StudioFX1600 WATT H9004S Digital Photography Continuous Softbox Lighting Studio Video Portrait Kit H9004S

I bought this with the intentions of doing quick YouTube videos for my business in my apartment. I want it to be bright enough but didn’t need/want anything super powerful/exepensive since these are just for basic videos.The good:I went with this because the price was good and that it had an inner baffle. I didn’t want any hot spot from my lights and this setup was the few that had an inner baffle. Light is more than bright enough. I’m only using half the power and it is more than bright enough when all my apartment lights turned off. All the bulbs worked and I had everything setup within 30mins.The bad:The price is cheap and it was expected that this set will be light weight. Everything from the stands, lights, cases are light weight. I wouldn’t expect this to last long if you’re carrying it from gig to gig. However, for my needs, I am leaving them permanently set up so I wouldn’t be breaking it down and up.Overall:For my needs they work and they met my expectations. They performed as they should and I am glad I didn’t go overkill as the lights are just for basic YouTube videos. I’d recommend them so long you know what you’re getting and what you need it for.

While not the best pair of softboxes I've seen, they work as they should. I have been using them for a few weeks now and they function just about as well as I would have thought for the price. I don't really have any complaints but a few notes:+ The outside of the softbox is a leather/leather like material that seems to be adequate to keep in the majority of the heat.+/- They seem to get fairly hot after a few hours, so I would suggest not leaving them on for longer periods of time+/- While they come with a carrying case you'll seldom use it as most softboxes [these included] are a pain to put together and require some patience+ The cord is actually fairly long- They are flimsy. Not too much so, but if you're going to leave them in one place is to get either carpet spikes of some type for them or [if you're on hardwood] possibly rubber grips on the end- The manual while 'okay' doesn't explain how to clearly do much. Since most softboxes under $200 are built the same I just looked up a product guide for a similar one and used those assembly instructions. Those medal rods in particular are difficult to put in when you get to the 3rd/4th one. However, that is a common complaint with softboxes+ I accidentally knocked over one when doing some overly dramatic shots, and nothing broke or shattered. While they look slightly cheap, this actually surprised me.+ Finally, brightness. These are one of the few pairs under $150 that offer 4 bulb configuration in each, and added brightness is always appreciated.

Astonishingly good price, but one of the units was Dead on Arrival. Two of the sockets worked, the other two did not. Definitely not a bulb issue. Figuring out how to assemble the umbrella with the tension poles was maddening. I recommend assembling first BEFORE screwing in bulbs, to avoid potentially shattering the bulbs as you try to attach the umbrella. If you've ever set up a tent before, the principle is similar, but getting the last 2 tension poles into the light unit is extremely challenging. This unit ships with 8 CFL bulbs, which was a bit annoying as I had planned to use brighter and more energy efficient LED bulbs (which come in a wider range of color temps), so now I have to donate the CFLs and each is packed in an individual box. The carrying case is set to carry each item in the set packed into its individual box, and that includes the bulb boxes...a bit strange. If you don't disassemble and repack every component into its cardboard box, the unit will not carry securely in the carry bag. BUT! You get what you pay for, and if yours arrives in working order and you don't mind 20 maddening minutes getting the umbrella assembled each time, and 20 frustrating minutes repacking each component into a flimsy cardboard box after each shoot so it will all fit snugly back into the carry case, GO FOR IT!!

I have been very happy with purchase. I use it to videotape self-tapes for my daughter, which is a budding actress & singer. I have used the softbox several dozen times & this setup has been rock solid with the light bulbs showing the same intensity. It was a bit tricky to put it together though the 1st time. Even now, due to the effort involved, I don't dismantle them after every use, but store them assembled! But, in my mind, this is a nit-pick and doesn't take away from the product quality!The customer service has been top-notch. Once of the lights would go off intermittently & it was most likely because of some issues with the power cord where it meets the plug. Alvin M was very helpful & sent out a replacement light fixture immediately & I was back in business in 3 days from my contacting them! This was a life-saver because I needed it for another video. I wish all companies stand behind their products like this! I will be more than glad to do business with them again. In fact, I am already getting ready to order a green screen from them.05/03/2021: Reducing the stars to 4. One of the boxes has stopped working. I believe I am having the same issues as the other one - issues where the power cord the plug. Haven't been able to reach the customer service. I will update once (if) I am able to resolve the issue. Without both light boxes functioning, the lighting set up is pretty useless!05/17/2021: It was my fault. It turns out, I was calling the wrong phone number & leaving messages! Within a few minutes after a sent an email through Amazon, Alvin called me and sent me the replacement unit, which I received in 2 days! Now I am back in business with my lighting setup, which is really important for me. I use my lighting setup practically 2-3 times a week to shoot various videos. Their response clearly shows how much they value their customer & treat them! This is definitely 5-star support! Thank you.