Photography Reviews

Digital Photography Equipment Review—Photoflex Lighting Solutions

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Digital photographers don’t have to look very far to discover a large selection of lighting equipment. For most casual or amateur photographers, the flash unit that is part of their digital camera or a separate flash unit that attaches to the camera will provide all the light they will ever need. Professional photographers, and those aspiring to be a pro, require more flexible and robust lighting solutions for portraits; weddings; products, such as jewelry and food; and other subject matter. Many of their needs can be fulfilled with the lighting equipment from Photoflex, specifically its Octodome® products, in constant light and strobe soft boxes.

Photoflex constant light soft boxes come in a small and extra small size. Although Photoflex categorizes both soft boxes as constant light products, both can also be used with electronic strobes, such as the Photoflex StarFlash line, or continuous light sources, such as the Starlite QL and on- or off-camera video lighting systems. The Octodome small nxt works with 150-watt compact florescent lamps as well as tungsten bulbs to 1,000 watts.

The most important benefits for digital photographers are Photoflex’s patented Brimstone™ fabric, which is heat-resistant; the inner baffle that eliminates hot spots; and a face diffuser for soft, even light. Many photographers appreciate the low profile and compact set-up, especially for on-location shoots. The OctoDome nxt produces a wider spread of light: 105 degrees for the extra small. Plus, you’ll have more control over diffusion levels and direction with its Velcro®-lined rim. There’s an additional final diffusion layer when the face is removed, making it easy to add control accessories, such as grids.

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The Octodome nxt extra small is available in a basic and deluxe kit. You can also choose the StarLite® extra small OctoDome nxt deluxe kit. Videographers and portrait photographers will find it to be an excellent choice. Use a Constellation3® light as a soft key light to create two rim or hair lights. Both sizes of the Octodome nxt are backed by five-year warranties. Kits have various warranties, depending on the equipment included. The small nxt is typically priced less than $250 and the extra small nxt is approximately $120. Kits are priced from approximately $165 to $575, depending on the equipment included.

Photoflex’s Octodome 3 strobe softboxes are available in a large, or 7-foot; medium, or 5-foot; and small, or 3-foot size, and work with most strobe lights. (You’ll need a separate connector to attach a strobe light.) You’ll only have to shoot in a small space once to appreciate the narrow profile of these softboxes. The Octodome 3 models feature an exclusive 8-sided design that creates diffused light equally wide and tall. The internal baffle is graduated to provide even light and to eliminate hot spots. You’ll be able to select a number of lighting configurations, by removing various combinations of the gold and silver inner panels. Assembly and teardown is quick and easy with the Octodome quick release corners that relieve pressure on the support rods. Then, pack your Octodome 3 softbox in its carry bag, which means it requires less space when transporting or storing.

Octodome 3 softboxes are also part of three complete lighting kits. For example, the StarFlash® 2 Lite 300-watt 3-foot Octodome kit with case features Photoflex’s StarFlash 300-watt monobloc strobe head in two all-inclusive soft box lighting stations. Photographers will be able to shoot portraits, events and action from as far as 164 feet (50 meters). All Octodome 3 softbox models carry a six-year warranty. The large is typically priced less than $450, the medium less than $375 and the small less than $250. Kits cost from just more than $1,000 to approximately $1,750.

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