Pop It Open, Lock the Ring, Add Diffusion

The Fotodiox EZ-Pro DLX parabolic softbox is built for speed: hold the speedring, pull the rods up until they pop into place, then snap the speedring onto your light. That is the whole assembly. The rest of this guide covers the order of operations, how the double diffusion goes on, and a few setup choices that affect your light quality.

Before you start, decide on your size. The EZ-Pro DLX comes in 28in (70cm), 36in (90cm), 48in (120cm), and 60in (150cm) versions. Each includes the softbox, a 5in (12.8cm) speedring insert, inner and outer diffusion panels, and a carrying case. The speedring insert is the part that matches your light's mount—this model ships with a Bowens insert, but the insert size is what you check if you plan to swap mounts.

Assembling the EZ-Pro DLX Softbox

The supplied instructions describe a fast, tool-free process. Work on a clean, open floor so the rods have room to extend.

  1. Hold the speedring and pull the rods up: Grip the speedring and pull each rod upward until it pops into place. The rods are under tension, so keep your fingers clear of the joints as they seat.
  2. Snap the speedring onto your light: Once the softbox is open, snap the speedring into place on your light. The rotating speedring has a thumb screw lock to secure it.
  3. Attach the inner baffle: The inner baffle sits inside the softbox and helps even out the light before it reaches the outer diffusion. Fit it before the outer panel.
  4. Attach the outer diffusive cover: The outer diffusion panel is the final layer. Together with the inner baffle, it creates the double diffusion setup that softens and spreads the light.

Why the Silver Interior and Double Diffusion Matter

The EZ-Pro DLX is lined with high-quality reflective silver material. That silver interior maximizes output, so the softbox puts more of your light into the scene rather than absorbing it. The tradeoff is that silver-lined softboxes tend to produce a crisper, more specular quality than white-lined boxes—useful for fashion and commercial work where you want shape and contrast, less ideal if you want the softest possible wrap.

The double diffusion setup—inner baffle plus outer diffusive cover—is what tames that output into an even throw. The inner baffle spreads the light across the face of the box, and the outer panel diffuses it again on the way out. The result is the classic para beauty light the EZ-Pro DLX series is designed for: controllable, with varying degrees of spread depending on how you position it relative to your subject.

EZ-Pro DLX at a Glance

Tearing Down and Storing the Softbox

Tear down is the reverse of assembly, and the supplied instructions make it just as quick. Remove the softbox from your light, then pull up slightly on the rods while pressing the red quick-release buttons on the speedring. The softbox collapses with ease.

You can leave the diffusion panels in place during tear down and storage, so the softbox is always ready to use next time. The included carrying case holds the collapsed softbox and panels. The 28in version measures 8 x 8 x 27in (20.3 x 20.3 x 68.6cm) when packed and weighs about 4.4 lb (70.5 oz); the 60in version packs to 8 x 8 x 37in (20.3 x 20.3 x 94cm) and weighs about 6.3 lb (102 oz). Those packed dimensions are measured without the speedring attached, so add a little room for the ring if you store it on the box.

Setup Choices That Affect Your Light

  • Size and distance: A larger softbox placed closer to your subject gives softer, more wrapping light; a smaller box or greater distance gives a crisper, more directional look. The 28in and 36in sizes suit tight spaces and single-subject portraits, while the 48in and 60in sizes give you more spread for groups or full-length work.
  • Feathering the box: Because the rotating speedring lets you angle the softbox, you can feather it—turn it slightly away from your subject so the light skims across rather than hitting straight on. This is a common way to control contrast with a silver-lined box.
  • Venting for heat: The sealable venting is there for various light sources. If you use a continuous light or a high-output strobe, check that the vents are open enough for airflow, and follow your light manufacturer's guidance on heat and softbox use.

What the Supplied Information Does Not Cover

The supplied materials do not include a maximum wattage rating for the softbox, specific vent-opening instructions, or a recommended distance from the subject. Those are decisions you make based on your light source and the look you want, not fixed rules in the manual. If you are pairing the EZ-Pro DLX with a particular strobe or continuous light, check that light's documentation for any softbox-related limits.

The Bowens speedring insert is the mount supplied with this model. If your light uses a different mount, the insert is the part to change—but the supplied information does not list which alternative inserts are available, so confirm compatibility before ordering. All product pictures are for illustration purposes only; the actual product may vary slightly due to ongoing design improvements.