Review of the 24" Angler FastBox (Cheaper Profoto Clic Softbox Octa?)

[@joshuarivera4932]

Is there any way that I can use the fast box with a ad300 Pro? Are there any adapters that would work?This soft box looks amazing.

[@fjhphoto]

Good question! After making the video I checked the brand SMDV'S website because they sell the Fastbox as the "Speedbox flip" as saw that SMDV sells a 20", 24", and 28" version (all with grids) and have a mount for the 300 Pro. I ordered a 20" and 28" and they arrive tomorrow. Going to make a video on them asap because there's not a lot of direct softboxes for the 300 Pro.😊

[@leylashemesh]

@@fjhphoto that would be so helpful - along with a link where we order the 28” plus ad300 adaptor!

[@MunchyToy]

@@fjhphoto I have AD200's and an AD600. Given this, I see no reason to buy the AD100. However, I do have the H200R round flash head for the AD200's. The diameter of the H200R is 75mm diameter and I gather the V1 is 76mm. Would 1mm make a significant difference? I had no idea the Angler was a rebrand of the SMDV Flip. DigiDirect stocks the Flip here in Australia whereas I'd have to buy the Angler 24'' with grid from B&H in the USA. It looks like the grids are extra for the Flip though, which is annoying.

[@timk8258]

@@fjhphoto Did you ever try the 300 in this softbox? The adapter looks like it would be really inefficient (black, recessed) with the AD300 bulb so I wonder if you even gain anything in light output over the AD100 with it’s built in fresnel.

[@lunarcelestialfilms7036]

As always straight to the point review. No bs and thanks for always being honest. Unlike others who are just reviewing products to make $$$.

[@DanWehrle]

Bravo, another awesome video/review. Thank you for doing these types of videos!

[@RawloftheDead]

Solid review. I love the portability and quick set up which is always helpful for me when setting up 2 or 3 lights. I need to be fast. Thank you my friend

[@32xx]

Perfect way to start my morning. You can leave the grid on your softbox/fastbox and just fold away all together. I used to hate grids because of taking them down as well but I was on set and was instantly met with better late than never feeling when I would see sets ups go up and down.

[@fjhphoto]

Interesting. I haven't tried keeping the grid on the Fastbox and putting it away. That'd be great if it doesn't bunch up too much.

[@jayt2266]

How would you compare the Angler FastBox to the SMDV Flip?

[@urbaninnovation]

One of my favorite pickups. I’ve been using it with the V1 for the past few months as a travel setup to use while shooting cosplayers at conventions. Quick, easy, and light. I never thought I’d use something this small, but it works for what I need it for outside of studio and other shoots.

[@g-whiz9488]

Great review! I just purchased the SMDV Flip 36/Glow ParaSnap which basically uses the same concept... such an easy way to transport, set-up and tear down... maybe you can do a Review/BTS with your Glow ParaSnap. I just found you and subscribed. I have a passion for off-camera location flash photography... so much in fact... people get embarrassed being around me, cause I always have like two light sources and a pop-up softbox or umbrella and try to photograph everybody and anyone willing... anyways, I feel you have that passion as well, if not more from just watching a couple of your vids I've watched. I really dig your style and your photos are beautiful. Looking forward to seeing more of your work and hearing your tips and advice.

[@gregshawphotography8828]

I use the SMDV version. There are a ton of videos in Korean on this softbox. SMDV is releasing more flip modifiers this year. A Flip beauty dish, and Flip strip box. I cant wait to get my hands on those.

[@pacoesni]

Don’t forget to mention that Angler comes first, like a year ago. Nice video! 👍

[@fjhphoto]

Yup! Wish I said that in the video. I put it in the description though.

[@kakitacats6913]

My new favorite setup! Quick and easy

[@vanessafigueroa3155]

I used my Godox V1 for the first time on a light stand for an outdoor shoot. Usually it’s on my camera. Anyway, is this softbox good for a “beginner” like me? I have it in my B&H shopping cart.

[@sottheaphoeurng9044]

Hi I’m using Godox 200 pro. I wonder should I get 24 or 28 size? I’m concerned if I need to get full body shot and 24 might not be big enough.

[@fjhphoto]

Definitely 28". But you would need the extension head for the 200. Without the extension, the 200 could easily fall off with a small bit of shock to the stand.

[@sottheaphoeurng9044]

@@fjhphoto okay. I’ll use it with my V1 till I get the extension for my ad 200 the. Thanks. Oh I bought that 28in on sale for only $160 really good deal for me😅

[@dezauart]

Noticing the made in Korea label, is this not the SMDV Flip 24g or 20 that was released back in 2020, there is also a 28” version. The pricing seems to be the same in the US.

[@fjhphoto]

Yeah, I think it is. I just know anyone getting the Profoto version is throwing money away, haha.

