Looking for the most compact but biggest soft/octa box that can fit into...
p.1 #1Looking 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?
Jun 17, 2026 at 04:49 PM
p.1 #2Looking for the most compact but biggest soft/octa box that can fit into a carry-on
Godox Ad-s7 Multi-Functional 45cm Umbrella Softbox Soft Box for WITSTRO Flash AD200 AD360II AD180 AD360
Jun 17, 2026 at 06:00 PM
p.1 #3Looking for the most compact but biggest soft/octa box that can fit into a carry-on
jmmaher wrote:
Godox Ad-s7 Multi-Functional 45cm Umbrella Softbox Soft Box for WITSTRO Flash AD200 AD360II AD180 AD360
Cool - was also looking at the Glow deeper version of this but hard to tell how well they pack down.
Godox Ad-s7 Multi-Functional 45cm Umbrella Softbox Soft Box for WITSTRO Flash AD200 AD360II AD180 AD360
Cool - was also looking at the Glow deeper version of this but hard to tell how well they pack down.
Jun 17, 2026 at 07:03 PM
p.1 #4Looking for the most compact but biggest soft/octa box that can fit into a carry-on
The one I listed packs very small and only fits the bare bulb mount. Easily fits in a suitcase and many camera bags.
Jun 17, 2026 at 07:19 PM
p.1 #5Looking for the most compact but biggest soft/octa box that can fit into a carry-on
jmmaher wrote:
The one I listed packs very small and only fits the bare bulb mount. Easily fits in a suitcase and many camera bags.
The bare bulb mount...you mean it's usable with an AD200 or V1, but not a AD300?
The one I listed packs very small and only fits the bare bulb mount. Easily fits in a suitcase and many camera bags.
The bare bulb mount...you mean it's usable with an AD200 or V1, but not a AD300?
Jun 18, 2026 at 08:57 AM
p.1 #6Looking for the most compact but biggest soft/octa box that can fit into a carry-on
It's made for AD200 or the much older 180 and 360. I don't believe it fits anything else.
Jun 18, 2026 at 09:05 AM
p.1 #7Looking 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.
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.
Jun 18, 2026 at 09:07 AM
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p.1 #8Looking for the most compact but biggest soft/octa box that can fit into a carry-on
Duplicate post - Deleted, sorry
Edited on Jun 18, 2026 at 10:05 AM · View previous versions
Edited on Jun 18, 2026 at 10:05 AM · View previous versions
Jun 18, 2026 at 09:47 AM
p.1 #9Looking 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
Small clamp -
https://www.amazon.com/SMALLRIG-Super-Camera-Monitor-Light-2058/dp/B07PHNRS3N/ref=sr_1_3?crid=WB401NYRY0C5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Qko_7IPhCjcunTWmMi-lo_KIo3XsN3NHcJmmqNyvauWhPuzt82xqOI877xZ_CsXvbhMy2MWo-DW45y_oSXqUfoi73dzRkRQbj6NTNqmm4NiVmEjm7NyPCJl_8diloV55mppAVPvO9BnHQ3jEkSRvurh4yRqc-Pj8z4XSg2heo2yutfFbNzdBLCNrvdb4dZrTzwsd5wH7V0cCaHDicRZzH5slH_uESg2j_t0nWsRqA4E.YWcPi5kXe-E4xV-v1VNITikErTdB1xmjO8pPcb0BJPc&dib_tag=se&keywords=small+photography+clamp+small+rig&qid=1781798795&sprefix=small+photography+clamp+small+rig%2Caps%2C251&sr=8-3
Charley
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
Small clamp -
https://www.amazon.com/SMALLRIG-Super-Camera-Monitor-Light-2058/dp/B07PHNRS3N/ref=sr_1_3?crid=WB401NYRY0C5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Qko_7IPhCjcunTWmMi-lo_KIo3XsN3NHcJmmqNyvauWhPuzt82xqOI877xZ_CsXvbhMy2MWo-DW45y_oSXqUfoi73dzRkRQbj6NTNqmm4NiVmEjm7NyPCJl_8diloV55mppAVPvO9BnHQ3jEkSRvurh4yRqc-Pj8z4XSg2heo2yutfFbNzdBLCNrvdb4dZrTzwsd5wH7V0cCaHDicRZzH5slH_uESg2j_t0nWsRqA4E.YWcPi5kXe-E4xV-v1VNITikErTdB1xmjO8pPcb0BJPc&dib_tag=se&keywords=small+photography+clamp+small+rig&qid=1781798795&sprefix=small+photography+clamp+small+rig%2Caps%2C251&sr=8-3
Charley
Jun 18, 2026 at 10:04 AM
p.1 #10Looking for the most compact but biggest soft/octa box that can fit into a carry-on
corposant wrote:
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?
