Photography lighting
Glow EZ Lock 36‑inch Octagon Softbox for Bowens‑Mount Lights
Product description
Included items: one 36‑inch octagonal softbox with reflective silver interior, a 130mm Bowens‑mount speedring insert, an inner diffuser, a front diffuser panel, an eggcrate grid, a deflector disc, and a padded carry bag.
Construction and materials: The octa uses durable fabric for the outer panels, a reflective silver inner lining to preserve output, and eight aluminum support ribs to hold the octagonal shape. The speedring is a 130mm Bowens‑style insert that accepts compatible Bowens lights and can be swapped for other 130mm inserts if you need a different mount.
How it shapes light: Use only the front diffuser for a brighter, natural softening, or add the inner diffuser for a very soft, gradual falloff. The silver interior maintains punch while the included deflector disc helps even out the beam and reduce a central hotspot. Attach the supplied eggcrate grid when you need to narrow the spread and control spill for more dramatic or directional lighting.
Ease of use: The EZ Lock mechanism works much like an umbrella—pull it open and it locks, collapse it with the same motion, and stow it in the carry bag. The quick‑lock design removes the need to thread individual rods, speeding setup and teardown for fast-paced shoots.
Size and applications: At 36 inches across, the octagonal shape gives wraparound coverage for headshots, three‑quarter and full‑length portraits, fashion, beauty, product detail shots, and tight interior scenes. It’s large enough to produce soft, flattering light but compact enough to travel easily in its bag.
Mounting and compatibility: The included 130mm Bowens‑mount insert bolts into the speedring, letting you mount strobes and continuous lights designed for Bowens. The interchangeable insert system means you can swap in a compatible 130mm adapter if you need a different mount standard.
Pros
- Very fast umbrella‑style setup and breakdown
- Large, soft wraparound light with reflective silver lining
- Comes with diffusers, eggcrate grid, deflector disc and carry bag
Cons
- Inner diffuser attachment hardware can be fragile
- Occasional fit-and-finish issues with snaps or plastic parts
- Not as deep as some larger octa modifiers for extreme wrap
VerdictA roomy, portable octa that speeds setup and produces flattering, controllable soft light. The umbrella-style EZ Lock makes it ideal for frequent setup/breakdown on location, while the included grid, deflector, and dual diffusers let you tailor spill and contrast. Watch for minor fit-and-finish issues on moving parts, but overall it’s a solid, travel-ready modifier for studio and location shooters
Reviews
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Gary Nevitt 5/5
Great large box
Solid modifier — very large but not overly deep. Produces excellent, flattering light for portraits.
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AV Photography, LLC 5/5
Time-saver for on-location work
I replaced my rod-based softboxes with EZ Lock models to cut setup time. They’re lightweight, quick to deploy, and ideal for frequent site work. Remember to get a compatible Bowens bracket; I use an S2-style speedlite bracket for mounting.
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Swim Karsplashian 5/5
Fastest setup/teardown octabox I’ve used
After wrestling with traditional pin-and-rod boxes, this felt like a revelation. Other large octas required fiddling and prayer; the EZ Lock pops open and collapses in seconds. The zipper lets you push the frame down from inside, which speeds breakdown when you’re on tight turnaround.
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Art B. 4/5
Solid value but some quality tradeoffs
Generally pleased, but the inner diffuser uses snaps that can be flimsy; one snapped after a few uses and I’ve had to rig it temporarily. Other Glow pieces showed a loose rib earlier. For what it delivers compared with higher-end brands, it’s acceptable if you can tolerate a couple small flaws.
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Timothy Hines 5/5
Quick, rugged and travel-friendly
Compared to cheaper, fixed rod boxes that tore and were awkward to disassemble, this EZ Lock model is ideal for travel. Opens like an umbrella, gives big, soft light, and the center deflector noticeably tames hotspot. The grid is crucial if you want to limit spill; without it the broad source floods the scene.
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J.G. 5/5
Really like it — handle gently
Works like an umbrella and has performed well so far. Be mindful when opening and closing to avoid stressing the rods. It’s user-friendly for beginners and capable enough for pros who respect the hardware.
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