[@jasonbodden8816]

It is. Some think Angler did this design first but the South Korean company SMDV released this design in 2020.

[@jungle2man2]

Do you have a BTS of the last image.. Its so brilliant!

[@afsoonelahi415]

Soft box was so easy to attach with the lighting! What was the lighting model?

[@NileSWPhotography]

Great video man 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@fjhphoto]

Thanks!😁

[@AdamKozak100]

looks great, solid price too...but will it fit my good v860ii?

[@fjhphoto]

Yup! I didn't buy the speedlite attachment because I plan to use the Fastbox with my magnetic lights but it can be used with the V860II.

[@mzeeshanch]

Thank you very much for the amazing review... I was reading somewhere that even though angler has a profoto adapter, it doesn't work with the new Profoto A2. Can you please help me with that???

[@fjhphoto]

It does work. My friend has the A2 and I've connected to it before.

[@mzeeshanch]

@@fjhphoto Thank you so much for your reply... Really appreciate it...

[@douglasbey2852]

I own an AD200 and the round head attachment (my only strobe). Thinking about adding the godox extension head and the 24 inch Fastbox. How effective would this setup be for portraits in bright sunlight?

[@Neukita1]

at minute 1:29 when you are showing the back of the softbox i noticed you are using some Godox continuous light. Which model is it and how did you adapt it? i love the idea of having a small constant light that can be attached to a softbox, even if its not that powerful. I use the Ad300 modeling lamp alot to shot in dark conditions which i believe its about 13w. Is that light at powerful as the AD300 modeling lamp?

[@l31007]

Can't believe I bought a product before you put out a review on it. I love my Angler. Please check out the Glow Parasnap 36" and 44". Diffusion can be removed.

[@fjhphoto]

Working on my review for the ParaSnap right now!😊

[@l31007]

@@fjhphoto Great to hear!

[@Pikmeir]

It seems there's now also a 32 inch version from the Korean company, but I can't see it for sale in the Angler brand yet.

[@johnyjsl9219]

Hi beginner here. So can I buy this fastbox and use it with a godox flash or does it work only with certain flashes? I was thinking of buying a low end godox at this point. Would like to do indoor portraits mostly. Thanks.

[@TeenyWeeny]

Ahhh maybe good for side/hair/kicker but not sure about key. I would for sure get this if I had a godox v1.

[@tintiks]

And if you are on budget you can get the Triopo 55 or 65 cm foldable octa, comes with grid. I saw prices around 30-40 bucks for the Bowens mount version. I'm using the 90cm (35 inch) version with Godox S2 bracket, works nice with my AD200 and smaller lights.

[@loihpatli]

@@tintiks i used my Triopo for a few years, it served me well. But i stuck with that these metal rodes that you have to attach to S2-ish adapter folded at the top so when you attach them the softbox looks kinda ugly. That's the reason i'm looking for this Angler/SMDV softbox. It costs lot more but its light and the AD200 adapter looks really sturdy. The Triopo holder doesn't hold it well, it always tend to slide backwards or forwards. But at tge end of the day i have no regrets buying it

[@jpedraza602]

I don’t see this link for this Softbox, maybe no longer available?

[@MartinV.]

Great video!!!

[@TheBurtonsAreHere]

So I only own 2 Ad200 and 400? Is there any easy travel version I can buy? I have the glow para snap but I need something smaller for a trip coming up. I would love this product but not compatible based on your text comment

[@ronaldwarren7850]

about 6:40 you talk about possibly doing a vid with this unit as main light. Can you point me to it (if you've made it). If you haven't made that vid, is it on your radar? I'd be interested to see. Thanks.

[@ruthanneswanson]

It wont break down and i cant leave my shootI hav a 27 ich one its huge! Can you help!

[@jim7953]

What kind of strobe head can you attach to the softbox

[@jim7953]

Does it comes with all the adapters

[@GilbertTV]

kiss it Profoto ..haha... great review & I want one ...😎

[@whiterock1865]

One thing to keep in mind though is the the profoto adapter won't work with the new profoto A2 flash...I know coz I just tried and the A2 is slightly larger diameter so they'll need to come out with an A2 adapter.

[@fjhphoto]

Wow, that's lame of them to do that. Another plus for Godox.

[@whiterock1865]

@@fjhphoto yeah the major drawback I'd heard with godox has been some of their recent releases have inconsistent color, specifically the 300 and 100 don't match well with the ad200. But is that worth 5x the money...I guess for me it was...ha ha. Yeah I will not buy profoto modifiers other than the discounted clic filters/grids.

[@ajphelps16]

I feel at this moment this very year. All softboxes do the same thing. Some are just more portable than others

[@gosman949]

How do you attach the AD200?

[@afsoonelahi415]

What’s the lighting model?

