70cm Speedlite Octa Softbox Review

This review is based on the item I purchased from Pixapro on 26 January 2022. Purchase price £34.99 plus postage/shipping. Original price £49.99.

I received an email as I’m one of those weird types that actually reads marketing messages. In this case, I felt that it was a success. Pixapro mentioned a 70cm Octa softbox suitable for Speedlites with rectangular or round head. I opened a WebChat and asked which Speedlites or flashes the https://www.essentialphoto.co.uk/product/70cm-speedlight-softbox-with-fixed-round-head-bracket/ would be suitable. The response was quick and concise. Most Godox/Pixapro round head Speedlites, older rectangular head Speedlites, the Godox AD100/Pixapro CITI100 and Pixapro PIKA200/Godox AD200.

I’m a fan of the Pixapro PIKA200 aka Godox AD200 which has dimensions similar to a Speedlite with more than three times the flash power. This review features the Pixapro PIKA200/Godox AD200 with the bare bulb which is close to a studio flash in use.

First impressions are positive. The easy open mechanism is just that, whilst not as quick as an umbrella mechanism, there are no umbrella ribs giving a clean and uninterrupted light modifier. The interior is a bright silver coating on black RipStop style nylon. The ribs are steel and do not need pre-assembly. When pulled into place, the ribs are securely seated in the mounting ring.

In the photo above red arrows indicate the rib release buttons - the ribs need to be pulled inward to the mount and button pushed to collapse the ribs for packing. With practice this can be done with one hand.

The mount bracket is similar in design the S2 bracket although made from cast aluminium.

Inserts are provided to accommodate flashes with different size heads. Flashes are secured by tightening the screw at the top of the mount.

Viewed from the front of the modifier there is inefficient space around the head. I’m using the Pixapro PIKA200, but the same applies to any Speedlite. I can’t comment about the Pixapro CITI100/Godox AD100 as I do not own one.

To improve flash efficiency, I add an adaptor plate to give a continuous reflective surface. In previous tests use of a shiny disk plate improves flash efficiency by ⅔ - 1 stop. When using a Speedlite or flat front flash, I recommend that a diffuser box, dome or whatever is fitted to the flash in order to spread the light inside of the modifier. Flat front flashes project rather that spread light in modifiers creating uneven illumination and hot spots.

When viewed in profile, the Speedlite softbox is similar to the Elinchrom 70cm Deep Octa. I suspect the light emitted will be similar. The price difference between the two modifiers is considerable. I suspect this inexpensive light modifier will emit light similar to other (more expensive) brands.

The softbox is double diffused with inner and outer diffusers made from white RipStop material.

The supplied egg crate grid, considering the price is very good quality materials and construction. The egg crate grid provides directional control to the light.

As you can see from this photo of Fred, the egg crate grid gives directional and contrast control whilst maintaining softness. The softbox was positioned about 1 metre/40 inches from Fred. In this case the softbox had both inner and outer diffusers in place.

In this image the egg crate grid has been removed. Contrast has been reduced (flatter look to the light) and background light saturation reduced as the result of spill from the softbox.

Removing the front diffuser increases contrast. It’s best to experiment to see what diffusion suits your style or interpretation.

Removing all diffusion creates a broad hard light - notice the hard edge nose shadow and background shadow. See the distinct line to frame left above Fred where the red colour desaturates.

Pros and Cons

PROS

- Inexpensive

- Can be used with a number of flash types

- No umbrella mechanism to break up the lighting pattern

- Mount and ribs are made from durable materials

- Relatively quick and easy set-up and break down

- There’s enough space in the bag to carry a light stand, the flash with remote head and reflector plate

- Light quality could be similar to the Elinchrom 70cm Deep Octa - I will test and compare one I get a gap

CONS

- Mount internal diameter could be increased by 12-14mm to accommodate larger flashes such as the Pixapro CITI300 or 400/Godox AD300/400

- Screw clamp pressure area small compared to S2 bracket 

YES, I will use and continue to recommend this versatile flash modifier. For the price, it’s a steal…

Disclosure

This post is not supported by any of the brands named herein. It is purely for educational and informational use.

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