Used Westcott Recessed Mega JS Apollo (50 x 50")

2020-02-05T10:53:29

I absolutely love my Wescott! It has excellent light, I use it both indoors and out, it’s big enough to mimic window light and has a great softness to it that I would be looking for in any light modifier!

HEATHER W.

2019-03-20T19:16:06

Excellent Soft box, due to its size, light is soft when placed close to subject.Can use multiples flashes for more power. Easy to transport, set-up andbreak-down. Provides broad lighting for shooting groups.This size of softbox provides you with more options than a smaller size.I highly recommend it.

TERRY S.

2018-12-07T13:12:53

Very good size large soft box that opens as easy as an umbrella. Perfect for location work. Very well made as always from Westcott.

Bernard L.

2017-10-22T23:02:15

Its big and easy to store. It breaks down so much easier than a typical box light mod with the removable rods, because its really much more like an umbrella thats square.

James H.

2017-09-25T03:53:17

good for a streaklight

clyde s.

2017-08-10T09:57:08

I had used one before for a few shots as a fellow photographer was using it on a shoot and shared it with me to try out. I finally bought one to add to my location kit. It's umbrella design makes it easy to setup. I have bought several bargain brands and the quality of Apollo JS is far superior to any competitors that I've personally used. If I could improve upon the design it would be to increase the ability to increase the amount of achievable angle of rotation when using with light stand. Note: using a boom arm is an alternative to resolve this issue. Recapping: Easy to setup with the umbrella design. High quality materials, feels durable with great light output.

John H.

2016-12-18T10:58:25

I've used the Apollo for years now and love it. It's umbrella design makes it relatively easy to set up for a large softbox. The light quality is great - recommend using two speed lights to fill it out - and it has become my preferred light source for Editorial or conceptual shoots. Works great as a key light or as a background for a head and shoulders shot.

JAMES P.

2016-11-22T07:48:19

Great for taking studio portraits, beautiful light- very even and soft lighting across the face.

wallace l.

2016-08-30T04:26:22

makes a big difference in the photos. Light box does NOT come with the stand.

Ashley C.

2016-01-15T12:54:07

Setup and use are a snap, the light that it produces is soft and can have a beautiful quality to it if you're using a good quality speed light. I'd kind of like to see Wescott sew an external pocket on the outside of one of the panels as a way to keep the diffuser close at hand but it doesn't diminish it's function. I've shot some great portraits with this soft box and it's almost like having a window with natural in your bag.

STEVE S.

2014-05-12T21:00:00

I'm so happy with this purchase! It was easy to assemble and exactly what I hoped it would be. Material is sturdy but lightweight and it just works!

Aly p.

2014-02-17T19:00:00

- I am going to use it on a family shoot of 5, I have not did a test run yet. -i like how it folds up

Jennifer

2013-11-07T19:00:00

I ordered this product with free shipping from Adorama and it arrived here in WA in about one week to the day. It was shipped in a long brown Adorama box. Inside was the (just as long) narrower black Westcott box. The product is extremely long even when collapsed (about 50 inches). It does not include any type of carrying bag or even a Velcro closure tab common on most umbrellas. Either of those would be welcomed because this product is basically loose in its box only protected by a thin plastic bag. Setup is as easy as a large umbrella. It really is amazingly huge when you see it the first time. Bigger than I even anticipate. I noticed the same issues noted by many other reviewers. When mounted on a regular stand it is impossible to tilt downward at all. In fact I found that it needs to be tilted slightly backward in order to not have the stand and the umbrella shaft interfere with the diffusion panel (which is removeable btw on this newer version). I would call it extremely awkward to use this product on a regular stand with no modification. This is easily remedied if you use a simple boom arm or boom stand. The adorama boom stand that sells for around $ is a great choice. The construction of this product is better than I expected. It will need to be handles with care to ensure that it lasts but I see no glaring weaknesses or issues with it. The softbox frame is constructed of Fiberglas and the shaft seems to be thick aluminum. Overall it's very light weight but still sturdy enough for daily use. If using outdoors I would recommend sandbags or something to weigh the stand down or an assistant to hold it. As big as this softbox is I would not want to let it crash to the ground for fear it could break or rip. I used a three way flash umbrella mount with it and it easily accommodates three large speedlights inside. The light output is very even and very controllable. The deep recessed edges make it very directional and great for "feathering" light across your subject. It's been said many times before but the quality of light produced by this is very much like that of a large window. I wholeheartedly recommend this softbox.

Scott G.

2013-09-09T21:00:00

I use this for newborn and maternity sessions. Although a bit more flimsy than my other softboxes it does the job. I will probably purchase another.

Chick c.

2013-04-06T21:00:00

This is great large softbox for full body portraits.

ALEXIUS W.

2013-03-11T21:00:00

I've only just started using the Wescott 50x50 in my studio, but I know that it's going to be awesome, especially for newborn photography.

