Hello,
I'm going to go by points to make the review more enjoyable:
As the subtitle says, it is an opinion as a Vine customer.
The presentation is very good. It comes well protected.
The build quality is very good. Obviously you have to be careful being fabric, but it looks good.
It is super fast to assemble.
It is for Bowens mount.
I tried it with my Zhiyun 60w light + adapter for bowens mount. As you can see it is a very cool portable kit. Although with the size of the softbox, it would be better to use a 100w one.
It diffuses the light well for the price it has.
Greetings!
I'm going to go by points to make the review more enjoyable:
As the subtitle says, it is an opinion as a Vine customer.
The presentation is very good. It comes well protected.
The build quality is very good. Obviously you have to be careful being fabric, but it looks good.
It is super fast to assemble.
It is for Bowens mount.
I tried it with my Zhiyun 60w light + adapter for bowens mount. As you can see it is a very cool portable kit. Although with the size of the softbox, it would be better to use a 100w one.
It diffuses the light well for the price it has.
Greetings!
13/11/2024
Since it is loke a balloon it will attract less wind and won't act as a sail if using outdoor or at windy areas. Very light and super easy to set up, it works like an umbrella where you just push down the middle and let the hook inside catches the middle column latch.
Nice and even soft light with any flash/continuous light with Bowens mount.
Nice and even soft light with any flash/continuous light with Bowens mount.
09/11/2024
The online shopping images didn't prepare me for receiving a long skinny carton but on pulling it out and comparing it to the printed setup instructions, I am glad it arrived configured the way it was. The long tall appearance differs from the literature. The product is semi-prepared in that tall configuration. I pretty much used intuition and got it figured out in under a minute of minor trial and error. It's actually clever.
The peak of the white fabric is capped with a disk of styrofoam that looks like packing material but that is for the following 'deployment' method that I use.
Look inside the end of the lantern and notice there is a thick rod about midway up that arches across the lamp. Further to the top is a thick rod extending straight down the center axis that has small knobs. Put the lamp on a table or floor upside down so you are looking into the inside. Push down on the Bowens mount and when the lantern is bowed out enough you will be able to get the arched rod and the other rod hooked together. Then when you release the lamp it keeps its shape and is secure. Good room lighting so the inside of the lantern is clearly visible helps a lot.
Some of the ribs are not going to be lined up with the seams in the fabric panels. That is why you'll likely see puckers and saggy panels. You can reach your forearm in the Bowens mount and shift the rods with your fingers to even them out in line with the seams around the circumference.
To get this whole thing mounted on a video light, while it is upside down I brought my 60W light over it, nose down, to engage the lantern's Bowens lugs. Lastly lift the assembled lantern and LED light onto your light stand.
I really like the super soft and even lighting. It has a visual appeal even richer than a small extendable open umbrella. It's going to depend on the subject and the amount of space I'm working in. Some talent might like this soft round orb facing them instead of a square sided softbox. This is light enough to toss in the back of the car to have available along with all the other varieties of gear that keep photography and video shooting enjoyable.
The peak of the white fabric is capped with a disk of styrofoam that looks like packing material but that is for the following 'deployment' method that I use.
Look inside the end of the lantern and notice there is a thick rod about midway up that arches across the lamp. Further to the top is a thick rod extending straight down the center axis that has small knobs. Put the lamp on a table or floor upside down so you are looking into the inside. Push down on the Bowens mount and when the lantern is bowed out enough you will be able to get the arched rod and the other rod hooked together. Then when you release the lamp it keeps its shape and is secure. Good room lighting so the inside of the lantern is clearly visible helps a lot.
Some of the ribs are not going to be lined up with the seams in the fabric panels. That is why you'll likely see puckers and saggy panels. You can reach your forearm in the Bowens mount and shift the rods with your fingers to even them out in line with the seams around the circumference.
To get this whole thing mounted on a video light, while it is upside down I brought my 60W light over it, nose down, to engage the lantern's Bowens lugs. Lastly lift the assembled lantern and LED light onto your light stand.
I really like the super soft and even lighting. It has a visual appeal even richer than a small extendable open umbrella. It's going to depend on the subject and the amount of space I'm working in. Some talent might like this soft round orb facing them instead of a square sided softbox. This is light enough to toss in the back of the car to have available along with all the other varieties of gear that keep photography and video shooting enjoyable.
06/11/2024
The 65cm lantern with Bowens mount from K&F is solidly made and looks durable. The included carrying bag is practical and ensures that the white surface does not get dirty so quickly when the thing is not set up.
