The Cheetah 34" looks just like the Glow 34" beauty dish. I bought two of the 25" last month and it's very nicely built. I like that it comes with both the grid and the beauty dish plate, though I wish I had gone with the 34" model.
Whenever I search something related to flash photography I land onto your channel then I keep on watching one after the other from the suggested videos. Watching this 4th time in last 2years
I was using a larger photodiox softbox and actually got two of the modifiers you showed for "free" in kits that I bought. Both I love. I brought the collapsible one on a long distance shoot and while it was square it worked brilliantly. Shortly after I got the Glow Hexapop in my AD200 Kit from Adorama and it is by far my favorite modifier! So easy and so portable. I use the AD200 with the bare bulb in it.
Love this video! More, more, more. I want the portable ricebowl when it comes out! BTW - I have one of those Impact beauty dishes and I love it. I have had it since 2015, use it multiple times per week and mine hasn't broken and it definitely doesn't leak light. I have never removed the inner panel (it looks totally flimsy, no doubt!) Regardless, I will be getting another one of these when mine eventually breaks. I have already gotten more than my $$$ worth. That said, I have read the same reviews and may have received a "good" copy in terms of the light leak. Maybe they have cheapened the material since I purchased mine. Finally, I have a tip regarding not breaking it. You have to set this thing on the ground and carefully snap the plastic mechanisms into place. After it's unfolded, turn it over and mount your bracket on it. When unfolding, set it on the ground again and carefully press the plastic snaps. This thing shows no signs of breaking and I think the way I fold and unfold it has something to do with that.
Hi Robert. I think your videos are the best resource on lighting on RUclips. I would love to hear what you think of the Aputure Light Dome II and Aputure Light Dome Mini II.
I bought the CheetahStand Quick Soup Bowl after watching this. It was the best decision. Very happy with the quality and the built in beauty reflector makes awesome light.
Very simple decision of the 34 in Cheetah Soup Bowl versus 38 inch Parapop. Current price, 34 inch Soup Bowl = $115.00, 38 inch Parapop with Bowens mount = $219.95. Thank you
According to Cheetahstand, the Low Profile Bowens Mount will work with the S Mount, but you have to remove the thumbscrews and replace them with the regular Phillips screws. It is the thumbscrews that get in the way when using the S Mount.
loved this video. Only comment is about the very end of the video you mentioned not liking the Impact collapsable beauty dish. I have been using one for about 2 years and it works great for me! I leave it on the ring mount and light stand for quick use!
I own the Flashpoint 31x31 Glow (the original Godox branding, called "80x80 Foldable Softbox") and I gotta tell you, I use it all the damn time. It literally folds into my camera bag, and when opened up, it just has the perfect size. The double diffusion creates a really soft light. I absolutely love, that it takes 5 second to remove it from my backpack, and have it ready to use on my AD200. I don't know if there is anything like this on the market, in terms of compact size, power output, ease of setup, and light quality. All fitting into a small backpack. (especially with the AD200) Extremely highly recommended.
I've had my Impact "beauty dish" for a few years now without issue. I love mine. Yes, the design certainly needs improvements but it's one of the modifiers I probably will always keep. Great modifier comparison vid, though.
i am an admirer of your videos and you kind of convinced me to buy the Godox AD200. I like it so far. I find this video extremely useful and will help me enormously to make my decision to buy my first softbox. Thank you.
Light is so important, probably the most important. All the talk about new cameras, people should be getting better lighting gear, that will make the biggest improvements.
I have just come across your this video on modifiers where you have mentioned that : 'Impact Folding Beauty Dish (Not providing link cause I hate it)', which I do agree with the statement as I have been using it since last three months or so and I have been facing the trouble when without the diffuser using it as the lights gets spread outside of the Beauty Dish creating much highlights on faces. Well explained about the different modifiers. Thanks a vagon with warm regards,
Hey Robert Hall. I have a question regarding the deflector plates inside the ez lock soft boxes and how they play a role on the out put of the light and how many stops of light you lose or gain with them on or off and or if they move closer or further away from the light and what is the loss or gain in stops of light. I hope I'm making some sort of sense. Thank you for your time.
which would be the best one or ones's to get for small group shots for a birthday party? Basically there giving me a space to put a backdrop up and have my camera and tripod. My thing is im wondering what softboxes to get to light up the groups that would come up for a photot.
All good stuff and likewise I quickly learned to spend a bit more cash on collapsible umbrella style softboxes rather than the rodded types which frankly are a pain to put together. What's your feeling regard beauty dishes, didn't see you mention them specifically or do you prefer the softbox/beauty dish combo octobox style modifier?
Thanks for this Robert. I am sick of putting rod based soft boxes together and am very interested in the quick cheeter options. Can you tell me if you can leave the diffuser on all the time and still fold out ok? I realise you might still need to put a hand through the outside diffuser, but if the diff can more or less stay on this is another great time saver. Cheers Paul
Great video I have been looking to replace my Fotodiox Ez-Pro after about 4 years of heavy use. I have the 48” model with the grid and have loved the results and ease of use. Like most things the selection grows and build quality improves, I will check out the rice bowl. In the future may I suggest mentions the prices as with many of us take cost into part of the discussion making process. Would love to see you show off strip boxes, beauty dishes and umbrella modifiers in the future. Thank you for opening my eyes to the Godox system of lights and for making this great video.
Thank you so very much for taking the time show the different modifiers and giving your personal opinion on each one. You have saved me so much time trying to research and guess which one may or may not be better for my use. I will continue to follow you and appreciate your honesty. Please keep up the good work
Another wonderful review Rob. Love the way your reviews are no-nonsense and to the point and no sugar coating. Thanks Rob. I was wondering.. could you try to give your feedback on the Elinchrom Octa, Deep Octa models? Thank you.
