When I Choose a MASSIVE SOFTBOX for Flash Photography Portraits.

My entire kit of gear : kit.co/robhallphoto Glow XXL 60" Octa: bit.ly/XXLOcta
48" EZ Lock Deep Parabolic: bit.ly/GlowDeepPara
All photos lit with flashpoint evolv 200 : bit.ly/Gad200
Photography Gear Chat Group: bit.ly/2qB3de5
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In this video I go over the times where I use a large softbox as an editorial portrait photographer.
The Glow EZ Lock 60 OCTA QUICK SOFTBOX sports a dynamic eight-sided deep parabolic shape featuring flattering, soft and luxurious color lighting with all the significant advantages of the softbox/umbrella quality with an unbeatable safe and sure EZ positive and lock system. No more clumsy construction fumbling of flex resistant rods, or frustration for careful alignment of speedring holes. The 8-ribbed softbox opens up and closes down, umbrella style. The self-catch EZ Lock surrounds a thick center shaft, providing a comfortable place for your fingers to push-lock the mechanism open, and a generously sized release to close the softbox painlessly. The quick-to-setup umbrella-like assembly has all the advantages of a metallic magnum style reflector without the delicate nature. This collapsible unit was borne for the road or studio, with sturdy aluminum support rods for structural stability and extraordinary fabric strength.
This moderate 60-inch diameter edition of the Octa Quick Softbox is especially suitable for everything from fashion to portraiture, illuminating an entire person and small groups with smooth, nonetheless, exciting light. The finely finished silver interior lining makes it easy to achieve magnificent specular highlights, brings out sharp details, and provides the most focused indirect lighting, along with soft shadow definition. The shadows are slight and beautifully graduated. Colors are saturated and vibrant without the flat pancake 'flashpan' look of the direct strobe. Enjoy a full and voluptuous lighting experience that caresses your subject; where the highlights and catchlights are more appealing. The parabolic reflector shape directs all the light in one controllable direction. 130mm interchangeable speedring inserts open a world of adaptability to almost any speedlight, monolight or large barebulb strobe to serve as an optimal tool for mastering all location situations where quality counts.
Mastering the light is no accident . The reversible opaque deflector cover causes light to bounce throughout and flood the wall of the outer bowl of the softbox, resulting in a softer spread of indirect light. By flipping the deflector disk, you can realize differing levels of light distribution. Independently, the inner diffuser incorporates a central circular panel to avoid hotspots while maintaining the pop of the silvered rim of material extending beyond its position. The use of both outer and inner combine double diffusion material goes even farther to produce very soft light, thereby providing no less than three levels of contrast, sharpness, and dimension.
With the included Eggcrate Grid, you gain more control of a light source's beam by covering the front of the softbox with the grid, virtually eliminating spill. The 30° grid feathers the light creating an attractive shadow, separating the subject and the background. This strong directionality can be used to add high key depth for fashion images, and emphasise the model facial structure as well as the eyes, lips, nose, and chin. The lightweight accessory attaches to the rim of the softbox with a Velcro that follows the perimeter of the grid. Makes you look like an absolute lightmaster.
The EZ Lock system adds practical advantages, strength, and speed to the daunting task of quality light modification on the run and in the studio. With much attention to minutia in its sturdy build, from resilient form-fitting fabric to flexible aluminum frame ribs, this GLOW EZ LOCK 25" OCTA QUICK SOFTBOX sets the standard for portable light control for people and subjects.
As with all fine Glow products , this OCTA QUICK SOFTBOX comes packaged in a fitted, durable fabric pouch, which protects it during transport and storage.

[@ChuckTipton]

As usual, very informative and helpful. Just enough detail to not be overwhelming, yet deep enough to encourage. Thank you, sir.

[@simianinc]

I use a massive reflective umbrella (Wescott 7’) as fill. I typically shoot with a softbox 45 degrees off axis, aimed 45 degrees down. This can create a very contrasty look, which is great because I like dimension, but can be too dark on the opposite side to the softbox. I put the umbrella behind me and I dial up the power until I just get a kiss of light that fills in the shadow but still leaves the dimension

[@purpleboudoir]

Love how expert and thorough an info packed this video is nice job Thank you!

[@MorrisDigitals]

I have the 48 inch EZ lock and I love it! and yes super easy to use.

[@one4allall4one91]

I just bought a neewer 36inch octabox. I love it. It is light weight has the parapop type mechanism at a fraction of the cost. I do have a 26inch cheetah but the 36inch is just perfect.

[@vizcayamario]

Great video Robert! I got mine after watching a video from you about the qualities of this product. Thank you.

