MagnetMod has launched a new crowdfunding campaign for a trio of new products that makes up what it calls a ‘revolutionary new softbox system,’ The three new products are the MagShoe, MagRing and MagBox and as the naming scheme suggests, these products are made to work together to create an easy-to-use studio setup on the go.
The first piece of the puzzle is the MagRing. Designed to simplify softbox setup times, the MagRing is a magnet-based speedring that lets you mount one or two speedlights to a tripod in a matter of seconds. The MagRing is constructed of a metal base with two locking plastic doors to keep your speedlight(s) in place.
Next up is the MagBox, ‘the world’s first magnetic softbox,’ according to MagnetMod. Hyperbole aside, the MagBox is a 24-inch octabox that includes a built-in gel holder, a zipper for easily swapping out gels, and a unique set of diffusers to help you get just the look you’re going for.
Specifically, the MagBox includes a standard cloth diffusion panel that you’d find inside most soft boxes. However, it also includes what MagnetMod calls the FocusDiffuser. This internal diffuser is designed in such a way that it supposedly recreates the look of a gridded softbox or beauty dish without the light loss you’d get actually using a grid. Based on the GIF below, it appears to work as advertised.
If you’re worried about magnets being the only thing holding the MagBox to the MagRing, there’s not much reason for concern. As MagnetMod shows, the hold is strong enough that a small ‘Magnetic Field Disrupter’ is needed to release the MagBox from the MagRing. In the words of MagnetMod, ‘even if you tilt your softbox at a deep angle or (for some reason) shoot inside a wind tunnel, the MagBox and the MagRing are staying put.’
The last of the three new products is the MagShoe, ‘the baller coldshoe of the future.’ This redesigned coldshe attachment improves upon traditional mounts in almost every way imaginable. Speedlights lock into place with a simple twist of a lever and a squeeze trigger makes it easy to tilt back and forth to get the angle you want. It even has a built-in hole for mounting an umbrella.
As will all of MagnetMod’s past Kickstarter campaigns, this new trio of products has surpassed its $ 100,000 goal with 57 days to go. Pledges start at $ 49, which will get you a single MagShoe, and go up from there. To find out more and secure your pledge, head on over to the Kickstarter campaign.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)