Attention Strobists...Looking for a Softbox

[Mark Elberson]

Thanks guys! You've given me some great options.

Don't get me wrong, the light from the 28" Apollo is very nice. However, I find it much more difficult to work with because the flash is encased by the softbox. Also, it's range of motion is limited when used that way. I created a DIY mounting arm to address both issues, and it works great. However, it's still much more complicated to set up than the collapsible 15" Alzo.

That was my main concern about the Apollo. Out of the box can it only be mounted straight up and down? Any chance you've got a picture of that DIY setup you were talking about :-)

[Keith B]

That was my main concern about the Apollo. Out of the box can it only be mounted straight up and down? Any chance you've got a picture of that DIY setup you were talking about :-)

Get a boom. You can achieve any angle with it on a boom. You can also leave the front and back zippers undone to give some tilting flexibility.


It's a little difficult to adjust from inside. The front panel velcro makes this easier. I don't totally fasten it until I've nailed the lighting. Whether you are reverse firing it or not you can always swivel the head so the controls will face the front panel.


Not trying to sway you just saying.

[Mark Elberson]

Any idea why the Westcott Apollo Speedlight Set which includes both the Westcott Apollo Softbox with Recessed Front - 28 x 28" and the Westcott Shoe Mount for Mini Apollo would cost less than the Westcott Apollo Softbox with Recessed Front - 28 x 28"???

[Sean Setters]

Here's a picture of the DIY mounting arm I made. And Keith is right--a boom would allow you to do the same thing. However, with a boom, the flash still resides in the middle of the softbox. Directions for the DIY mounting arm are listed in the caption.









As far as the differences between the different B&H listings--from what I've seen in the flickr strobist threads, there is no difference (except that the Speedlight Set comes with an umbrella swivel). The difference in prices is unexplainable (especially since the one with the umbrella swivel is less). If you want the Apollo, get the Speedlight Set (that's exactly what I got).

[Keith B]

That's cool Sean. I like that the strobe doesn't shoot at the front panel.


I personally never really had an issue with the flash inside. Like I mentioned before I usually seal on edge tight and just tug it to one corner, get the light right then seal it. I've actually used this so much with a 580EXII I usually know exactly what to set it to and just make a minor tweak once and go. I always have the option of E-TTL with the IR trigger. I rarely use it but it is an option. And yes the IR trigger fires quite reliably inside the soft box and indoors. I haven't used it outdoors yet. I imagine it would less reliable.