I recently swapped my larger Godox 32x32 inch softbox for the smaller 24x24 inch model to better fit my workspace. The smaller size should be more manageable in this small space.
Watch the full video on YouTube or on my Amazon page for a lot more information:
The Weeylite Ninja 400 light I'm using is very bright even at 1 percent power. This led me to a DIY project to create an additional diffusion layer for better light control. This article covers my review of the Godox 24x24 softbox, its assembly, and a basic guide on how I created a custom diffusion panel.
Godox 24"x24" Portable Collapsible Softbox (no mount included):
Here it is with the bowens mount:
Or a flash mount:
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3SN1mit
- B&H: https://bhpho.to/4kXo5UV
Neewer 1 Yard x 60 Inch Polyester White Seamless Diffusion:
As an affiliate of these shops, I earn from qualifying purchases! It's more about time from the click rather than what you buy. Usually anything within 24 hours of the click.
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| The main piece of the Godox Softbox (my face realizing this didn't come with the mount) |
Reviewing the Godox 24x24 Softbox
The softbox arrived in a compact carry bag. The product label lists the model as SFUV with a size of 60x60cm, which is approximately 24x24 inches. The kit includes the main foldable softbox, an inner diffusion panel, an outer diffusion panel, and the small carry bag.
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| What the inside of the softbox looks like. |
This particular kit does not include the metal Bowens mount adapter. This is a major drawback, as the softbox cannot be used with anything without this component or the other mount they offer that's more for photographic flash units. Unless you are purchasing this as a replacement for a damaged softbox and already own the necessary mount, the basic kit is incomplete.
A Bowens mount is a standardized accessory mount used by many brands of studio lights and flashes. It allows for the quick and secure attachment of light modifiers like softboxes, reflectors, and beauty dishes using a three-pronged system that twists and locks into place.
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| I had a Bowens mount from my larger 32x32" Godox softbox so I used that one. The two softboxes are the same design in the back so it worked perfectly. |
The assembly process is straightforward. The inner diffusion layer attaches to elastic tabs inside the softbox with small clips. The main, outer diffusion panel attaches around the rim using hook and loop fasteners. I found the outer panel to be slightly small for the frame, which helps to keep the diffusion surface taut but there can be small gaps at the corners.
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| The inner diffusion panel is secured inside the softbox with elastic tabs and clips. Here you can also see how oversized the 32x32" softbox I'm replacing was in this space. |
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| The new 24x24" softbox being used. Now I can easily access the camera. |
Once assembled, the smaller footprint of the 24x24 softbox was a significant improvement for my workspace. The build quality feels very similar to the larger, more expensive, Godox softbox that did included the mount. So that's good to know if you do want to save a bit of money and already have a compatible mount.
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| Installing the softbox on my light. |
Again, the main consideration for potential buyers is to verify that the kit you are buying includes the Bowens mount. While the softbox itself is functional and feels well-made, the absence of any way to mount it in this specific package is important to understand. They do offer it with the mount for around double the price as of the date of this article. All of the links are available above.
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| A side-by-side comparison of the light output from the larger 32x32 softbox (left) and the new 24x24 softbox (right). I don't see much of a difference so that works for me! |
DIY Project: Creating a Custom Diffusion Layer
The new smaller softbox does focus the light even more, so the added diffusion is definitely going to be needed. Besides, with the larger 32x32" softbox I was using before, I had added a circular diffusion panel to it that fit in there which was likely lowering the light on it 1-stop or so (in my above side-by-side test I didn't have it in there so I could judge whether the softbox size matters).
For this sewing project, I used a sheet of Neewer 1 yard by 60 inches (0.9x1.5 meters) non-yellowing white diffusion fabric. The manufacturer claims this fabric provides a 1-stop reduction in light output.
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| The Neewer diffusion fabric used for the DIY project. |
The process involved cutting the fabric to the correct size, sewing a finished hem around the edges, and attaching hook and loop strips I had on-hand to mount it onto the softbox over the included diffusion panel. I'm using the "loop" side so it attached properly to the included panel's hook type H&L.
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| Cutting the Neewer diffusion fabric to the correct size. |
The diffusion material came hemmed. I cut a piece of it to size and folded over the two clean edges to create a hem. After sewing the hemming, I sewed hook and loop tape along the edges of the new panel. I attached the soft "loop" side to the DIY panel so it would connect to the "hook" side on the softbox frame. I used two rows of stitching so it shouldn't come off.
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| Sewing the hook and loop material to the hemmed edge of the DIY diffusion panel. |
The diffusion material was easy to work with from a sewing perspective. It is worth noting that thick pins can leave small, visible holes in this type of fabric, but it shouldn't cause any structural issues.
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| The finished DIY diffusion panel, complete with hemmed edges and hook and loop fasteners around the border. |
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| It's difficult to tell if the 1-stop change in light output through the softbox with my DIY 3rd layer applied did much. |
I'm probably going to creating a second, double layer panel to further expand my options with the 150 watt Weeylite Ninja 400 light I'm currently using. I do have a smaller light I'm thinking about using instead, but it's loud enough I need to attempt to swap out its fan before that's viable to use for video work.
Overall a fun project to improve on my main video work and talking-to-the-camera recording space.