Nice explanation! I want to ask some question. What type of modifier for outdoor full body portrait (fashion) that you recommend? I just use single Godox V1speedlight. Thanks
can't lie, I'm a huge fan of the impact beauty dish. For weddings its light, delivers great quality and is quick to set up/ break down. There is light leak but for me that's not a big deal because even using speed lights i have more than enough power for indoor use.
I will be getting more and would be happy to get a few by cheetah.. I've been wanting one of those deep dish modifiers with the sliding rod for awhile now.. I saw Westcott's zeppelin version. I'd probably opt to buy one of the rice bowls from Cheetah.. I have a glow 25" ez lock beauty dish with a white interior and I absolutely love it.. I do want to get a couple more of those as well in a bigger size.. I generally only use the outer diffusion screen for it and keep the inner one packed away. I believe it also has 16 sides.. and has the same locking mechanism as the soup bowl.. I'd get 1 of each in 34inches white and silver inner.
I honestly don't know what modifiers UK/European photographers are using because searching for any of these nets no results. The closest I came was a rebranding of the QRB 90, which tbf, was the modifier I was after. Amazon only really seem to offer very cheap Chinese softboxes or the alternative are ones that have fiddley rods that still cost hundreds of pounds.
I ran into a minor irration with my honey badgers from interfit, the bowens slots are slightly to small for most bowens so the three lugs have to be filed down for a good fit, the reason I went interfit honey badgers is because my girlfriend is completely blind, she likes to help set up the badgers have a glass dome over the flash tube, when shes putting then on stands and attaching modifiers her fingers cant touch the flash tube. On the occasional time when I here the occasional pops from her ,the lights are chewp enough they are easily replaced
Love this comparison ,and I know a lot of guys will be looking to get budget softbox but can’t seem to come to a decision .I had these issues when I was looking to get one but settled for the westcott zeppelin for studio and Profoto rfi for location . Keep up the good work lad.
It would be very useful if the presentation of each modifier was followed by a sample photo of the kind of lighting it produces. Regardless, great video. :-)
I'm not a big proponent of sample shots of modifiers because of the endless level of ways in which they can be used. How far? Indoor? Outdoor? What ratio to the ambient? Feathered? Level with subject? Above? With grids? Single diffusion for extra power? Double diffusion for maximum evenness? Light is light, knowing the laws of how light behaves should answer a majority of questions on the look of a modifier and I instead focus on the useability aspects.
I hear ya, yet e.g. not having experimented with beauty dishes, would have liked to see "typical" softbox illumination vs "typical" beauty dish illumination, though there is of course nothing stopping me from finding out myself.
OMG, having been shooting with the Broncolor Para 222 this weekend and making me die for an 88 or 133 for my own setup, I'm definitely going to get the Cheetah 48” QR Rice bowl with Chopsticks. Having the bulb in front of the focusing point shooting back create such a beautiful quality of light with incredible micro contrast with soft shadows, I need it in my arsenal ASAP!
Thank you for this great video!! Could you please talk about some large umbrellas like Profoto L or XL with AD600/AD200? Can I have a look on the outcome from these umbrellas?
a man can only buy so many modifiers lol. The Westcott rapids are very high quality, but also very high price. While I think they are great I think there are equal quality modifiers (especially the Cheetahs featured) at much lower prices.
Great video! I recently picked up a Photoflex Rapidome. It has a similar design, in that it pops open like the soup bowls and has the beauty dish reflector on the inside. Unfortunately for the sake of this video, it is meant for speedlights only.
So the Cheetah Rice Bowl (RB-90) provides your favorite "quality of light", but the Soup Bowl (QSB-34) is your favorite? Why do you favor the QSB over the RB if the latter provides better quality of light and more control? Fantastic video comparison. Thank you.
Useability. The size of the ricebowl makes it way more prone to being blown by wind when outdoors, twisting on stands and falling over. I typically work alone so that's a big deal to me. It's also so much deeper that the light source is further away, and needs to be pulled back further to keep it out of frame. Both of which contribute to requiring more light power. Also, at the time of this video I was talking about the RB-90 (traditional rod style) vs the QSB-34 (quick open mechanism). I would never take the RB-90 out of studio simply cause of the time it takes to setup. Now I have the QRB-36 and QRB-48 which are just as quick to setup as the QSB. Still the QRB requires more attention to keep it standing outdoors though.
Robert Hall Photography Thanks for the reply. I work alone as well, so large modifiers can be a hassle for me too. I’m surprised to hear you say the RB’s biggest selling point - it’s deepness - is also a hindrance for you. Interesting. Did you know Adorama has recently released rebranded versions of the QSB and RB90 called the ‘Glow EZ-Lock’? They’re collapsible just like the QSB-36 in your video and come with everything from the double diffuser, beauty dish plate attachment and even free grids. They’re all under $100 too, so I’m trying to decide between the Glow versions of the RB or QSB.
I'm definitely aware of the new Glow lineup, in fact just today I tried them all out for the first time. Will have new videos on them as well as entire Cheetah lineup soon!
I wound up buying the Glow Collapsible Silver Beauty Dish (42"). I liked how large it was and the coverage it'll provide. I have a shoot on Saturday and this'll be my test run. I'll eventually buy the Deep Parabolic too. :)
what are your thoughts on westcott modifiers? Comparing my own set, I think I have a comparable westcott for each modifier you demonstrated.... except the lantern. Great review!
