Westcott redesigns nine Rapid Box Switch softbox formats

By Daniel Okafor

Westcott has redesigned nine shapes and sizes in its Rapid Box Switch Fold-Flat softbox lineup, claiming each opens to full size in one second and collapses just as quickly into an “ultra-flat profile”.

Each package includes a Bowens Switch Insert, inner and outer diffusion panels, a 55-degree grid and a carry case. Westcott says including the grid at no extra charge is unusual, because grids narrow a light source’s spill.

Compared with a bare softbox, the package reads as a working lighting kit because the insert, diffusion panels, grid and case arrive together.

Within Westcott’s product history, the redesign builds on the first Rapid Box, introduced in 2013. President Brandon Heiss said:

“Since introducing the first Rapid Box in 2013, we’ve focused on helping photographers set up faster, travel lighter, and create beautiful light. This is the fastest-opening and most portable softbox we’ve ever created. With a Bowens Insert and grid included, it’s also our best value yet.”

That is the manufacturer’s verdict, not an independent measurement. The announcement gives no prices, release dates, product weights, exact folded dimensions or test results for the one-second opening claim. “Ultra-flat” remains a description without a number. That does not make the redesign cosmetic; it makes the practical comparison unclosed.

What changes in the mount?

Westcott explains the revised system:

“The redesigned softbox mount makes attaching Switch Inserts faster and easier. Each all-metal insert slides into the built-in channel and locks securely into place, while a slide release allows it to detach instantly when changing lighting systems.”

The Bowens Switch Insert bundled with the softbox fits the Westcott FJ800, FJ400 Series, FJ250 and L120-B, as well as many other compatible lights. Existing Switch Inserts remain compatible, while separate inserts cover a wide range of strobes, speedlights and continuous LED lights.

The mechanism is specific, but Westcott supplies no measurements for the new channel, lock or release. Its claim of faster changes therefore lacks a comparative timing.

Westcott’s stated goal is to reduce the space the modifiers occupy, let photographers stack them with other equipment and fit more lighting gear into fewer bags. That addresses a clear production problem, though the announcement gives no data on how much bag space the redesign saves.

How does the redesign shape light?

Westcott chose a reflective silver interior to maximise output, pairing it with neutral inner and outer diffusion to soften the light before it reaches a subject. The company says the dual diffusion delivers natural skin tones, accurate colours and consistent results across photography and video.

That description connects the hardware to the photographic result, but it remains a company claim. The announcement offers no comparative readings or sample images showing how the silver-and-diffusion arrangement performs.

Which sizes make up the range?

The nine-format line comprises:

• Octa boxes in 2-foot, 3-foot and 4-foot sizes.
• Softboxes in 2-by-3-foot, 3-by-3-foot and 3-by-4-foot sizes.
• Strip softboxes in 1-by-3-foot, 1-by-4-foot and 1-by-6-foot sizes.

Westcott shows the full redesigned range on the FJWestcott website.

What does the evidence not settle?

The redesign offers a direct response to the practical problem of bulky modifiers and slow accessory changes. The fuller package improves what arrives in the bag, but several larger claims still depend on Westcott’s own description rather than outside testing.

Commercial context deserves attention. Westcott sponsored the PetaPixel YouTube channel, although it was not an active partner at publication; the originating report also disclosed that affiliate links might earn commissions if a reader bought through one.

The craft case is clearer than the evidentiary case: quicker assembly, flat-folding construction and a more complete accessory package are stated features, while speed, output and portability still need independent measurement. Going forward, Westcott will need exact folded dimensions, weights and comparative output data if “fastest-opening”, “ultra-flat” and “most portable” are to stand as more than positioning.