Westcott 43" Apollo Orb

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb:

I bought this Orb for fashion shoots and portraits. It gives great, soft light and is easy to set up.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb:

I use this on location for 1-2 people.

I like the portability of the product but I find it extremely challenging to access the flash especially when the grid is on. I also think the product is too flimsy for outdoor work.

I'll probably sell this to buy the rapid box. Easier to access the flash and build is much more improved.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb:

Took this modifier to the beach for a client project. For the 1 hour that we used, it produced great lighting results. The arms BENT in the wind after an hour of use.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb:

Nice side softbox and decent quality. Folds easily like an umbrella. The retainer cap popped off when I first opened it, but it went right back on and has been okay since.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb:

I use this light modifier as a main light source. It is easy to set up and east to use and produces soft beautiful light.

The only two draw backs are the size of it once it is collapsed down and if you are not using the flex series of pocket wizards, you have to reach inside of it to adjust the power levels.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb:

I have only had the Apollo Orb for a short time but I'm loving it. Great size and quality of light. Some have been negative on its build quality but I would say its on par with other umbrella style light modifiers. I'll see how it hold up over time but as of now I would definitely buy this again.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb:

The Orb is a great idea which fold easily and can be deployed quickly but the poor build quality ruins the concept. While the outer material is well made the rids, pole and inside is simply junk. About what you would expect from a $2 street umbrella that is build to last one rain. The first time I used the orb the pole bent from the weight of the orb alone and when I tried to close it the pole broke off where it had bent due to the cheap metal. Waste of time and money until they build it better.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb:

Nice big, soft light source. I use this with the Canon 600EX-RT. It is easy to put up and take down. I can see how it is a little more fragile because it is built on an umbrella frame. I've only had this a few weeks, so only time will tell if it holds up.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb:

I'm currently only using it indoors at the moment. It provides really beautiful light and when you add the grid it's really an awesome single light source for up to three quarter length shots. It won't do full body, so go bigger or suppliment light sources if that's what you need. The only thing that I sense may be a bit of a downfall is the build quality. It does feel a tad bit flimsy, so baby it when you're in the field (sandbag the heck out of it or delegate an assitant to it full time).

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb:

Works exactly as it should, although I'm not certain the speedlight shoots dead center (but that could be operator error).

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb:

I use the Apollo for portrait shoots, engagement and bridal sessions. I love it. I use it in conjunction with a twin flash bracket to really get power I need. The quality of light comes out this thing is great. My only complaint is that I thought the overall construction of the umbrella system would have been a bit more sturdy (thicker gauge metal). But all in all a great product.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb:

I will keep it simple.

Beautiful Light from this modifier but its to delicate and fragile. Fell down once and the rods bent, soon will snap. Reminds me of those cheap umbrellas you buy when the rain catches you by surprise.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb:

This sucker is a lot bigger than I imagined but that's a good thing. A big light source close to my subject creates the softest most beautiful light. I also light the octagonal catch light created in the eyes. Collapses down like a normal umbrella which is great. However, prepare to sand bag the heck out of your light stand when using it outside.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb:

it gives a nice circle look on the subjects eyes. the down fall is that if you shoot out side and the wind blows on it may fall and damage. its good to have someone hold it for you while you shoot.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb:

This is designed for location photography using speedlites. Unfortunately, one of the metal frame ribs bent the first time it was used. If it wasn't such a hassle to return from Australia, it would have been sent back immediately. After a year of repairing bent and snapped ribs, it's time to throw it away. In 25 years of professional photography, this is one of the worst products I have used. It worked OK and gave good results, however it really needs stronger ribs to be useful and durable.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb:

Portraiture and small product

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb:

I really like the light this Apollo produces - soft, even wraparound.
It has become my go to keylight for interviews, makes anyone look good and the round reflection in the subjects eyes is much nicer than square softboxes.
Using a Tota light so it doesn't need any additional speed rings or clamps.
My only concern is that it doesn't feel very robust (especially compared to some of the other softboxes I have) I hope it is up to life on the road.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb:

The light is very directional and so beautifull that i was really a surprise ( this is not a wrap around light , I use this ombrella with Quantum Trio and Lumidyne Head open bulb facing silk , My opinion if you use it with a canon flash make sure that you diffuse the head of that flash .

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb:

Works well for what I wanted. Something that would work well with both a speedlite and a strobe. I would give it 5 stars if it had a baffle inside too. Still the light is quite nice and consistent.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb:

I use this for on-location as well as in-studio shoots using a speedlight or two. The light out of this box is awesome. Very easy to set-up and adjust. But you will need either a boom arm or a magic-arm to really get full use out if it. I do wish that it came with a bag, or some sort of tie.