I like that Westcott seems to be on the "cutting edge" in finding great patents to back, but ultimately I think you pay too high a premium given that other companies later utilize the same patents and produce a near-equivalent build quality for drastically lower prices. I appreciate their place in the market, but tend to avoid buying in.
Robert Hall Photography thanks for the reply. I suppose that’s why I use Godox instead of profoto; but I sure like the quality of Westcott’s modifiers, but yes they are very pricey.
Hi Rob, great video. What is the actual diameter measurement of the cheetahstand QSB 34”? Is there a big different you think in the light quality compared to the 26” QSB version?
I never make an "only choose one" recommendation. It's impossible to say there's a best one, as different sizes and depths lead to different visual results. And then you have lightweight vs durability, one makes sense for travel and one makes sense for longevity. Gotta take these distinctions and apply them to your own workflow.
Another very well done video, Robert. If you like the Glow Parapop, you might want to have a look at the similar but significantly higher quality (and higher priced) SMDV Alpha Speedboxes.
Do you have to remove all the diffusion panels to set up/tear down the Cheetah soup bowl? Or can you leave them all attached and reach in through to pull the bracket?
I just reach in through the back velcro area, it's easier on the soup bowls, the larger rice bowls can be tough. Even in the event that you are going through the front, I normally only undo about 1/4 of each diffusion layer.
You got me interested, particularly with Cheetah. Unfortunately like for Glow (I think) these companies do not sell in France and shipping as well as duties and taxes costs are prohibitive. Well over double the price of the product :(
Hey Robert love your videos man. I exhausted my budget and am wanting to get the 48 inch ez lock Glow modifier. I like the distribution with the 48 inchers. Is it worth it?
Hey Rob, couple of question about the Cheetah modifiers: - What's the "kickback" like when unlocking to close the modifier's back down? Is there a chance of pitching one's fingers on the mechanism because of the abrupt release of tension? - Also, can mount the modifier with the shorter AD600 specific Bowens mount be swopped for some a regular Bowens mount? Any idea if this shortening is something common with other brands of modifiers as well? Just so we know to look for it on future purchases Thanks for the info!
+Wei Long Hoong It kicks very strongly, but the release is on the outside of the clasp, not the rod like an umbrella, so there isn’t much likelihood of being pinched, if any. Yes you can modify it for a regular Bowen’s mount ring for use with S mount, just release the thumb screws and swap it out!
Hi Robert! I was about to buy the last model, the beauty dish, but what you said made me think about it. Is there any other similar model that you would recommend to travel light? Last time I went to Mexico with my P90L and as you know, it takes a good space in the suitcase
Have you had any problems with the metal disk making the ad200/360 sit off centered? I was having trouble getting mine to sit right with the Colt45. Would also be interested to see what, if any, modifiers you like for speedlights, I'm really starting to like the Ringflash Dish and the Magmod system (though it does make it hard to use w/ other modifiers)
Where is that disk available, and also why would you need it with the Colt 45? Doesn't seem like light can go anywhere but forward with the C45. I'm just curious as I'm about to purchase a C45.
Very helpful video =), how many lights do I need to light up a wedding reception? 2 on the dance floor with softboxes and one on camera? Am thinking of getting the FP eVolve in each soft box and FP Zoom speedlight on camera. Any other ideas? Thanks
+Hussein that’s a very subjective question. Some people use one and go just above ambient. Other people use 4+ and light up the reception venue. It’s all based on personal taste and venue.
Hey Rob.... couple of quick questions. Do you always use double diffusion with the soup bowl? Also, when do you use the dish attachment with it? Thanks!
I do, unless I'm in a situation where I need more output and I've got my flash at 1/1, have no access to more powerful flash, and can't get light any closer to my subject. Then i'll sacrifice the double diffusion for some extra output. And I never use the dish, but you could do it if you wanted to remove the diffusion, get a more specular and contrasty light source but don't want a heavy hotspot in the middle.
Great video. I like the Cheetah QRB.....did you see ebay and ali express has a similar new version called "Selens 90cm Black Silver 16-Rib Deep Parabolic Umbrella"?
Hey!!! Thanks for the reply. I ordered one. The price was amazingly lower, but neither one seems to include a silver center piece. I also have two Godox S-Type Speedlite Brackets for my speed lights.....wish there was an LED DIY out there for them.....now I have to look at getting the Godox AD-B2...ugh.
I agree with you with respect to the Impact modofier. Mine is made by Phottix and those inside rods are made of plastic and they do break. To make matters worst, Phottix USA doesn't acknowledge emails and apparently they care little about service. Stick to the big names andyou won't go wrong unless you don't mind "disposables".
Love you man but I have to say, I've had nothing but great experience with my Impact (Phottix/Fototech) collapsible beauty dish. It's so fast to set up and tear down. Great for shooting on the go.
Quick questions about the low profile bowens mount....so it ONLY works on the ad600? What about on the ad200 dual bracket? Maybe that I have to ask is a sign I should just get the regular bowens mount....
The glow parapop was made before the glow EZ Lock series. It is empty on the inside, so no umbrella mechanism, because it opens with latching individual, exterior rods. In terms of depth it's somewhere between the two EZ Locks. There's no option for a beauty dish plate. I like the two EZ Locks series better, even ignoring the price.
I assume since you made this video Godox has released the AD400 (as yopu don't mention it). Do you know if the Cheetah Low Profile Bowens Mount for AD600 fits the AD400?
