Profoto Softbox

Overview

A Profoto Softbox is not a light source itself, but a light modifier (Light Shaping Tool) from the Swedish manufacturer Profoto. It is placed in front of a flash or continuous light source and enlarges the effective light-emitting surface, creating softer light with smoother shadow edges. Profoto softboxes are primarily used in studio and on-location photography, but are also employed in film, TV, and commercial productions as a soft light source.

Assembly is done via a Speedring adapter, into which the softbox's support rods (rods) are clamped. With the appropriate speedrings, the boxes can be adapted not only to Profoto lights but also to equipment from many third-party manufacturers.

Product Lines and Shapes

Profoto offers softboxes in several series, which differ mainly in their mounting system and heat resistance:

The RFi series is the most common series and is offered in numerous sizes; its characteristic feature is the recessed front, which directs light more forward than sideways and allows for the attachment of grids or strip masks.

Use on Set

The softbox serves as a soft key light or fill light source. Octa shapes create a round catchlight in the eye and are suitable for portrait and beauty looks, while strip boxes (long, narrow shape) provide narrow, controlled light strips for edge and contour lighting. Optional front diffusers, honeycomb grids, and strip masks control diffusion and beam angle.

Important for practical use: Speedrings are series-specific – an RFi softbox requires an RFi speedring, an OCF softbox an OCF speedring. Heat resistance must also be considered when choosing: OCF boxes are not approved for powerful mains-powered lights with halogen modeling lamps, while RFi boxes are designed for them.