Photoflex OctoDome3 Softbox, Medium - 5' (1.5 m) Diameter

Comments about Photoflex OctoDome3 Softbox, Medium - 5' (1.5 m) Diameter:

So difficult to setup, that I bent most of the rods, and was told by customer service that replacement rods are $10 each.

I had read the included instructions thoroughly, which coincidently are completely different from the online instructions on the Photoflex website.

I'm very well aware of the velco flaps that relieve tension. That wasn't the problem.

The included instructions have images that don't match the text; specifically image #5 shows the Octodome with all the Velcro flaps closed before all the rods are inserted, which doesn't coincide with the text. Very confusing.

The included instructions also say to keep 2 Velcro flaps closed the entire time, which makes it practically impossible to insert all the rods (hence bending most of them).

The online instructions are also wrong, in that following them exactly also makes it extremely difficult to put together.

The best way I've found to put together is this:
1) Keep all Velcro flaps unfastened.
2) Insert 4 rods into the connector, forming a cross.
3) Close the Velcro flaps for those 4 rods. This will cause the Octodome to form its proper shape.
4) Insert the remaining 4 rods. To insert these rods into the connector, you'll have to lay the Octodome on it's face, then press down on connector to get the angle right for inserting the rod (not easy, but easier than the other instructions). Close the remaining Velcro flaps.

Very frustrating.

Comments about Photoflex OctoDome3 Softbox, Medium - 5' (1.5 m) Diameter:

Here is something that works, and at the same time gives you a little more than it's competitors at a reasonable cost. Considering the Profoto 5'octabox is almost 3x as expensive with not much difference in light quality, I'm pretty happy with my choice. I've used both in several fashion shoots. Great wraparound light with space for grids. Set up is same as others. You get used to it, and it's not that hard. Fabric isn't as hearty as the Profoto, but how much do you really beat up a softbox? Great value here.

Comments about Photoflex OctoDome3 Softbox, Medium - 5' (1.5 m) Diameter:

the 5' diameter really covers a person or a group of people, wraps around the person easily because of its circular shape, also the reflection in the eyes are natural. the softness of this 5' really beats the 3'. easy to assemble and fit, 5' doesnt mean 5' depth. Nice to have and will fit in anywhere almost..

Comments about Photoflex OctoDome3 Softbox, Medium - 5' (1.5 m) Diameter:

beatiful ligth, very easy to use, amazing size

Comments about Photoflex OctoDome3 Softbox, Medium - 5' (1.5 m) Diameter:

This is the easiest soft box to put together i have used i have every size soft box from 12x16 through 4x6 and they are all more trouble to set up than the 5' octodome,very satisfied with this product.Very creamy light on subject.

Comments about Photoflex OctoDome3 Softbox, Medium - 5' (1.5 m) Diameter:

Setup is easy and intuitive, and the quality of light is exactly what I wanted.

Comments about Photoflex OctoDome3 Softbox, Medium - 5' (1.5 m) Diameter:

The quality is present. The physical beauty bragging rights are present. The space to set up in home is lacking on my part. This thing has some size, even though I knew what size I was purchasing. But to have it in person and to see its actual size in setup mode demands a "Wow." It does what it's supposed to do, especially with the included diffusers.

Comments about Photoflex OctoDome3 Softbox, Medium - 5' (1.5 m) Diameter:

Purchased this softbox to use with my Einstein strobe...works great. It was very tough to put together the first time, but I left it set up for a few days to allow it to stretch out a bit. It is very easy to assemble now.

My only complaint is getting it to fit back into the bag...obviously if you have a permanent studio opposed to a portable one, this will not be an issue.

Comments about Photoflex OctoDome3 Softbox, Medium - 5' (1.5 m) Diameter:

Easy to assemble, huge soft light source that wraps around the subject.

Comments about Photoflex OctoDome3 Softbox, Medium - 5' (1.5 m) Diameter:

I use this in my studio. I have 11' ceilings, and that height works fine. I shoot full body with this one light and just love the results. Put a 8' white foam core on the fill side close to subject, and you get a bright, lush fill; or enjoy the shadows-- it gives great contrast and soft wrap on the shadows. I use mine with an AB1600 (Alie Bees); at about 5' from the subject at lowest setting it's f/4, at highest at 8 ft from model it's f/14; would be lower with an AB800, of course. So whether you want a bright, evenly lit subject, or just want to use it for fill or darker lighting, this is just super. I've shot on white seamless and fashion gray, and love the results I get with just this one light. fyi, my husband set it up, so I can't comment on setup or take down; I plan to leave it set up in the studio. I did move it through a doorway and the shallow depth was perfect and an easy transport. I'm only 5'2", and I expected the 5'diameter of this to be a challenge for me, but it's not at all.

Comments about Photoflex OctoDome3 Softbox, Medium - 5' (1.5 m) Diameter:

very thin and lightweight. Great alternative to the profoto line of boxes.

Comments about Photoflex OctoDome3 Softbox, Medium - 5' (1.5 m) Diameter:

If you are looking for a versatile professional softbox for a good value then this Photoflex Octodome is for you. Perfect soft light for portraits, glamour or fashion. If you want hard light simply remove the front diffuser/inner baffles. Your choices of the 4 gold, silver, sun-silver and white panels. Tip: to get the sun-silver use a zig zag combo of gold and silver panels. Very lightweight and *fits* into a handy cool looking Photoflex black nylon softcase. Produces creamy colors on skin tones. Photoflex softbox comes in 3', 5' and 7' sizes. At first set-up time may set you back about 15mins, after practice I have it down in only 3 mins fast set-up time ! I used the 5' and it is huge, easily lights up a group of about 5 people! Beautiful natural round catchlights in eyes from this octobox!