[@louisrafaelcom]

Long term thoughts?

[@fjhphoto]

Same thoughts. Profoto keeps ripping off SMDV (original manufacturer of the Angler). When I made this video Profoto only had the 24" but now they also coincidentally have several other exact sizes that SMDV has; the 28" and the relatively new 32". Profoto just avoids calling theirs by inches and instead uses feet to avoid identical names. For some reason they have decided not to copy the 20" SMDV/Angler has. That's the most portable one.

[@louisrafaelcom]

@@fjhphoto As it happens I've been using the 24" SMDV roughly since I wrote this initial comment and have been pleasantly surprised. The reason for my initial scepticism was my fear that the folding mechanism might eventually fail. about 30 events in it hasn't been a problem. Profoto A1 clamped into the modifier on the lightest Manfrotto light stand fully extended. Even used with modelling light as a video light for interview setups in dark settings which rendered great results.

[@WordupG]

@@fjhphoto I don’t think Profoto is “ripping off” the SMDV design. Profoto is just buying these from SMDV, adding their logo, and ripping off their customers instead.

[@Nicky411]

So sad it didn't fit my Canon EL-1 Speedlite. I had to return it.

[@joes2828]

Ugh, I’m such a sucker for softboxes lol

[@fjhphoto]

Perfect one to get! I'm ordered the 20" version this morning. Great price.🔥

[@joes2828]

Out of stock!! Argh!

[@MukeshPatel-kw5tz]

Good

[@papsny]

Love the angler 24 softbox. Overrated softbox and much easier to travel and use than the magbox

[@carlosandreviana9448]

Have you seen this review? Is it true? "Some of the reviews I read indicated that the Godox AD200 pro with the fresnel head will fit into the speed light attachment. Yes it does fit but because the fresnel head is bigger than a standard speed light the locking mechanism does not actually lock the flash unit in place; therefore, if your fast box is not pointing downwards it will definitely slip out of this unit. I would have returned it but because I have to pay for shipping and restocking fees, I decided to keep it and to be careful to make sure it is always pointing downwards."

[@fjhphoto]

The Fastbox was made specifically for regular and magnetic speedlites because they can fold. The Godox AD200 is a long heavy body so yes it will be prone to falling out because of its weight. BUT you can buy the Godox AD200 extension head and round head attachment and easily use that with the Fastbox. I tried that after making this video and regret not adding it to this video.

[@carlosandreviana9448]

@@fjhphoto I own both. Unfortunately, this softbox is only available in the USA. I'm looking for a similar softbox (light and easy to fold) which supports the fresnel head (no inner baffle)

[@fjhphoto]

@@carlosandreviana9448 I believe that would be the SMDV Speedbox Flip24 G. They have it on their website and it looks like the same thing as the Angler Fastbox. Should be available to you.

[@carlosandreviana9448]

@@fjhphoto thank you

[@MapleLeaf98115]

Easy to open but hard to close :-(

[@DJEM210]

Lmao! If i was blind!

[@whiterock1865]

You buy the profoto to have the profoto name on it, or just buy the fastbox and glue profoto on it...

[@jpjast5739]

The problem I am pointing out with your video is the following: you say Angler & Profoto are essentially the same but you ignore the one thing that matters: the quality of light it produces. Unless you can upload a side by side test done with the same flash, how can you claim they give the same results? Maybe Angler is cheaper & just as good but maybe it isn’t. Provide evidence to support your claim, otherwise it looks like you didn’t even use profoto & trashed it. I am open to buying either but please be serious.

[@fjhphoto]

I've used both side by side. Same results.

[@jpjast5739]

@@fjhphoto well then please make that clear in the video by showing side by side comparisons looking at the quality of light. One reason why many don’t use godox, for example, is their light quality is inconsistent.

[@WordupG]

@@jpjast5739This comment might not get through to you since you seem to have a preconceived bias, but I’ll leave it here for others reading. The Profoto, the Angler, the SMDV, and probably other brands I don’t know of, are all the same product, made in South Korea, and simply rebranded. You pay more for the Profoto logo, and that’s it.

[@jpjast5739]

@@WordupG not at all. What does not get through to YOU is that this person provided no evidence to support the claim the light modifier is the same. Prove it. Otherwise it is a statement not backed up by facts. Show a side by side comparison looking at light quality. Did he do that? Did you?

[@WordupG]

@@jpjast5739​​⁠​⁠Oh, you need proof? lol. I’m not gonna do your research for you, I was just informing you. It’s a pretty well known fact that several brands are all selling this same soft box, Profoto being one of them, and by far the most expensive. If you wanna be hardheaded and childish about it go right ahead. The SMDV and Angler were both on the market before the Profoto. It’s just a rebrand with huge markup. End of story. ✌️