[@robhallphoto]

Glad you found the video useful!

[@KevinAClassA]

Thank you Rob, great overview

[@robhallphoto]

Thank you

[@blchbld]

This was a really informative video. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@robhallphoto]

Thank you!

[@kennypringle4580]

Dude ...... I love your videos. Good info without rambling.👍

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

still relevant. thanks for the effort and the sharing. i am an appreciative subscriber. thumbs up.

[@Ashleyapples]

your light looks so nice and natural. i haven't been able to get it right with the these softbox

[@robhallphoto]

Watch my video called the 4 ways we see light., Which explains the 4 things you need to consider to control the look of flash

[@RickMentore]

You've stepped-up your game with this video and that impressive group shop. Thanks, keep it up!

[@robhallphoto]

Thank you!

[@RickMentore]

“Group shot”

[@makatron]

Anything beyond 8 rods requires to push it against the floor, but yeah indoors those massive softboxes make a lot of sense. For me they work great for cross shooting wedding formals and have everyone evenly lit.

[@zecchinon]

Great video. Thanks

[@davidjohnson7262]

Very informative, I'm glad to here that I'm not the only one that feels that the glow 48 in deep parabolic softbox isn't the easiest to setup or breakdown.

[@robhallphoto]

Yeah that thing is a PITA to get together. I know automatically it's not worth fumbling around through the zipper, i immediately just open up the diffusion and press it into the ground.

[@MarioHemsley]

Great job!

[@abadjoseph]

Great information! I've been going through the beginner flash playlist you've created--and it's packed with good stuff. Just wondering: were the lights in these indoor portraits gelled at all to counter the artificial lighting? Cheers!

[@powerpaul1264]

Great job man. Can u pls show or give details of your video set up

[@Garbid]

I also thought that I need big light modifier for same reasons as you mentioned but I bought an umbrella godox 165 white with diffuser. More light and easy for setup and carry. Paired with ad200. Second is godox qr pl 90. However I think i should buy something like 55-60 cm for wedding and mobile setups.

[@joshuagharis9017]

I do love the pop up 5ft octa

[@GeraldBertramPhotography]

Godox should be sponsoring you! I went with Godox for my studio lights in no small part because of the info I got from your videos. I'm now considering that 60" as before I didn't think the AD200 had enough umph to fill that size of softbox.

[@aussie2uGA]

Bertram Photography Flashpoint (Adorama) is rebranded Godox and thats who sponsors this channel.

[@robhallphoto]

I have a great relationship with Godox that allows me to try stuff out before it's publicly available. But my sponsorship with Adorama works perfect because it doesn't force me to be biased towards any specific gear, which helps me give the best recommendations I can!

[@robhallphoto]

And yes, there's no issue with an AD200 filling a very large soft box at all. Although it probably would be too large to work well outdoors, at least at any distance.

[@MarkOhanesian]

I use AD200s in my studio and they are way more than enough at a low ISO. You won’t be disappointed!

[@cottojn]

I was also wonder the same thing. Has anyone tried to use this 60” with 2xAD200(pro) with a AD-B2 if so how did it work out for you? And if you have use this 60” ez glow with the AD400(pro) do you think there would be a difference between either set up?

[@MartySteinberg]

how does this compare to a similarly sized umbrella, like the Cheetahstand DP65?

[@ubercurious]

Thanks for this Robert. So, just cause I bought one recently and I haven't tested it yet, what would you use the 48" deep parabolic for? I'm planning to use it for full length potratits on location, or shooting couples, or tight groups of 3 to 4 in studio. Thoughts? I do have a 60" umbrella for the applications you've talked about here....

[@davidbailey4976]

Hi Robert. If I were to use Godox V860II flash units in a 60" soft box then how many of those flashes would I need to fit into that softbox to achieve your results?

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

as always, informative. i am an appreciative subscriber. when you say the softbox is 2-3 feet from the subject, are you measuring from the front of the modifier or the actual light fixture within the modifier? tia. thumbs up.

[@tasosgamvrelis3880]

Could you list the must buy top 5 modifiers? I shoot indoors and outdoors portraits and now own a 60*60

[@WatchThatFirstStep]

The light from the 60" EZ Lock Octa wraps beautifully around subjects. Was minimal editing involved for the images shown? Thanks for demonstrating the capabilities of another great Glow modifier. It really helps to get an idea of scale.

[@robhallphoto]

Yeah, actually most of the shots shown using the 60 were just SOOC exported from LR. Haven't even turned those jobs in yet!

