REVIEW: Rogue XL Pro Lighting Kit by ExpoImaging

ExpoImaging Rogue XL Pro Lighting Kit

When the ExpoImaging Rogue Small Soft Box Kit came out I was an instant fan as it’s a nice compact alternative to my EzyBox. As much as I enjoy it, I did wish it was much bigger so I was pleased when I found out that a larger version was coming in the XL kit. With a surface area that’s nearly as big as my portable softbox, I can get nice studio light with a configuration that easily fits in my Think Tank Photo camera bag.

Sample Images

I managed to talk my wife into stepping into the studio for a quick 15 minute shoot so I could show you what kind of light you can expect to get from the Soft Box featured in this kit. The following images were taken with a Canon 1D X but would have looked the same way had they been taken with a 6D, 5D Mark III, or even a Nikon D600. I used Canon 600EX-RT flash so I could take advantage of the radio trigger from my Canon ST-E3.

I chose to shoot in Manual instead of ETTL just so I could have a little more control of my light power. My flash was set to 1/32 power most of the time and my camera was set as shown. I intentionally went a little hot with the flash on these as the brighter light makes my wife happier than lighter light which brings out more skin detail. ;-)

I had my black background already up so I decided to go for a dark one-light look just for fun, so don’t let the dark look fool you – it had nothing to do with the lighting modifier.

Canon 1D X 1/160 sec at f/4.5, ISO 100 at 70mm (24-70mm f/2.8L II)

In the Shadows Sepia Toning done with Topaz B&W Effects (bundle on sale here) Canon 1D X 1/125 sec at f/4, ISO 100 at 70mm (24-70mm f/2.8L II)

Here’s the basic I used for the two images above, but I moved the soft box to the opposite side & to the side for the Sepia shot

Canon 1D X 1/160 sec at f/6.3, ISO 100 at 70mm (24-70mm f/2.8L II)

The shot above was done with a Lastolite Triflector (now only available as a kit), but any reflector would do if positioned properly.

Configurations

Strip Box

Soft Box

Reflector (Silver & Black attachment not shown)

Conclusion

Personally I had no use for the strip box, but that’s a personal preference other photographers most likely do not share with me. I supposed if I wanted to I could have used it as a hair light or used it for the In the Shadows shot, but I didn’t feel the need to. I consider the strip box to be an extra included in a kit that I consider to primarily be a big portable soft box/reflector kit – which is a good thing!

I liked the compact size, but I did find that with the Rogue FlashBender being this larger that weight becomes a bit of an issue so it would slide down on my flash head from time to time while I was shooting. I found this to be annoying, but I eventually tightened it up enough where it stopped. A piece of gaffer’s tape would have done the trick too. It also means that you’ll probably want a sandbag on your stand to avoid it tipping over (a problem I didn’t have indoors), but realistically you should always do that when you use stands anyway.

Those issues aside, I was very happy with this product and the results. I’m glad to have a more compact and portable option to my EzyBox.

Where to order

Click here to order the ExpoImaging Rogue XL Pro Lighting Kit from the B&H web site. My friends at Adorama have it available here.

Special Offer Direct from Expoimaging

You can purchase ExpoImaging Rogue XL Pro Lighting Kit direct from ExpoImaging and get a special discount:

NOTE: You MUST provide your credit card info before the Redeem button will work!

Click here and use the coupon code ronmart09 to learn more and save.

Codes change so check the discount coupon code page for the latest code if this code doesn’t work.

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• Rogue Grid
• Rogue Softbox and Diffusion Panels
• ExpoImaging ExpoDisc (Color Balancing Tool)
• Canon 600EX-RT Flash First Look (plus ST-E3 RT)
• Home Studio on a Budget
• Things You Need AFTER You Buy Your New Camera - Must Have Photography Accessories
• Which books should I read?
• Light It, Shoot It, Retouch It
• Flashpoint Soft Box (vs Lastolite Ezybox)

Disclosure

If you make a purchase using links found in this article, I may make a commission. It doesn’t cost you a penny more, but it does help to support future articles like this.