ePhoto 1000W Photo Studio Digital Video Lighting Photography Video Softbox COOL Fluorescent 5 light Head Light 5 x 45 Watts Bulbs by ePhotoInc H5S

Before buying this product, like many of you are doing right now I poured over all the reviews. In fact, I wanted to get this in a kit but finally purchased this one softbox in addition to a three piece umbrella/background kit.First of all, rest your minds if you want continuous light, forget the reviewers who say that it isn’t bright enough—they need glasses. I have worked as a professional in TV production and this gives off plenty of light… plenty(especially for video)! The light is balanced and I found myself even dimming the light at times. If you are shooting at a fast shutter with 100 ISO you might have to make an adjustment if your subject is away from the light. The product burns cool and because of using the CFL’s you are only using a fraction of the watts therefore, little heat and consumption of power.Putting it together was a little challenging with the “poor-excuse” of a direction sheet. But after a few attempts you finally get it with no problem. The craftsmanship of the electronics is excellent. You have separate control of each of the five lights. The light is evenly diffused. The metal stands with plastic crimps are decent, but most likely wouldn’t hold up to full-time use for very long. This product is great for entry-level or armatures shooting a little here and there. If you where setting up a studio you might get away with this product for many years. Putting it up and taking it down every day is going to take a toll on this product. The stand isn’t the sturdiest but it won’t fall on its own. I would seriously recommend sandbagging for the safety of the subject and the longevity of your product.I have no regrets with this product and would highly recommend it to armatures and professional’s setting up their own shop with the fact they know they can’t unpack and pack this product multiple times a week and expect it to hold up—I just don’t see this product holding up for years. However, for the price, and a good return on your service you will have no problem simply replacing it in a year or so if you need it every day in the field. sample photos at melvinbarnett. com

I expected this lightbox to be great based on the reviews, and also from others' reviews, I was expecting the usual Chinese directions which are impossible to follow even in pictures. The directions met expectations, as did the head which is well designed and functional as other reviews have noted.The softbox itself is nicely made of good materials but terribly designed. The poles do not fit the shape of the softbox well and have to be removed completely and then with great struggle inserted again when moved. Four poles with just two edge pockets so the other two poles have to be wrapped in velcro at the edge of the softbox material. The whole head hangs limply, making it somewhat different from the picture. Maybe I got a defective one, but my softbox design is poor.I cannot imagine anyone wanting to disassemble this unit once some semblance of structure is painfully created. The stand itself is erector set quality, barely able to hold the weight of the head. I have other cheap stands that are much better. It is flimsy and unstable. It comes in a nice case and was well-packed.The bulbs are nice daylight and they all worked.Unfortunately, it is too heavy to send back.

I've used this softbox just a couple of times but I was really impresses by its performance. Great continuous lighting and I didn't had to use all of the five light bulbs that come with it. The carrying case is very nice and there's enough space to store more things. Perhaps the only downside is the fact that is kind of fragile. You need to assemble it very gently so you don't break it. That's why I rate it four stars. But if you're careful enough and ordered when working you will not have any issues. For the price I think is a very good option if you're on a budget or an amateur photographer/filmmaker. I do recommend it, just handle with care and you'll have great results.Take care!

This is a decent budget light. I'm sure there are better lights out there but for the price I think it is solid. I don't use the included light stands I use the Linco Pro heavy duty light stands. If you are looking for a budget light this would fit the bill.

I received my unit last night, and excitedly opened it up. I'd watched a couple of YouTube videos on how to put this together. I read that it could be tricky and that the included instructions were pretty worthless, so I thought it'd make sense to get prepared beforehand.Well, that was almost pointless because (due to an apparent lack of quality control) all four rod attachments within the softbox were different...two were stitched, one was loose Velcro with a pocket, and the other loose Velcro with a pocket that was completely sewed shut (as in, useless).I managed to finally/precariously make it work, installed the bulbs and diffusers, and pulled out the stand. Guess what? The stand was completely busted. One of the legs just completely fell off when I pulled it out of the box. The cheap plastic piece that mounts it to the central rod was busted.Sure, I have other sturdier stands but by this point I had so little faith in the product and its construction that I decided I should return it. It's on its way back now.I'll add that the original box I received the unit in was pretty well mangled as well. I'm not even returning it in that box for fear that it would break completely and delay my refund.

I have two Interfit INT116 Super Coolite 5 units. I've used the ePhoto as a single light in a beauty shoot. Worked fine. If you know what you are doing in color balancing the image comes out fine. It feels cheap. And a little struggle putting on the softbox. Wish all sides were even.

Cheaply made, I used it to light a photo booth. I didn't use the soft box, the light was soft going bare bulb. I didn't use the light stand either, very light weight and I thought it would fall over. I like that you can control each of the bulbs being on or off.Would not buy again.