Cheetahstand

MAX20 Softbox

$139.00 USD

~~$139.00 USD~~ $139.00 USD

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Space an issue? We got you covered! The Cheetah MAX20 softbox is our speedy 20 inch modifier that provides beautiful light with a build quality made to last. Being the smallest size in the Quick Series collection, it's great for travel when portability matters.

The innovative Quick Release System is designed for speedy set up and break downs for the creator on the go! Just as easy as it is to open and close a traditional umbrella, you can have your modifier set up in seconds, saving you time and stress when you are creating your masterpiece. This is extra important if you are renting space because who wants to waste time setting up and breaking down when you could be making more magic?

The interior of the softbox is lined with a specially engineered pebbled silver material, a Cheetah Stand exclusive. Smooth silver material can produce significant hot spots in the light output making it difficult to use the box without a diffuser. The unique design of the pebbling in our softbox diffuses the light, resulting in more consistent light while maintaining maximum output. This is especially important when shooting in bright sun when you need to get the most power from your lights.

The exterior is a tough, flexible material that is tear-resistant and water-resistant. It comes equipped with 2 layers of diffusion that can all be easily cleaned - especially important if you are going to take it on adventures! Combined with the best grid in the market measuring at 4cm x 4cm x 4cm, you will have extreme control of your light spread.

The reflector plate adds an extra dimension to the capabilities of this softbox. The plate comes pre-installed, but is removable by user. You can use the Max 20 with or without any diffuser to produce an edgy and crisp light that is great for showing the shape and texture of your subject.

For softer light, add the front diffuser.
For even softer light, use both front and inner diffuser.
The diffusers can be used in combination with the reflector plate, or without it to achieve many different looks with a single softbox.

The 4 thumbscrew design makes it easy to change speed ring inserts when you switch between lighting systems quickly and without tools.

Includes:
1 Softbox
1 Carrying bag
1 Front diffuser
1 Grid
1 Reflector plate

Dimensions:
Weight with accessories attached: lb
Weight with bag: 3.25 lb
Diameter (point-to-point): 20 in
Depth (when expanded): 20 in
Folded length: 21.5 in
Folded width: 7 in

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Photography Modifier FAQ: Unlocking Better Light Photography is all about light, and mastering it can transform your images from good to truly breathtaking. That's where photography modifiers come in! These ingenious tools help you shape, soften, or direct light exactly where you need it, giving you unprecedented control over your creative vision. Let's dive into some common questions about these essential accessories and how they can benefit your work.

1. What exactly are photography modifiers, and why do I need them?

Think of photography modifiers as your light sculptors! In simple terms, they are accessories you attach to your light sources (like flashes or continuous lights) to change how the light behaves. Without them, your light might be too harsh, too broad, or just not hitting your subject in the right way. Modifiers give you the power to transform raw light into something soft, directional, dramatic, or flattering, ultimately making your photos look more professional and polished. They are crucial for creating mood, defining shape, and separating your subject from the background, turning ordinary scenes into captivating images.

2. How do these modifiers actually improve my photos?

The primary benefit of modifiers is their ability to control light. When you use them, you gain the power to: Soften harsh shadows: No one likes unflattering, hard shadows under noses or chins. Modifiers like softboxes spread light out, creating gentle, diffused shadows that look far more natural and appealing. Create beautiful highlights: You can direct light to accentuate specific features or create sparkling catchlights in eyes, adding life and dimension to portraits. Achieve consistent lighting: By spreading light evenly, modifiers help you avoid hot spots and ensure your entire subject is beautifully illuminated, which is especially important for product photography or group shots. Add mood and drama: Want a moody, shadowed look? A grid on a softbox can concentrate light, leaving the surroundings darker and creating a sense of focus and drama. Reduce reflections: For reflective surfaces, modifiers can help control where light bounces, preventing unsightly glare.

3. What's a softbox, and why is it such a popular modifier?

A softbox is arguably one of the most popular and versatile modifiers out there, and for good reason! It's essentially an enclosure around your light source with a reflective interior and a diffusion panel (or two) at the front. The magic happens inside: the light bounces around the reflective walls and then passes through the diffusion material, emerging as a large, soft, and even light source. This "soft light" mimics natural window light, making it incredibly flattering for portraits, product photography, and anything where you want smooth skin tones, gentle transitions from light to shadow, and beautiful, even illumination. Its ability to create flattering light instantly makes subjects look their best.

