review: Westcott Rapid Box – 26″ Octa Softbox
The Westcott Rapidbox – 26″ Octa Softbox (B&H / Amazon) caught my attention, even among the huge variety of light modifiers available for off-camera speedlights. I bought one of these softboxes to try out at the most recent on-location photography lighting workshop in New York. And I like it a lot!
It is relatively fast to set up, and collapses to a compact size and comes in a handy carry bag.
Here is another photograph, with the comparative shot at the same camera settings, that shows exactly what impact the light had in the final image. For me, there’s just the right amount of contrast with wrap-around light. I like this softbox a lot!
Just look at the awesome light on Anelisa, one of our models at the workshop!
1/250 @ f/5.6 @ 100 ISO
1st image: TTL flash via the Westcott Rapid Box.
Nikon D4; Nikon 24-70mm f2.8G AF-S (affiliate) @ 40mm
Features of the Westcott Rapid Box series
The Westcott Rapidbox – 26″ Octa Softbox (B&H / Amazon), is compact when it folds up, and comes in a handy carry bag. (Lastolite changed from the compact bag to the large triangular pouch. A big minus.) The carry bag has enough space for a speedlight and your favorite set of wireless triggers.
The Westcott Rapid Box is also easy to set up, with no rods and speed-ring like traditional softboxes. It folds open like an umbrella. Similar-ish to the Westcott Apollo (affiliate), but simpler. And unlike the Apollo, you can actually reach your speedlight to adjust it, since it sits on the outside.
The Rapid Box also feels sturdy and well-made.
One potential negative of the Westcott Rapid Box series, is that the shaft and mechanism that unfolds the softbox, blocks some of the light of your speedlight.
Now we get to an interesting feature of the Westcott Rapid Box Octa Softboxes – you can take the outer diffusion layer off, and add a Westcott deflector plate for Rapidbox (affiliate) which turns this into a beauty dish. The images at the top were with the diffuser over the front of the Rapid Box, which made it a proper softbox.
The image below was with the diffusion cover off, and with the Deflector Plate in position. The light is definitely less diffused, but this works for me too!
1/250 @ f/5.6 @ 400 ISO … TTL flash at -0.7 FEC
Nikon D4; Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G AF-S (affiliate) @ 19mm
1st image: TTL flash via the Westcott Rapid Box, and Deflector Plate.
And with that, the Westcott Rapidbox – 26′ Octa Softbox (affiliate) is a very versatile light modifier for an off-camera speedlight. The ease of setting it up, and that is so portable, and being light-weight yet sturdy, all means this is going to be the softbox I use for my flash photography workshops in future. Oh, and as light modifiers go, it is quite affordable.
Also check out thoughts on using a beauty dish (light modifier).
Westcott Rapid Box range
- Westcott Rapid Box – 20″ Octa Mini Softbox
- Westcott Rapidbox – 26″ Octa Softbox
- Westcott Rapid Box Strip – 10×24″
Photo gear (or equivalents) used in this photo session
- Nikon D4
- Westcott Rapidbox – 26″ Octa Softbox (B&H / Amazon)
- Westcott deflector plate for Rapidbox
- Nikon SB-910 Speedlight / Canon 600EX-RT Speedlite
- Nikon SD-9 battery pack / Canon CP-E4 battery pack
Related articles
- Off-camera flash for that extra bit of drama (model: Olena)
- Flash photography tip – Adding flash to ambient light (model: Elizabeth)
- Thoughts on using a beauty dish (light modifier)
A little bit of homework
Why did I have to dial down my FEC to -0.7 for the last sequence of images shown here?
Great photography as always Neil.
I would expect TTL to handle the flash exposure ‘correctly’ but for the buildings behind. TTL will meter a dark background and increase power to compensate thus over exposing the model. TTL flash isn’t 100% perfect.
Another thing, Octa’s tend to beam soft light in a tighter manner and the usual soft boxes. I can imagine edgier light with a diffusion plate in place sans diffuser. In this case, it pops the model against the urban background nicely.
Dropping 0.7 stop gives it better flash to ambient balance exposure but honestly, I would prefer a softer, focused wrap round. It may mimic a beauty dish but somehow it is not the same. Still, it offers interesting possibilities as it appears to have a second character between a soft box and beauty dish.
Would you suggest metering by hand under this lighting situation?
