Westcott Medium Apollo Softbox (28 x 28")

2022-03-01T18:26:32

There is no question that the Wescott softbox with the grid provided the exact lighting that I wanted and the grid prevented the light source for being spewed on the backdrop and surrounding area. The light was directed only the subject. I also used an LED light which also made my job easier being able to see the final picture before I took the shoot.

Berlin B.

2021-08-01T07:45:12

Nice, soft, even lighting. At first I was getting a yellowish tint, but after fiddling with the white balance the pictures look really good. The picture quality is slightly less than my Photek Softlighter umbrella but not by much. The umbrella is so big, there is really no need to tilt it up/down like some users complained about ? I'm using this umbrella/softbox with my AlienBees and it fits fine, no problems. The Build quality is a little flimsy and I'm not sure how long those zippers are going to last. They don't seem to be of the best quality. The good thing is that it use to take me 1/2 hour or more setting up my 36 x 24" Photogenic softbox. With this unit, it takes me 2 minutes to set up and 1 minute to break down, plus I'm getting nice round catch lights in my subjects eyes !! The light is just as good as my Photogenic square softbox if not better, so what else is there to ask for ?

Harry J.

2019-04-02T12:17:23

I have several Westcott modifiers and this (and the other Apollo softbox) are junk. Spend a bit more and get the real thing.

MATT B.

2019-04-02T12:16:08

I have several collapsible soft boxes from Westcott and LOVE them. This one is junk. Spend a bit more and get the real thing...not worth it.

MATT B.

2019-03-15T11:59:06

Awesome, folds like an umbrella and sends the light to the back of the unit before it comes out the front for a soft even light.

KENNETH M.

2019-03-15T11:57:18

Opens like an umbrella and sends the light to the back of the box before it comes out the front for an awesome even soft light. LOVE!!!!

KENNETH M.

2019-01-31T09:51:01

Soft boxes used to be a lot of work..not this one, pops up in no time, well built, beautiful light softening and works tremendously well with my Nikon speedlights and my flashpoint streaklight. Would definitely buy again

KELVIN D.

2018-12-09T18:39:25

Sets up quick and easy. Nice lighting control. Only problem I have had is that I cannot get the strip box to stay exactly vertical. Seems like it lists a few degrees to the starboard side (Navy talk). Not sure why and I admit it may be my technique. I have used it for kicker light in portraits and it works well with and without the grid.

Bruce T.

2018-07-03T18:30:27

Setup is a snap, just the right size for hair and rim light. It folds down like an umbrella and is very portable. Perfect for speed lights or my streaklight which is a little overkill in this stripbox.

THOMAS F.

2018-07-03T17:02:15

While these umbrella type softboxes are often of lesser quality than their traditional counterparts, Westcott has absolutely made a huge exception with the Apollo Series. While part of the appeal is certainly the ease with which they can be transported for on location shoots, I actually use the Apollo strip box with a grid in my studio as my primary kicker. Easily deep enough to fit 95% of the monolights on the market today—my Mettle Mars Series has tons of room to spare. When it comes to sheer quality and dependability, there are very few brands in the same category as Westcott. As a professional portrait photographer, I very highly recommend these softboxes for both studio and location applications.

Anthony R.

2018-05-23T09:28:11

I have a total of four of these now (all with grids) and are my go-to modifiers for edge/rim and hair lights. I also stack two (attached to separate stands) to give me a much taller strip box (16" x 60"). It does take some time to put on the front diffusion panel and the grid as compared to Westcott's Rapid box line. But I stuck with these for two main reasons. First, much less in cost. I thankfully got all of them on sale over the years and in all cases, the grid was included for free. A single rapid box version would be almost three times the cost. Second, I much prefer the larger surface of 16" x 30" vs. the Rapid Box's 10" x 24". I use Canon's wireless system for flash, so I rarely ever need to adjust the units when already inside the strip boxes. But, I will use one of the two sets of zipper access areas to turn the flash on/off. I try to remember to set up the flash zoom correctly before putting on the main diffusion panel and grid. Another advantage of these over the rapid box flavors is that you can mount (if you need) multiple speedlights by using a multi-flash bracket. Virtually all of the rapid box flavors only allow for a single speed light. This is probably not a huge deal as I have not really needed two or more lights in a single strip box yet. Finally, though these don't come with their own carrying case, I end putting about three of them per case (I have a couple of Westcott large carrying cases). In summary, these are less expensive than the Rapid Box flavors and a bit larger (which could be viewed as either good or bad). If you want ultimate speed in setting up and tearing down, you may want to check out the Rapid Box line. But, as I needed multiple of these units, the low cost made them very attractive and setup/teardown time isn't hindering me.

Ricky S.

2018-04-13T04:12:42

Good product best for speedlights.

LEONARD B.

2018-02-16T08:47:03

Well made and easy to set up. Slight alignment issue because of the zipper interfering with where the strip box should be to be perpendicular to the floor; this has not been a light leak issue in studio.