If you want something that will fit in a carry-on, the smallest one I've found compared to the width of the face is the Elinchrom 27.5" softbox. If you disassemble the rods from the speedring, it will fit in a carry-on. A Photek 46" softlighter would also fit in a carry-on without the longer rod screwed on.
I often bring a 24" Westcott rapid beauty dish with me on trips, but because of its design, it does not fold down as small as the other ones I mentioned. I think the Elinchrom 27.5" would be the best if you want something that packs down small, has inner and outer diffusion, and makes nice quality light.
I'd also recommend a simple paint pole adapter if you need something that is going to fly overhead. If you want to travel with a small lightstand, the reverse leg compact ones are great. I'm a fan of the Matthews ones because they carry more weight than the manfrotto and westcott ones of similar design.
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?
If you want something that will fit in a carry-on, the smallest one I've found compared to the width of the face is the Elinchrom 27.5" softbox. If you disassemble the rods from the speedring, it will fit in a carry-on. A Photek 46" softlighter would also fit in a carry-on without the longer rod screwed on.
I often bring a 24" Westcott rapid beauty dish with me on trips, but because of its design, it does not fold down as small as the other ones I mentioned. I think the Elinchrom 27.5" would be the best if you want something that packs down small, has inner and outer diffusion, and makes nice quality light.
I'd also recommend a simple paint pole adapter if you need something that is going to fly overhead. If you want to travel with a small lightstand, the reverse leg compact ones are great. I'm a fan of the Matthews ones because they carry more weight than the manfrotto and westcott ones of similar design.
Jun 19, 2026 at 07:42 PM
p.1 #11Looking for the most compact but biggest soft/octa box that can fit into a carry-on
sungphoto wrote:
If you disassemble the rods from the speedring, it will fit in a carry-on. A Photek 46" softlighter would also fit in a carry-on without the longer rod screwed on.
I often bring a 24" Westcott rapid beauty dish with me on trips, but because of its design, it does not fold down as small as the other ones I mentioned. I think the Elinchrom 27.5" would be the best if you want something that packs down small, has inner and outer diffusion, and makes nice quality light.
I'd also recommend a simple paint pole adapter if you need something that is...Show more →
I have a reverse leg compact stand and it’s awesome. I’d recommend them to anyone. I actually have a Softlighter - hadn’t really thought about it but feels a little big for my roller bag.
Jun 19, 2026 at 07:54 PM
p.1 #12Looking for the most compact but biggest soft/octa box that can fit into a carry-on
corposant wrote:
I often bring a 24" Westcott rapid beauty dish with me on trips, but because of its design, it does not fold down as small as the other ones I mentioned. I think the Elinchrom 27.5" would be the best if you want something that packs down small, has inner and outer diffusion, and makes nice quality light.
I'd also recommend a simple paint pole adapter if you need something that is going to fly overhead. If you want to travel with a small lightstand, the reverse leg compact ones are great. I'm a fan of the Matthews ones because they carry more weight than the manfrotto and westcott ones of similar design.I have a reverse leg compact stand and it’s awesome. I’d recommend them to anyone. I actually have a Softlighter - hadn’t really thought about it but feels a little big for my roller bag.
Yeah I might have actually brough my shoot through PCB 51" umbrella the last time I brought a second modifier. You can sometimes get away with using a tripod bag to carry objects that are a little longer than your carry on roller, but it's kind of rolling the dice. It's nice to have a large fill source, but in my experience it makes more sense to just bring a single modifier, and if you're indoors and need a large fill source, just bounce the light on the ceiling or wall.
I used a 51" PCB umbrella shoot through for fill and a 24" Westcott beauty dish rapid box for this photo in Cuba. Her workshop was very dark inside:
And this one I just used the one 24" westcott beauty dish, and ambient light for fill. It was a cloudy day, so perfect.
sungphoto wrote
If you disassemble the rods from the speedring, it will fit in a carry-on. A Photek 46" softlighter would also fit in a carry-on without the longer rod screwed on.I often bring a 24" Westcott rapid beauty dish with me on trips, but because of its design, it does not fold down as small as the other ones I mentioned. I think the Elinchrom 27.5" would be the best if you want something that packs down small, has inner and outer diffusion, and makes nice quality light.
