AB Foldable Softboxes

[o._wagner]

I know there have been a lot of inquires about alien bees foldable softboxes.

I just ordered one and so far it's great! I still have to try it out in the

studio, but as far as ease of set-up, it was very quick, seems sturdy and did I

say it was very quick? I work with a pro that has a giant softbox that I have

to set up manually and it's such a pain compared to this!

 

I do have a question- I ordered the Large (32x40) by mistake, I had originally

wanted to order the Giant (30x60). I know the large is ample for its main

purpose (main light for children's studio), but I had wanted the Giant for

group wedding formals. It's kind of a pain to have to do an exchange so I'm

wondering if you think I can get by with the 32x40 for altar formals.

[greg jansen]

I would be a bit worried. I think it is a bit small. On a good note, for almost everything BUT large groups, that is a nice size. I would keep it and get a Halo umbrella softbox. THey are under $100 and pack like an umbrella. They set up quickly, and can cover a large group well. You don't have as abrupt of light fall-off with the Halo. It is circuluar and the light just gradually falls off in all directions. Real nice for formals. A softbox, especially a smaller one, is going to have a sharper line when the light falls off.

[dave_holland]

Ha, ha! Too bad we don't live in the same city, as I have the giant and in retrospect probably should have gotten the large. My wife laughed at me when she saw how big it is when set up. You definitely need a sturdy stand. Any outdoor wind would be a real problem. Nevertheless, like you I am very happy with the build, ease of setup, and of course the price. The rectangular shape is nice, as you can shape the light more easily than with an octabox. I'm thinking of getting another, smaller AB box.

 

Dave