Manual flash will always give more consistent results when your subject is standing.
This time I used TTL to get the results faster, but it did take two test shots to nail it.
That fourth image (with model) from the top is totally awesome. That wide angle, the lighting, and that back-drop is brilliant!
Neil – I purchased the Lastolite softboxes after attending one of your workshops and they are great (as are your workshops!). However, I sometimes want a round catch-light and also purchased the Apollo Orb for this purpose. Unfortunately, while Westcott has been great in providing replacements – they are simply too flimsy and break even though they provide great light. In my search for a comparable unit, I came across the Photek Umbrella Softlighter II, which is available in 60″, 46″, and 36″. I got the two larger ones and they are great and very portable. Perhaps a bit larger than the Rapid Box, but the larger unit makes the light even softer.
I have Softlighters, but what I don’t like about them is that the flash is hidden … or you have to have a way of restraining the “sock” from pulling back over the flash’s head.
Or perhaps I am skipping a beat here and not using it properly?
Homework… Cause you were restricted for space on the roof and had to have the soft box closer than you wanted?
Mel … keep in mind that it isn’t your distance to the subject that matters with off-camera flash. It’s the flash-to-subject distance that matters.
I used TTL here just so I could work faster than manual flash would’ve allowed me. I just needed a few photos to post as examples on my blog, so I let a bit of laziness slip in. If I needed longer sequences of images, and needed them to be exposed exactly the same, I would be shooting with manual flash.
The FEC was dialed down to -0.7 after looking at the test shots. With Anelisa so small in the frame, and off-center, the camera’s TTL metering didn’t cope as well as it usually would with a central subject. So it needed some nudging to get to where I needed it to be.
Almost went with this as well but thought of all the umbrellas I have crushed on windy days and decided to go with Profoto 24 x 24 and Kacey Bracket..Super tough and indestructible. I know people say well there so hard to break down….but I never break down,it stays together in backseat of my car and carry it everywhere. On top of the fact to break down is 4 small poles in 4 holes..takes seconds ..Thanks so much for all your free education!!
Hi Neil,
Was the Lastolite outer baffle that was discontinued this item?
If your original problem was not being able to order the Lastolite baffle, doesn’t the Westcott have the same problem? It only has one outer baffle (Westcott calls it a “diffusion panel”), but it doesn’t look like that part can be ordered separately. Granted, it’ll be a while until the Westcott wears out for you and you like it for additional reasons, but you would likely run into the same problem in the distant future.
If my Lastolite softboxes gave out, I’d probably look into the cheaper Impact softboxes you reviewed a while back.
https://neilvn.com/tangents/review-impact-quikbox-softbox-24-x-24/
I checked with Westcott, and a rep replied that they do sell spare diffusers.
A correction regarding the Lastolite Ezybox:
I initially reported that Lastolite doesn’t supply replacement baffles for the Lastolite Ezybox. The Lastolite distributors in the UK let me know that they do in fact offer replacement baffles which can be ordered through a camera store.
The baffles aren’t available as a product (ie: from a retailer direct, they do not keep stock.)
Usually the retailer would contact our distributor (Manfrotto in the US) who will organise getting the spare part.
Lastolite are aware this is complicated and simplifying all this, is a target for them this year.
Now, about the Lastolite diffuser you linked to there. It’s unfortunately not the diffuser that came with the softbox orginally. This thing sits like a floppy condom on the outside of the softbox. It looks ugly … and floppy.
The spare Lastolite diffuser that I ordered is exactly the same as the one that came with the Lastolite 24×24 .. which is different than that one you linked to. It’s not easy to discern from that image.
In this photo, do you see that splash of sunlight on the right-hand side there on the column? It’s not the sun. It’s direct flash from where the one corner of that outer diffuser flopped away from the edge, and direct flash hit the pillar. In this instance I could get away with it, because that spot of direct flash looks like something else – a spot of sunlight. But I can’t work with this. I can’t work with gear I can’t rely on.
A correction regarding the Lastolite Ezybox:
I initially reported that Lastolite doesn’t supply replacement baffles for the Lastolite Ezybox. The Lastolite distributors in the UK let me know that they do in fact offer replacement baffles which can be ordered through a camera store.
The baffles aren’t available as a product (ie: from a retailer direct, they do not keep stock.)
Usually the retailer would contact our distributor (Manfrotto in the US) who will organise getting the spare part.