4. Tell me more about the Cheetah MAX20 Softbox – what makes it a game-changer?

The Cheetah MAX20 softbox is a fantastic example of a high-quality modifier designed for efficiency and stunning light. What makes it special starts with its size: being the smallest in our Quick Series collection, it's incredibly portable. This means you can easily toss it in your gear bag and take it with you wherever your photography adventures lead. But its true power lies in its ability to deliver beautiful light with exceptional build quality. It’s a complete package for photographers who need reliable, portable, and high-performance lighting.

5. How does the innovative Quick Release System of the MAX20 save me time on shoots?

Time is money, especially when you're on a tight schedule or renting studio space! The Cheetah MAX20’s innovative Quick Release System is a true time-saver. Imagine setting up and breaking down your modifier as easily as opening and closing a traditional umbrella – that's precisely what this system offers. You can have your softbox ready to go in seconds, not minutes. This rapid deployment and pack-up mean less stress and more valuable time spent actually creating your masterpiece, capturing those perfect moments, rather than fumbling with complicated equipment. It’s an absolute lifesaver for busy professionals.

6. Why is the interior material of a softbox important, and what's unique about the MAX20's pebbled silver?

The interior lining of a softbox plays a crucial role in how the light is distributed. Many softboxes use smooth silver material, which can inadvertently create "hot spots" – areas of brighter, less diffused light within the output. This makes it harder to get consistently smooth light without relying heavily on multiple diffusers. The Cheetah MAX20, however, features a specially engineered pebbled silver material in its interior, an exclusive design. This unique pebbling diffuses the light even before it hits the front diffusers, resulting in a significantly more consistent and even light output. The incredible benefit here is that you get beautifully smooth light while maintaining maximum output. This is especially vital when shooting outdoors in bright sun, where you need every bit of power from your lights to overpower ambient light and achieve proper exposure. It’s about getting the most out of your strobes without sacrificing light quality.

7. What about durability? Can the Cheetah MAX20 Softbox handle my adventures?

Absolutely! Photographers are often on the go, shooting in various environments, and your gear needs to keep up. The exterior of the Cheetah MAX20 is made from a tough, flexible material that is both tear-resistant and water-resistant. This robust construction means it can withstand the rigors of frequent travel and outdoor shoots, giving you peace of mind. Furthermore, it comes equipped with two layers of diffusion that are easily cleaned, which is incredibly important for maintaining light quality, especially if you're taking it on dusty, adventurous shoots. This modifier is built to last and to be a reliable partner wherever your creativity takes you.

8. How do the diffusers work, and what different looks can I achieve with the MAX20?

The Cheetah MAX20 comes with two layers of diffusion: a front diffuser and an inner diffuser. These panels are key to softening light and controlling its spread. For softer light: Simply add the front diffuser. This is your go-to for general portraits and situations where you want pleasingly soft illumination. For even softer light: Use both the front and inner diffusers in combination. This doubles the diffusion, creating an incredibly gentle and wrapped light that is perfect for delicate subjects, high-key looks, or extremely flattering close-up portraits. The beauty is the versatility: these diffusers can be used with or without the reflector plate (which we’ll discuss next), allowing you to achieve a wide array of looks with just one softbox. This adaptability means more creative options without needing multiple modifiers.

9. What's a grid, and how does the MAX20's grid help me achieve extreme light control?

fA grid, often called an egg crate, is a honeycomb-like accessory that attaches to the front of your softbox. Its purpose is to narrow and control the spread of light. While a softbox naturally spreads light broadly, a grid creates a more focused beam, preventing light from spilling onto areas where you don't want it. The Cheetah MAX20 includes one of the best grids on the market, measuring a precise 4cm x 4cm x 4cm. This specific size provides extreme control over your light spread. It’s ideal for isolating your subject, creating dramatic vignettes, or ensuring light only hits a specific part of your scene, leading to cleaner, more impactful images and reducing unwanted light spill.

