The Jenie Strip Box softbox, with its dimensions of 35x150cm, is a light modifier designed for photographers and videographers who need a long, narrow light source. This type of softbox, also known as a strip bank, is particularly useful for specific lighting techniques.
Key Features and Specifications
Size and Shape: The 35x150cm (approximately 14x59 inches) rectangular form factor is ideal for creating a long, narrow strip of light. This is perfect for illuminating a subject from head to toe, creating a dramatic rim or edge light, or for use as a hair light to separate the subject from the background.
Bowens Mount: The softbox comes with a Bowens mount speed ring. This is a widely adopted standard in the lighting industry, making the softbox compatible with a vast range of popular studio strobes and continuous LED lights from brands like Aputure, Godox, Digitek, and many others that use the Bowens S-Type mount.
Quick and Easy Setup: The product description highlights an "umbrella structure" for quick setup and folding. This means the softbox can be opened and closed easily, much like an umbrella, which is a major advantage for on-location shoots where time is a critical factor.
Included Grid: The softbox comes with a cloth grid (also known as a honeycomb grid). This accessory is crucial for controlling light spill. By attaching the grid to the front of the softbox, you can narrow the beam of light, directing it more precisely onto your subject and preventing it from spilling onto the background or other parts of the scene.
Double Diffusers: The kit includes two soft diffuser cloths—an inner baffle and a front diffuser. Using both diffusers helps create an even softer, more diffused light, reducing harsh shadows. You can also choose to use only one or none, depending on the desired lighting effect.
Silver Interior: The inside of the softbox has a silver reflective lining. This helps to maximize the light output and create more contrasty light compared to a white interior.
Aluminum Deflector: Some listings for this product mention an "aluminum deflector" to remove the "hot spot" that can occur from the light source in the center of the softbox. This is a plate that reflects the light back into the softbox, ensuring a more even spread of light.
Portability: The softbox is designed to be lightweight and portable, and it comes with a dedicated carrying bag for easy storage and transport.
Ideal Use Cases
Full-Length Portraiture: The long, narrow shape of the softbox is perfect for lighting a full-body portrait, ensuring consistent illumination from head to toe.
Edge/Rim Lighting: Placing the strip box behind and to the side of a subject creates a dramatic rim light that outlines the subject and helps them stand out from the background.
Hair Lighting: It can be positioned high up and behind a subject to create a beautiful hair light that adds separation and dimension.
Product and Commercial Photography: The controlled, narrow beam of light is excellent for highlighting specific details on a product.
Group Shots: When used with other light modifiers, a strip box can be used to evenly light a line of people in a group photograph.
In summary, the Jenie Strip Box is a versatile and portable light modifier that offers a high degree of control over light. Its quick-setup design and Bowens mount compatibility make it a practical and valuable tool for both studio and location-based photographers.