InterfitINT484 36-Inch Octobox Softbox

Just got this softbox to grow my EX-150 set. For the price you get a well packaged, nicely built larger size octobox for nice lighting of portraits.Assembly is a real pain and frustrating, but that may be the case of all octoboxes. You have to apply a lot of pressure to bend each of the 8 rods in position while keeping the rest of the unit steady. In doing so my second time around I created a small tear along one of the openings. I am afraid the tear is going to increase each time I put the box up from now on. For me that is a design flaw - either make it easier to assemble, or make it sturdier for the type of abuse that amateur photographers (who do not do this all day long or cannot keep a permanent light set up) will subject the product to.My main BIG issue with this softbox is that it is clearly too heavy for my EX strobes. Their strobes pivot locking mechanism being all made of plastic is unable to hold its position with the softbox in place, and slowly drops down, making it impossible to shoot. I've found a way to jam a piece of metal in the tilting mechanism to keep it from dropping, but that means I now have a one-position strobe (which I can lift up or down but not tilt) which is impractical.Maybe EXD strobes have a more sturdy tilting locking mechanism that can accomodate these heavier softboxes?

Just ordered/received this item based upon the fact Amazon.com search results and "frequently purchased with" cold shoe adapter, make it look as if it's compatible with Canon Speedlights.Out of the box I can assure you it's not. Look at this, frequently bought together item:http://www.amazon.com/Flash-Holder-compatible-Canon-Speedlite/dp/B003TYDBYQ/ref=pd_bxgy_p_text_yYour guess is as good as mine how to use the cold shoe adapter with the speedring this octobox uses. I've asked Interfit "customer support" to help me with a simple L bracket mount that would attach to their speedring and allow the cold shoe usage and as yet, no response. Once/if I can figure out how to make it work, I'll change the rating. Anyone follow what I'm saying? :)

I bought this product to go with the EX system, received well packed, it took me a bit longer than a rectangular soft box setting. But the end result was fantastic, the quality is top notch. The ring system it great although it fits on the light, but allows the box to rotate fully without unlocking it. Moreover, the outside cover fits tight on the box that makes it great looking. The quality of light is fantastic. In a nutshell, the product is well produced, effective and reasonably priced.

emmmmm :/

Assembly takes a little effort, but once assembled it seems very sturdy. Honestly, this is my first octobox, so I can't compare it to others. All I can say is that I am very happy with it.

I have seen worse and I have definitely see better. For the money Interfit puts out a good product. I use this octobox with an AB800 and it produces a nice soft even light cast.

I purchased this octobox here in amazon and been using it for about 3 months now. I'll itemize my impressions for easy reference of future buyers.Assembly:1. The octobox came with an s-type speed ring. It is good to note that this could also be used for Bowens monolights.2. No instruction sheet is provided, so beginners would find it a little bit difficult to assemble at first.3. Care should be taken while assembling, although the material used for the main reflector is quite sturdy, I'm inclined to be skeptical as to the stitches' durability.4. I would suggest to use this one mainly for studio work in which you dont have to always dismantle it, for as noted, frequent assembly/dis-assembly would eventually lead to ripping at the seams. (actually I already sewn back the velcro tab that fixes the internal buffer to the reflector)Usage:1. The octobox does provide a very soft light. The fall-off graduation is very typical of an octobox this size.2. So far there is no visible color cast, but it is safer to do white balance checking from time to time.3. Expect to lose 1 to 1.5 stop of light with this octobox, although still depending on the monolight used.ConclusionAll in all considering the price this is a good octobox to start with for studio use. I just want to re-iterate that care should be taken during assembly. If you're looking for something to take with you on frequent outdoor shoots, I would suggest you look at the offerings of other much more reputable brands.

It's big and heavy but it's also solid...easy to build, and the light produced is very soft...you do need a steady light stand to support it though because it's heavy..about 8kg with the light