Westcott Apollo JS Softbox with Recessed Front for Flash Only - 50x50" (127x127cm)
The Westcott Apollo JS is a softbox based on an umbrella frame. It needs no speed ring to attach it to a flash head. Simply open it, and slide the shaft into the umbrella receptor on the flash head. A lightweight reflector plate may be purchased separately to produce indirect lighting.
- Designed by distinguished lecturer and Westcott technical advisor James Schmelzer. Center shaft measures 3/8". Mounts easily to most studio flash heads.
- Provides 104° of light spread.
| Size | 50 x 50" (127 x 127 cm) |
| Shape | Square |
| Compatibility | Flash only |
| Removable Face | Yes |
| Removable Baffle | No |
| Accepts Grids | Yes |
| Required Speed Ring | No |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 79 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
96%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Durable (29)
- Attach securely (23)
- Good color value (19)
- Easy to use (11)
- Good power output (10)
Cons
- Flimsy (7)
Best Uses
- Indoors (51)
- General purpose (30)
- Low light (24)
- Outdoors (22)
- Night time (18)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro photographer (23), Semi-pro photographer (18), Photo enthusiast (12), Professional (10), Semi-professional (8)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (30)
Most Liked Positive Review
Super versatile but quirky
I use the 50" Apollo regularly for location shooting with a studio strobe but have used it with my speedlights on occasion.
Likes:
1) Collapses like an umbrella so...Read complete review
I use the 50" Apollo regularly for location shooting with a studio strobe but have used it with my speedlights on occasion.
Likes:
1) Collapses like an umbrella so it travels easy and sets up super quick.
2) You can use this with any kind of light: strobes, power packs, speedlights, etc.
2) Provides great light. The price is right for what it is.
Dislikes:
1) Should come with at least a cardboard tube for storage. You'll need to find one- try a mailing store- otherwise you're going to break it if you travel with it.
2) If you use it hard (set up and tear down daily) the zippers will eventually blow. You can keep using it but I'm just sayin'. Wish it were a little more rugged but for the price I'm not complaining. If you keep it set up in your studio it will last forever.
3) There is very little ability to tilt the box up or down. 95% of the time I use it on a boom or with an assistant had holding it on a pole- both of which work fine.
NOTE: You should understand that you need to tear away the velcro front of the box to adjust the power of your light. Don't freak out. You'll get really fast at this after a while. While it is a bit of a pain that's the trade off you make to get a softbox you can use with any kind of light. (strobe, speedlight, flor, etc.)
You'll also need a cold-shoe fitting for a light stand to hold your strobe. They cost around $15.
Overall a highly versatile piece of gear for the price. Treat it gentle and work with its quirks and you'll be digging it.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Good but there are some limitations
I bought this for speedlight portraits on location. The size of this softbox attracted me so I could light more than headshots like my smaller modifiers.
The real killer for me i...Read complete review
I bought this for speedlight portraits on location. The size of this softbox attracted me so I could light more than headshots like my smaller modifiers.
The real killer for me is the very limited down-angle you have with this softbox. It is fine if you want to fire parallel to the ground or even slightly upward. The tripod enters the box through a zippered opening on the bottom side. The downward angle is limited to the tripod hitting the end of the zipper. This is a problem if you care about catchlight location in the subject's eye.
It is constructed well, opens like and umbrella and easy to put up and take down. Too bad there is no case available because this is not a cheap tool. I contacted Westcott about purchasing a cover or carrier and they told me to purchase a shipping tube.
Light quality seems o.k. after a few sessions. I am not disappointed or thrilled but I am still experimenting with power and placement.
