Strip Box - which one?

Looking for a good strip box (probally 2) with grid. Bowens mount. If possible in the $100 range with grid (per box). If not than what would you choose above that?

I can't seem to find anything that seems to get a good rating at under a few hundred dollars.

The Fotodiox EZ-Pro Strip Softbox 12x56" with Speedring for Bowens gets good review on Amazon for $137.45 with grids. However while the softbox seems to be well liked the grids are almost universally hated as they seem to not fit and then rip easiliy.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Jim

jmaher wrote in post #17712889
Looking for a good strip box (probally 2) with grid. Bowens mount. If possible in the $100 range with grid (per box). If not than what would you choose above that?

I can't seem to find anything that seems to get a good rating at under a few hundred dollars.

The Fotodiox EZ-Pro Strip Softbox 12x56" with Speedring for Bowens gets good review on Amazon for $137.45 with grids. However while the softbox seems to be well liked the grids are almost universally hated as they seem to not fit and then rip easiliy.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Jim

I have 2 of those and it's amazing for location work. I don't really need grids for it since I feel the modifier is narrow enough to be controlled.

Grids that includes in the kit to inexpensive softboxes, often have very large and small depth cell, give a minimal effect and can be considered more of a simulation grids or good marketing ploy by the manufacturer. For such grids never indicated any angle light scattering and size of the cell. Do the right grids with small, deep cell technologically difficult, long and expensive.
Do not expect much from such a grid. Treat them as the useless gift

Thanks for the comments but I am still looking for a solution with grids to help control light placement. Any specific suggestions?
Jim

I have a pair of Paul C Buff foldable soft boxes 10x36in.
Two thumbs up.........

Ok, Jim! I can not advertise. Specific suggestions you will find if you click on the link in my signature.

I've got two of the big Ez-Pro's with grids. They work great, deploy easily, and are agreat value. You have to take care when pulling the grids off as they a a little delicate. I also have three of the EzPro octas. I shoot Elinchrom and also have gridded Elinchrom boxes and gridded Photoflex boxes.

I try not to mix the different manufacturers to avoid color issues.

Thanks for all the comments.

The Ez-Pro's sound excellent but the grids sound less so.

I am also looking at the;
Glow Softbox 12 x 36" - III Series
http://www.adorama.com​/FPSB12363.html

Any opinions on the Glow III product? It's very inexpensive but you do need to purchase a speed ring and grid separately.

Jim

Keep in mind that the EzPro grids are very light weight, an advantage in larger boxes.

36" vs 52" .... I like the Fotodiox length because of coverage.

with just a 36"... you can't have a long even light ..like this

I am leaning toward the 12X56 Fotiodox.

Wile searching tonight I also saw that Cheetah Light has a similar option in an 11X56 fold able box at a reasonably similar cost.

Jim

I'm not sure if the Cheetah is umbrella style. The umbrella style of the EzPro makes it so freekin' easy to deploy. I can't say enough good things about the EzPro's.

Ok - thanks again for all the comments.
Ordered a Fotodiox EZ-Pro Strip Softbox 12x56" with grid to try. If I like it I will get another one.

The cheetah grids are very robust.i rip them out of my boxes with one swift pull and no concern over damaging them

jmaher wrote in post #17715244
Ok - thanks again for all the comments.
Ordered a Fotodiox EZ-Pro Strip Softbox 12x56" with grid to try. If I like it I will get another one.

Those are the ones I got, without the grids, for my Elinchroms. I skipped the grids after reading the reviews. Let me know how the grids work for you.

Important note: When popping up the box, be very careful of the spring-loaded catch on the center rod. It's easy to pinch the livin' bejeezus out of your finger - probably your shutter-button finger if you're unlucky like me.

Less important note: Upon initial assembly, put a little bit of all-purpose grease or lubricant on the mating surfaces between the box and the speedring, so the box can be more easily rotated on the strobe head.