On the subject of set-up: This is done in a flash by pressing the lantern onto the ground and hanging it up. The hook into which you hang the tensioning mechanism is pleasingly easy to handle, so that unfolding the lantern does not become an unnecessary game of patience and you could basically do the whole thing in total darkness if you had to.
The Bowens standard means that the lantern is compatible with almost every COB that also has a Bowens connection.
In conclusion, all that remains to be said is that the K&F lantern distributes the light very nicely and makes it "soft" as is typical for its design.
At currently around 85 euros, the product is also very fairly priced; a similar lantern from Neewer, for example, currently costs around 25 euros more.
Therefore: Absolutely recommended!
On the subject of set-up: This is done in a flash by pressing the lantern onto the ground and hanging it up. The hook into which you hang the tensioning mechanism is pleasingly easy to handle, so that unfolding the lantern does not become an unnecessary game of patience and you could basically do the whole thing in total darkness if you had to.
The Bowens standard means that the lantern is compatible with almost every COB that also has a Bowens connection.
In conclusion, all that remains to be said is that the K&F lantern distributes the light very nicely and makes it "soft" as is typical for its design.
At currently around 85 euros, the product is also very fairly priced; a similar lantern from Neewer, for example, currently costs around 25 euros more.
Therefore: Absolutely recommended!
03/11/2024
Received in a slightly thicker, single-color printed and otherwise neutral box.
In this is the K&F Concept 65cm/26 inch lantern softbox, with protective bag and German instructions (Fig. 1).
The workmanship and material leave a good and robust impression, so you can assume that the whole mechanism and material will be able to withstand a lot of assembly and disassembly on different sets.
This is my first "lantern softbox", but otherwise I have a number of round and square standard softboxes in different sizes in use and was curious to see what this type of "lantern softbox" has that others may not have.
Assembly and disassembly:
First the "assembly", and it's a joke, almost ingenious. Simply prop the flat end (Fig. 2) up on the floor, slowly press the Bowens flange down until everything is tightened, attach the locking bracket, that's basically it (Fig. 3), done in seconds, if necessary open the Velcro fastener at the back a little and move one or two spokes into the right position (small picture in Fig. 4), also works from the outside.
No more tightening/attaching of attachment diffusers etc.
The assembly is just as easy, flat on the floor again, slowly press the Bowens flange down again, unhook the locking bracket (done in 3 seconds), and off into the protective bag.
Use:
It is difficult to compare to standard softboxes, or to make a real comparison and describe it here.
My subjective impression as an ambitious hobby photographer and sometimes also as a contract photographer.
The illumination is noticeably wider-angled and a little softer than with the standard softboxes, especially of course compared to the parabolic softboxes, but I need a little more flash power to have the same illumination intensity on the person or the object to be photographed.
The cast shadow also seems to dissolve a little more with this "lantern softbox", but it is only very marginally noticeable. However, a few 10-20 cm further away from the person to be photographed, e.g. from a white wall, is enough to achieve a "perceived" equality.
As I always work with at least two flash heads in my studio rooms, this point ultimately doesn't really matter, in other words, the "lantern softbox" offers no noticeable advantage here.
The main advantage of this "lantern softbox" is clearly the incredibly fast and absolutely simple setting up and taking down function.
I can have this "lantern softbox" ready for use on the flash head in seconds. Depending on the set conditions and shooting requirements, you can even get by with just one light source due to the wider-angle illumination, but you will then need a few power reserves in the flash head.
In my opinion, it may also be ideal as a wide-angle fill-in flash for outdoor shoots, provided there is electricity available or a power battery flash on set.
Summary:
The workmanship and the material also allow for semi-professional use, especially with regard to the functionality that can be set up and taken down in seconds and is easy.
Even compared to standard softboxes - and especially compared to parabolic softboxes - there is noticeably wider-angle illumination, almost no "spot effect". This also means that cast shadows are even more resolved.
However, this comes at the cost of lower brightness on the object being photographed, which may then have to be compensated for using the appropriate camera or flash settings.
Even if you already have one or two softboxes on set, at a current price of under €75, it is still a recommended addition. As one or two additional and complementary light compositions are still possible here.
Also very useful as a very quickly available stand-alone fill-in flash solution for photo sessions of smaller groups of people, as there is ultimately no spot effect or darkening of the corners until the outer areas of the image cut.
