Aputure Light Dome SE 33.5inch Softbox Bowens Mount with Honeycomb Grid

Comes with 3 diffusers and a grid. Difference between this and older higher priced domes is day and night.No reflections, just smooth, clean lighting.

I purchased 6 different brands of softboxes so that I could test each for the quality of light such as hot spots, softness and color. As you can see in the photo, I'm limited on space with light bouncing off color walls and ceiling so that needed to be taken into consideration as well. After testing all the softboxes, the Aputure Light Dome SE was better built and produced the best quality of light, and without hot spots. The Aputure is also the lightest in weight so it doesn't put any strain on the arm of my C Stand. I'm very impressed with how detailed Aputure is. Not only do they provide you with 2 additional outter diffusers with different thicknesses but they also tell you how many stops of light for both outter and the inner diffusers. Also, I read complaints of it being difficult to assemble. It took me less than 3 minutes to assemble. It's very easy if you follow the instructions. Start by putting the rods in the red holes first, on opposite sides, then after all 4 of those are inserted, then insert the others. TIP: Don't try to bend the rod at the ends, simple place the end of rod on the floor or something soft like your bed and push down from the too end that you're inserting. Kinda like you would if you was to string an archery bow, then insert it into the holes. It's that simple! Great product, Aputure definitely got it right 👍

After reading multiple reviews saying that the rods were broken or it hurt their fingers struggling with the assembly I passed on this softbox a couple of times before finally pulling the trigger on it. After looking at the directions, lining up the red holes and bending the rod about 3 inches from the end and pushing the metal tip into the holes, then the holes with the arrows, then the final holes, it was together in less than 2 minutes. 30 seconds to make the final close on the velcro closures, 1 minute to install the light baffles, then 1 minute to attach the honeycomb. Less than 5 minutes start to finish. Attaching the light to the bowens mount was kind of tricky until I placed the dome on the ground, then it snapped right in. Without it on the ground there wasn't a good way to get leverage on the flexible part of the dome, so save yourself some time and just install the light first on the ground, then install it on the stand. If you're hesitating because of the reviews that said it was too difficult, took too much time or that the rods break, rest assured it is pretty dang simple. It came with 2 extra rods just in case, but I don't think I'll ever need them, but nice to have anyway. I don't know if I'd want to break it down all the time if you plan to travel with it, but if it is more stationary this is one heck of a product. Also, the light is very even and overall this functions as it should and is a decent value. Had a 48" softbox before and it was a bit big and was kind of a pain, and this one hits a sweet spot of producing a really soft light in a smaller package. Very pleased.

I didn’t really have any issues assembling, and it seemed straight forward with the rods. I’m glad I got this for my Amaran 100d and 200d lights. The included grid is exactly what I needed and folds down.

 Easy to assemble and disassemble and not too large