Rogue Photographic Design ROGUEXLPRO2 Flash Bender 2 XL Pro Lighting System (Black/White)

I purchased this from Amazon LLC on the evening of 17 Dec 2015 and received it on 20 December (Sunday), one day before the expected arrival date. I assume it was delivered on a Sunday because of the Christmas season since UPS normally doesn't deliver on Sundays. anyway great job Amazon and UPS.I've ordered many inexpensive modifiers over the past few years and I have none of them left, they didn't do what they said they did so to me they were useless. So it was with a slight bit of trepidation that I ordered the Rouge XL2 Pro.This is one inexpensive light modifier that performs exactly as stated in their advertisement.It does create soft light, I'd say the light from this modifier is very similar to a beauty dish. This modifier does not provide the softness of a 24 " softbox so if that is what you're looking for get a softbox.Pros:Easy to transportEasy to set up and mount on the flashProvides acceptable soft light and with the grid attachment good control for subject separation or hairlight.Perfect for environmental/outside portraiture and fill.It's less likely to cause problems when using outside, like sailing umbrellas, and softboxes.Because this modifier is flexible/bendable it works well to shape and control the light.Cons:I can't think of one, this product just works if you understand it's limitations as it relates to photographic lighting.I would recommend this product to any photographer who understands its limitations.If you're going to use it as a bounce modifier it works and it works well but it is heavy so I'd recommend getting no larger than a large flashbender for that purpose. While I did shoot using this to bounce light at my subject and was able to shape it for best light it's just to heavy to carry around on an on camera flash. Where this product best is off camera.I'll be adding to my Rouge Kit with a large diffuser as well as the flash grid and gels.  Rogue Photographic Design ROGUEXLPRO2 Flash Bender 2 XL Pro Lighting System (Black/White)

I wanted the XL for the larger surface area it provides for my speedlight. The reason for the 4* stars instead of 5* is when my speedlight is angled down with the speedlight head pointing in the vertical position with the flashbender attached the weight of the XL flashbender sometimes moves the flash head position down. Not a huge issue and maybe it just my particular speedlight (I use the Godox V860ii). I still own the L sized flashbender and I like the product and its versatility.

I needed a compact,high quality,durable, and adaptable flash diffuser. This for me checked all the boxes.From the build quality of the main diffuser to the attachments,you can see the top quality.The diffused light that it produced is also superb. A must have for the on the go photographer.The design is ideal for camera backpacks with laptop slit.This can be a large diffuser,snoot, simple softbox, strip box, and gobo.*****update*****This kit does not include the silver and black reflector/gobo. I removed a star from my previous post because I thought it was included (all the youtube video stated that it was included)

Versatile kit for softening and redirecting speed light output. I’ve used as top light for clam shell lighting setup as my basement ceiling is too low for my monolights to be raised that high. This kit produced a very usable soft light. The grid attachment is a bonus for when light focusing is necessary. Components are easy to use, durable and assemlble quickly. I highly recommend it.

The material for the diffuser and strip grid is too small as compared to the reflector, making setup awkward. The strip grid bends inwards on the left and right side due to the smallness of the material. Yes the light is definitely better/softer due to the big size of this modifier.

I bought this because I wanted to shoot pictures of my new grandchild in the hospital right after birth. It was a little large for on camera flash, but did the trick to bounce the light and create softer lighting in a tight space. I probably should have the large version, but wanted the extras that came with this one. Would recommend to others.

It's not going to miraculously make you a better photographer, but it will help you if you have a minimum knowledge of basic lighting and composition. It does exactly what its intended to do with what I ask from it.

Worked like a charm - went to iceland with it. hard to take pics if its windy outside, but the fact I was able to use diffused flash in ICELAND on a Glacier speaks for the build quality of this product.

These Rogue products are superb. I have 3 of these in different sizes along with the coloured gels and the Grid. All are excellent and versatile products with are also simple to use, strong, light and easy to carry. In fact, the Large one of these lives permanently in my camera bags. These plus the PocketWizard TT1 and Flex TT5 has opened my eyes to the joy of Flash / Strobe photography.I always hated to use the flash, but getting it all off the camera with these modifiers has been awesome and I pretty much use Flash all the time now as it's incredible what you can do. Can't find a nice, uncluttered background for a portrait.... No problem, use flash. I took pictures of my Daughter in her Prom dress in early afternoon sunshine and using flash managed to get pics of her perfectly exposed against a totally black background just as flash had managed to overpower the ambient light.I love the Rogue modifiers so much, in fact so much that my large Beauty Dish, Lastolite OctoBox Softbox and even my Canon MT24 Twin Macro Flash haven't hardly been touched. I just whip out the Canon 580 EX2 Speedlites, PocketWizard TT1 and TT5 and the Rogues and I'm away.These are truly so flexible, you can do whatever you want..... Just, get that flash OFF THE CAMERA with a remote trigger!

Rogue Flashbender 2 XL Pro Lighting System Once again, I am not disappointed by this ExpoImaging "ROGUE" branded product.the Perfect light modification companion for on-location shooting or studio shooting. Multi purpose.Works perfectly well. Takes seconds to set up. In the box,- XL Reflector (white only).- XL soft box diffuser.- XL Strip Grid (i.e. the strip itself plus the grid sewn together).Just a couple of observations / recommendations.(1) It would have been nice if Rogue split the Grid from the strip so that you can use as a strip box with or without the Grid (the previous version of the XL Pro enabled this - see Frank Doohorf's youtube video).(2) The other observation is that Rogue have a limited edition Flashbender 2 XL Pro Lighting system with a SILVER XL Reflector (INSTEAD of the white reflector that is for this product being reviewed).(2a) It would have been excellent if Rogue offered the same as they have in Rogue Flashbender 2 Large Soft Box Kit: i.e. the double sided (silver on one side and black on the reverse side).(2b) This will enable the user to affix the silver side to the XL Reflector (white only) if they so wish, or alternatively affix the reverse black side to use as a flag.(2c) One obvious point to emphasise is that, similar to the Flashbender 2 Large Soft Box Kit, user cannot use the reversible attachment at the same time they use the soft box diffuser. Nor will they be able to use it when attaching the strip grid.Well, if ExpoImaging were to add these recommended features to the Rogue Flashbender 2 XL Pro Lighting System, it could push up the price a bit, but I am sure a lot of customers will like the (i) consistency from one product to the other, and (ii) the flexibility offered by the diverse range of attachments. Rogue Flashbender 2 XL Pro Lighting System

I bought this as I wanted to experiment with off-camera flash and needed something versatile that could lend itself to working in different locations and conditions. I've used it on a dozen shoots already and have barely scratched the surface with what it can do. Not sure I could cope without it now. Works beautifully with Yongnuo flashes and with either my Canon DSLRs or my Fuji X Series equally well. Will be investing in another soon.

Very well made piece of kit. Good instructions. Only dropped 1 star as there is no silver/black reflector, which you get if you buy the flashbender as a single unit. But the other additions with the "XL Pro" more than make up for it.Used it in one shoot and it was fine. Good reflector. Haven't used it as grid yet.I would recommend

Well made product from a first class company. Takes up very little room in a bag or case. Comes in its own bag with a sample filter. Easy to set up. Needs to be used on a separate light stand as it is a bit too heavy for use on camera. Done a couple of jobs and it works well. Will buy more of their products.