In summary, an extremely fast and very easy-to-use softbox solution, with very wide-angle illumination, with an even greater resolution of cast shadows, but which also requires a little more "flash power".
Also a great addition if you already have one or two softboxes in your photo equipment.
Wahrlich in Sekunden habe ich diese „Laternen-Softbox“ einsatzbereit am Blitzkopf.
Je nach Set-Bedingungen und Shooting-Vorgabe, kommt man jedoch zudem sogar - aufgrund der weitwinkligeren Ausleuchtung - mit nur einer Lichtquelle aus, benötigt dann jedoch ein paar Power-Reserven beim Blitzkopf.
Aus meiner Sicht ggf. auch ideal als weitwinkliger Aufhellblitz bei Outdoor Shootings, sofern Strom vorhanden, oder ein Power Akku Blitz am Set ist.
Zusammenfassung:
Die Verarbeitung wie auch das Material lassen ohne weiteres auch semiprofessionelle Einsätze zu, vor allem im Hinblick auf die sekundenschnelle und einfach Auf- und Abbau Funktionalität.
Auch schon im Vergleich zu Standard-Softboxen - und besonders im Vergleich zu Parabol-Softboxen - eine erkennbar weitwinkligere Ausleuchtung, fast keinen „Spot-Wirkung“. Damit einher geht damit auch eine noch weitere Auflösung von Schlagschatten.
Dies wird aber mit einer geringeren Helligkeit am zu fotografierenden Objekt erkauft, was dann ggf. über entsprechende Kamera- oder Blitzeinstellung kompensiert werden muss.
Auch wenn man bereits die ein oder andere Softbox am Set hat, bei einem aktuellen Preis von unter 75,- €, dennoch eine empfehlenswerte Ergänzung. Da hier doch noch die eine oder andere, zusätzliche und ergänzende Lichtkomposition möglich ist.
Auch sehr gut einsetzbar, als sehr schnell verfügbare stand-alone Aufhelle-Blitzlösung bei Fotosession von kleineren Personengruppen, da bis zu den Außenbereichen des Bildschnittes letztlich kein Spot-Effekt auftritt, bzw. Abdunklung der Ecken.
Zusammenfassend eine extrem schnelle und sehr einfach zu handhabende Softboxlösung, mit einer sehr weitwinkligen Ausleuchtung, bei einer noch weiterergehenden Auflösung von Schlagschatten, die jedoch auch ein wenig mehr „Blitzpower“ benötigt.
Auch eine tolle Ergänzung, wenn man bereits die ein oder andere Softbox in seinem Foto-Equipment hat.
In this is the K&F Concept 65cm/26 inch lantern softbox, with protective bag and German instructions (Fig. 1).
The workmanship and material leave a good and robust impression, so you can assume that the whole mechanism and material will be able to withstand a lot of assembly and disassembly on different sets.
This is my first "lantern softbox", but otherwise I have a number of round and square standard softboxes in different sizes in use and was curious to see what this type of "lantern softbox" has that others may not have.
Assembly and disassembly:
First the "assembly", and it's a joke, almost ingenious. Simply prop the flat end (Fig. 2) up on the floor, slowly press the Bowens flange down until everything is tightened, attach the locking bracket, that's basically it (Fig. 3), done in seconds, if necessary open the Velcro fastener at the back a little and move one or two spokes into the right position (small picture in Fig. 4), also works from the outside.
No more tightening/attaching of attachment diffusers etc.
The assembly is just as easy, flat on the floor again, slowly press the Bowens flange down again, unhook the locking bracket (done in 3 seconds), and off into the protective bag.
Use:
It is difficult to compare to standard softboxes, or to make a real comparison and describe it here.
My subjective impression as an ambitious hobby photographer and sometimes also as a contract photographer.
The illumination is noticeably wider-angled and a little softer than with the standard softboxes, especially of course compared to the parabolic softboxes, but I need a little more flash power to have the same illumination intensity on the person or the object to be photographed.
The cast shadow also seems to dissolve a little more with this "lantern softbox", but it is only very marginally noticeable. However, a few 10-20 cm further away from the person to be photographed, e.g. from a white wall, is enough to achieve a "perceived" equality.
As I always work with at least two flash heads in my studio rooms, this point ultimately doesn't really matter, in other words, the "lantern softbox" offers no noticeable advantage here.
The main advantage of this "lantern softbox" is clearly the incredibly fast and absolutely simple setting up and taking down function.
I can have this "lantern softbox" ready for use on the flash head in seconds. Depending on the set conditions and shooting requirements, you can even get by with just one light source due to the wider-angle illumination, but you will then need a few power reserves in the flash head.