Thanks for the vid Robert. I've been reviewing softbox options for a while now and finally based on your video and recommendation I think this one "Cheetah 34" Quick SoupBowl" is the go. It has all the options I want in diffusion & quality plus it will be small enough to travel in my suitcase. Only problem now is the shipping is more than the product :-(
I own an Elinchrome 74" octabank from when I was doing photography and I'm trying to use it for film now with one of my aputure lights. Do you know if there's a way to make this happen? It's completely closed in the back, the aputure 120 can't be inclosed and it's not a bowens mount. But If I were able to take off the back, shoot from the back of the octabank with a beauty dish to rid myself of the hot spot. I think it could work! I'm just afraid to take the Elinchrome apart.
Thanks for the video. I would like to get the cheetah stand 34" soup bowl but they are out of stock. Any suggestions on something similar? I usually do headshots & family shoots. I already have a 26" Westcott Rapid Box but wanted something bigger but not the 48" size. I just purchased and Orlit Rovelight 601 that I thought the soup bowl would be perfect for.
Nice video! I also like Cheetah 26" Quick SoupBowl. Just want to ask, can you suggest a good quality umbrella modifier for new born photography and ideal size? Ty!
Robert- I’ve got 3 sizes of the Calumet Illuma softboxes that I use for my studio strobes. I need an adapter ring to put my AD360’s into these regular softboxes. I tried a universal adapter from Cheetah light- but the holes on the ring are too small for the Illuma rods. The holes are 8mm and I need 9mm to fit the Illuma rods. I think they are similar to Chimera. I also have a couple of the Godox S- brackets if I can incorporate them. What setup and ring can you suggest so I can keep using my boxes. They are excellent quality and weren’t cheap. So I’d like to keep using them... Thx!
Hi Robert , can you tell me the depth of the Cheetah Stand shallow speed ring for the AD600. I Have read that they are around 150 in diameter but the depth is not indicated anywhere.
Could you let me know what the difference is between a octobox that mounts with the Bowens s mount on the back side vs the octobox that has a zipper and you put the stand through the zipper.. I hope know what I'm talking about because the one with the zipper is like 3 times cheaper. Thank you
Well, the rear mount (bowens on back) is designed for strobes, to maximize the efficiency of the bulb while also getting great light quality. The inside-mount are more for speedlights so you can bounce light into the back before it comes back out the front, because otherwise you wouldn't get the light quality that the softbox is made for. They are also a pain in the ass to set up.
Hey Rob, Thanks for great videos! Would really like to get the Rice/soupBowl but can't find any dealers for them here in Sweden and the don't ship world wide. Do you have any tips for similar softboxes that can be shipped world wide? :) I wanna have the "Quick" setup and a 48". Thanks!
For quick release style i haven't seen many global alternatives, but I believe these are manufactured in China so they have to be available from somewhere. However, if you just want Rod style look up the selens parabolic
I like the Cheetah 34" Quick SoupBowl but they do not ship to Canada from the link provided :( Any suggestions Where I can purchase one that ships to Canada would be appreciated!
The Cheetah 34" looks just like the Glow 34" beauty dish. I bought two of the 25" last month and it's very nicely built. I like that it comes with both the grid and the beauty dish plate, though I wish I had gone with the 34" model.
Thank you so much. Stuck between glow 42” beauty dish vs fotodiox 60in octa.
Whenever I search something related to flash photography I land onto your channel then I keep on watching one after the other from the suggested videos.
Watching this 4th time in last 2years
I was using a larger photodiox softbox and actually got two of the modifiers you showed for "free" in kits that I bought. Both I love. I brought the collapsible one on a long distance shoot and while it was square it worked brilliantly. Shortly after I got the Glow Hexapop in my AD200 Kit from Adorama and it is by far my favorite modifier! So easy and so portable. I use the AD200 with the bare bulb in it.
Love this video! More, more, more. I want the portable ricebowl when it comes out! BTW - I have one of those Impact beauty dishes and I love it. I have had it since 2015, use it multiple times per week and mine hasn't broken and it definitely doesn't leak light. I have never removed the inner panel (it looks totally flimsy, no doubt!) Regardless, I will be getting another one of these when mine eventually breaks. I have already gotten more than my $$$ worth. That said, I have read the same reviews and may have received a "good" copy in terms of the light leak. Maybe they have cheapened the material since I purchased mine.
Finally, I have a tip regarding not breaking it. You have to set this thing on the ground and carefully snap the plastic mechanisms into place. After it's unfolded, turn it over and mount your bracket on it. When unfolding, set it on the ground again and carefully press the plastic snaps. This thing shows no signs of breaking and I think the way I fold and unfold it has something to do with that.
Hi Robert. I think your videos are the best resource on lighting on RUclips. I would love to hear what you think of the Aputure Light Dome II and Aputure Light Dome Mini II.
I bought the CheetahStand Quick Soup Bowl after watching this. It was the best decision. Very happy with the quality and the built in beauty reflector makes awesome light.
Very simple decision of the 34 in Cheetah Soup Bowl versus 38 inch Parapop. Current price, 34 inch Soup Bowl = $115.00, 38 inch Parapop with Bowens mount = $219.95. Thank you
According to Cheetahstand, the Low Profile Bowens Mount will work with the S Mount, but you have to remove the thumbscrews and replace them with the regular Phillips screws. It is the thumbscrews that get in the way when using the S Mount.
Thanks for one of the very BEST & MOST COMPLETE tutorials I've ever seen (& well edited)!
loved this video. Only comment is about the very end of the video you mentioned not liking the Impact collapsable beauty dish. I have been using one for about 2 years and it works great for me! I leave it on the ring mount and light stand for quick use!
