I wish to share my experience because prior to buying my lighting system I did a little research and I found many good things written about the actual Alien Bees lights but many negative reviews about the Alien Bees accessories. Again, my thoughts are non-technical and are just thoughts, not tested in any way. I am not a full time photographer, just a regular guy who has taken a couple of basic courses in photography many, many, many years ago in college and enjoyed photography for many years. I am now entering a new stage of photography using multiple strobes. I don’t work for any photographic related company. With that said, take everything with a grain salt.
The shipping box is a long square box. A black nylon bag with a cord around the opening is provided. Once the softbox is removed from the nylon bag, it starts to expand. The softbox shell is already fitted and the frame is already attached to the speed ring. With the speed ring positioned on the floor, the softbox basically falls into place. A small round piece of metal is attached to the support arms and sits in the center. Pushing this round metal piece down to a connecting metal post, which is connected to the speed ring, will expand the box to its’ full size. Once the round metal piece on the metal post, it is locked by securing a knob screw, very easy. An internal baffle is provided and again, it is very easy to attach with just four snaps. That leaves the diffusion panel. This is lined with Velcro, as is the softbox. This fits perfect and attaches very easily. I had my light tilted up and the fit onto the light was smooth, quick and easy. Breaking it down seems to be even easier. Again, this is non-technical so I can’t provide any data regarding impact of the internal baffle.
After opening the package and setting this up in what seemed like a minute but was probably three, I must say that this is SO easy to use. My experience with softboxes is very limited. I have a friend that has let me borrow his equipment and I used his softbox only once because it was a royal pain to put together. The Alienbee Foldable Softbox 32 x 40 is as easy as one, two, three. Please note that this is the FOLDABLE softbox, they also sell a standard softbox which I have read is a little more involved. The foldable was twenty bucks more and I think well worth it. Overall, it feels solid when put together. Hope to post some results in the near future.