Lastolite are aware this is complicated and simplifying all this, is a target for them this year.
It looks like the Rapid Box produces slightly harder light than the Ezybox. Given the choice, would you prefer one over the other or would that depend on the type of shot/look you’re going for? I ask because I’m interested in the Rapid Box but I’m a fan of nice soft light that could be pushed to do full-length and small group shots.
David … there’s the possibility of course of using the Deflector Plate and the diffuser. I’m pretty sure this could give the softer light you want, than just the diffuser in the front. Worth a try.
Hi Neil,
I love, love the Rapid Box. I got mine at WPPI this year and have been loving it.
For all who get one, here’s a great tip:
First, get the central disk. I install it and leave it on even when the diffuser is on.
Second, take a dab of Blue or Red Loctite and put it on the screw that attaches to the disk. If you don’t, it always came apart on me when I disassembled it.
Great post,
Bob
Thanks Neil,
This looks really appealing, mainly when it comes to travelling to shoot weddings. The Ezybox is nice and all, but it doesn’t fold away into a very convenient travel size. If it’s not an imposition, can you show what this collapses to and how large for the sake of packing it for interstate flights?
Many thanks
I bought the 26″ as well and love it.
Neil, Cheetahstand makes both a 24″ and 30″ soft box similar to the Lastolite but much less expensive yet very sturdy and come with both grid and circular covers. Also their new CL-180 and CL-360 bare bulb flashes look to be great products with powerpacks and remotes.
Cameron,
In my past dealings with Manfrotto, Lastolite’s U.S. distributor, Lastolite doesn’t sell spare parts for every product they sell. For example, I know Lastolite never sold the small, inner baffle for the Lastolite 24×24 Ezybox Hotshoe softbox when I called their support number a year ago.
If Westcott is able to sell spare parts for their products, I’m certainly inclined to look into buying their product in the future. Sooner or later, most of us are going to lose one piece to a product, and often we have to buy the entire item again. This strikes me as pointless and wasteful.
Hi, Neil,
1. It looks like this diffusion panel is flush with the box’s edges, unlike the EzyBox and QuikBox which are set in a few inches to create a sort of flag along the edges. How much of an issue would this be, in terms of controlling the light and avoiding flare? Also, since it’s not set in, it looks like there are no plans by Westcott to make a grid for this? Did you find yourself using the grids much on the EzyBox and QuikBox, and will you miss it on the RapidBox?
2. With any of the “lollipop” style brackets, is there any way to replace or modify them and use something like a Lastolite TriFlash bracket instead of a single flash? Or, is the only option for multi-flashes the type of boxes with a slit in the bottom, through which the bracket is placed?
Thanks for all your great articles!
I don’t think that lip to the Lastolite Ezybox is hugely important, although I am sure it helps a bit in controlling spill.
What would make a difference in controlling the light, would be the Grid for the Lastolite 24″ Ezybox. But I never used one. So for my on-location work, the difference between the Quick Box, and the Lastolite Ezybox would be minimal in terms of light spill.
And nope, you can only use one speedlight on the Quickbox.
can the octa softbox be used with a 900 or 910 AND a flex tt5??? is the bracket adjustable enough so the flash is in the center of the box?? thanks Neil.
ps if you had to choose between this and the lastolite 24×24 which is your first choice??
Hi Neil,
Just found out about your website and I am hooked! will be getting your books soon too! Do you think this Westcott Rapid Box – 26? Octa Softbox is a new starter softbox? I am learning and have umbrellas but now I want to get a softbox and I am looking for one. Just not sure on the size and price of course.
Thanks and very inspiring work!
I would definitely recommend this as a starter softbox. It is easy to set up, and versatile.
Thanks again Neil for the quick reply. I’ve just purchased Off-Camera Flash Techniques for Digital Photographers from amazon. What a great book! thanks for sharing your experience and for the inspiration!
Lighting looks nice & soft just like the lighting that the 24″ EZbox produces.
I know that you said that the white baffles have gotten messed up overtime but I imagine that it might be easy to find a replacement for both baffles all that you would need is some white cloth and some Velcro attached to it I’d imagine.
Thanks a lot for introducing me to the ezbox though, you’re the reason why I switched to ezboxes as my main/fill light on, on location photoshoots.
All the best to you and your business.