I own the Flashpoint 31x31 Glow (the original Godox branding, called "80x80 Foldable Softbox") and I gotta tell you, I use it all the damn time. It literally folds into my camera bag, and when opened up, it just has the perfect size. The double diffusion creates a really soft light.
I absolutely love, that it takes 5 second to remove it from my backpack, and have it ready to use on my AD200.
I don't know if there is anything like this on the market, in terms of compact size, power output, ease of setup, and light quality. All fitting into a small backpack. (especially with the AD200) Extremely highly recommended.
+EDC Gadgets sounds like the same one I had here, unless they changed it. Folds into its 1/4 section and then like a reflector
I've had my Impact "beauty dish" for a few years now without issue. I love mine. Yes, the design certainly needs improvements but it's one of the modifiers I probably will always keep. Great modifier comparison vid, though.
i am an admirer of your videos and you kind of convinced me to buy the Godox AD200. I like it so far. I find this video extremely useful and will help me enormously to make my decision to buy my first softbox. Thank you.
Light is so important, probably the most important. All the talk about new cameras, people should be getting better lighting gear, that will make the biggest improvements.
I have just come across your this video on modifiers where you have mentioned that : 'Impact Folding Beauty Dish (Not providing link cause I hate it)', which I do agree with the statement as I have been using it since last three months or so and I have been facing the trouble when without the diffuser using it as the lights gets spread outside of the Beauty Dish creating much highlights on faces. Well explained about the different modifiers. Thanks a vagon with warm regards,
Hey Robert Hall. I have a question regarding the deflector plates inside the ez lock soft boxes and how they play a role on the out put of the light and how many stops of light you lose or gain with them on or off and or if they move closer or further away from the light and what is the loss or gain in stops of light. I hope I'm making some sort of sense. Thank you for your time.
Are you planning an updated video any time soon? Or did I miss it. Lot of free time lately. Glad to find your video!
which would be the best one or ones's to get for small group shots for a birthday party? Basically there giving me a space to put a backdrop up and have my camera and tripod. My thing is im wondering what softboxes to get to light up the groups that would come up for a photot.
Hey rob your videos are awesome- question - the glow parapop 38 can I use on ad300 direct mount? Or I need tje adapter
no it doesn't attach and would require a godox to bowens adapter, or the bowens direct attachment for 300, the "AD-AB"
All good stuff and likewise I quickly learned to spend a bit more cash on collapsible umbrella style softboxes rather than the rodded types which frankly are a pain to put together. What's your feeling regard beauty dishes, didn't see you mention them specifically or do you prefer the softbox/beauty dish combo octobox style modifier?
Thanks for this Robert. I am sick of putting rod based soft boxes together and am very interested in the quick cheeter options. Can you tell me if you can leave the diffuser on all the time and still fold out ok? I realise you might still need to put a hand through the outside diffuser, but if the diff can more or less stay on this is another great time saver. Cheers Paul
Great video I have been looking to replace my Fotodiox Ez-Pro after about 4 years of heavy use. I have the 48” model with the grid and have loved the results and ease of use. Like most things the selection grows and build quality improves, I will check out the rice bowl.
In the future may I suggest mentions the prices as with many of us take cost into part of the discussion making process.
Would love to see you show off strip boxes, beauty dishes and umbrella modifiers in the future.
Thank you for opening my eyes to the Godox system of lights and for making this great video.
Thank you so very much for taking the time show the different modifiers and giving your personal opinion on each one. You have saved me so much time trying to research and guess which one may or may not be better for my use. I will continue to follow you and appreciate your honesty. Please keep up the good work
Another wonderful review Rob. Love the way your reviews are no-nonsense and to the point and no sugar coating. Thanks Rob. I was wondering.. could you try to give your feedback on the Elinchrom Octa, Deep Octa models? Thank you.
Nice explanation! I want to ask some question. What type of modifier for outdoor full body portrait (fashion) that you recommend? I just use single Godox V1speedlight. Thanks
can't lie, I'm a huge fan of the impact beauty dish. For weddings its light, delivers great quality and is quick to set up/ break down. There is light leak but for me that's not a big deal because even using speed lights i have more than enough power for indoor use.
I will be getting more and would be happy to get a few by cheetah..
I've been wanting one of those deep dish modifiers with the sliding rod for awhile now.. I saw Westcott's zeppelin version.
I'd probably opt to buy one of the rice bowls from Cheetah..
I have a glow 25" ez lock beauty dish with a white interior and I absolutely love it.. I do want to get a couple more of those as well in a bigger size.. I generally only use the outer diffusion screen for it and keep the inner one packed away. I believe it also has 16 sides.. and has the same locking mechanism as the soup bowl..
I'd get 1 of each in 34inches white and silver inner.
I honestly don't know what modifiers UK/European photographers are using because searching for any of these nets no results. The closest I came was a rebranding of the QRB 90, which tbf, was the modifier I was after. Amazon only really seem to offer very cheap Chinese softboxes or the alternative are ones that have fiddley rods that still cost hundreds of pounds.
I ran into a minor irration with my honey badgers from interfit, the bowens slots are slightly to small for most bowens so the three lugs have to be filed down for a good fit, the reason I went interfit honey badgers is because my girlfriend is completely blind, she likes to help set up the badgers have a glass dome over the flash tube, when shes putting then on stands and attaching modifiers her fingers cant touch the flash tube. On the occasional time when I here the occasional pops from her ,the lights are chewp enough they are easily replaced
Wow! A man with common sense, and who can see light without having to mortgage his house to get it! Subscribed,
Love this comparison ,and I know a lot of guys will be looking to get budget softbox but can’t seem to come to a decision .I had these issues when I was looking to get one but settled for the westcott zeppelin for studio and Profoto rfi for location .