GERARDO R.

2018-02-09T09:23:47

This is a good softbox for a main light or a stripbox the only thing is limited control of the speedlight when in use,yes I would recommend this product.

Gregory S.

2018-01-10T13:30:45

Great soft box. I would recommend it

Gary R.

2017-12-04T15:31:11

Easy to set up, vert portable due to umbrella construction, great controllable illumination. Please note this is for flash only will not take strobe head

KELVIN D.

2017-10-04T11:03:39

Good Product, well built for the price.

GEORGE S.

2017-08-31T13:22:02

Easy to setup and they do a great job.

KUlraj S.

2017-05-05T11:29:57

Amazing soft delicate light. Can be used for a great side light or hair light especially with the egg crate modifier. Big enough to use as key light or fill light. Just amazing these days what you can do with a camera flash and soft box. Makes me tempted to sell my studio strobes.

Robert C.

2017-04-21T09:04:30

Good and fast service and delivery!

George K.

2017-04-04T11:14:28

I have purchased many products from Westcott over the years. They always seam to deliver as promised. This box gives a nice light with great control.

KEITH H.

2017-04-04T10:20:29

Fast set up, nice soft light and perfect for outdoor portraits with your speedlights. They also make a strip light box that is as good. The zippered opening at the bottom does not allow for a tilt downward of the light so you have to point it straight at your subject. Fine for portraits but not so good if you are shooting products and need to tilt it downward. But that is solvable with a second umbrella tilt mount.

KEVIN C.

2017-03-24T15:14:28

While this light is not bullet proof, with care is is a good value for the price. Limited room for flash when horizontal, limited tilt but you can boom it. Diffuser is quality material easy to install and remove.

PETER L.

2017-02-11T08:41:57

This is a great modifier especially for the price at Adorama! Again the key word here is control. I am still actually learning how to use this but it is a great trick in bag. One thing I will say is that a boom stand is really what is best for the apollo series of modifiers. Once attached to the umbrella mount you really can't play too much with the tilt of the modifier without effecting where the flash will hit inside of the modifier. I guess this happens when you mess with something a little more sophisticated. As fare as portability this is great. They provide a pouch for only the grid but not for the white diffuser panel so this I am worried about losing but I am sure I will figure out something. I wish it had a pouch for the modifier but again these are all small quibbles. Only giving four stars because I haven't played around enough with it.

Angel P.

2017-02-04T04:39:20

Having previously purchased the Apollo Orb, I was expecting the same quality of construction and functionality of this Apollo Strip...and it is. I've only set up and taken down the unit a couple of times so I should have waited until substantial more usage before reviewing. But I feel confident in Westcott's durability. The Strip opens and assembles really easily. It holds its shape well and I feel confident with it on my light stand. I like the amount of recess to attach the diffusion panel and the allowance of space for the grid. The velcro for both the diffusion panel and the grid seem quite substantial and I don't picture it losing its effectiveness over time. Some reviewers complain (or simply mention) that it doesn't come with a bag. I think Westcott knows that many photographers wouldn't use an included bag but simply toss this softbox into their standard duffle bag that they are lugging their other modifiers in. It's just easier to group them together. I like it!

Richard B.

2017-02-03T08:25:34

The Apollo Strip is much improved with the fiberglass rods, compared to the old steel rods. Good quality light, portable and quick to set up. Free grid offer too good to pass up.

EDWARD M.

2016-12-27T05:58:40

This strip is nice, and really does the job. Quick to set up and of good quality. The reason it didn't get 5 stars is because the workmanship is good, but not great. When retracted the umbrella rod comes free from the sleeve it belongs in. The quality of the stitching is good but not super durable. All of this would be a trade-off I'm sure for weight, so overall I would recommend this product.

Mark C.

2016-10-31T11:33:28

Added this softbox to my studio as I get my feet wet in doing portraits. Excellent product, easy to set up.

Chuck R.

2016-10-27T09:10:21

This is a very useful modifier for speed lights. Love the softness.

Jamie S.

2016-09-26T19:40:55

The umbrella design makes it lightweight, portable, and easy to setup. Its perfect for speed lights and should be big enough to accommodate a small studio strobe. Slightly better build quality than cheaper alternatives, but only slightly. The side zipper for horizontal mounting and the recessed front diffusion panel are nice touches. I mostly bought the Westcott version for the included 40-degree grid. I wanted a narrow grid and many cheaper alternatives look to be much wider. What prevents it from getting 5 stars is price. Its expensive for what you get and a carry case isn't even included. That's right, you don't even get a nylon sleeve to shove everything in. I'm sure at some point the front diffusion panel is going to get lost. Actually Westcott, if your listening, just sewing a little pocket somewhere on the outside to stuff the front diffusion panel in would be great. Oh and don't forget that little Velcro tie you use on your umbrellas to keep them closed. This product is lacking that too.

JASON M.