Westcott Rapid Box Switch Strip (1×2′)

NOTE: Slight bend in one side of metal, still seems to function normally.

The Westcott Rapid Box Switch Strip is a 1×2-foot strip softbox built on Westcott’s quick-collapse umbrella-style frame, designed for photographers who want the narrow, elongated light shaping of a strip modifier combined with the fast setup and breakdown of the Rapid Box system. Its long, narrow shape makes it well suited for rim lighting, hair lights, product photography, and other applications where a controlled, elongated light source is preferable to a standard square or rectangular softbox.

The softbox uses Westcott’s Switch speed-ring system, which allows a single modifier to accept multiple lighting mounts, including Bowens, Profoto, and other popular strobe and speedlight adapters, by swapping out the interchangeable speed-ring rather than requiring separate modifiers for different light systems. This gives photographers flexibility to use the same strip softbox across different lighting brands or as their equipment changes over time, without needing to purchase duplicate modifiers.

Construction follows the Rapid Box umbrella-style opening mechanism, allowing the softbox to open and close similarly to an umbrella rather than requiring photographers to assemble individual rods, significantly speeding up setup and breakdown compared to traditional four-rod softboxes. This design is particularly useful for photographers working in fast-paced environments or those who frequently transport their lighting gear between locations.

The strip softbox includes an internal diffusion baffle along with an outer diffusion panel, working together to soften and evenly spread light across the surface of the softbox, reducing hot spots and producing a smooth gradient of light output. This layered diffusion approach is standard for producing soft, wraparound light suitable for portrait rim lighting or product edge lighting. A removable front baffle allows photographers to adjust the quality of light, from a softer, fully diffused output to a slightly more direct, contrasty look when the front diffusion is removed.

Its narrow 1×2′ footprint makes it easy to position in tighter spaces compared to larger softboxes, particularly useful when working as a secondary or accent light in a multi-light setup where a full-size softbox would be too large or difficult to angle precisely.

Key Features
– 1×2′ strip softbox
– Rapid Box umbrella-style quick-open and collapse frame
– Switch interchangeable speed-ring system (Bowens, Profoto, and other mounts)
– Internal diffusion baffle plus removable outer front diffusion panel
– Compact strip shape suited for rim, hair, and accent lighting
– Fast setup and breakdown compared to traditional rod-based softboxes