Keep up the good work lad.
It would be very useful if the presentation of each modifier was followed by a sample photo of the kind of lighting it produces.
Regardless, great video. :-)
I'm not a big proponent of sample shots of modifiers because of the endless level of ways in which they can be used. How far? Indoor? Outdoor? What ratio to the ambient? Feathered? Level with subject? Above? With grids? Single diffusion for extra power? Double diffusion for maximum evenness?
Light is light, knowing the laws of how light behaves should answer a majority of questions on the look of a modifier and I instead focus on the useability aspects.
but i'm glad you enjoyed it still :)
I hear ya, yet e.g. not having experimented with beauty dishes, would have liked to see "typical" softbox illumination vs "typical" beauty dish illumination, though there is of course nothing stopping me from finding out myself.
Thanks Robert. Can you use these for video applications with LED lights? Thanks for your counsel.
Yes, but you would need a Bowens mount LED
Thank you Robert. @@robhallphoto
OMG, having been shooting with the Broncolor Para 222 this weekend and making me die for an 88 or 133 for my own setup, I'm definitely going to get the Cheetah 48” QR Rice bowl with Chopsticks. Having the bulb in front of the focusing point shooting back create such a beautiful quality of light with incredible micro contrast with soft shadows, I need it in my arsenal ASAP!
Dam Robert, every time I come to RUclips for something, you have a video to cover it. One of my favourite channels.
Thank you for this great video!! Could you please talk about some large umbrellas like Profoto L or XL with AD600/AD200? Can I have a look on the outcome from these umbrellas?
Have you ever tried using the Aputure Light dome for strobe work ?
Thanks for the info. I'm wondering why you didn't review/comment about Westcott Rapid Boxes. Do you have an opinion about them?
a man can only buy so many modifiers lol. The Westcott rapids are very high quality, but also very high price. While I think they are great I think there are equal quality modifiers (especially the Cheetahs featured) at much lower prices.
Is there a big difference between a 28" vs 38" softbox? Thanks!
Will the two boxes that you recommend, the Cheetah, and the Glow, work with COB LED lights from Godox?
Great video! I recently picked up a Photoflex Rapidome. It has a similar design, in that it pops open like the soup bowls and has the beauty dish reflector on the inside. Unfortunately for the sake of this video, it is meant for speedlights only.
Great video. I hate buying something thinking I'm getting the good stuff, only to find out... Thanks again!
BTW, you may want to let Cheetah know their cart experience is junk.
So the Cheetah Rice Bowl (RB-90) provides your favorite "quality of light", but the Soup Bowl (QSB-34) is your favorite? Why do you favor the QSB over the RB if the latter provides better quality of light and more control? Fantastic video comparison. Thank you.
Useability. The size of the ricebowl makes it way more prone to being blown by wind when outdoors, twisting on stands and falling over. I typically work alone so that's a big deal to me. It's also so much deeper that the light source is further away, and needs to be pulled back further to keep it out of frame. Both of which contribute to requiring more light power.
Also, at the time of this video I was talking about the RB-90 (traditional rod style) vs the QSB-34 (quick open mechanism). I would never take the RB-90 out of studio simply cause of the time it takes to setup. Now I have the QRB-36 and QRB-48 which are just as quick to setup as the QSB. Still the QRB requires more attention to keep it standing outdoors though.
Robert Hall Photography Thanks for the reply. I work alone as well, so large modifiers can be a hassle for me too. I’m surprised to hear you say the RB’s biggest selling point - it’s deepness - is also a hindrance for you. Interesting. Did you know Adorama has recently released rebranded versions of the QSB and RB90 called the ‘Glow EZ-Lock’? They’re collapsible just like the QSB-36 in your video and come with everything from the double diffuser, beauty dish plate attachment and even free grids. They’re all under $100 too, so I’m trying to decide between the Glow versions of the RB or QSB.
I'm definitely aware of the new Glow lineup, in fact just today I tried them all out for the first time. Will have new videos on them as well as entire Cheetah lineup soon!
I wound up buying the Glow Collapsible Silver Beauty Dish (42"). I liked how large it was and the coverage it'll provide. I have a shoot on Saturday and this'll be my test run. I'll eventually buy the Deep Parabolic too. :)
what are your thoughts on westcott modifiers? Comparing my own set, I think I have a comparable westcott for each modifier you demonstrated.... except the lantern. Great review!
I like that Westcott seems to be on the "cutting edge" in finding great patents to back, but ultimately I think you pay too high a premium given that other companies later utilize the same patents and produce a near-equivalent build quality for drastically lower prices. I appreciate their place in the market, but tend to avoid buying in.
Robert Hall Photography thanks for the reply. I suppose that’s why I use Godox instead of profoto; but I sure like the quality of Westcott’s modifiers, but yes they are very pricey.
Hi Rob, great video. What is the actual diameter measurement of the cheetahstand QSB 34”? Is there a big different you think in the light quality compared to the 26” QSB version?
Where can I get the plate for my AD200 Pro you show early in the video (1:10 time stamp)?
If I can only afford one , which will be your best recommendation? Besides, i thoroughly enjoy your video ,so explicit.
I never make an "only choose one" recommendation. It's impossible to say there's a best one, as different sizes and depths lead to different visual results. And then you have lightweight vs durability, one makes sense for travel and one makes sense for longevity. Gotta take these distinctions and apply them to your own workflow.
