AlienBees Giant Softbox Review & buying Guide - Photography Lighting Accessories

AlienBees Giant Softbox Review & buying Guide - Photography Lighting Accessories
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AlienBees Reflectors and Diffusers

There are all kinds of different reflectors and diffusers that are used in photography to modify light. AlienBees makes a variety of each,

AlienBees Softbox

but here I would like to talk about one specific diffuser in the AlienBees catalogue, their giant softbox with speedring. A softbox is one of the most popular diffusers used in photography today. It covers a studio light, not only to diffuse the light emitted but also to make the light spread more evenly when the flash is fired. Softboxes also come in multiple shapes and sizes. AlienBees makes both rectangular and octagonal shaped softboxes, which are now only available in their foldable format.

Price (5 out of 5)

AlienBees has some of the best prices around. It doesn’t matter if you are buying a lighting kit or an individual piece of equipment, in my experience AlienBees will provide you with the best bang for your buck. I have yet to find a product line that provides such a great mix of quality and price. The AlienBees foldable giant softbox is no exception. You will be hard pressed to find anything comparable even on the B&H website, and they tend to have some of the best prices around. Right now the only way to get AlienBees products, if you live in Canada or the US, is to order directly from their website. If you live in Australia or New Zealand you can pick up AlienBees products through 1st Line Digital.

Product Pros (5 out of 5)

AlienBees Octagon

In comparison to other large softboxes on the market, the AlienBees foldable giant softbox has a lot going for it. It comes with a pre-attached speedring to allow it to attach easily to the light, but its most touted attribute is how easy the box collapses, and how quickly it can be set up. Setting up the softbox is easy, there are four small metal bars stretched from each corner of the softbox and meeting a ring in the middle of the box. That ring meets a connector near the speed ring and is tightened in place. This action unfolds and expands the softbox. Then you only need to attach the white diffusing cloth on the front of the box. Setup time will vary per person but it typically takes me under two minutes to have my giant softbox ready to mount on a light.

I realize there is suppose to be a “cons” section when you have a “pros” section but I have yet to find any faults with the softbox.

Conclusion (5 out of 5)

The AlienBees foldable giant softbox is affordable and dependable. It is easy to transport and set up in any location. This makes it perfect for when you are shooting outside of your normal studio space. The size allows the softbox to spread light evenly over subjects of almost any size so it is great for pet photos, kids, adults, or even cars! Whether you are just starting out with studio lighting or you are a seasoned veteran you will be impressed with this diffuser. I know when the time comes for me to buy another softbox, I won’t hesitate to give AlienBees a call and order another one to add to my lighting setup. It has become one of my favourite lighting accessories.