I have been looking for a portable flash system that I can easily transport on assignments when I have to fly to location. As such, I have been building up an inventory of Nissan and Canon shoe-mount strobes, some with modifiers like the Lumiquest box. I wanted something that came closer to studio lighting so I bought the Wescott Rapid Box Octa. My first impression is that this is well made gear that will serve well in the field. It opens like an umbrella, and the diffusion panel fits perfectly. An accessory reflector disc is available to further soften the light or to use as an umbrella without the panel. The reflector screws into place in front of the flash head to bounce the light back off the reflective surface.
Due to photo quantity limitations here in, I can't post everything but if you go to my blog, www.foto-gizmo.blogspot.com - you can see the whole review there.
Deanh wrote:
Interesting box. How does the light with the reflector plate installed and the diffusion panel removed compare to a beauty dish?
That thought occurred to me as well. I think the size of 26" may be a little small, and the reflective surface is brighter than that usually found in a beauty dish. I will give it a shot as one when I get a chance and post an update.
I just received one of the 26" ones today. Very nice construction, seems pretty durable.
- Packs small and compact, included case is well made.
- Included speedlite mount is well made, sturdy and easy to adjust.
- Very quick to setup.
- Optional reflector dish mounts easily.
- Front diffusion panel slips over box, NO velcro (love that).
I'll post a test shot when I get the chance to play with it. Overall I like it very much so far.
The Rapid Box looks great for single light applications. I'm sort of thinking, however, that the Lastolite Ezybox II might be a better solution for those that would like to squeeze multiple speedlights (up to 4) into an octabox.
BigIronCruiser wrote:
The Rapid Box looks great for single light applications. I'm sort of thinking, however, that the Lastolite Ezybox II might be a better solution for those that would like to squeeze multiple speedlights (up to 4) into an octabox.
Take a look at the westcott apollo line, specifically the orb. It is very similar to the rapid box but the speedlites mount inside and reverse fire into the softbox. They will handle speedlites and monolights as well.
i tried the westcott ORB and it might be ok for inside but outside forget it, a small wing bent the spines on 2 of them that i had, had to contact westcott and got my money back. i like the 28" apollo but the orb is just not well made.
