Softboxes, at least traditional ones, suck. They are not fun to put together and even more painful to break back down. In an attempt to relieve this, companies like Westcott made umbrella-style boxes and Phottix took a swing at the collapsible beauty dish. Now Interfit has a hand in the game with a full line of options in the collapsible category, from octos to strips.
Ok, the beauty dish looks identical to the Phottix version, but the other boxes actually look like the design would be super helpful.
The prices (subject to change) listed in the press information are as follows:
90cm (36") Square- $74.99
80cm (32") x120cm (48") Rectangle- $76.99
30cm (12") x 150cm (59") Strip box- $76.99
110cm (44") Octobox- $89.99
70cm (28") Beauty Dish- $74.99
110cm (40") Beauty Dish- $89.99
Interfit is stocking both the S-Type (Bowens) mount and the EX (Elinchrom) mounts. That said, the mount is interchangeable at any time after purchase.
You'll be able to see the whole line shortly at InterfitPhotographic.com.
I personally have not had the best luck with Interfit boxes in the past and I'm not a fan of the "fold over the edge" front diffusor, but I have made do with the Phottix version and the ease of the collapse more than makes up for my other gripes. If the quality is similar to my Phottix Luna, then these might be worth checking out.
Great price points. Will be picking one up for sure!
This was one of the reasons I went with Paul C Buff gear.
This man knows what he's talking about!
Hmmm, interesting. I could use a strip box. In all honesty tho, once you learn to put up and take down a softbox, it's really not that big a deal. You do it without thinking.
Still an interesting concept however, and not overtly expensive.
It doesn't mean I think it's a fun prospect. Also, since getting the Phottix one I hate pulling out the others. It has reminded me how much doing the standard rod boxes sucks.
Yeah, now you're spoiled and will have to replace all your boxes. :-)
I might be the only person who actually likes the Elinchrom folding octabank, but I think it's pretty good. Now if only someone could make make a good internal front diffusor version that was actually durable...
I'm always amazed at how slow people are to set up and break down soft boxes, you can't be shy and have to use the floor to help you. These softboxes truly look like crap...
They also are at least 1 order of magnitidue more expensive....
Paul Buff's are a good compromise!
There seems to be a looser tolerance with the Rotoluxes. The one I used to use at work was awful. The one I used with a photographer while assisting was perfect. I just don't get it.
I have an umbrella octa and it's great. I've been waiting for an umbrella-style stripbox, so it's nice to see someone finally making them. If they made them recessed so you can add a grid, that would be even better.
Those white plastic junction look like they will fall appart quickly. though at less than 100$... I'd try them!