In my opinion, it may also be ideal as a wide-angle fill-in flash for outdoor shoots, provided there is electricity available or a power battery flash on set.
Summary:
The workmanship and the material also allow for semi-professional use, especially with regard to the functionality that can be set up and taken down in seconds and is easy.
Even compared to standard softboxes - and especially compared to parabolic softboxes - there is noticeably wider-angle illumination, almost no "spot effect". This also means that cast shadows are even more resolved.
However, this comes at the cost of lower brightness on the object being photographed, which may then have to be compensated for using the appropriate camera or flash settings.
Even if you already have one or two softboxes on set, at a current price of under €75, it is still a recommended addition. As one or two additional and complementary light compositions are still possible here.
Also very useful as a very quickly available stand-alone fill-in flash solution for photo sessions of smaller groups of people, as there is ultimately no spot effect or darkening of the corners until the outer areas of the image cut.
In summary, an extremely fast and very easy-to-use softbox solution, with very wide-angle illumination, with an even greater resolution of cast shadows, but which also requires a little more "flash power".
Also a great addition if you already have one or two softboxes in your photo equipment.
Wahrlich in Sekunden habe ich diese „Laternen-Softbox“ einsatzbereit am Blitzkopf.
Je nach Set-Bedingungen und Shooting-Vorgabe, kommt man jedoch zudem sogar - aufgrund der weitwinkligeren Ausleuchtung - mit nur einer Lichtquelle aus, benötigt dann jedoch ein paar Power-Reserven beim Blitzkopf.
Aus meiner Sicht ggf. auch ideal als weitwinkliger Aufhellblitz bei Outdoor Shootings, sofern Strom vorhanden, oder ein Power Akku Blitz am Set ist.
Zusammenfassung:
Die Verarbeitung wie auch das Material lassen ohne weiteres auch semiprofessionelle Einsätze zu, vor allem im Hinblick auf die sekundenschnelle und einfach Auf- und Abbau Funktionalität.
Auch schon im Vergleich zu Standard-Softboxen - und besonders im Vergleich zu Parabol-Softboxen - eine erkennbar weitwinkligere Ausleuchtung, fast keinen „Spot-Wirkung“. Damit einher geht damit auch eine noch weitere Auflösung von Schlagschatten.
Dies wird aber mit einer geringeren Helligkeit am zu fotografierenden Objekt erkauft, was dann ggf. über entsprechende Kamera- oder Blitzeinstellung kompensiert werden muss.
Auch wenn man bereits die ein oder andere Softbox am Set hat, bei einem aktuellen Preis von unter 75,- €, dennoch eine empfehlenswerte Ergänzung. Da hier doch noch die eine oder andere, zusätzliche und ergänzende Lichtkomposition möglich ist.
Auch sehr gut einsetzbar, als sehr schnell verfügbare stand-alone Aufhelle-Blitzlösung bei Fotosession von kleineren Personengruppen, da bis zu den Außenbereichen des Bildschnittes letztlich kein Spot-Effekt auftritt, bzw. Abdunklung der Ecken.
Zusammenfassend eine extrem schnelle und sehr einfach zu handhabende Softboxlösung, mit einer sehr weitwinkligen Ausleuchtung, bei einer noch weiterergehenden Auflösung von Schlagschatten, die jedoch auch ein wenig mehr „Blitzpower“ benötigt.
Auch eine tolle Ergänzung, wenn man bereits die ein oder andere Softbox in seinem Foto-Equipment hat.
29/10/2024
The 360° omni-directional lighting provided an even, soft spread that was perfect for creating warm and natural-looking scenes. The quality of light was truly impressive, offering a wrap-around glow that enhanced both video shoots and portrait sessions seamlessly.
The quick-release design was a standout feature. Setup and breakdown were a breeze, saving valuable time during busy shoots. The universal Bowens mount was compatible with all my existing lights, which made it an instant fit into my studio arsenal without any hassle.
Portability and durability were on point as well; the softbox's sturdy build held up to repeated use and packing, while its collapsible design meant it didn't take up much space when I needed to move it.
This lantern softbox was a game changer for my lighting setup, providing professional-quality light diffusion with ease. Whether you’re a photographer or videographer, this is a must-have for creating soft, ambient light in your projects.
The quick-release design was a standout feature. Setup and breakdown were a breeze, saving valuable time during busy shoots. The universal Bowens mount was compatible with all my existing lights, which made it an instant fit into my studio arsenal without any hassle.