10. What's the reflector plate, and how can I use it with the MAX20 for unique looks?

The reflector plate is an additional, pre-installed (but removable!) component within the Cheetah MAX20 softbox that adds another dimension to your lighting capabilities. When used, this plate helps redirect and focus the light coming from your flash. Edgy and Crisp Light: You can use the MAX20 with or without any diffuser but with the reflector plate to produce a remarkably edgy and crisp light. This kind of light is fantastic for highlighting the shape and texture of your subject. Think of it for product photography where you want to emphasize details, or for portraits where you desire a more dramatic and defined look, bringing out facial contours. Versatile Combinations: What’s truly great is that the reflector plate can be combined with the front diffuser, the inner diffuser, or both, offering a vast array of lighting possibilities from a single modifier. This means you have an incredible amount of control to craft diverse looks, from super soft to sharp and dramatic.

11. Can I use the Cheetah MAX20 with different lighting systems and brands?

Yes, absolutely! Compatibility is key for photographers who use various lighting systems. The Cheetah MAX20 is designed with a smart 4 thumbscrew design that makes changing speed ring inserts incredibly easy. This innovative feature allows you to switch between different lighting brands and mounts (like Bowens, Elinchrom, Profoto, etc.) quickly and, importantly, without any tools. This versatility means your MAX20 isn’t tied to just one type of strobe; it can adapt to your evolving gear needs, making it a truly future-proof investment and a flexible addition to any lighting kit.

12. Is the Cheetah MAX20 softbox truly good for travel and on-location shoots?

Without a doubt! As mentioned earlier, the Cheetah MAX20 is specifically designed with portability in mind. As the smallest size in the Quick Series collection, it collapses down efficiently and comes with its own carrying bag, making it incredibly easy to transport. For photographers who frequently shoot on location, travel to different studios, or simply need a lightweight setup for outdoor sessions, its compact size and speedy setup system make it an ideal choice. You get professional-grade light without the bulk and hassle of larger, more cumbersome modifiers, ensuring you're always ready to capture stunning images, wherever you are.

13. What types of photography benefit most from modifiers like the Cheetah MAX20?

The versatility of the Cheetah MAX20 and modifiers in general makes them beneficial across a wide range of photography genres: Portraits (studio and on-location): Essential for flattering skin tones, beautiful catchlights, and soft, even illumination. Product Photography: Helps control reflections, highlight textures, and create consistent lighting for professional-looking product shots. Fashion and Beauty: Perfect for achieving clean, high-end lighting that defines features and enhances makeup. Events and Weddings: Allows for quick, adaptable lighting solutions in changing environments, ensuring subjects always look their best. Food Photography: Can create appealing light that makes food look delicious and highlights its details. Basically, any photography where you need precise control over light quality and direction will benefit immensely from a modifier like the MAX20.

14. How does using a modifier impact my subject's appearance in photos?

Using a modifier like the Cheetah MAX20 fundamentally changes how your subject appears by transforming the quality of light. Without a modifier, direct flash can create harsh, unflattering shadows and make skin look shiny or flat. With the MAX20, you'll see: Softer skin tones: The diffused light minimizes blemishes and creates a smoother appearance. Reduced harsh shadows: Shadows become gentle and gradual, adding dimension without being distracting. Flattering contours: Light wraps around your subject, defining their features in a natural and appealing way. Pleasing catchlights: The large light source creates beautiful, natural-looking reflections in the eyes, bringing them to life. In essence, a good modifier makes your subjects look more natural, more attractive, and simply better lit, enhancing the overall professionalism and artistry of your photographs.

15. What's included when I invest in the Cheetah MAX20 softbox?

When you choose the Cheetah MAX20 softbox, you're getting a complete, ready-to-use lighting solution right out of the box. Each package includes everything you need to start shaping light beautifully: 1 Softbox: The main unit itself, with the innovative quick-release system and pebbled silver interior. 1 Carrying Bag: For easy transport and protection, emphasizing its portability. 1 Front Diffuser: To create soft, even light. 1 Inner Diffuser: For an even softer, more wrapped light. 1 Grid: For precise control over light spill and creating focused beams. 1 Reflector Plate: The removable plate that allows for edgier, more crisp light, highlighting texture and shape. This comprehensive set ensures you have all the tools to explore a wide range of lighting styles and achieve stunning results immediately.