It’s quite possible that you could source the velcro strips and the diffusion material (that doesn’t introduce a weird color cast), and that you have the equipment to sew it all together … and the time to source this and slap it together.
And when you add up all that effort and time, and consider the Westcott Rapid Box is $170, then it could be validly argued that it is cheaper to just buy a new softbox.
Not dismissing the DIY crowd at all, but I honestly am too busy to spend time fixing this.
Thanks for the article Neil, Would this also work for a group of 4 or 5 people ?
I like in the first image how you feathered the octobox away from the wall instead of aiming its face straight at the model. It lights the wall and model so nicely. Very educational image.
Yet another other great article Neil. I was thinking of finally getting the Lastolite 24 x 24, as my first softbox. But if I pick one up now, I wonder if I’ll be setting myself up for trouble. I really like the fold flat idea, and the small Lastolite bags.
That the 24×24 Lastolite folded up into such a compact pouch, was a big plus … however, they did away with that, and you’re now stuck with a large triangular bag. And with that, the RapidBox’s bag is much more compact in comparison.
You used the Lastolite a lot but I know you moved on to Rapid Box. I am about to buy my first off camera flash Mitros+ and Odin, and was considering the Impact Quickbox or the Westcott Rapid October 26″. Do you still use the Rapid 26″ as your main softbox with off camera flash in your workshops? I want something easy no fuss.
Eventually I am considering a strobe but portable one that can keep shooting over a period of time and fast recycle time. The Rovelight is bargain HSS, and internal battery. The Indra500 is twice the cost but has TTL which is attractive https://youtu.be/Xh6YOMFOTws?list=PL2FabsImcvZHv7A-Z306odot8f7fwVOvg
I still use the Rapidbox when I shoot with a speedlight.
But my favorite right now is the Profoto B1 and 1×3 softbox.
For the workshops I now use a softbox setup that can take multiple speedlights which allows me to accommodate different systems at the workshop.
concerning the -fec, am i wrong thinking that while in iTTL a switch to spot meter on the subject would help?
or does it not work that way?
great photos BTW! and post!
Bill … not necessarily. However, Flash Exposure Lock (or however they call it on a specific system), will help in giving more consistent exposures with TTL flash.
In the wide-angle example posted, that is typical of TTL flash with a wide-angle lens where the subject is smaller in the frame.
At a similar price point, wouldn’t the Apollo Orb provide a significantly nicer/softer light?
Tony, the Apollo Orb would be a great choice, with less light loss than the Rapid Box.
The one disadvantage of the Apollo Orb is that you don’t have immediate access to your speedlight, if you’re using a wireless trigger that doesn’t allow you to control it directly from the camera.
Neil:
With the Lastolite 24×24 you mentioned the following: “Since the PocketWizard flash triggers elevate the speedlight too high for the regular bracket (or lollipop) holding the actual softbox, you will need the Lastolite hotshoe mark2 bracket (B&H) to bring the flash and trigger to the correct height for the throat of the softbox.”
Is the same true with respect to the Rapid Box?
Roger
The RapidBox easily takes the additional height of the speedlight if you add the TT5
Neil,
Regarding the softlighter, I now use the Lumopro LP180 as my primary location speedlights, and because they allow you to mount the flash horizontally the sock on the softlighter is no longer an issue. The head just goes straight in and leaves the controls outside the sock. AS for when I was using a softlighter with studio strobes or traditionally-mounted speedlights, I just cut the sock out of the softlighter diffuser. The light was just as soft, no hard light spilled out, and it made the softlighter MUCH easier to use! Just like the old balcar umbrella with the diffuser front had no sock, just a hole in the middle.
Neil,
Your help for the many students of light over the years is most appreciated.
Is there any way to remove the back mounting plate and DIY another speed ring in its place? Just thinking about a little more beef in daylight with an Elinchrom Ranger or Quadra and a VAL. This looks like a great alternative to hauling a large beauty dish. The 24″ Ezybox seems a little too small and not sturdy enough. The 43″ Orb seems a little too large for mobility at weddings/events but the reflected light is beautiful.
Thanks again for the inspiring articles!
The speed-ring is part of the mechanism on which the softbox folds open.
Other than that, I am sure you could DIY it to another system.
Neil,
Thanks for your site and your willingness to always share your in-depth knowledge and detailed information. My Quantum system, which replaced Nikon SB900s, is due in large part, to your use of the Q-system. I have T5d-R (2), Turbo 3 (2), Pilot Controller & FW7Q Receivers.
