Curious to hear what you guys think on this one. I like MagMod system for my flash and the AD200. They aren't cheap for sure but there is no worthy alternatives. I like the speed on this one but kinda iffy with the construction of the system. The softbox size is on the smaller size but workable. Their Fresnel-like diffusor is interesting but not sure how effective it really is. I'm skeptical given the price.
Pharm86 wrote:
Interesting, but did you check out the Westcott Rapid Box Switch, their newer product? Many more choices with size.
I personally don't need to change speedrings on the fly. All my lights have Bowen S mount. This MagBox is more for small flashes. The Westcott seems to have a quick set-up as well. I would go with the Glow EZ Lock series though.
---------------------------------------------
dumplinknet wrote:
I don't understand why they made it collapsible. It isn't any smaller when it's fully collapsed. Lol
It gives you that illusion of being smaller
I'm very interested to see if the new diffuser design is effective. If it is, I'm looking forward to other companies copying the idea at a more reasonable cost.
daggah wrote:
I'm very interested to see if the new diffuser design is effective. If it is, I'm looking forward to other companies copying the idea at a more reasonable cost.
Probably Godox will. Their products are recommended all over the forums and they probably don't spend much in R&D therefore lower cost.
I'm not sure how the rubber cage still stand to abuse. It's expensive but not so much compared to SMDV.
This is a decent setup for 1-2 people session, but what happen when you need a big group shot? Back to big softboxes. If Magmod do come out with bigger size, expect it to be even more expensive.
I do like the gel system since it would be a solution to gelling alot of Godox strobes.
I'm currently using SMDV/Cheetahstand/Glow series of softbox. It's plenty fast for even wedding/engagement. The Magbox isn't that much faster. Most of the Youtube setup show the Magbox without the diffuser. I usually leave my diffuser panel and open it in the back.
Pharm86 wrote:
Probably Godox will. Their products are recommended all over the forums and they probably don't spend much in R&D therefore lower cost.
I think Selens and those type of company will come up with something similiar. I might pick one up then. I think I can guest your profession ;-)
tbdinh wrote:
I'm not sure how the rubber cage still stand to abuse. It's expensive but not so much compared to SMDV.
This is a decent setup for 1-2 people session, but what happen when you need a big group shot? Back to big softboxes. If Magmod do come out with bigger size, expect it to be even more expensive.
I do like the gel system since it would be a solution to gelling alot of Godox strobes.
I'm currently using SMDV/Cheetahstand/Glow series of softbox. It's plenty fast for even wedding/engagement. The Magbox isn't that much faster. Most of the Youtube setup show the Magbox without the diffuser. I usually leave my diffuser panel and open it in the back.
I think Selens and those type of company will come up with something similiar. I might pick one up then. I think I can guest your profession ;-)
hiepphotog wrote:
Curious to hear what you guys think on this one. I like MagMod system for my flash and the AD200. They aren't cheap for sure but there is no worthy alternatives. I like the speed on this one but kinda iffy with the construction of the system. The softbox size is on the smaller size but workable. Their Fresnel-like diffusor is interesting but not sure how effective it really is. I'm skeptical given the price.
I love the MagMod kit with the Sphere, grids and gels that I use for my V860's, AD200's and AD360's. But I agree with you on this new MagMod softbox, it is overpriced and for a octagon softbox you will get better light coverage using the bare bulb head of the AD200. Get the Godox AD-S7 18" foldable beauty dish with diffusers and grid for about $33 on eBay. This model uses the Quantum type connector on the bare bulb head of the AD200 and the AD360 to mount, no bracket needed. Plus it folds up like an umbrella and is very small to carry. I have 3 and always carry one in my lit kit bags to work with other larger modifiers. Or if you want a larger 8 or 16 sides box look into the Glow series from Adorama, they are almost all under $100. I really like them, but they do require the use of the S bracket.
I'm not sure if it's overpriced, as it uses good components and, most importantly, really strong magnets. (Some copycat Magmod systems are known to be weak, so ditto will probably hold for many Magbox imitators.)
However, I AM concerned about being locked into their system. The beauty part is that you can interchange components within a range of flash mounting scenarios, which simplifies the rig. - But if you can't adapt it to your current modifiers, then what?
I've messaged them, asking if there will at least be a Bowens adapter, but so far no response.
------------
A side note:
Despite my reservations, I was impressed enough with their full system, a few months back, to consider paying up front with their pre-release financial thing. However, the discount they offered was so small, that by the time the system is delivered it would have cost SIGNIFICANTLY more in credit card interest, For me it made sense to just wait until it's actually on the market, and read customer feedback.