Reviewed by 79 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Easy To Use
- Reliable
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Portraits
- Traveling
Comments about Westcott Apollo JS Softbox with Recessed Front for Flash Only - 50x50" (127x127cm):
This 50 inch soft box is great for on location sessions. The umbrella setup is easy to assemble and convenient for carrying and storage. I would recommend this product to any photographer who uses and umbrella or soft box for on location shoots. Also a plus for group sessions.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Location Photography
- Portraits
- Studio
Comments about Westcott Apollo JS Softbox with Recessed Front for Flash Only - 50x50" (127x127cm):
After you have seen results that this softbox produces with a good flash, SB 800/900/910,you will then realize to maximize the potential of your speed lights this is a must have for a serious photographer.
I have used 60 inch umbrellas,etc,but this produces a quality light.
Some might consider the cost prohibitive but in comparison to other softboxes which require additional adapters to mount the flash,this is in fact better value.
It's size is also fine for outdoor use on calm days,and obviously for studio work. The light produced is 'big' and even and makes your flash all that it can be.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Portraits
- Traveling
Comments about Westcott Apollo JS Softbox with Recessed Front for Flash Only - 50x50" (127x127cm):
Easy set up. Great if you do alot of on location work!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Long-Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors
- Portraits
Comments about Westcott Apollo JS Softbox with Recessed Front for Flash Only - 50x50" (127x127cm):
This softbox is worth every penny! I originally purchased the Paul C Bluff 40x60 softbox because I was too cheap to spend the extra money on the westcott. And immediately regretted the decision. The apollo's light is softer, and much easier to wrap the light around the subject. I photograph primarily newborns, and this gives me perfect, soft dreamy lighting that looks just like natural light.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Securely
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Portraits
- Special Events
Comments about Westcott Apollo JS Softbox with Recessed Front for Flash Only - 50x50" (127x127cm):
I think everyone should own one, it is a big soft light and it does wonders
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Securely
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Long-Lasting
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Portraits
Comments about Westcott Apollo JS Softbox with Recessed Front for Flash Only - 50x50" (127x127cm):
LOVE this softbox! It gives me a soft natural light type lighting. Perfect for all the newborns and children I photograph, but also beautiful for other portraits alike. It's BIG, so may not be ideal for a smaller set up.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Powerful
Cons
- Limited use outdoors
Best Uses
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
Comments about Westcott Apollo JS Softbox with Recessed Front for Flash Only - 50x50" (127x127cm):
I use this to shoot kids, babies and newborns with a studio set-up (seamless paper or backdrops). I use my 580 EXII flash pointed toward the back of the umbrella to reflect and create a window-like soft light. It requires no speed-ring and sets up like an umbrella. It is very easy to use. Yes, you have to open the flap to adjust the light, but it doesn't really bother me. This is very big. Taking it outdoors could be tricky if there was any wind at all. Overall, a great product that has increased my versatility as a photographer. As an on-location photographer, I am no longer afraid to shoot indoors.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Special Events
Comments about Westcott Apollo JS Softbox with Recessed Front for Flash Only - 50x50" (127x127cm):
This softbox emulates beautiful window light. It's just much more portable than a house. It is quick to setup and takedown, and I love the consistency of light which it outputs.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Light
Cons
- Diffuser panel to big
- Flimsy
- Poor velcro
Best Uses
- Indoors
Comments about Westcott Apollo JS Softbox with Recessed Front for Flash Only - 50x50" (127x127cm):
I use this for newborn photography with a b400. I like the size and simple set up. I find the velcro a little flimsy and would prefer if it had a case to put it in once it was taken down (even a strap around it would make it easier to keep closed). The "umbrella" bar in the center is a bit too long and pushes against my diffusor, but with the loose velco its not too tight. I do wish it was a little tighter. Overall, it provides nice, smooth light. There is just some construction things that could be better.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Color Value
Cons
- Flimsy
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Westcott Apollo JS Softbox with Recessed Front for Flash Only - 50x50" (127x127cm):
Used this softbox with an Alien Bee 800 with much success. Very even soft light. Setup is easy so it's great for travel. I keep mine in a large plastic poster tube. Seems a little delicate though. And adjusting the light requires removing the white fabric.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Good Color Value
- Long-Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Outdoors
Comments about Westcott Apollo JS Softbox with Recessed Front for Flash Only - 50x50" (127x127cm):
This softbox came highly recommended. After reading a lot of reviews and viewing other photographers work I finally purchased this. The light that comes out of this beast is amazing.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors
Comments about Westcott Apollo JS Softbox with Recessed Front for Flash Only - 50x50" (127x127cm):
Easy to use and folds up out of the way and I can use it with small flash.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Westcott Apollo JS Softbox with Recessed Front for Flash Only - 50x50" (127x127cm):
This is so easy to carry and use that Im annoyed I didn't get one sooner.
