The Aputure Light Dome and Light Dome Mini are such a good value, plus they perform well, and with every update, they get even better. Today Aputure announced the Light Dome III and Light Dome Mini III. Both have an all-new faster pitching system that sets them up very quickly.
The Light Dome III is compatible with all Aputure Bowens Mount point-source lights, including the Light Storm LS 1200d Pro and Electro Storm series CS15. Due to its metal Bowens Mount, it is also compatible with the amaran 150c & 300c.
The Light Dome Mini III is compatible with fixtures such as the Aputure LS 600d, LS 600d Pro, LS 600x Pro, LS 600c Pro and Aputure LS 300 series, and amaran 150c and 300c.
The Light Dome Mini III is compatible with lights up to 600W of output. They are compatible with all amaran Bowens Mount lights.
New Faster Set-Up Design
Building the Light Dome III is fast, saving valuable time on set. The new design uses two pieces that are attached to the Bowens mount. The base that has the ribs has a hinge and flips and locks into place.
The former version locks into place by pulling the ribs up and locks into the mount. You need to do each rib, and while this is much better than installing each individually, it takes a bit of time.
You could also set the face of the softbox on the floor and push down on the Bowns mount, and all the ribs snap into place and lock. This is a better method. You can also use this method with the new V III.
How It Works
First, ensure the fabric flaps are flipped outward and are not attached to each other with the hook-and-loop fabric.
Open the hinged speedring slightly to separate the rods, and open the front aperture of the Light Dome. Place the Light Dome III or Mini III on the floor or a flat surface, with the large front opening facing down. Press down on the Mounting Bracket while making sure the metal rods are bowing outwards, and simultaneously pull the hinged portion of the Mounting Bracket upward the Bowens Mount until a positive locking sound is heard.
The 16-rods of the Light Dome III and Light Dome Mini III produce significant tension. Reduce the tension when opening and closing the hinge by pressing down on the ground or tightly gripping the speedring when opening and closing the latch mechanism.
The Light Dome III is the flagship softbox for Aputure’s Bowens Mount lights, featuring the same 3ft (90cm) circular shape with a brand new quick-folding, flat-pack design. The size is very versatile. Not too small or too big to handle in tighter spaces.
Stores Flat
The new design also allows the Light Dome III and Light Dome Mini III to lay flat in the carry bag. Putting it on a cart with other gear makes it better, as it should stack nicely. When Aputure introduced the quick setup style in version II, many users appreciated the quick design but felt traveling with it was more difficult since the speed ring was attached and couldn’t lay flat in the bag. Now you have the best of both worlds.
The Light Dome III is a ready-to-go solution for professionals to craft soft light. Complete with a folding Bowens Mount speed ring, multiple densities of diffusion, and a 40-degree fabric light control grid; the Light Dome III is the ideal modifier for finetuning the perfect lighting.
| What’s Included | |
| Light Dome III | 1 |
| 1 Stop Diffusion Cloth | 1 |
| 2 Stop Diffusion Cloth | 1 |
| 40 Degree Fabric Light Control Grid | 1 |
| Carrying Bag | 1 |
Light Dome III Key features
- 3ft (90cm) foldable quick-setup circular Bowens Mount softbox
- Quick-folding design saves time during setup
- Foldable speed ring packs flat to save space
- 32-Sided circular design for perfect, round eyelights
- Universal Bowens Accessory mount: Compatible with
- Aputure Light Storm series, amaran 150c & 300c
- Create flattering soft light with 2 front diffusion cloth
- options (1 Stop & 2 Stop)
- Create contrast with the included 40o light control grid
- Heavy-duty construction: steel rods for increased
- durability and longevity
Light Dome Mini III
The Light Dome Mini III is similar to a beauty dish but much more portable. It’s great for headshots and fill since the size is smaller than the Light Dome III at 2ft (60cm).
The Light Dome Mini III includes a front diffuser, a gold/silver inner reflector, and a 40-degree fabric light control grid.
Light Dome Mini III Key features
- 2ft (60cm) foldable quick-setup circular Bowens Mount softbox
- Quick-folding design saves time during setup
- Foldable speed ring packs flat to save space
- 16-Sided circular design for smooth, round eyelights
- Universal Bowens Accessory mount: Compatible with
- Aputure Light Storm series, amaran 150c & 300c
- Collapsible beauty-dish design: included diffusion cloth & gold/silver inner baffle reflector
- Enhance contrast with included 40 Degree light control grid
- Compact & portable for travel & tight spaces
The new design looks great. I can’t wait to get my hands on them, especially the Light Dome III, as that has been my go-to size for shooting talent. It creates a very pleasing soft light and is easy to set up. Now it looks to be even better!
The Aputure Light Dome III ($219) and Light Dome Mini III ($129) are now available direct from Aputure and will also be avaiable at your favorite retail outlets.