Portability and durability were on point as well; the softbox's sturdy build held up to repeated use and packing, while its collapsible design meant it didn't take up much space when I needed to move it.
This lantern softbox was a game changer for my lighting setup, providing professional-quality light diffusion with ease. Whether you’re a photographer or videographer, this is a must-have for creating soft, ambient light in your projects.
29/10/2024
I can't believe how long it took me to get a lantern style. It literally solves all my video lighting problems. Spreads light softly and omg so portable.
The most portable light modifier to quickly put on and off. I have an octagon soft box and i constantly think twice if I really need light.
No problem with this, spread, hook, and attach. That's it.
The most portable light modifier to quickly put on and off. I have an octagon soft box and i constantly think twice if I really need light.
No problem with this, spread, hook, and attach. That's it.
25/10/2024
Excellent lantern diffuser by K&F, large with its 65cm diameter, ""classic"" assembly a little difficult but with experience I'm going very quickly, but to understand why choose this type of diffuser we need to understand what it does: it is a light diffuser used in photography and video to create soft and uniform lighting. Thanks to its spherical shape, it is ideal for illuminating large spaces compared to a normal softbox, since it illuminates at about 200 degrees. Mounted on lights with a Bowens mount, the lantern diffuses light in all directions, avoiding hard shadows. Used in the film and television fields, it is also used by photographers for portraits, fashion, still life and product photography, both indoors and outdoors. Its ability to guarantee a diffused and uniform light makes it a tool to have in your arsenal of modifiers, perhaps even the best to start with because you can really do a bit of everything.
Price not very low but in line with other similar products in terms of size and quality: for me 5 stars.
Price not very low but in line with other similar products in terms of size and quality: for me 5 stars.
18/10/2024
This K&F softbox arrives folded in an elongated box, inside a convenient shoulder bag for transport and protection. Being lantern-shaped, it is a little more particular than common flat softboxes, but the effect and use are almost identical. The most important difference is perhaps the assembly, which for this softbox is really simple and quick, just extend the rods until you hear a click and apply a little pressure to see if it is stable. The same thing for disassembly, just press and then pull up to fold the softbox. The materials seem very good to me, the linings are resistant and do not risk being torn during the assembly/disassembly phase. It is also very versatile, given that the Bowens mount makes it compatible with a large variety of lights from different brands. The quality of the light is excellent; compared to a flat softbox, this softens the corners of the faces a little more (in fact it is particularly recommended for portraits), but I must say that to notice the differences you have to compare two photos close to each other and even in this way it is difficult to say which is better since in both cases the light is homogeneous and small details change. Therefore if you are hesitating between a "lantern softbox" or a "flat square or octagonal softbox" as your first softbox, I would say choose the one with the best quality/price ratio, which in this case I think is quite good.
13/10/2024
I recently upgraded my photography setup with the K&F Concept 33.5"/85cm Softbox Lantern and it has been a game changer. The size of this softbox is perfect for achieving that soft, even light that’s so essential for studio photography. It’s easy to see why it’s become a favorite in my studio—its impressive 33.5-inch diameter really helps diffuse light beautifully, creating a natural, flattering look on my subjects.
One of the standout features is its quick-release design. Setting it up and taking it down is a breeze, which is great when you’re working on tight schedules or need to switch setups quickly. The softbox is compatible with Bowens mount, which made it a seamless addition to my existing gear. The carrying bag it comes with is also a nice touch; it makes transportation and storage hassle-free.
The K&F Concept Softbox Lantern has really enhanced my lighting setup, providing me with consistent and high-quality results. If you’re looking to elevate your photography, whether you’re shooting portraits, still lifes, or anything in between, this softbox is a fantastic investment. It combines convenience, quality, and versatility in a way that has significantly improved my workflow.
One of the standout features is its quick-release design. Setting it up and taking it down is a breeze, which is great when you’re working on tight schedules or need to switch setups quickly. The softbox is compatible with Bowens mount, which made it a seamless addition to my existing gear. The carrying bag it comes with is also a nice touch; it makes transportation and storage hassle-free.
The K&F Concept Softbox Lantern has really enhanced my lighting setup, providing me with consistent and high-quality results. If you’re looking to elevate your photography, whether you’re shooting portraits, still lifes, or anything in between, this softbox is a fantastic investment. It combines convenience, quality, and versatility in a way that has significantly improved my workflow.
06/10/2024