The results for photos are just what I was after - and is perfect for use with my Canon 580 EX ii.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Good Color Value
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
Comments about Westcott Apollo JS Softbox with Recessed Front for Flash Only - 50x50" (127x127cm):
It has taken me a couple of years to get this modifier. I can say it was worth the weight.
I love that I can use it with my small flashes as well as my studio strobes. It's a VERY fast setup, and more importantly (to me) a fast take down. It's beautiful soft light very similar to window lighting!
The only thing I don't like is the inability to tilt it as much as I would like sometimes. I don't consider it a design flaw as much as something sacrificed for the other great qualities. That's why God made booms....;)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Long-Lasting
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
Comments about Westcott Apollo JS Softbox with Recessed Front for Flash Only - 50x50" (127x127cm):
Love this softbox! Works great and is versatile. Only downside to this is that there is no good way to store it and there is no strap or anything to keep it together like an umbrella when not in use. Easy to overcome, but still would be nice!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Easy setup
- Nice and big
Cons
- Quality of materials used
Best Uses
- Outdoors
- Special Events
- Studio
Comments about Westcott Apollo JS Softbox with Recessed Front for Flash Only - 50x50" (127x127cm):
First thing you notice when you open the box is it's massive size. The build quality might be slightly lacking, but it's not a bad quality either. For example, the umbrella "rod" of the softbox is cast, and at least on my product I got, it looked like it hadn't been cut off, but broken off. However it does not affect the performance of shooting. The lacking qualities of it are purely aesthetic.
More importantly, the performance... Produces such a brilliant soft light, very even light compared to a traditional "bulb face out" softbox. Light is very even, and you can feather it nightly with the recessed front.
I would recommend it to others who are looking for a softbox of it's size. It took me a couple minutes to set it up for the first time, but Im getting much much faster setting it up. No more trying to bend rods into the speedrings!
It will be good to have a nice and sturdy lightstand, or a boom arm if you want to be able to get more angles out of the softbox due to it's design.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Apollo JS Softbox with Recessed Front for Flash Only - 50x50" (127x127cm):
I love this softbox. It's HUGE. It gives a nice wrap around light.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Apollo JS Softbox with Recessed Front for Flash Only - 50x50" (127x127cm):
Great portable softbox, love how it folds away like a umbrella. Lights up a good number of people, and fantastic for full body shots.
Only negitive is that the design restricts you from tilting the softbox on a light stand. You will need a boom if you plan to do any sort of tilt action.
Overall awesome modifyer for the pice.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy Carry
Cons
Best Uses
- Outdoors
Comments about Westcott Apollo JS Softbox with Recessed Front for Flash Only - 50x50" (127x127cm):
I do a lot of outside photo shoots, and it's very handy to carry it with you.
The most thing I liked about it is, that it closes like an umbrella, the stand goes through it and and not at the back and you can use it even with a studio light I guess although I haven't tried it.
I love it, but living in a European country, I had to pay a large some of money in taxes.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy to set up
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Outdoors
Comments about Westcott Apollo JS Softbox with Recessed Front for Flash Only - 50x50" (127x127cm):
I do alot of location photography and this works great with both my alien bees for in studio and my speedlights. It is so easy to set up and use. The only thing it' missing is a velcrod strap to hold it closed like an umbrella.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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