KimC

2013-02-11T19:00:00

I really like this softbox. I was able to purchase it while onsale which made it even better! It's a big box designed for use with flashes, although you can easily use it with most studio strobes since it is basically built like an umbrella. I do find it odd that the umbrella support rod is slightly longer than the softbox is deep. So the rod pushes against the outer diffusion panel. It is best used with lights that have wireless power control since the light is inside the box. Of course it isn't the end of the world to open the diffusion panel to change the power setting, but doing it via a wireless remote is certainly easier. I've also had great customer service with Westcott in the past. While I haven't needed anything regarding this product, I know that Westcott will stand behind their products 100%. I certainly would recommend this purchase if you need a large softbox and primarily use flashes for lights.

sic0048

2013-01-17T19:00:00

The light whit this 50" apollo is great, but the quality of materials is really poor. I take my apollo 50 for the first shooting, and in one moment of inattention this one fall down. Every umbrella or softbox fall down at least one time. Well, that was enough to have one hole because the corner of flash (SB900) hit the softbox. And the same thing arrives to my friend whit a 28". Is the last time than i pay some much for a cheap thing.

Eloy R.

2013-01-16T19:00:00

...period...great bang for the buck...that's why I now have two...fantastic results

DB

2013-01-01T19:00:00

I ordered this for my husband's Christmas present and it was delivered the NEXT day! I couldn't believe it. Awesome service, great item and my husband loves it. Win - Win! I'm putting Adorama in my Favorites List.

Chucks w.

2012-12-29T19:00:00

I use this for portraits at home w an alien bee 1600 inside. Once I get portable power I plan to do location portraits with it and add some weights to the stand base. Its huge so it'll be a sail in ANY wind Im sure. The soft light this produces is amazing although not easily controllable even having recessed edges. Its so big the light goes all over. I got this for $169 and would certainly buy it again knowing what I know about it. BUYER BEWARE: If you want to angle or tilt this down at all, you WILL NEED a heavy duty boom OR an assistant. That being said, Ive found its so soft and huge that I rarely NEED anything other than straight on or feathered left or right.

Sean

2012-12-23T19:00:00

I was so excited to finally have this. I opened up the box and set it up. The set up is pretty easy. Just like open an umbrella and it will make a soft box, and just attached the front panel. The only thing that I am dissapointed is that the construction is on the cheap side, especially the trunk of the umbrella. It is made of cheap plastic, that I am afraid it can fail at anytime.

PIPINE W.

2012-12-13T19:00:00

The Mega Apollo is a large, controlled light source. It is versatile in that you can use it in almost any situation, such as shooting portrait, group, automotive and product photography. At about four feet in length when folded, transportation and storage can be an issue. For the price (or perhaps for a few dollars more), it would be nice for Westcott to have thrown in a storage pouch to protect your investment. As in other reviews, I'll touch on the tilt design flaw. Tilting this softbox from a high position to direct the light downward on to your subject can be problematic. The face of the softbox sits parallel to the light stand and can't really be tilted forward. Whenever I use this softbox, I put it on a boom arm and can get it into the exact position that I need. All in all, it is an excellent product. I especially like the ease of use and the fast setup time.

ROD J.

2012-07-22T21:00:00

This umbrella opening style SoftboxThis is great for flash users on the go. Folds small for easy packing. Opens large quickly like an umbrella. Nice soft light.

Sleep S.

2012-07-08T21:00:00

Only downside to apollo's for me is having to remove the front diffuser to adjust your light source. But if you can overlook that they are great.

WILLIAM C.

2011-11-20T19:00:00

I have both the 28" and 50" versions of this unit. The light is wonderfully soft and very easy to work with. Set up is easy. You will need a fairly heavy stand for this unit as it is BIG. It's great for full length shots or working with groups. I would buy it again in a heartbeat!

MICHAEL T.

2011-11-20T19:00:00

I love looking at reviews to help me make a decision on a product, so figured I would repay the other's who reviewed this. This softbox is great. It produces great light. Sure you have to go inside to adjust your strobe, but not a big deal to me. Get something sturdy to hold this baby up, combine it with a strobe and you have some weight, especially if you are putting it on a boom. You won't regret buying this.

WILLIAM T.

2011-09-05T21:00:00

This has quickly became my go-to box for shooting on location. Fast set up, and gives great light. You can let it close a bit if you want a smaller box and still does great. It is a bit pricey.. but well worth it. I love everything about it...but 2 things. 1 it does not allow downward tilt. Some, but not much with a regular stand. If you use a boom there is no problems at all. Or if you get a mini-boomer. 2 Mine wanted to self close all the time. The lil plastic tab over the latch you press to close it up was kinda strong, and kept the button 1/2 to 3/4 pressed all the time, so a slight bump or wind and it closes. So i bent the plastic part back till it cracked and now it does not close on its own.

PhotoMark

2011-01-11T19:00:00

It's not quite as large as a patio umbrella, but it is a nice large source of light. I like that it folds like an umbrella, but you have to peel off the Velcro front diffuser to access controls for your monolight/flash. And hotshoe flashes are great to use especially for portraits wide open at f/2 or f/2.8 It's difficult to tilt on a regular light stand, but I use a c-stand in order to get more control over positioning.

THOMAS B.

2011-01-11T19:00:00

Great lighting tool.

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