*This is my only complaint, the softbox barely fits into the softcase and it takes practice to get the whole thing in the case. IMO they need a bigger case. You have to *stuff* the softbox in the case. Also don't forget the SPEEDRING this softbox doesn't include a speedring.

Comments about Photoflex OctoDome3 Softbox, Medium - 5' (1.5 m) Diameter:

If you are looking for a versatile professional softbox for a good value then this Photoflex Octodome is for you. Perfect soft light for portraits, glamour or fashion. If you want hard light simply remove the inner baffles. Your choices of the 4 gold, silver, sun-silver and white panels. Tip: to get the sun-silver use a zig zag combo of gold and silver panels. Very lightweight and *fits* into a handy cool looking Photoflex black nylon softcase. Produces creamy colors on skin tones. Photoflex softbox comes in 3', 5' and 7' sizes. At first set-up time may set you back about 15mins, after practice I have it down in only 3 mins fast set-up time ! I used the 5' and it is huge, easily lights up a group of about 5 people! Beautiful natural round catchlights in eyes from this octobox!

*This is my only complaint, the softbox barely fits into the softcase and it takes practice to get the whole thing in the case. IMO they need a bigger case. You have to *stuff* the softbox in the case.

WARNING: This softbox DOES NOT come with a speedring for your strobe light!!! Be sure you order a SPEEDRING for your strobe light if you don't already have one. You will not be able to use this softbox WITHOUT A SPEEDRING.

Comments about Photoflex OctoDome3 Softbox, Medium - 5' (1.5 m) Diameter:

Great for studio, large or small. Produces great-looking light.

Comments about Photoflex OctoDome3 Softbox, Medium - 5' (1.5 m) Diameter:

I've been using Photoflex products since 2002, and prior to purchasing my 5' Octodome, I was very happy with my Medium Silverdome NXT as well as my two Small Cinedome softboxes from Photoflex. The products were priced well, held up well to vigorous use on location, and did exactly what I needed them to do when lighting everything from interviews to music videos to indie features.

I was quite disappointed, then, when the 5' Octodome didn't live up to the same positive Photoflex track record. The unit is very difficult to set up, but once you get the hang of it, the unit performs nicely. The problems arise when the poor build quality begins to compromise the unit's usability.

The third shoot I used the unit on, one of the rods snapped while I was fighting to insert it into the speed ring (remember: hard to set up). Photoflex promptly sent me a replacement rod at no charge, but the rod they sent me was different than the rods that originally came with the unit (more flexible and made from a different material), meaning that the Octodome didn't sit "level" in the speed ring when using the replacement rod.

By the tenth or so location shoot I'd used this on, the Velcro tabs that hold the ends of the rods into the Octabank (the same ones you flip open to take the tension off the rods when tearing the unit down) began to develop holes, and the rods began to penetrate through the tabs while fighting to set up the unit (remember: hard to set up). Without these tabs, the unit cannot stay assembled under tension. I managed to cobble together a quick fix on location with additional pieces of Velcro to patch the holes and hold the rods in place.

Another issue is the way the rods are held into their pockets within the skin of the unit. It is very easy for the rods to come out of their pockets at the bottom of the unit (at the doomed Velcro tabs) during transport. If you forget to check all 8 rods before you begin inserting them into the speed ring, and a rod is not in its pocket, it is very likely that you will stab through the front diffusion baffle (as I did) as you begin to add tension.

Ask anyone I work with, and they'll tell you that I baby my gear, and I'm very meticulous when it comes to transporting and storing things safely. If I had this many issues with this unit, I can imagine the nightmares someone might have who's less careful.

I'll be looking for a replacement unit from Chimera in the coming weeks.

Comments about Photoflex OctoDome3 Softbox, Medium - 5' (1.5 m) Diameter:

Easy to set, nice removable gold and silver textures, a very good lighting tool, I use it with Bowens lighting strobes and it works beautifully. Light on the subject is very beautiful, great for fashion work which is what I do. I would certainly recommend it!

Comments about Photoflex OctoDome3 Softbox, Medium - 5' (1.5 m) Diameter:

I use this pup outside with an Alien Bee for family photos or other situations where a nice soft fill in light is needed. It is big and a pain because of its size, but does the job.

Comments about Photoflex OctoDome3 Softbox, Medium - 5' (1.5 m) Diameter:

I've used this on location several time and it works very well. Easy to set up and take down and it's very shallow so when set up it doesn't take up much space. So far I've only used as a fill light and it does that well.

Comments about Photoflex OctoDome3 Softbox, Medium - 5' (1.5 m) Diameter:

I have found the Octodome 3 to be easy to assemble (after reading the instruction)and easy to handle while attaching it to my flash unit. It is well constructed and gives a nice soft light. I perfered not to attach the optional gold and silver lining because I like the softer light a white lining produces. I love this product and would highly recommend it.

Comments about Photoflex OctoDome3 Softbox, Medium - 5' (1.5 m) Diameter:

I own both the 3' and now the 5' versions. The 3' is perfect for quick location set-ups. I leave the 5' unit in the studio that has 12' ceilings. The light this unit produces with my Dynalites is not to be believed! Used in close, just out of the camera's view, portraits have a "glow" that I was not able to achieve before! Great catchlights in the eyes! I haven't been disappointed with any Photoflex product...ever! And I have extensive experience with them!