the wish list question- light modifier or filter?

So I have a few softboxes and modifiers

28x42 (with grids), 30x48, 9x36 (with grids) 25x25, 21.5x21.5, Elinc midi octa (53").

What I don't have is a longer strip box- like a 12x54 or 14x63. I think I want the longer size to do more full length work and I'm sure the 9x36 I have won't cut it. And, the strip should have grids; not all of them offer a grid set. Amvona no longer sells the strip boxes

Or- should I get a CPL or ND filter for my 70-200 lens? The CPL must also fit my 24-70, so I need a step ring also.

these are the 2 strips on my list:

14x63 with $25 optional grids

12x52 with grids

The first stripbox is incredible value - get a couple of them for full length.

I have large strip boxes on my short list of things to get. I'd be curious to hear your experience with those inexpensive ebay strips if you get them. I'm fairly sure that with that low price comes cheap build and materials.

I'm not looking to spend more than necessary but I'm hesitant to try those cheap items on ebay.

I've been looking at some large strips for full length and edge lighting but haven't made up my mind as to what to get.

Hermes wrote in post #8239633
The first stripbox is incredible value - get a couple of them for full length.

as in stacking vertically, or use on both sides of the subject?

Robert, I may just get the 14x63 to play with. I'm sure the quality isn't top notch, but at that price, if it wears out in 5 yrs, so what?

hawk911 wrote in post #8239925
as in stacking vertically, or use on both sides of the subject?

Robert, I may just get the 14x63 to play with. I'm sure the quality isn't top notch, but at that price, if it wears out in 5 yrs, so what?

I'm with you on that but usually products with poor build and shoddy materials show that weakness WAYYYYYY before 5 years.

I've gotten a lot of cheap junk that had seams and poor stitching show up in the first month.

I'm not trying to be a harsh pessimist and for all I know that stuff could turn out to be a great find. I'm just a bit leery.

My guess is these and the Amvona's are made in the same Chinese factory. From the pics they look identical to my Amvona strip box.
I've been toying with getting some of these also.

TMR Design wrote in post #8239953
I'm with you on that but usually products with poor build and shoddy materials show that weakness WAYYYYYY before 5 years.

I've gotten a lot of cheap junk that had seams and poor stitching show up in the first month.

I'm not trying to be a harsh pessimist and for all I know that stuff could turn out to be a great find. I'm just a bit leery.

The only softboxes I've ever had rip or peel were made by Elinchrom and they definitely weren't cheap

hawk911 wrote in post #8239925
as in stacking vertically, or use on both sides of the subject?

Robert, I may just get the 14x63 to play with. I'm sure the quality isn't top notch, but at that price, if it wears out in 5 yrs, so what?

You can use one as key one as fill, one as key one as accent, both as accent and something else as key, they are incredibly versatile.

Randy, Amvona quit selling these on their site- no strips on the site anywhere.

Go back and read my reply again, never said nuttin about Amvona selling them anymore. I'm just saying these and the Amvona's are probably made in the same Chinese factory. They look identical. So get some and be happy.

shooterman wrote in post #8240054
Go back and read my reply again, never said nuttin about Amvona selling them anymore. I'm just saying these and the Amvona's are probably made in the same Chinese factory. They look identical. So get some and be happy.

I know that, dude Just saying Amvona has cut way back on the softbox selection!!!

hawk911 wrote in post #8240064
I know that, dude Just saying Amvona has cut way back on the softbox selection!!!

I know that too dude!