GLOW EZ LOCK ARC Curved Strip Softbox – Update August 26 2019

Update August 26 2019

I have written a post where I use this modifier in combination with another Glow EZ product. You can find that post here.

Updated August 21 2019

A visitor stopped by and asked me if these modifiers will accept an PCB speed ring. So I took the time to measure it for him and others. I was formerly a devout Einstein user so I have some of those speed rings hanging around. Here’s what I found:

The following three images shows the PCB speed ring compared to the OEM Glow Bowens speed ring….

All is not lost. If it ‘were me’ I would use InstaMorph to create some shims to take up the slack. But that’s just me….up to you. The important point is now you know the Glow’s diameter of the speed ring so if you want to change to another ring, just make sure it is the correct measurement. Hope this helps.

Updated August 5 2019

I had mentioned that I would be testing the quality of light before using these in my upcoming dance sessions. I wanted to try a different application by using these to replicate the shadowless glamour light a ring light produces. I’ve been doing this with my Saberstrip v2.0s for some time. But after testing the consistency of these modifiers across their face I thought that I’d try them stacked. I’ve always wanted to do a shadowless light shoot of multiple people all at once. Due to the size, shape and consistency of this light modifier I will be able to do so. I’m convinced that these will be a regular part of my on location and studio workflow.

Original Post

I use strip boxes quite a bit for my work. I recently received the Adorama GLOW EZ LOCK ARC Curved Strip Softbox. I have historically used two different strip light modifiers, first the Cheetah 12″x55″ Quick StripBox and the yet to be released SaberStrip v2.0 which uses the Flashpoint 200s rather than a speedlight. I have found that strip light modifiers are especially valuable for me during studio dance sessions.

Below is an example of how I use strip boxes to light dancers (this was NOT shot using the Glow ARC):

One of the advantages Adorama states on their site of this curved configuration is: “Covers the subject with an even light.” Flashhavoc also mentions “The curved surface surface of the EZ Lock ARC’s front diffuser panel is designed to provide something of a more even light across the full length of the stripbox.” Since I use strip boxes quite a bit I thought I’d actually run my own test to see if both claims are true….

Before getting to that test I just want to say that one of the most remarkable modifiers I own and use  when not using focusing rod modifiers is the Glow EZ Lock deep parabolic. The quality of light, it’s complete ease to assemble and the price seems almost impossible!  But yet it’s NOT. So I have high hopes for the Glow ARCs as well.

The construction of the ARC is very similar to the EZ Parabolics. Like an umbrella it uses a rod and securely locks into place.

I always use the diffusion disk with my Glow Deep parabolic. I especially like the way it distributes the light into the modifier. So I was pleased to see that it is also included with the ARC. It’s interesting that in their instructions, no mention of the disk is included or illustrated……hum.

It ‘may‘ be due to the fact that inserting the disk under the locking mechanism takes some finesse to do. There is a fine line between collapsing the modifier and inserting the disk. The good news is once it’s there I leave mine inserted because it can easily fold with the disk attached. So it’s just a first time kinda thing. The disk does place some tension on the expansion rods that is not present when the disk is not attached. Just FYI.

OK to compare the alleged even spread of the light to another comparable strip light I used my Cheetahstand 12×55″ Quick Stripbox. Prior to the Glow EZ line being released I loved how Cheetahstand made their Quick softboxes. Low and behold now they both use the very same mechanism which is fantastic. Why? Well because they’re so damn easy to set up and strike! Duh!

For the detail weenies out there, no these are not EXACTLY the same dimensions, but close enough for my little test.

The Cheetahstand uses a much longer interior rod compared to the Glow ARC.

For my light test I used the interior diffusion panel on the Cheetahstand strip box since I used the diffusion disk on the Glow ARC.

How I tested:

• Strobe: AD600 at full power 1:1
• Light Meter: Sekonic L-358 with light dome both extended and retracted (same results both ways)
• 1/100th shutter speed, ISO 100 set on the Sekonic
• Measured 4 feet from the face of each modifier
• Center/Top/Bottom measurements for each modifier
• Strobe fired six times for each position to ensure consistency 

Results:

Cheetahstand

• Center f16
• Top f14
• Bottom f14

Glow ARC

• Center f16
• Top f16
• Bottom f16

So…..

It’s true! The Glow ARC measured consistently even in my test! I have an upcoming dance session this month and I plan to test the modifier before using it live. Another thing to note is the interior silver material of the Glow ARC is an interesting fabric. Not shiny, not pebbled unlike any other Glow modifier I own. I plan to test the style of light using the Glow ARC with and without the outer diffusion panel. More to come…..