Yes Virginia, The Bowens Quick Ring Will Work With An Octabox... and a Strip Box

J Kacey wrote in post #10550750
Since Photoflex boxes have a Quick Release Corner I don't see any reason you would need a quick release ring like this when using Photoflex boxes.... Both features do the same thing by releasing tension on the rods.

Even with the quick release corners, the Photoflex 5' octa used to be a bear to assemble. That was caused by Photoflex electing to supply thick, aluminum rods rather than the more typical slender steel ones. You really needed to have Godzilla thumbs to get the aluminum rods seated under the quick release tabs.

But that was then. Photoflex has recently abandoned the aluminum rods in favor of conventional steel. I've converted my octa to the steel rods and it's now infinitely easier to assemble even without using the Velcro quick release tabs.

And I owe Rob an answer to a question he asked several weeks ago: Yes, the new Photoflex rods work very will with the modified Bowens Quick Ring.

Dave F.

TMR Design wrote in post #10550919
I've always found the quick release corners to be a real time saver and a great design. If you don't like them I would suggest you cozy up with them... lol

If you already had quick ring's that would be great but if you're just trying to get things up in a simple way without spending unnecessary cash then just use a standard speed ring from just about any manufacturer that makes an Elinchrom ring.

No mods, no drilling. Just set up and start shooting. Then use the quick release corners for breakdown. It really is fast and super convenient.

I think we can talk him into giving them another try.....

tetrode wrote in post #10550955
Even with the quick release corners, the Photoflex 5' octa used to be a bear to assemble. That was caused by Photoflex electing to supply thick, aluminum rods rather than the more typical slender steel ones. You really needed to have Godzilla thumbs to get the aluminum rods seated under the quick release tabs.

But that was then. Photoflex has recently abandoned the aluminum rods in favor of conventional steel. I've converted my octa to the steel rods and it's now infinitely easier to assemble even without using the Velcro quick release tabs.

And I owe Rob an answer to a question he asked several weeks ago: Yes, the new Photoflex rods work very will with the modified Bowens Quick Ring.

Dave F.

I have no issue at all with my 7ft Octadome I assume I have the newest rods.

J Kacey wrote in post #10550966
I think we can talk him into giving them another try.....

Which is simpler? This quick release ring or the photoflex release tabs.

I only have 1 speedring for 3 lights, I don't mind replacing 1 speedring.

I only have a medium softbox, and too be honest, I've never shot with it.

I'm looking for new modifiers:
Photoflex octa 7
Photoflex large litedome
Photoflex halfdome

Marloon wrote in post #10551015
Which is simpler? This quick release ring or the photoflex release tabs.

I only have 1 speedring for 3 lights, I don't mind replacing 1 speedring.

I only have a medium softbox, and too be honest, I've never shot with it.

I'm looking for new modifiers:
Photoflex octa 7
Photoflex large litedome
Photoflex halfdome

While you don't need the quick ring, with an Octa it does make things easier. If you're at all budget conscious I would spend that money on other things and not get caught up in the setup and breakdown.

Again, if budget isn't a primary concern then you also might want to look at the multidome softboxes, which have the silver interior instead of white.

TMR Design wrote in post #10551048
Again, if budget isn't a primary concern then you also might want to look at the multidome softboxes, which have the silver interior instead of white.

Actually, they have a white interior with included reversible silver or gold interior panels that can be added.
Great suggestion if you are looking at Photoflex boxes

J Kacey wrote in post #10551103
Actually, they have a white interior with included reversible silver or gold interior panels that can be added.

You are correct Sir!!. With greater versatility comes a higher price tag.

My Visico has those corners but I still like the Quick Ring for the octa because I find it way (waaaaaaaay) easier to set up. When taking down, yes it takes about the same amount of time.

As for my strip, it's about the same setting up and taking down between the corner release and Quick Ring. I know I could have bought a standard speed ring for the strip box but the price for the good ones are about the same as a Quick Ring or way more. The cheap eBay that it came with is really heavy and can't grip the insert for sh*t. It would spin at the slightest touch or when moving the strobe/rig. Imagine a strip box that constantly spins on your strobe. Lol. It's weird how there's a thing that keeps the screw from holding down the insert all the way, no matter how much I tighten it.

I'm not saying a Quick Ring is a must have, but for my use, and I've computed the amount I would need to spend (only the Lastolite and Interfit are cheaper), a Quick Ring and an SP Elinchrom insert is priced decently and a better choice. If I decided to be cheap and save $5-15 and got the Lastolite or Interfit and then find out they're too big for the rods or too small, I would have been screwed. I decided not to risk it and just pick up Quick Rings since Rob, Dave and others have already proven they work for Chinese, eBay and Visico boxes.

Besides, I plan on getting one for each strobe. That way, any future softbox/octa/strip I buy can be set up quickly on each strobe and I can just toss the el cheapo eBay ones they come with in my closet.

TMR Design wrote in post #10551048
While you don't need the quick ring, with an Octa it does make things easier. If you're at all budget conscious I would spend that money on other things and not get caught up in the setup and breakdown.

Again, if budget isn't a primary concern then you also might want to look at the multidome softboxes, which have the silver interior instead of white.

Budget is a concern for me which is why I need to buy the litedome. I wished that they made a octodome that has only a white interior. In ghF way, it'll keep the costs down so users like me can afford them.

Ill keep my medium lightdome as a hairlight, separation light

Marloon wrote in post #10551133
Budget is a concern for me which is why I need to buy the litedome. I wished that they made a octodome that has only a white interior. In ghF way, it'll keep the costs down so users like me can afford them.

Ill keep my medium lightdome as a hairlight, separation light

Sometimes we get really caught up in having the perfect or ideal modifiers and we drive ourselves a bit crazy over that.

Bottom line is that a little knowledge about lighting goes much further than a few hundred dollars for one modifier over the other... within reason, of course.

The 24" x 32" softbox is a great size because it can be used for so many things. With or without a grid it's a great main light for head shots and head and shoulder shots. It can even be feathered for full length in a pinch. With a grid it can be used as a hair, edge or accent light.

A 24" x 32" softbox and a 60" umbrella would even be a great kit.

J Kacey wrote in post #10550987
I have no issue at all with my 7ft Octadome I assume I have the newest rods.

Or Godzilla thumbs.

Dave F.

tetrode wrote in post #10551205
Or Godzilla thumbs.

Dave F.

LOL...

J Kacey wrote in post #10551282
LOL...

Here are the old and new compared, Jerry:

I have to look now and see what I have...
Dave, that was a fast turn around on the product shot.... Dang

So they replaced the aluminum tubes with the same type of rod as they use in all their other boxes.