Westcott 43" Apollo Orb Speedlite Kit

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb Speedlite Kit:

One of the great thing about it is the size.
Unfortunately, Westcott use very cheap materials to made that softbox. I did use that 3 times for some short sessions. There is already few bend or broken umbrella wires, The fabric doesn't hold the center rod anymore.
I can't even say that the I paid what it's worth because the quality and durable is way below that point.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb Speedlite Kit:

This apollo works well for big groups. The plus is that with one single speedlite was able to produce a slodid spread of light!

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb Speedlite Kit:

I use my Apollo Orb for portriats in my studio. I looked into several other softbox products, but found what I wanted and needed with the Orb. I like the round catchlights, similar to that of an umbrella, without the obvious spines reflecting in the catchlights. I get beautiful, smooth light to dark transitions in my portraits. I felt a little clumsy at first, trying to setup and move the Orb on its stand, but like any equipment, it takes some time to get comfortable using it.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb Speedlite Kit:

I tend to stick close to portraiture and wedding photography, and I absolutely love the Apollo Orb Speedlite Kit! I use it indoors and out.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb Speedlite Kit:

This does what its supposed to do. Its a good value for the price. I didn't give it 5 stars as its the slightest bit flimsy, single stitched and didn't seem it was constructed from 'professional grade' materials. That being said, it is an excellent starter kit.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb Speedlite Kit:

This is my first "soft box" modifier having shot only with umbrellas in the past so I can't contrast or compare with any other controlled modifiers like this one. Having said that, I am very happy with what Westcott has produced at this price. This thing really does collapse like an umbrella and gets pretty compact. I cant say you are able to wind it tight like an umbrella but pretty close. The diffusion panel seems a little cheap to me but again, for [$] it works well and being that I don't really have anything to compare it to it's fine. Tear down and setup is very easy and fast. Pretty much just like an umbrella. It will take you longer to attach the diffusion panel than it will to pop the whole thing open and put it on a stand.I think the light this produces is great. The Orb produces a nice wrap and glow to the light and of course creates more rounded catch lights. For my first soft light tool I am pleased and will be at some point picking up the strip light as well as the grids. As others have mentioned and because of the design you cannot just pop this on top of a stand with an umbrella bracket and get much tilt. You will need some type if boom arm or a VAL to get more of an angle on the subject. I use a magic arm and it works well just make sure your stand can hold the weight of both and that you have it bagged to keep it upright.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb Speedlite Kit:

I use it for mostly indoor portraits. It creates a very appealing round catch in subjects' eyes. Easy to set up and tear down. My only gripe is that the screw clamp that holds the umbrella on the stand has a very loose grip. This is not usually a problem indoors, but if you use it out in the wind it will certainly fall off quite a bit.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb Speedlite Kit:

I use the Apollo at home and it gives excellent results! Very easy to set up!

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb Speedlite Kit:

So far this setup has worked well for me as an off-camera light source, especially just starting out with off-camera lighting. I like its size so the light is better distributed than a bare-bulb flash. I do wish the stand was a little more weighted/stable, as it seems it can tip over easily. My cure for that may be homemade sandbags to help keep it secure on on-location assignments.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb Speedlite Kit:

PROS
- Stores & transports easily
- Diffuses light very well

CONS
- The kit would be best with another arm to position it better
- The construction seems flimsy, but good for the price.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb Speedlite Kit:

Good product. Light modifier provides nice even light.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb Speedlite Kit:

This apollo throws a beautiful quality of light. I am very satisfied with Westcott products so far. If anything, it is that I wish the brackets were a bit stronger.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb Speedlite Kit:

I love it! It is extremely helpful and makes my images come out fantastic!

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb Speedlite Kit:

Use on Portraits

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb Speedlite Kit:

Very happy with the results from this, very quick and easy to setup with speed lights.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb Speedlite Kit:

Very happy with the soft light it produces. I have this and the older Apollo. I suspect the Orb will now move up in the selection order as it is a much larger source than the regular Apollo.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb Speedlite Kit:

This is a nice big softbox for a speedlite. I have the Canon 580ex ii. I'm happy with it, but the construction is a little weird I think. The umbrella doesn't collapse all the way and you do get spill out the bottom. Both problems are very minor. Set up is fast and easy. The price is right for the product.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb Speedlite Kit:

By far the best soft box yet. Easy to set up, easy to pack, and puts out great soft light. It does have some shortcomings but when compared to other modifiers they are quickly forgotten. I will be adding a boom arm to my light stand shortly which I think will cure some of the angle issues that others have mentioned.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb Speedlite Kit:

great for location work when you are short on time.

Comments about Westcott 43" Apollo Orb Speedlite Kit:

This is a great product. Light weight, easy to set up and use. I use this with a modifier to use three flash's with it for a vary powerful on location light modifier. As far as tilting it I put it on a boom arm to rotate the soft box down. Wescott could add a three flash holder to fit that would totally complete the kit.