Westcott Apollo Softbox with Recessed Front - 28 x 28" (71 x 71 cm)
The Westcott Apollo 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.
The 28" Apollo can be used with flash, fluorescent sources or hot lights up to 500 watts.
- Provides 104° of light spread.
- For use with flash heads.
| Size | 28 x 28" (71 x 71 cm) |
| Shape | Square |
| Compatibility | Flash only |
| Removable Face | Yes |
| Removable Baffle | No |
| Accepts Grids | No |
| Required Speed Ring | No |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 50 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
84%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Attach securely (26)
- Durable (18)
- Good color value (13)
- Long-lasting (12)
- Lightweight (5)
Cons
- Flimsy (6)
- Weak (3)
Best Uses
- General purpose (30)
- Indoors (30)
- Outdoors (26)
- Night time (18)
- Low light (17)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro photographer (21), Semi-pro photographer (17), Photo enthusiast (7)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (30)
Most Liked Positive Review
Like it's ease of use
Although I've not used other soft boxes, I can't compare it to others. I like that it's based on the umbrella frame. It pops open easily without having to build and attach a speedring...Read complete review
Although I've not used other soft boxes, I can't compare it to others. I like that it's based on the umbrella frame. It pops open easily without having to build and attach a speedring like other systems.
The flash is mounted inside and facing the back of the soft box which gives a nice soft light. I believe you loose 1- 1 1/2 stops of light. For the most part, I've been able to use my speedlite at half power with relatively good success and results.
The front baffle uses velcro to close and makes it easy to access your speedlite and make adjustments when necessary.
The bottom opening uses zippers to seal the softbox. Although you can use a standard light stand, you're limited as to how much you can angle down the softbox. I would recommend that you have a boom arm or a light stand that has an extension arm that will allow you to angle the top portion. It'll give you more flexibility in adjusting the angle and positioning.
Overall, I'm very pleased with the quality of the build, ease of setup, portability and quality of light. I would definitely recommend this or the 50" (my next purchase) to anyone doing location shoots. If you're in a studio, the ease of setup may not be an issue.
I don't think you can purchase a better softbox at this price point.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Good starter softbox, not tough enough
This softbox setups easy, and is useful for someone like myself who is just learning to light since it doesn't need a speedring to mount. Its limitations became quickly evident though, when I started...Read complete review
This softbox setups easy, and is useful for someone like myself who is just learning to light since it doesn't need a speedring to mount. Its limitations became quickly evident though, when I started to bring it around or try different angles. Its umbrella like design means it's susceptible to being crushed by its own weight if it falls, which happened to me scarcely a week after getting it. The arms of it don't extend out anymore, so my softbox is no longer square. The inability to angle it is also a hinderance to creative lighting. My recommendation for it would be to use it indoors only, weighted down, or spend the money to get a more durable one with an adjustable bracket if you plan to do more with lighting in the future.
Reviewed by 50 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Difficult To Use
- Not Durable
- Poor Design
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Apollo Softbox with Recessed Front - 28 x 28" (71 x 71 cm):
The good news is that the light quality is fairly good.
For me, this is way overshadowed by the poor, cheap build quality (very flimsy, bends easily, seems like all Westcott products share this trait); lack of adjustability (can't rotate it all without a boom); and price (to put in perspective, an Elinchrom 27" sofbox is $60 more including a speedring, and has none of the issues of the Apollo. Add a boom to the price of the Apollo and it is a wash).
Using this product for a few weeks is actually what prompted me to move away from speedlights and into battery & pack systems like the Elinchrom Quadra. The light quality and ease of use is far superior, and I feel like I am investing in something that will last for years to come instead of disposable softboxes like the Apollo.