[@shughy1]

Very helpful

[@Ryguy406c]

Great video Rob! I too love big modifiers at times. I noticed you used an ad200 for a rim in a few shots with a colored gel. Very sharp! For these shots are you using a snoot?

[@robhallphoto]

Yes, I'm using gels from flashgels.com and the grid or snoot (or grid + snoot) from the AK-R1 kit.

[@danielbowers3423]

How does this behave when no baffles are used -- just the little plate inside, beauty-dish style? I'm looking for a large modifier that I could try using outdoors with a 400ws monolight.

[@frankwoodbery2473]

How would this compare to just using a 60" reflective umbrella with a diffuser panel? Other the weirdness of having the umbrella shaft sticking out, seems like the same quality of light and distribution pattern.

[@joshuag7027]

Great video! I picked up that bad boy during the holiday sale. Do you ever use the included grid and what for? For me I love the feathered edge of the XXL and the grid kills that, not to mention the power loss. Also when you go on location do you bring your full kit with you or only what you need? Im curious because I used to assist a editorial/portrait photographer and we brought e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g on every shoot which was 5 Profoto D1s 10 softboxes, beauty dishes, c stands etc.... (you get the point) It was 2 truck fulls of stuff and often we'd use 1 or 2 lights. Also assisted an architectural photographer who fully loaded a minivan every shoot and we rarely used all of it either. A lot of it was for redundancy, and being ready for the unexpected. But I was curious what you philosophy on this is. As for this work I mostly see you using 1 or 2 AD 200s and 1 Box.

[@robhallphoto]

I haven't used the grid on this. If I was considering more narrow lighting I'd just start with a parabolic softbox instead. And no, I do not bring everything. I keep a pretty light setup, 3 lights and stands, and whatever modifiers are best suited for the objective. Even with lenses I'm typically only bringing 3-4 lenses. But my objectives are pretty clear in advance.

[@supremeomegacompany]

You really pointed a great idea to me

[@robhallphoto]

What's that?

[@amitkrupal1234]

Can a single flash(GN60) with big 5' or more bigger softbox help achieve superb lighting fpr portrait

[@kenrhem]

I always use a big umbrella in situations where spill isn't a big deal, softer light, etc. Is there any advantage to a softbox outside of the (rare) time you might want to add a grid?

[@loganhall5580]

Just subscribed! I got an AD200 based on your recommendations and found an Angler Octa Softbox 48" on sale so picked that up... I'm hoping it's a good "one-fits-all" softbox, will be testing it for outdoor and indoor usage. The 60" seemed too large for outdoor use, and the 24-38" didn't seem large enough for small group shots or full-body portraits. Maybe I would have been better off buying one 24" and one 60", but funds were limited for a single purchase at this time! I'm just worried the 48" octo will be unwieldy outside... Any thoughts on this? Thanks for the great content; keep up the good work! Cheers! Logan

[@DatrysiadMedia]

I have this issue I do more video work and need lighting up big areas and find the 24 inch just too small for some things so was going to get the 60 so I have two options

[@Dustinrhoades]

Helpful

[@Connor_Dempsey]

For a full body shot, would you like a 38" oxtabox for the main light to get good catch lights with also also using a 12X56" opposite side strip box to get the full body lit?

[@Garbid]

I would add a reflector on the ground right in front of model.

[@Gabby4637]

Those work for v860II S2 bracket

[@Connor_Dempsey]

For in studio, do you like bouncing off a 65" umbrella with an umbrella diffuser on it or would you rather have a 48 octabox?

[@robhallphoto]

48" softbox all day. even with the deepest of umbrellas, i find softboxes way easier to control.

[@longliveclassicmusic]

Pay attention to the size of the space you are shooting in when selecting massive modifiers. With 8' ceilings and a 65" umbrella, you're going to only be able to have super flat light, zero sculpting (with the subject standing). 51" is a little better with just a TINY bit of sculpting on shorter subjects. A 41" umbrella or 48" softbox is larger and therefore softer than a typical 3' softbox without being unmanageably big.

[@YehoshuaDerovan]

My "secret weapon" are my 60 inch umbrella softboxs. Love them!

[@Mrjfj17]

Do you take them outside? I'd be concerned about the wind factor. That's a lot of sail.

[@five18audio]

What rgb you’re using?

[@bethaniesteph472]

I didn't like the glow xxl, it has button tabs to connect the interior diffusers. I ordered one last month and it was missing a button & I had to return it. I could already tell they won't last if I fasten and unfasten the buttons over time. The sale on them is over, so I would advise to wait on them. If they changed them to velcro or hooks the glow xxl would be an awesome buy!

