more practical.
Query - any reason why a Chimera speedring wouldn't work with a CL softbox? I'm assuming since Photoflex + Chimera work well together as do Chimera + Profoto and CL is made by/for Profoto and look very similar to PF units...
Reason I ask is, as usual, no one seems to get the box, ring and grids for any given size of CL box in stock at the same time (they really need to work on that), so thinking of a CL 3x4 w/Photoflex 3x4 grid and a Chimera SR I have laying around here already.
Stock CL SBs are silver interior vs white. Once you get into the silver Photoflex units, the prices are the same and in some cases the CL's are actually cheaper - if you can find them.
"Better" depends on your needs and preferences re: assembly method, interior color, durability needed, etc. In short, maybe they are (better), maybe they're not. Only one way to find out.
Conner999 wrote:
Stock CL SBs are silver interior vs white. Once you get into the silver Photoflex units, the prices are the same and in some cases the CL's are actually cheaper - if you can find them.
"Better" depends on your needs and preferences re: assembly method, interior color, durability needed, etc. In short, maybe they are (better), maybe they're not. Only one way to find out.
Conner,
Is that a long way to say you don't know?
I was thinking about the same exact question, which is better? I guess it mainly comes down to quality of build and ease of use. Also, as you stated Photoflex cheaper units come in white interior.
That being said, it seems the feedback I am getting about CL points to a higher build quality compared to Photoflex.
so, the CL = profoto, just the logo difference? i have profoto softboxes, I love the tough material. it seems that it can last forever. I have used photoflex and chimera. I still prefer the profoto. like i said, it lasts forever.
kenji wrote:
so, the CL = profoto, just the logo difference?
No not really. I was talking to the manager of the Professional Dept. at a large camera store (sells and rents Profoto) who went to the product introduction. He says the quality is good for the price point, but not Profoto quality.
I don't use Soft Boxes, but I'm considering getting a CL 3' Octa to use as an open face reflector (no baffle or front diffuser).
Reports about them sound promising. Also being an made by/for Profoto (share common design features/rods/material to lower costs?) gives them a bit of 'benefit of the doubt' prior to a 1st purchase revealing the true tale.
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"Conner,
Is that a long way to say you don't know?
I was thinking about the same exact question, which is better? I guess it mainly comes down to quality of build and ease of use. Also, as you stated Photoflex cheaper units come in white interior.
That being said, it seems the feedback I am getting about CL points to a higher build quality compared to Photoflex.