For me the Apollo is the worst money I have spend on photo gear this year.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Flimsy
- Pricy
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Home
- Traveling
- Weddings
Comments about Westcott Apollo Softbox with Recessed Front - 28 x 28" (71 x 71 cm):
This is one of the best examples of a portable product for speedlights. My only complaint is that it isn't that sturdy. It is based on an umbrella and bends in the wind or if it gets knocked over. It combines the breakability of an umbrella with the price of a softbox. Not really the ideal combination. It does serve its purpose well as long as you are careful with it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Securely
- Durable
- Good Color Value
- Lightweight
- Long-Lasting
Cons
Best Uses
- Portraits
Comments about Westcott Apollo Softbox with Recessed Front - 28 x 28" (71 x 71 cm):
I am using this in the style of Monte Zucker for portraits and tight group shots.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Manfrotto MA1051BAC light stand
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Westcott Apollo Softbox with Recessed Front - 28 x 28" (71 x 71 cm):
I use it with my Quantum T5dr and it's great! Easy to set up as well!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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Pros
- Attach Securely
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors
Comments about Westcott Apollo Softbox with Recessed Front - 28 x 28" (71 x 71 cm):
I purchased thisa unti for our photo club to use on our White Lighting 5000. This softbox uses the umbrella shaft for mounting, and that is theonly thing we can use on our lights. The box is well built, and just the right size for a small studio.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Good Color Value
- Long-Lasting
- Recessed
Cons
- Can bend-not treated rght
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Westcott Apollo Softbox with Recessed Front - 28 x 28" (71 x 71 cm):
I've seen this product used by other photogs, i.e. Rick Sammon and loved how manageable and ease of use that was demonstrated. I needed a softbox and right there and then knew this was the one. The recessed front allows you to feather the light unlike other softboxes. I used the softbox with a Vivitar 285 mounted on an umbrella mount with a hotshoe, using elinchome receivers to trigger the flash. Worked perfectly. It was easy to mount and insert the umbrella like softbox. The lighting that the softbox produced was amazing. I was also able to adjust the manual knob easily via the fron of the softbox. The only donwside that was brought up to me when I was doing my research on the box was the flexibility of the (umbrella) wires. These can bend if not handle with care. I loved it and would recommend it anytime. I am definitely getting another one in the near future. Thanks.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Apollo Softbox with Recessed Front - 28 x 28" (71 x 71 cm):
Nice soft light. The fact that it's recessed allows feathering the light, giving you great control.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Special Events
Comments about Westcott Apollo Softbox with Recessed Front - 28 x 28" (71 x 71 cm):
Very akward to work with- the umbrella extension is not long enough
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Good Color Value
Cons
Best Uses
- Fine Art
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Westcott Apollo Softbox with Recessed Front - 28 x 28" (71 x 71 cm):
I use the softbox for on location and in studio work. I use it both with a speedlight/wizard setup or my studio lights. One of my favorite tools every time. The umbrella fold is exactly what I wanted. Being 28X28 with a C-stand I never have to rotate a box with a STUPID speedring.
I fear the day I bend a prong, as it is an umbrella. However, it's not nearly the price of a softbox/speedring combination so if it breaks, who cares!
The light is soft, consistent, and directional if need be.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
Cons
- Flimsy
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Westcott Apollo Softbox with Recessed Front - 28 x 28" (71 x 71 cm):
Westcott Apollo 28x28 Softbox is a Awesome product but the third time I using it a Rib Broke in the umbrella type frame.. I feel Westscott should make the frame out of something more Durable than just a double wired umbrella frame.. Maybe the frame can be made out of Plastic Tubing.. it still would be lite weight to carry around on all day shoots and won't be so Flimsy.. Don't get me wrong, I Like the Apollo Alot but it needs to be a little more Durable.. It's time for me to get back out and Shoot.. See Ya..