Another very well done video, Robert. If you like the Glow Parapop, you might want to have a look at the similar but significantly higher quality (and higher priced) SMDV Alpha Speedboxes.
Do you have to remove all the diffusion panels to set up/tear down the Cheetah soup bowl? Or can you leave them all attached and reach in through to pull the bracket?
I just reach in through the back velcro area, it's easier on the soup bowls, the larger rice bowls can be tough. Even in the event that you are going through the front, I normally only undo about 1/4 of each diffusion layer.
@@robhallphoto thanks, just ordered one!
Very good soft box.. mr..godex
You got me interested, particularly with Cheetah. Unfortunately like for Glow (I think) these companies do not sell in France and shipping as well as duties and taxes costs are prohibitive. Well over double the price of the product :(
Can the Quick Series Speed Ring Insert - Low Profile Bowen be used on the Godox Dual Power Flash Bracket for AD200?
If you change the thumbscrews out for flathead screws, yes.
Hey Robert love your videos man. I exhausted my budget and am wanting to get the 48 inch ez lock Glow modifier. I like the distribution with the 48 inchers. Is it worth it?
definitely worth it and the cheapest option available in collapsible fashion. Wouldn't get anything else if I was on a tight budget.
Robert Hall Photography hey thanks for answering Robert, the parabolic right? 48
Hey Rob, couple of question about the Cheetah modifiers:
- What's the "kickback" like when unlocking to close the modifier's back down? Is there a chance of pitching one's fingers on the mechanism because of the abrupt release of tension?
- Also, can mount the modifier with the shorter AD600 specific Bowens mount be swopped for some a regular Bowens mount? Any idea if this shortening is something common with other brands of modifiers as well? Just so we know to look for it on future purchases
Thanks for the info!
+Wei Long Hoong
It kicks very strongly, but the release is on the outside of the clasp, not the rod like an umbrella, so there isn’t much likelihood of being pinched, if any.
Yes you can modify it for a regular Bowen’s mount ring for use with S mount, just release the thumb screws and swap it out!
Robert Hall Photography Dope. Thanks! 👍
I found this video very useful. Thank you for the time you put into it.
What about the Phottix collapsible beauty dish? Are they supposed to be white on the inside? I have. Works good.
Hi Robert! I was about to buy the last model, the beauty dish, but what you said made me think about it. Is there any other similar model that you would recommend to travel light? Last time I went to Mexico with my P90L and as you know, it takes a good space in the suitcase
Cheetah QSB-26” if you’re in the states. Much better quality, has a BD plate, silver interior.
Thank you Robert!
Have you had any problems with the metal disk making the ad200/360 sit off centered? I was having trouble getting mine to sit right with the Colt45. Would also be interested to see what, if any, modifiers you like for speedlights, I'm really starting to like the Ringflash Dish and the Magmod system (though it does make it hard to use w/ other modifiers)
Where is that disk available, and also why would you need it with the Colt 45? Doesn't seem like light can go anywhere but forward with the C45. I'm just curious as I'm about to purchase a C45.
Very good and informative 👍
Thanks for this. I was considering the Quick Rice Bowl and this pushed me towards ordering one.
+ryn996 awesome, hope you enjoy!
Very helpful video =), how many lights do I need to light up a wedding reception? 2 on the dance floor with softboxes and one on camera? Am thinking of getting the FP eVolve in each soft box and FP Zoom speedlight on camera. Any other ideas? Thanks
+Hussein that’s a very subjective question. Some people use one and go just above ambient. Other people use 4+ and light up the reception venue. It’s all based on personal taste and venue.
+Hussein I personally use 2 OCF + 1 fill on camera for smaller venues and 4 ocf for larger.
Hey Rob.... couple of quick questions. Do you always use double diffusion with the soup bowl? Also, when do you use the dish attachment with it?
Thanks!
I do, unless I'm in a situation where I need more output and I've got my flash at 1/1, have no access to more powerful flash, and can't get light any closer to my subject. Then i'll sacrifice the double diffusion for some extra output. And I never use the dish, but you could do it if you wanted to remove the diffusion, get a more specular and contrasty light source but don't want a heavy hotspot in the middle.
Thanks! :)
Great video. I like the Cheetah QRB.....did you see ebay and ali express has a similar new version called "Selens 90cm Black Silver 16-Rib Deep Parabolic Umbrella"?
+chas deuce that does look nearly identical. Could come from the same factory!
Hey!!! Thanks for the reply. I ordered one. The price was amazingly lower, but neither one seems to include a silver center piece. I also have two Godox S-Type Speedlite Brackets for my speed lights.....wish there was an LED DIY out there for them.....now I have to look at getting the Godox AD-B2...ugh.
I agree with you with respect to the Impact modofier. Mine is made by Phottix and those inside rods are made of plastic and they do break. To make matters worst, Phottix USA doesn't acknowledge emails and apparently they care little about service. Stick to the big names andyou won't go wrong unless you don't mind "disposables".
Thank you for a good video for the evolve 200 you had a small silver plate what is that can't locate it.
amzn.to/2gcEoSY
Can you update your Lighting Modifiers list?
What's the metal reflector/baffle you mentioned at about 1:09? I don't think you ever went back to discuss in more detail.
I follow up with a card to the complete video on the plate.
@@robhallphoto awesome. I'll look for it. Thank you!
@@robhallphoto Still can't find it. Can you post a link?
Love you man but I have to say, I've had nothing but great experience with my Impact (Phottix/Fototech) collapsible beauty dish. It's so fast to set up and tear down. Great for shooting on the go.
Hey, I’m all for whatever works. I’ve owned two and they just fell apart so quickly that I would never purchase or suggest another.
