Nanlite Para 120 Softbox with Bowens Mount (47in)

Nanlite Para 120 Softbox with Bowens Mount (47in) 

Professional Parabolic Softbox for Precise, Soft Lighting

The Nanlite Para 120 Softbox with Bowens Mount is a premium lighting modifier designed to deliver high-quality, soft yet focused light output for professional photographers, videographers, and content creators. Measuring 47 inches (120 cm) in diameter with a deep parabolic design, this softbox excels in creating beautiful, natural illumination with excellent control and fast setup ease.

Parabolic Design for Even Light Distribution and Control

One of the defining features of the Nanlite Para 120 is its 16-sided parabolic shape. This deep design enables even light spread with a natural wrap-around effect, creating smooth gradients and flattering soft shadows. The unique 29-inch depth of the softbox significantly enhances directional control, producing sharp falloff and reducing unwanted spill light on the scene or background.

This means photographers and videographers can shape light with precision, accentuating subject details and preserving natural-looking catch lights in the eyes—key for portraiture, fashion, corporate, and cinematic work.

Silver Reflective Interior and Diffusion Options

The interior of the Para 120 features a high-quality silver reflective fabric that maximizes light output while maintaining color accuracy. The softbox includes both 1-stop and 2-stop front diffusers, which can be used individually or layered for customized contrast and softness levels.

By adjusting diffusion options or removing diffusers altogether, users can turn the Para 120 from a soft light source into a more direct reflector for contrasty lighting effects. This versatility meets the diverse needs of creative professionals seeking variable lighting moods.

Bowens Mount Compatibility and Speed Ring

The Para 120 includes a Bowens-style speed ring, making it compatible with many popular LED, strobe, and continuous lights that feature Bowens mounts, especially Nanlite’s own Forza, FC, and FS series.

The quick-release mechanism features spring-loaded rod locks that snap the support rods firmly into place, enabling fast and hassle-free setup and breakdown. This design saves setup time on busy shoots and improves reliability during transport and rigging.

Optional Light Spill Control

For even more light directionality and spill reduction, Nanlite offers an optional fabric grid that can be attached via touch fasteners. This grid narrows the beam angle to approximately 60 degrees, so the light is concentrated forward onto the subject.

Such grids are especially useful in tight shooting environments where light spill must be minimized or when dramatic, controlled lighting is required.

Durable and Portable Build

Constructed from high-quality, lightweight fabric and supported by 16 high-carbon steel rods, the Para 120 offers structural rigidity while remaining portable.

The softbox weighs around 4.1 lbs (1.9 kg) without its carrying case, making it easy to transport between shoots. The package includes a protective carrying bag to safeguard the softbox during storage and travel.

Applications and Ideal Use Cases

• Portrait photography requiring soft, flattering, and even light

• Fashion and commercial photography demanding precise light shaping

• Interviews and corporate video work needing natural, controlled illumination

• Cinematic lighting setups where directional control and catch lights matter

• Event and studio productions demanding quick setup and breakdown

Easy Setup and Practical Design

Thanks to the quick-open design with spring-loaded rod locks, the Para 120 can be assembled in seconds with minimal effort, significantly reducing prep time. The removable diffuser panels attach with Velcro strips for flexible diffusion control, and the speed ring ensures solid mount stability with common Bowens-compatible lights.

These features combined deliver an efficient workflow for professionals who need reliable, adaptable, high-performance softbox lighting.

Technical Specifications

What’s in the Box

• Nanlite Para 120 Quick-Open Softbox with Bowens Mount

• 1-stop front diffuser

• 2-stop front diffuser

• Bowens mount quick-release speed ring

• Carry bag

• Limited 2-year warranty with 1-year extension upon registration

Conclusion

The Nanlite Para 120 Softbox with Bowens Mount is an excellent choice for professionals seeking a versatile, fast-setup softbox that produces beautifully soft yet controllable light. Its deep parabolic shape, optional diffusers, and optional fabric grid accessory provide multiple options for customizing light quality and direction.

Designed for compatibility with a wide range of Bowens-mount lights, rapid assembly, and durable construction, the Para 120 meets the needs of modern photographers and filmmakers balancing quality, convenience, and performance.