[@robhallphoto]

Personally I prefer the elastic snaps to velcro myself. I just hate velcro in general. Such a noisy and cumbersome material.

[@Lucamitm]

Hi, I am new with flash, I bought a godox ad200 pro and im not sure which is the biggest softbox I can use it with. Thanks

[@DiviPhotos]

Cool video nice

[@chaos2kProductions]

I am trying to decide between the 48 and 36 inch. Do you find 48 inch to big to bring outdoors

[@duanevaljalo9913]

Hello great demonstration, have a question. Do you use the same light source but change the softboxes?

[@robhallphoto]

Yup, unless I know I need to bring significant power I use ad200s for everything editorial. Just swap the modifiers out depending on need.

[@joshchapman6050]

Great video Rob! Quick question: what are you using for light stands on location?

[@robhallphoto]

Cheetah stands C10 / C8. But, i'm only using my AD200's and occassionally the AD400 Pro on location. If i'm doing a beefier setup outdoors with the 600 Pro, then I bring a C stand.

[@joshchapman6050]

@@robhallphoto Thanks! I'll have to look into those.

[@beauphomasterpiece3795]

I’m looking at this for a Indoor portrait of a group of 8

[@fabianbetto]

Verry good videos Robert. Which smaller Softboxes you prefer on location?

[@robhallphoto]

Most frequently used softbox right now for run and gun work is the Glow EZ Lock 28" deep parabolic.

[@fabianbetto]

@@robhallphoto What you think about the Glow EZ Lock Collapsible White Beauty Dish (34") www.adorama.com/glbdez34w.html?CategoryID=65395

[@joonajks]

What frames per second are you recording this video? Everything looks amazing!!

[@robhallphoto]

I shoot pretty much everything at 24fps unless I plan to slow it down.

[@joshuagharis9017]

I want a 7ft, 5ft is great, 7ft better?

[@ajecire03]

Hi Rob. Newbie here. i have been trying to look for a compatible softbox for 1 Godox AD200. What would you recommend? I cannot find any recommendations from your channel. thank you Rob.

[@robhallphoto]

I don't tend to make recommendations for other people's work. It's all about your work and prererences

[@cottojn]

What would be the best outdoor stand for this 60”?

[@VisualAnthony]

get you a C-stand and a 15lbs. sandbag and you're golden!

[@KoolCreation]

What stand did you use with the 60"?

[@robhallphoto]

Cheetah C10

[@kendrickcontent]

So the ad200 pro is enough to fill a 60” softbox outdoors? Using a ND Filter

[@robhallphoto]

Barebulbs "fill" any sized modifier. Whether its enough light depends on distance to model, ambient settings of "outdoors", etc.

[@tckay3393]

I know this video is from a while back, but just wondering if you have any issues with the weight of the modifier being attached to the strobe?

[@robhallphoto]

nope

[@p.burley4533]

What about a 24-in., deep parabolic. Would I have to get super close to get soft light, and therefore end up editing the modifier modifier out of the frame?

[@robhallphoto]

Not super close, I’d say you’ll still have “soft light” between 24-36”, however it will require being closer than a larger source and obviously more likely to be in frame as a result.

[@Chadf80]

Do you have any tips for handling large octabox in windy situations? Yesterday i tried my new light setup (xplor 600 manual + godox SB-UE 47 inches). I had an assistant holding the light stand but it was so windy that the octabox was all kind of shapes except being octagonal, i had to ask one of the two models to help the assistant to hold the softbox together. That situation got me thinking, if buying a deep parabolic softbox (more rods) would help the softbox to be stronger in windy situations?

[@YoungBlaze]

did you try sandbags?

[@Chadf80]

@@YoungBlaze Well im pretty sure sandbags would not work in that windy place. I was referring to the softbox not the stand, as i commented before, i had an assistant doing the sandbags job (holding the stand in place), the thing was the wind was about to break the softbox, i will go back to that place since i have some shoots booked and i was wondering what else to try to hold the softbox but right now im thinking on 2 options: 1- two assistants holding the softbox, or 2- buying a deep parabolic softbox that has 16 rods, they seem stronger against windy situations.

[@YoungBlaze]

@@Chadf80 damn where were you at where the wind was blowing that strong? Antarctica? Thats crazy

[@Garbid]

No way. Smaller light modifier or light through translucent reflector. At least it will not brake because of wind.

