Elinchrom Octa Softboxes: Lighting Up Your Creativity
Elinchrom is known for making some of the best light modifiers out there, especially their Rotalux octagonal softboxes. These Octas are not only fantastic at shaping light, but they’re also easy to set up—no fussing with rods popping out like with some other brands. Just lock the rods into place, and you’re ready to go thanks to the built in speedring.
SYNC’s Full Lineup of Elinchrom Octa Softboxes and Grids
We carry Elinchrom Octa Softboxes and Grids adapted for Profoto lights in all sizes to suit your shooting style:
27.5" Deep – Compact and punchy
39" – A go-to for portability and soft light
39" Deep – Offers a crisp, controlled look
53" – Popular mid-size, super versatile
59" Indirect – Soft and diffused for a natural glow
69" – Large and luscious light spread
74" Indirect – The big one for truly impressive, even lighting
Each size has its perks, and there’s one to match any look you’re going for, from tight portraits to full-body fashion.
Here's a rundown of each size in more detail:
27.5" Rotalux Deep Octa (70cm)
(EL26650)
This compact deep Octa is small but mighty! With the front diffuser on, it offers beautifully soft, diffused light. Remove the diffuser, and you’ll get a crisp, beauty-dish-like effect, perfect for portraits with a bit of edge.
39" Rotalux Octa (100cm)
(EL26646)
This 39” shallow Octa is a favorite for portraits and beauty shots. Sometimes called the "Mini" it’s portable, lightweight, and creates stunning, natural-looking catchlights in the eyes—perfect for adding that extra depth to your photos.
39" Rotalux Deep Octa (100cm)
(EL26648)
For a slightly more focused look, the 39” Deep Octa gives you the option of soft or directional light. It’s an ideal choice for portrait and fashion photographers who want flexibility in their lighting.
53" Rotalux Octa (135cm)
(EL26647)
Meet the ultimate versatile Octa! Often dubbed "Midi", this 53” can transform into a large beauty dish when you remove the diffusers, offering you a soft glow or punchy contrast, depending on your needs. A great middle-ground choice for creative experimentation.
59" Rotalux Deep Octa Indirect (150cm)
(EL26188)
The Indirect 59” Octa is all about the softest light possible. Thanks to its double diffusion layers, it produces a beautiful, enveloping glow. Perfect for high-end beauty and editorial shots where flattering light is a must.
69" Rotalux Octa (175cm)
(EL26649)
The 69” Octa is the largest in the Rotalux range and delivers a lovely, soft light that wraps around your subject. Ideal for larger spaces and group shots, it creates a natural, subtle catchlight that looks stunning in portraits.
74" Litemotiv Indirect Octa (190cm)
(EL28000)
The biggest and boldest! Litemotiv is a step beyond Elinchrom's Rotalux range. When people ask for an Elinchrom Octa without any clarification on size, this is what they mean. The 74” Indirect Octa is designed for even, super-soft lighting. Try it close up for gentle lighting or pull off the front diffuser for a high-contrast beauty look. Perfect for making a statement in larger setups.
Control Your Light with Grids – Finally!
SYNC carries each size of Elinchrom's 30º grids for their Rotalux line dubbed "Rotagrids". Adding a grid helps you manage light spill, focusing light exactly where you want it. That’s key for creating a more dramatic image by isolating subjects from the background while still keeping that soft, flattering look.
Heads-up on Rotagrids: Elinchrom’s Rotagrids work well, but their setup with the outer diffusion can admittedly be tricky and overly complicated. It's worth mentioning so you're not suddenly caught off guard on set.
Due to their construction, Rotagrids sit flush inside the octa, but are attached to velcro strips on the outside of the octa with a flap. There is no velcro on the inside edge like other popular brands. This is a problem because the outer diffusion is also secured using those same outer velcro strips and fits fully over the front of the modifier, leaving no room for the grid to attach or sit properly.
The result is such that the grid can only be put on in combination with the outer diffusion 1) if you splay out the flap which smushes the grid flat near the edges, deforming it's shape; and 2) if the outer diffusion is one of their new "Stackable Diffusers," the only real difference being that it has additional velcro strips on the outside for the grid (or an additional diffusion) to attach to.
Confusing? We know. It works for now, but we wish it was better. They aren't exactly new to the game, but Elinchrom didn't actually start offering grids for their Rotalux line until 2019 so it seems they are still figuring things out.
If you're looking to get your own, we can recommend Lighttools’ third-party ez[POP] grids solution as an alternative, which fit fully over the front and hold their shape well. They’re definitely pricier, but worth it if you like fuss-free setups. We do carry one of their 50º grids for the 39" octa if you want to give it a try. (Pictured above in the middle of the group–notice the clean lines and lack of bunching around the edges compared to the others?)
They are also one of the only options if you want a grid for the big 74" as Elinchrom does not offer one themselves.
Not Sure Which Size or Type to Go For?
If you’re hungry for more info about how small vs large, shallow vs deep and direct vs indirect options for these octaboxes can affect your shots, check out the video below. Or better yet, set up a testing appointment with us to see them in action. We’d love to help you find the perfect fit for your project—just give us a shout.
Email us at SYNC@syncphotorental.com or call 323-285-5450 today!