Phottix expands its Raja series of softboxes with two new models that follow the same rule: they open like an umbrella and are ready to use in seconds. Meet the Raja Strip Softbox and Raja 80x120cm.

Whether it’s the Octa or the Deep Octa softboxes or the rectangular models, the Phottix Raja family has one thing in common: all models are quick-folding. Something that the company continues to use in the two new models now announced: the Raja 80x120cm (32″x47″) and the Phottix Raja Quick-Folding Strip Softbox 30x140cm (12″x55″), available for $120.00 and $90.00 directly from Phottix.

Softboxes are great tools for controlling light. They allow you to shape light as you want, to harness its power, to bend it to your will. They expand your photographic potential. But first they’ve to be assembled, and sometimes they’re difficult to assemble. In fact, assembling most softboxes leads to anxiety, frustration and mumbled curses. Speed Rings, rods, and fabric result in you bending and twisting like an Olympic diver to get the box assembled. The industry has long looked for alternative solutions, and making them open as an umbrella is one of the viable paths.

The whole Phottix Raja Quick-Folding Softbox line-up is designed to open like an umbrella and, says Phottix, is ready to use in seconds (yes, seconds).  The company decided to design the Raja series this way because with the quick set up there is “no anxiety. No frustration. No ‘questionable’ language. Pop it open, add the ba­ffle, diffuser and grid – mount on your studio light. Simple. Before you can say ‘Hail to the King,’ you’re ready to shoot.”

The Raja 80x120cm (32″x47″) now announced is great for group portraits or product photography. It comes with swappable speed rings for popular lighting brands, uses Phottix’s heat resistant SL Tech material, features a heavy-duty construction and comes with a travel bag, much like other Raja softboxes from Phottix. It also includes a Inner Baffle, Outer Diffuser and Fabric Grid. The Phottix Raja Quick-Folding Softboxes come with a Phottix-compatible S-Mount (Bowens). Swappable mounts for Elinchrom and Profoto are available (sold separately).

The second new softbox, the Raja Strip Softbox, includes the same accessories but is to be used in a completely different way, as its shape suggests. It is great as a rim or hair light or as a main modifier for super dramatic portraits. Both softboxes will be on display at Phottix’s booth at Photokina, which happens 26-19 September in Cologne, Germany.