Now that the "full" (such as it is) Magbox system is being sold by the retailers, I decided to take another look.
I'm soon going to re-do my entire modifier setup, switching from speedlight types to all Bowens-mount, and I intend to invest fairly heavily.
I personally would gladly pay a little more for the convenience of strong magnets, over the only-slightly less convenient velcro, so I took a hard look again at MagBox.
-------------------
Sadly, nothing has changed from their initial advertising. They only offer a single modifier which is a 24" octa type, and no mention of any kind of adapter rings, in order to use third-party stuff.
I messaged them, asking to send me a contact phone number, as I wanted to discuss this with them.
After 3 days, someone messaged back, saying that THEY DON'T HAVE A CUSTOMER SUPPOR NUMBER!
That's the end of that. I recommend staying far away.
I do hope some other companies start adapting this idea though. I love the speed at which you can do things like install / swap gels & such.
- But no system will fly without adapters for third-party modifiers. That's pretty obvious.
Godox make the S-Type Speedlite Bracket for Bowens @ $20 which IMO, is a better option as it lets you use any Bowens S octa, BD, strip, soft box or reflector and grid.
It is very thoughtfully designed and almost everything is heavy duty and of very good quality and it is super easy and fast to set up.
It is also heavy compared to other comparable setups and kind of big/fat. There is nothing to block the second flash hole if you are only using one flash. And, the bag that comes with the basic kit is complete crap. I was sort of surprised with all the high quality elements that the actual bag it comes in is so cheap.
JBPhotog wrote:
Godox make the S-Type Speedlite Bracket for Bowens @ $20 which IMO, is a better option as it lets you use any Bowens S octa, BD, strip, soft box or reflector and grid.
Thx, JB. That AK-R1 looks pretty good, esp for the price.
I was going to get round heads, anyway, so this seems the way to go for now, and deal with softboxes in the normal way.
It will be interesting to see, when I want to use gels in conjunction with a large modifier, how the round head affects light spread in a softbox or large umbrella.
Cableaddict wrote:
Thx, JB. That AK-R1 looks pretty good, esp for the price.
I was going to get round heads, anyway, so this seems the way to go for now, and deal with softboxes in the normal way.
It will be interesting to see, when I want to use gels in conjunction with a large modifier, how the round head affects light spread in a softbox or large umbrella.
Personally, I would not use a round head in a softbox, the bare bulb would be the goto flashtube. Gelling in that type of modifier is pretty easy with clamps or C-47’s to hold the gel in place inside the softbox, there is no need to wrap the flash tube.
JBPhotog wrote:
Personally, I would not use a round head in a softbox, the bare bulb would be the goto flashtube. Gelling in that type of modifier is pretty easy with clamps or C-47’s to hold the gel in place inside the softbox, there is no need to wrap the flash tube.
JB, is there any way you could post a picture of how you do this?
Cableaddict wrote:
JB, is there any way you could post a picture of how you do this?
Sure. These examples are using the Godox AD200 with bare bulb and the Godox S-Type Speedlight bracket but work just as well with a strobe and larger flashtube.
I buy my gels in 20" x 24" sheets and cut them in quarters. I never use gaffer tape to hold them in place inside or outside a modifier, heat can and does cause the tape to leave a residue mess to clean up. I use various clamps as you can see, binder clamps, clothes pegs, pony clamps and generic plastic clamps however, I will use the same type of clamp in the modifier, my photos is to show all four types in use in the softbox. A softbox with a wide rear opening, like the Chimera's means you can add gels without having to remove the front diffusion.
Inside a popup modifier that uses an umbrella style mechanism is a bit more challenging but as you can see various clamps also work. The 1" binder clamp works well as it slides on the rib of the mechanism yet clamps on the gel which is folded around the back. With this particular Glow EZ Beauty Dish it is far easier to remove the front and inside diffusion to gain access.
Sadly, that's exactly the kind of trouble I'm trying to avoid!
Gotta' be a better way.
The Magbox gell system is ALMOST a great idea, but you have to use that with the AD200 fresnel head, which basically cripples it. Someone need to create small, gel-colored globes.
Hmm, I don’t see it as trouble, it is pretty fast and secure and a solution to get your flash tube gelled and not cover up any of the heat vents in the tube.
I did see someone was die cutting gells to for various Godox flash tubes but care must be considered when fixing them so the vent holes are not covered. And of course, only the colour compensating gels were available, not the “creative” gels.
