As the name "Switch" hints, Westcott has introduced a line of softboxes designed for the rapid setup and swapping out of different brands of strobes and speedlights in seconds. This Rapid Box Switch / Beauty Dish Switch Insert for Elinchrom EL Flash Heads is one of thirteen all-metal inserts available for different brands of flash heads. Instead of using a full dedicated speedring, this insert slides quickly into your Switch's rear tabs and secures in place with the Switch's thumb lock.
- Durable All-Metal Construction
- Quick, Secure Attachment
Westcott 2533 Overview
Westcott 2533 Specs
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Westcott 2533 Reviews
A Necessary Evil
I just ordered a second one of these, but it isn't a great product. The material is easily damaged and bent, though this is most likely to happen during installation. Once installed (which takes a little luck and cursing) it does, to its credit, hold the hefty 3x4 softbox adequately. This insert is very deep and it certainly blocks the light from reaching the back side of the modifier directly. I'm using it with the aforementioned 3x4, as well as a 26 inch octa. I use that little octa with the Quadra insert as well, which is better in this regard. So, not crazy about this product in particular, or even the 'switch' system in general, though swapping out these inserts is *slightly* faster than switching a legitimate speed ring, maybe; it isn't worth it.
Thin soft metal and anti-rotate thumb nut won't fit
I love the Westcott Rapid Boxes and give them 5-stars, but I am disappointed at how soft and pliable the insert is. When used with the 48 Rapid Box, the insert doesn't hold the box perpendicular to the stobe. It droops at an angle due to the metal tab locking cut -outs in the insert slightly bending under the weight of the box. Also, there is another problem. The knurled thumb nut that screws on to the stud located on the Rapid Box flange won't install when used with the Elinchrom insert due to interference issues. I also have the Profoto insert, and the thumb installs with it, but the diameter of the Elinchrom insert is slightly wider, which prevents installing the thumb nut. I can't believe their RD didn't do their homework. Now I have to find a smaller nut or grind the existing one to get it to fit because it is very difficult to install the strobe head on the Elinchrom with a rotating insert. I have to keep the insert from rotating with one hand while installing the strobe head with the other. I also emailed Westcott and reported my grievances. Hopefully they will redesign the thumb nut issue and use a more robost inserts that aren't so weak.