When it comes to flash photography on location, keeping kit both portable and light weight to me is important. Moreover, the main issue with modifiers on location is usually the wind, so unless you are willing to carry a load of sandbag’s or have assistants securing every light stand and modifier you use, things can quickly become a problem. Over the years MagMod have produced some great kit for small flashes, but if you wanted to use strobes with more power and of a larger size, it just was not possible with the previous MagMod modifier options. Roughly a year ago MagMod released the new XL Line of modifiers which brings their unique brand of lighting modifiers to larger strobes which includes everything from the MagSpheres and MagGrids to MagGels.
The reason I was interested in the XL line was the reflector, it works like a zoom reflector, but It’s unique in comparison to other zoom reflectors in that it collapses down for easy transport. Personally, I think having a reflector that can collapse down and be easily packed is a great idea and as it’s made out of silicone, this helps keep it ding and scratch-free which is one of the main issues when transporting reflectors. The Reflector XL can be attached to most brand-specific strobe mounts via insert rings. As I mainly use Godox AD300’s I ordered the Godox mount.
As I had a short break to Norfolk in September 2024. If I wanted to take any lighting kit with me to play around with it needed to be ultra-portable and packable. I decided to purchase a MagMod XL Reflector and sphere rather than splash out on the grids and gels all at the same time as I was on the fence as to if the XL line would really work, or just be pure marketing hype.
I used the MagMod XL on top of the roof of a water tower where we were staying, and it worked very well despite the wind. I certainly would not have been able to use a softbox or umbrella. Does the light quality of the XL match an umbrella or softbox? My answer to that is mixed, but it is a very useful and practical bit of kit especially in the wind. For me the fact that it is so portable and virtually indestructible makes it worth it in relation to the price I paid. Like every other bit of photography kit, it is not suitable for every photography situation and intention, but when it’s windy or you need to keep kit ultra portable, the XL provides a great solution.