NANLITE Rapid 90 and Rapid 120 Parabolic Softbox Announced – Flat Folding Design for Better Transport

January 8^th, 2025

NANLITE Rapid 90 and Rapid 120 Parabolic Softbox Announced - Flat Folding Design for Better Transport

by Jakub HanJanuary 8^th, 2025

NANLITE Rapid 90 and Rapid 120 parabolic softboxes combine a very quick setup system and a flat-folding mechanism that minimizes the size of gear for transport. As the naming implies, the Rapid softbox comes in two sizes – 90cm diameter and 120cm diameter. Both models feature Bowens mount and they are available now for $179 (90cm) and $199 (120cm).

The Chinese lighting manufacturer NANLITE (and its sibling company NANLUX) offer a wide range of lighting solutions including COB lights, light panels, modifiers, etc. An example could be the popular Forza series of COB lights. Now, the company announced a new modifier, the Rapid Parabolic Softbox. Let’s take a look at the details.

NANLITE Rapid 90 and Rapid 120 Softbox

Firstly, as the naming implies, the Rapid softbox from NANLITE comes in two different sizes:

NANLITE Rapid 90 softbox (SB-RP90) features a 90cm diameter
NANLITE Rapid 120 softbox (SB-RP120) features a 120cm diameter

The softbox features the Bowens mount standard, so it will be compatible with many COB lamps on the market. When it comes to the NANLITE lineup, the Rapid softbox is compatible with Forza, FC, and FS series fixtures.

For me, the most interesting thing about these softboxes is the flat-folding mechanism that makes them very compact when folded for transport. The quick setup and collapse with the rapid-latch speed ring is also a welcomed feature. NANLITE claims the softbox can be opened within 5 seconds and collapsed in only 1 second.

NANLITE Rapid softbox features 16 carbon/steel ribs to provide structural rigidity and stability. Each softbox comes with a standard diffuser as well as a lite diffuser cloth for more flexibility. The diffusers are made of high-density fabric (durable nylon), providing an even diffusing effect. The softbox has a 90° beam with the standard diffuser and a 60° beam with the lite diffuser.

The interior of each Rapid 90 or Rapid 120 softbox features reflective fabric that intensifies the light and reduces light loss. Furthermore, each Rapid softbox comes with a carrying bag and a grid for reduced light spill.

Rapid 90 softbox folded. Source: NANLITE

Price and availability

Rapid 90 softbox costs $179 and Rapid 120 softbox costs $199. Both models are available now.

For more information, please visit the NANLITE website.

What do you think about the new NANLITE Rapid softbox? Do you use Bowens mount lights? Would you like to see more softbox models come with a similar flat-folding mechanism? Let us know in the comments section underneath the article.