[@AjanProvocateur]

parabolic softboxes are a con, the only thing that matters in a softbox is how even the light is coming from the front, it doesn't matter whats inside the softbox, how deep it is, or if it has a parabolic shape. An absolutely flat panel (not yet available in flash format) will give the same results as a parabolic softbox providing they have the same shape, size, intensity and evenness of light at the fromt. This is physics.

[@vijaykadam7259]

Godox ad 200 & godox 120 cm octa is this combination is sufficiant for studio photography pls tell.?

[@robhallphoto]

Light is light. If it makes the image you want then it's sufficient.

[@vijaykadam7259]

Thank you sir

[@mediocreman6323]

Maybe a stupid question, but what about a large shoot-through-umbrella? The only real downside I can think of would be the light spill.

[@robhallphoto]

That's the reason I never shoot umbrellas unless there's no possible way to hit the background. So much light goes everywhere. Impossible to manage reflections. It's a downside that shows itself daily with my frequent indoor shooting. And then outdoors, they are practically unusable at large sizes since they catch wind so much. I've almost entirely written them off.

[@joes4607]

great video. i shop at adorama too. RIP my bank account.

[@JB_Hobbies]

Great vid. Any decent budget options for a large portable softbox? Once assembled my large softbox doesn’t fit in my car, and based on how “fun” it was to assemble, I’m not looking to do that again.

[@robhallphoto]

This is pretty much as budget as it gets for collapsible products which is why so many people are getting them.

[@JB_Hobbies]

Robert Hall Photography Good to know. Thanks!

[@YoungBlaze]

@@JB_Hobbies yeah i have the 36 or 38 one of those inch versions of this softbox and it just folds like a umbrella, vs back in the day i had to work with the rods and all this crap! i hated thos! but now this is the best

[@nenatirkkonen1659]

It’s a pity shipping for that softbox would cost $86 to where I live!

[@robhallphoto]

Still probably cheaper than most 5 foot soft boxes lol.

[@sols9449]

Westcott 7 foot umbrellas best. Three of them

[@robhallphoto]

umbrellas = trash for my work. Can't stand how wide of a light pattern they cast.

[@sols9449]

@@robhallphoto five foot softbox to cast 10-15 feet width of light can also be an issue. Lighting large groups with very big sources of light works. Huge umbrellas softboxes skrims are the right tool there are ways to control spill.

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

Any recommendations on rectangular (around 12x36") softbox with similar mechanism as shown in 2:05 ? My current rectangular softbox from Godox are very hard to assemble and disassemble.

[@LuisGabrielPhotography]

I use this from from adorama glow .same system and I love it www.adorama.com/glsbez1648.html?CategoryID=65395

[@robhallphoto]

Glow has EZ Lock soft boxes in rectangular shapes too

[@WatchThatFirstStep]

Glow has a 12x56 and 16x48 each for under $100. The whole line has a deflector dish, two layers of diffusion and an egg crate grid. There are other sizes, but the two mentioned are closest to your current rectangular softbox. www.adorama.com/glsbez1256.html

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

Thanks, unfortunately this product doesn't ship to my country, I will continue to seek alternatives

[@JM-cg3ps]

Don't forget you can use it as a background

[@robhallphoto]

I never do that. Having a light source as your background firing into your lens (just like bouncing light too strong off your background) is an easy way to reduce contrast in your image.

[@royaltykidstv]

Will the 60 be enough for 4-8 people?

[@robhallphoto]

"enough" is subjective. Really depends on your opinion of acceptably soft light. I'll say this, I'd expect 9/10 photographers would use 60" or smaller modifiers for a group of 8.

[@royaltykidstv]

@@robhallphoto what would you use?

[@robhallphoto]

Depends on the context. In a wedding scenario where you really don't need the gear for anything other than family photos, I'd probably choose something quick and compact like a 72" umbrella as the key light, with a smaller modifier as an overhead fill. If I was doing families of 8 in my studio, then I'd probably opt for an 8x8 / 10x10 scrim as my main light. And if I was photographing outdoors I'd probably use a 48" softbox that I could comfortably weigh down.

[@royaltykidstv]

@@robhallphoto I will need it for church only, example couples getting married and baptisms. I have had occasions where there are 15people and I only have a mounted flash. What do you recommend for so many people in a church?

[@royaltykidstv]

I also just purchased a Godox ad400pro

[@Praxiszooms]

Great video - but Metric System also helps because Europeans cannot translate foots and inches so quickly (I can't XD). But very nice video.

[@josephphotography4127]

that size is problematic for me, its hard enough to pop up any softbox without being bothered or hareased by cops or security guards or park rangers,. 60 will definitely get their attention