My newest piece is the Quantum 26″ Octagon Softbox. I know lots of folks say it’s way over priced at $287.00, but it is built like a tank using thick rods and the “lollipop” speedring. Also, it assembles and breaks down in just a few minutes and packs-away nice and neat in its own little 15″x 5″x 2 3/4″ bag, which also holds the speedring and bracket. Perfect for travel. The Q Octa replaces a 26″ Westcott Apollo Kit (w/ stand), which due to it’s umbrella-construction and weak materials, broke after only a few uses and is NOT repairable. Also, like you mentioned, having a flash inside the box, doesn’t allow easy access. I really like how the Qflash mounts on the bracket, which sits completely outside the Octa, allowing only the flash tube to enter the Octa through the speedring (no weight at all on the Qflash).
In summary, the Apollo Kit was $129, and rendered unusable after a few shoots. The Q-Octa does not come with a stand, but that’s not an issue because I am more interested in a high quality, durable and reliable core product, for which I don’t mind at all paying top dollar. Plus, I took advantage of Quantum’s $75.00 rebate, which brings the actual cost of the 26″ Octabox to $212.00. Poor man pays twice!! BTW, I also have the Norman 17″ Octabox, which mounts directly onto the Qflash; it also has a quality-build.
Neil,
Very straightforward review. I am planning to get this and the Westcott 10×24 strip for my speedlites. The set is pretty pricey compared to some other cheaply made softboxes. Altough I think it’s pretty much worth it.
Thanks!
Hello Neil,
Is it make sense to use grid with Rapid Box ? Is it possible ?
I’m not aware of a specific grid available for the RapidBox?
Neil,
Does the Wescott Rapid Box 26″ work when you are using a wireless flash trigger receiver paired with an SB900? Does it in effect raise the flash too high?
Thanks?
Hi Neil,
Another informative review.
Just curious, could this soft box be used for “the formal photos” of a wedding?
Thanks for any response.
Kind regards from Leura (Blue Mountains, Australia)
v.
Yes, you could, but ideally you need a larger light source for a larger group.
Thanks for going out of your way to reply, I’m actually quite impressed.
Kind regards,
vlado
Howdy
The center deflector plate looked awkward to me. The plate seems to collect the flash light rays together and bounce them back at the flash unit.
I went to Westcott web page to see which way round the deflector has to go on. Yeah.. try mounting it other way round.
Thank you a million for extremely informative and professional site. Big thumbs up !!
– Arto
Why is it that 99% of everyone that installs the reflector plate has it backwards???? Test for yourselves at low power, the textured side should face outward and the smooth side toward the speedlight peeps….
Arto and Jeremy … you are entirely correct. Having the center plate with the scooped side to the back, isn’t as efficient.
To illustrate this with detail shots of the softbox, I used the images from B&H’s site – and that’s where they have it this way around.
That said, I have found that if you want to use the RapidBox without the diffuser, then it might make sense to have it this “wrong” way around. Check this article on using the RapidBox as a beauty dish – I found that if you put the deflector plate the way you have it, then too much direct flash gets on your subject and you get more of that ‘halo’ around your subject.
Looking to get a softbox and need to know how many folks realistically can be lit with the 26″ ?
This is a tough one to give a definitive answer to – it depends on how contrasty you’re willing to let the light be.
The more you pull the light (with softbox back), the more contrasty the light will be. You’ll also be losing some power. So it also depends on what DoF you need. (Aperture + ISO combination will dictate that.)
So let’s say 4 – 6 people?
Hi Neil, Love your online video classes and books. I am looking to purchase an off cam modifier. I was looking at the SMDV 60 or the Rapidbox? Have you any experience with the SMDV? Or the Hexapop? I was considering those as well. I was looking into round catchlights or I’d choose something else.
THanks
I haven’t used those two light modifiers, but looking at the specs and photos of the softoxes, it looks like they would do exactly the same as this Westcott Rapid Box.
Why not use a partially open silver umbrella, you will get the same lighting.
Show us some comparison images?
I haven’t done this, but I suspect a semi-collapsed umbrella might be difficult to control on location, and also be sure you have consistently the same ‘opening’ to the umbrella.
Either way, I’d be curious to see your comparison.