Glow EZ Lock 12x56 Quick Strip Softbox - Fast Setup, Smooth Light

In this review of the Glow EZ Lock 12x56 Quick Strip softbox, the bottom line is simple: photographers who need flattering, directional strip light with lightning-fast setup will appreciate this unit. The EZ Lock assembly opens and closes like an umbrella, making it ideal for photographers working alone or on location who value speed and reliability. The included internal and external diffusers, reversible deflector disk and eggcrate grid together produce a soft, even spread without a hot center, so portrait and fashion shooters get consistent results from a portable package.

Key Features

• EZ Lock System: The umbrella-like quick assembly opens and closes fast so one person can rig or stow the softbox in seconds.
• Balanced Soft and Powerful Light: Reflective interior fabric plus internal and external diffusers deliver soft yet punchy light suitable for both portraits and full body shots.
• Deflector Disk: The opaque deflector prevents a center hot spot and spreads light evenly for more natural-looking illumination.
• Eggcrate Grid: The included grid produces a brighter, directional beam when you need contrast or want to control spill.
• Universal Bowens Compatibility: Works with Bowens-mount strobes, speedlights and flashes when paired with the supplied speedring adapter, making it usable across many lighting setups.
• Portable and Lightweight: The collapsible design and storage bag make it easy to travel with and switch between studio and location work.

Who It's For

This softbox suits portrait and fashion photographers who need a long, flattering strip light for head-to-toe shots or rim and hair lighting. Its quick set-up appeals to event shooters, small studio operators and solo photographers who must move quickly between setups.

Photographers seeking a heavy-duty, permanent studio modifier or those requiring an integrated speedlight power source should look elsewhere; while the build is generally praised, some users report mixed impressions of durability and snap-fit strength under heavy daily use.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Fast EZ Lock assembly makes setup and teardown quick and confident.
• Combination of internal/external diffusers and deflector disk yields a soft, even spread with minimal hot spot.
• Lightweight and portable so it travels well between location and studio shoots.
• Includes grid and speedring adapter for control and compatibility with Bowens-mount heads.

Cons

• Build quality and snapability get mixed reviews, so heavy daily studio abuse may expose weak points.
• Not a permanent heavy-duty studio fixture for extremely rugged use.

Specifications

Model Type	12x56 in quick strip softbox
Mount	Bowens mount (with speedring adapter included)
Included Modifiers	External diffuser, internal diffuser, reversible deflector disk, eggcrate grid
Assembly	EZ Lock umbrella-style quick assembly
Portability	Collapsible with storage bag for travel
Warranty	Glow 2-year USA warranty

Our Verdict

The Glow EZ Lock 12x56 strip softbox is a strong value for portrait and fashion photographers who need a portable, quick-to-deploy modifier that produces soft, even light. With its diffusers, deflector disk and grid it covers a range of looks, and the Bowens compatibility makes it flexible across lighting kits; buyers wanting a heavy industrial fixture should consider more robust alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it prevent a center hot spot?
The supplied opaque deflector disk is designed to eliminate a center hot spot and deliver a smoother spread.

Will it work with my strobe?
Yes, it is compatible with Bowens-mount strobes and flashes and includes a Bowens speedring adapter for mounting.

Is it easy to transport?
Yes, the collapsible EZ Lock design and storage bag make it straightforward to travel with and set up on location.