p.1 #1 · Looking for the most compact but biggest soft/octa box that can fit into a carry-on
I am really challenging myself this year by trying to pack down an entire location kit into a carry on. The camera part is pretty easy (A7Cii with a handful of tiny lenses), I also have a collapsable lightstand and could use a speed light or an AD200. The kicker (ha) is the modifier itself. Godox makes a 24x24 soft box that folds down into a small bag (which I have) but I would really like an Octabox - something that I can flex a couple different ways (no diffusion, partial diffusion, disc, etc). Any suggestions?
p.1 #7 · Looking for the most compact but biggest soft/octa box that can fit into a carry-on
jmmaher wrote:
It's made for AD200 or the much older 180 and 360. I don't believe it fits anything else.
Hmm, okay. I will poke around and see if they have a newer or different version with a more flexible mount. I don't love the S2/S3 brackets (one more thing to take/lose) but they do allow a lot more flexibility. Thanks.
p.1 #9 · Looking for the most compact but biggest soft/octa box that can fit into a carry-on
Once you have the S2/S3 mounts, any Bowens mount soft box can be used. The outside edge flange of the S2 will allow using the soft box without the metal Bowens mount adapter, but the S3 does not have this flange, so you must use the metal Bowens Mount adapter to attach a soft box. Without the flange packs easier, but getting rid of the metal soft box adapter travels lighter, a double edge sword. Also be certain that the s2/s3 bracket that you buy has the removeable lower piece in the center hole to let you use the round head of the AD200 flashes or round head speedlites.
I also purchased the AD200 head extension cables, so I can separate the body of my AD200 Pro II lights from the heavy bodies of the lights. I then use a 1/4-20 double male fitting and clamp to attach the AD200 body to the center post of the light stand down low, so the soft box, head, & light stand weight is lower in center-of-gravity and more stable. They offer AD200 bags and sling straps for hanging the AD200 bodies, and one could be used, but I prefer the double male and clamp method better. Look for the double male piece with the included lock nuts, so you can orient the AD200 vertical and tighten the nut against it, and the other nut against the clamp. These are available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/your-orders/pop?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_pop&orderId=113-1644720-0981007&lineItemId=jlpmnuonrkqqwups&shipmentId=PBCdjBtk0&packageId=1&asin=B0823HGR94