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Easy to Use
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Westcott Apollo Softbox with Recessed Front - 28 x 28" (71 x 71 cm):
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
- Functional
- inexpensive
Cons
- Does not tilt down
- No Grid for this size
Best Uses
- General Use
- With an arm
Comments about Westcott Apollo Softbox with Recessed Front - 28 x 28" (71 x 71 cm):
This is the best softbox for a photographer on a budget. It's easy to set up and can be used with speedlights or with a strobe, which makes it versatile. Another thing that allow this to softbox to be versatile is that you can either point the flash toward the rear of the box or you can face the flash toward the subject for a slightly different look. I also like to pull the diffusion up and use it like a silver umbrella. The soft box has two problems however. Like others have said you CAN NOT tilt the box down. AT ALL. This may be a deal breaker for most people. I'm not really bothered by this since I have an arm. If you don't have one I recommend you pick one up. It will make using this softbox and any other piece of lighting equipment easier to use. The second problem, and it is more of an annoyance than a problem, is that you must pull up the diffusion material in order to access the controls on your light. If your strobes operate from a power pack then you don't have to worry about this. Everyone else will be pulling open the front of the box to make adjustments. For me this was annoying until I realize that the material doesn't have to be perfectly aligned with the velcro in order to light properly. You can actual open it and just let it fall when you're done so for me this wasn't a big deal. Another minor thing is that Westcott does not make a grid for this size box. I've found a few people online and [...] who make grids this size for $40 or so. What I may do is make my own. If I do I'm sure that I'd be more annoyed at having to open the front to access the flash controls. But, all in all I am very, very happy with my purchase.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Good value
- Portable
Cons
- Limited Motion
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Apollo Softbox with Recessed Front - 28 x 28" (71 x 71 cm):
I used it with a speedlight for portraits of 1-4 people, in addition to the flash on my camera. It was easy to transport and set up. I didn't mind having to open the front panel to make adjustments. Once it was set, it served the purpose well.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors
- Outdoors
Comments about Westcott Apollo Softbox with Recessed Front - 28 x 28" (71 x 71 cm):
A really great buy for the price. I would purchase it again if I have had too. Only thing would of been nice would be able to tilt it evevn more when shooting alone. I might have to go out to buy a boom stand if I want to use it as a Hair light.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Color Value
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Outdoors
Comments about Westcott Apollo Softbox with Recessed Front - 28 x 28" (71 x 71 cm):
Setup is fast and easy. Perfect for one or two people. If I need more light, I use my Apollo 50".
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
Comments about Westcott Apollo Softbox with Recessed Front - 28 x 28" (71 x 71 cm):
this is a very useful softbox, I can use my speedlight and alien bees without the need of speedring. The only reason I gave 4 stars is that the price, I think it's a little bit expensive.
Not easy to attached to lightstand and flash butit's so useful.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Fast
- Long-Lasting
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Outdoors
Comments about Westcott Apollo Softbox with Recessed Front - 28 x 28" (71 x 71 cm):
This soft box is simply on top of eveything...
Why ? Because it's so easy to setup !
30 secs to make it works.
Not more loosing time checking for the right mount placing the speedlight ect... If you have an umbrella you will be able to use this soft box in seconds.
Then it's size it's excellent even for Stand up portraits. Reflector insid eproduce a good smooth light.
Straong material should last for long time i strongly recommend !
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Build quality
- Durable
- Folds umberlla style
- Long-Lasting
- Simple Design
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Off camera flash
- Outdoors
Comments about Westcott Apollo Softbox with Recessed Front - 28 x 28" (71 x 71 cm):
This is the best Softbox for speedlights . Goes up fast and produces a wonderful quality of diffused light . Pro quality build . Folds umberlla style . Just get a good light stand, and your ready to rock-n-roll !! Nothing bad to say about this product . Love it !!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Travel
Comments about Westcott Apollo Softbox with Recessed Front - 28 x 28" (71 x 71 cm):
These softboxes are great for my travel photography. They
are priced right and take less time to set up with no speed
rings.
Love it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Apollo Softbox with Recessed Front - 28 x 28" (71 x 71 cm):
I really like using the Apollo 28" Softbox. After watching Zack Arias on Creative Live I purchased this softbox and it is exactly what I was looking for. Also, it folds up like an umbrella, so it's very easy to take with you on a shoot.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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