cheap ebay octo

I'm sorry that whole video lost me when he said it would save you money.

No, it doesn't save you money, it does save you time, which technically can mean money.. Sorta.

But every modifier you buy is gonna come with a speedring, IF, you change lighting systems you will need to buy new inserts but those inserts can be used with the pre-existing speedring Anyways. Buying 7 bowen speedrings is gonna cost you, and is in no way going to save you money on its own.


That being said.... the speedring is great, i don't use it too often as most of my stuff just stays assembled, but if i had more of them i would probably disassemble my stuff and save a ton of space.

I think he was referring to saving money as opposed to buying the OEM paul c buff octabox which is $169.99 for the octabox itself which doesn't include the grid (another $54.95) and also doesn't factor in the cost of shipping.

so:
PCB 47" Octa: $170 + $55 (grid) + $18 in shipping = $243 locked into PCB system
vs.
Ebay Octa: $96 + $40 (bowens ring) + $8 in shipping = $144 not locked into any system since speed rings are only $12.99 + shipping

as you pointed out in your review: the ebay octa has a tendency to exhibit a strong magenta cast. I know that the PCB octa will also affect the color temperature as well, but as to the color cast; that I am not sure.

c2thew wrote in post #12695999
I've been debating about checking out the 150cm ebay octa vs the 47" PCB octa. The quick setup time on the PCB octa is super appealing, but for the price of the softbox and the grid from PCB, you could practically pick up 2 150cm octas.

anyone try both the 47" version and the ebay octa?

I bought the 60" Visico but was shipped the 47" by mistake. I debated keeping the 47" but in the end sent it back and got the 60" instead. I'm not sure if that was the best choice as the 48" may have got used more since I don't have a lot of room and the 60" takes up more volume compared to the 48". That is not to say the 47" was small either, just that it may have been better for the space (and height) I have to work with. Construction on both is very good.

If you are in the USA (I'm not) and don't care to get the egg crate option then look at Amazon http://www.amazon.com …with+Speedring+​&x=13&y=22. For about $55 for the 60". $38 for the 48" http://www.amazon.com …5Cc+48%22+with+​Speedring+ Dirt cheap.

I have a 120cm Visico that looks identical to this, so I will base it on my own. Build quality seems fairly decent, light colour from mine seems good, maybe a little orange but that's what custom white balance is for. As mentioned above, some modification to hold the rods in place makes life much easier. All in all worth the money IMHO.

As for the Bowens quickring, looks cool but the presenter's "20-30 mins" for assembly the traditional way seems a bit much. I've never taken more than a minute and that's on a 4 footer. Not worth the cash to me.

It seems that the bowens quickring allows you to leave both your inner and outer baffles attached when you disassemble the speedring so all you really need to do is assemble the softbox is to thread the quickring and the softbox should snap into position.... I would say in under 60 seconds. But that is just my observation.

i've taken 15 mins for the 200cm octa with the normal speedring...

Its large and you also need alot of space, and to sorta lean over it... if you're short? well hop in...Like Literally. If i had to take it down often, the quick ring would be a no brainer. But since thats not an option for me at the moment, i'm stuck leaving it assembled.

I'm not sure what kind of tension the quick ring can handle though... Would be pretty damn hilarious if it snapped in the middle of a close up on the 200cm and it just 'ate' the model! I'd be laughing if they weren't hurt... t'ill i'd see the damage on my light at least... But it'd be a worthy story :P

It would take a lot more tension then what the 200cm can produce to snap the 1/4" pin that holds the hing in place.

Now that i think about it, even if it snapped there shouldnt be any damage to the light as the insert is metal and solid and would prevent any damage other then maybe the modelling light being broken if it reaches far enough....

I unno 1/4pins can break too...

are those compatible with speedlights?

^ Are you talking about Hot-Shoe speedlights ? I presume you are.

You can use anything with a speedlight, you're just gonna need the right adapters or grip gear to set it up.

Btw, talking about long set-up times :

http://fstoppers.com …rs-for-sports-illustrated

Chimera 10'x30' : 7 Hour set-up with was it 3 or 4 ? 4 people including someone who set them up before.

Csae wrote in post #12723156
^ Are you talking about Hot-Shoe speedlights ? I presume you are.

You can use anything with a speedlight, you're just gonna need the right adapters or grip gear to set it up.

Btw, talking about long set-up times :

http://fstoppers.com …rs-for-sports-illustrated

Chimera 10'x30' : 7 Hour set-up with was it 3 or 4 ? 4 people including someone who set them up before.

yes i was, sorry i didnt mentioned it. thank you sir.