I'd also recommend a simple paint pole adapter if you need something that is going to fly overhead. If you want to travel with a small lightstand, the reverse leg compact ones are great. I'm a fan of the Matthews ones because they carry more weight than the manfrotto and westcott ones of similar design.
Yeah I might have actually brough my shoot through PCB 51" umbrella the last time I brought a second modifier. You can sometimes get away with using a tripod bag to carry objects that are a little longer than your carry on roller, but it's kind of rolling the dice. It's nice to have a large fill source, but in my experience it makes more sense to just bring a single modifier, and if you're indoors and need a large fill source, just bounce the light on the ceiling or wall.
I used a 51" PCB umbrella shoot through for fill and a 24" Westcott beauty dish rapid box for this photo in Cuba. Her workshop was very dark inside:
And this one I just used the one 24" westcott beauty dish, and ambient light for fill. It was a cloudy day, so perfect.
Jun 19, 2026 at 08:14 PM
p.1 #13Looking for the most compact but biggest soft/octa box that can fit into a carry-on
sungphoto wrote:
I often bring a 24" Westcott rapid beauty dish with me on trips, but because of its design, it does not fold down as small as the other ones I mentioned. I think the Elinchrom 27.5" would be the best if you want something that packs down small, has inner and outer diffusion, and makes nice quality light.
I'd also recommend a simple paint pole adapter if you need something that is going to fly overhead. If you want to travel with a small lightstand, the reverse leg compact ones are great. I'm a fan of the Matthews ones because they carry more weight than the manfrotto and westcott ones of similar design.I have a reverse leg compact stand and it’s awesome. I’d recommend them to anyone. I actually have a Softlighter - hadn’t really thought about it but feels a little big for my roller bag.Yeah I might have actually brough my shoot through PCB 51" umbrella the last time I brought a second modifier. You can sometimes get away with using a tripod bag to carry objects that are a little longer than your carry on roller, but it's kind of rolling the dice. It's nice to have a large fill source, but in my experience it makes more sense to just bring a single modifier, and if you're indoors and need a large fill source, just bounce the light on the ceiling or wall.
I used a 51" PCB umbrella shoot through for fill...Show more →
For your indoor shots I tend to agree. In my case, I’ll probably either be outside with enough light to key or rim my subject, and this would be fill or key respectively, or in a daylight studio where I really need fill and if I had my druthers I’d be using a gridded strip but would be okay with an umbrella or ideally a small soft box. The rapid box would probably be perfect if I could wedge it into my roller. Maybe you could post a picture of what it looks like packed up…?
corposant wrote
sungphoto wrote
If you disassemble the rods from the speedring, it will fit in a carry-on. A Photek 46" softlighter would also fit in a carry-on without the longer rod screwed on.I often bring a 24" Westcott rapid beauty dish with me on trips, but because of its design, it does not fold down as small as the other ones I mentioned. I think the Elinchrom 27.5" would be the best if you want something that packs down small, has inner and outer diffusion, and makes nice quality light.
I'd also recommend a simple paint pole adapter if you need something that is going to fly overhead. If you want to travel with a small lightstand, the reverse leg compact ones are great. I'm a fan of the Matthews ones because they carry more weight than the manfrotto and westcott ones of similar design.
I used a 51" PCB umbrella shoot through for fill...Show more →
For your indoor shots I tend to agree. In my case, I’ll probably either be outside with enough light to key or rim my subject, and this would be fill or key respectively, or in a daylight studio where I really need fill and if I had my druthers I’d be using a gridded strip but would be okay with an umbrella or ideally a small soft box. The rapid box would probably be perfect if I could wedge it into my roller. Maybe you could post a picture of what it looks like packed up…?
Jun 19, 2026 at 08:55 PM
p.1 #14Looking for the most compact but biggest soft/octa box that can fit into a carry-on
corposant wrote:
I often bring a 24" Westcott rapid beauty dish with me on trips, but because of its design, it does not fold down as small as the other ones I mentioned. I think the Elinchrom 27.5" would be the best if you want something that packs down small, has inner and outer diffusion, and makes nice quality light.