Quick questions about the low profile bowens mount....so it ONLY works on the ad600? What about on the ad200 dual bracket? Maybe that I have to ask is a sign I should just get the regular bowens mount....
By default it only works in the Ad600 / ad600 Pro, but if you replace the thumb screws with flatheads it will work in an AD-B2 or S mount bracket.
Greetings Robert (Bob), What's the difference between Glow ParaPop and Glow EZ Lock product lines?
The glow parapop was made before the glow EZ Lock series. It is empty on the inside, so no umbrella mechanism, because it opens with latching individual, exterior rods. In terms of depth it's somewhere between the two EZ Locks. There's no option for a beauty dish plate.
I like the two EZ Locks series better, even ignoring the price.
@@robhallphoto Thank You.
I assume since you made this video Godox has released the AD400 (as yopu don't mention it). Do you know if the Cheetah Low Profile Bowens Mount for AD600 fits the AD400?
Yes
Thanks for the vid Robert. I've been reviewing softbox options for a while now and finally based on your video and recommendation I think this one "Cheetah 34" Quick SoupBowl" is the go. It has all the options I want in diffusion & quality plus it will be small enough to travel in my suitcase. Only problem now is the shipping is more than the product :-(
I own an Elinchrome 74" octabank from when I was doing photography and I'm trying to use it for film now with one of my aputure lights. Do you know if there's a way to make this happen? It's completely closed in the back, the aputure 120 can't be inclosed and it's not a bowens mount. But If I were able to take off the back, shoot from the back of the octabank with a beauty dish to rid myself of the hot spot. I think it could work! I'm just afraid to take the Elinchrome apart.
Thanks for the video. I would like to get the cheetah stand 34" soup bowl but they are out of stock. Any suggestions on something similar? I usually do headshots & family shoots. I already have a 26" Westcott Rapid Box but wanted something bigger but not the 48" size. I just purchased and Orlit Rovelight 601 that I thought the soup bowl would be perfect for.
I would watch my most recent video!
Do you suggest Cheetah 34" Quick SoupBowl over Glow EZ Lock Collapsible White Beauty Dish (34")?
Nice video! I also like Cheetah 26" Quick SoupBowl. Just want to ask, can you suggest a good quality umbrella modifier for new born photography and ideal size? Ty!
So you said that the AD600 has a bit of a recessed bulb, is the AD600BM the same?
The AD600bm is the full model name of the AD600. b denotes Bowens, m denotes manual.
Robert- I’ve got 3 sizes of the Calumet Illuma softboxes that I use for my studio strobes.
I need an adapter ring to put my AD360’s into these regular softboxes.
I tried a universal adapter from Cheetah light- but the holes on the ring are too small for the Illuma rods. The holes are 8mm and I need 9mm to fit the Illuma rods.
I think they are similar to Chimera.
I also have a couple of the Godox S- brackets if I can incorporate them.
What setup and ring can you suggest so I can keep using my boxes. They are excellent quality and weren’t cheap. So I’d like to keep using them...
Thx!
Hi Robert , can you tell me the depth of the Cheetah Stand shallow speed ring for the AD600. I Have read that they are around 150 in diameter but the depth is not indicated anywhere.
nice and informative video. can you attach the ad200 in a qsb-34?
using a bowens s bracket, yes.
I just mounted the Paul C Buff modifiers I already owned. Great video though!
"Nailed it" :D man, I love your humor!
Glow EZ Lock vs Parapop for Bowen’s? which is better and easier to use with Godox S bracket?
Do they make a Bowen’s s mount on the cheetah qrb 36 to match the Godoy adb2
Would be interested to know your opinion of the Phottix line compared to the others.
Great video, thank you. The fist sift box, I didn't get the name. Would you kindly send it back to me. Thanks!
Informative video Robert! Thanks! Definitely going to visit Cheetahstand when I'm in Dallas next.
You convey complicated info very well.
Could you let me know what the difference is between a octobox that mounts with the Bowens s mount on the back side vs the octobox that has a zipper and you put the stand through the zipper.. I hope know what I'm talking about because the one with the zipper is like 3 times cheaper. Thank you
Well, the rear mount (bowens on back) is designed for strobes, to maximize the efficiency of the bulb while also getting great light quality. The inside-mount are more for speedlights so you can bounce light into the back before it comes back out the front, because otherwise you wouldn't get the light quality that the softbox is made for. They are also a pain in the ass to set up.
GREAT comparison vid.
Thank you very much !
The inner diffusion is really easy to rip.. The button area is made really cheap.. The buttons are way to hard to undo without ripping it
do you already done a review on th lantern modifier?
very informative, do you know if they make a paul c buff mount to Bowens?
Really good info Rob. Thanks!
+Thien Dinh cheers!
Hey Rob,
Thanks for great videos!
Would really like to get the Rice/soupBowl but can't find any dealers for them here in Sweden and the don't ship world wide.
Do you have any tips for similar softboxes that can be shipped world wide? :)
I wanna have the "Quick" setup and a 48".
Thanks!
For quick release style i haven't seen many global alternatives, but I believe these are manufactured in China so they have to be available from somewhere. However, if you just want Rod style look up the selens parabolic
Thanks Rob, I'll check them out!
BC
What do you think about MoLight Softboxes?
I like the Cheetah 34" Quick SoupBowl but they do not ship to Canada from the link provided :( Any suggestions Where I can purchase one that ships to Canada would be appreciated!
Where did you find "this little plate" at 1:11 ??? AND thanks for a GREAT review
Great review - thanks RH