I'd also recommend a simple paint pole adapter if you need something that is going to fly overhead. If you want to travel with a small lightstand, the reverse leg compact ones are great. I'm a fan of the Matthews ones because they carry more weight than the manfrotto and westcott ones of similar design.I have a reverse leg compact stand and it’s awesome. I’d recommend them to anyone. I actually have a Softlighter - hadn’t really thought about it but feels a little big for my roller bag.Yeah I might have actually brough my shoot through PCB 51" umbrella the last time I brought a second modifier. You can sometimes get away with using a tripod bag to carry objects that are a little longer than your carry on roller, but it's kind of rolling the dice. It's nice to have a large fill source, but in my experience it makes more sense to just bring a single modifier, and if you're indoors and need a large fill source, just bounce the light on the ceiling or wall.
I used a 51" PCB umbrella shoot through for fill and a 24" Westcott beauty dish rapid box for this photo in Cuba. Her workshop was very dark inside:
https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56bdf0db01dbaeb8c76c21cd/1523023135221-WIRELZNAHCQH0349WNX5/2D0A0750-2+%281%29.jpg
And this one I just used the one 24" westcott beauty dish, and ambient light for fill. It was a cloudy day, so perfect.
https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56bdf0db01dbaeb8c76c21cd/1523023133669-494J8PL44KE9DMDNCBNG/2D0A0460.jpgFor your indoor shots I tend to agree. In my case, I’ll probably either be outside with enough light to key or rim my subject, and this would be fill or key respectively, or in a daylight studio where I really need fill and if I had my druthers I’d be using a gridded strip but would be okay with an umbrella or ideally a small soft box. The rapid box would probably be perfect if I could wedge it into my roller. Maybe you could post a picture of what it looks like packed up…?
I don't have a pic, but it should fit in a standard carry-on dimension roller. You can remove the mount pretty easily on the latest Switch version of the westcott beauty dish, which makes it a few inches shorter. You can pick up a relatively inexpensive fabric grid for the westcott beauty dish as well for $30-40 (the westcott version, which I wouldn't be surprised is manufactured in the same factory is $120). I think I purchased a godox one for $30 a while back but I can't find the listing for it anymore. Fotodiox makes this one, but if you search around I'm guessing you can find it cheaper. Guessing tariffs have something to do with the price increases: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1440589-REG/fotodiox_ezpro_bd_grid_only_24in_ez_pro_50_degree_fabric.html
sungphoto wrote
corposant wrote
sungphoto wrote
If you disassemble the rods from the speedring, it will fit in a carry-on. A Photek 46" softlighter would also fit in a carry-on without the longer rod screwed on.I often bring a 24" Westcott rapid beauty dish with me on trips, but because of its design, it does not fold down as small as the other ones I mentioned. I think the Elinchrom 27.5" would be the best if you want something that packs down small, has inner and outer diffusion, and makes nice quality light.
I'd also recommend a simple paint pole adapter if you need something that is going to fly overhead. If you want to travel with a small lightstand, the reverse leg compact ones are great. I'm a fan of the Matthews ones because they carry more weight than the manfrotto and westcott ones of similar design.
I used a 51" PCB umbrella shoot through for fill and a 24" Westcott beauty dish rapid box for this photo in Cuba. Her workshop was very dark inside:
https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56bdf0db01dbaeb8c76c21cd/1523023135221-WIRELZNAHCQH0349WNX5/2D0A0750-2+%281%29.jpg
And this one I just used the one 24" westcott beauty dish, and ambient light for fill. It was a cloudy day, so perfect.
https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56bdf0db01dbaeb8c76c21cd/1523023133669-494J8PL44KE9DMDNCBNG/2D0A0460.jpg
I don't have a pic, but it should fit in a standard carry-on dimension roller. You can remove the mount pretty easily on the latest Switch version of the westcott beauty dish, which makes it a few inches shorter. You can pick up a relatively inexpensive fabric grid for the westcott beauty dish as well for $30-40 (the westcott version, which I wouldn't be surprised is manufactured in the same factory is $120). I think I purchased a godox one for $30 a while back but I can't find the listing for it anymore. Fotodiox makes this one, but if you search around I'm guessing you can find it cheaper. Guessing tariffs have something to do with the price increases: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1440589-REG/fotodiox_ezpro_bd_grid_only_24in_ez_pro_50_degree_fabric.html
Jun 22, 2026 at 10:58 AM