Mounting A Modifier To Studio Lighting, Speedrings & Convenient Converters

Modifier attachments, and the Bowens S-Type.

I’ve already chatted quite a bit about the Bowens fit in the earlier 101 blogs, and as I mention in this video too, the Bowens S-Fit (or S-Type, if you prefer) is my go-to mount for modifiers. It’s what holds all the lighting modifiers we use here at Splash Point Photo Photography Studio.

Back when I was assisting on a lot of hair awards gigs and similar shoots with Rafa, he used Elinchrom gear - and honestly, I was never a fan of their modifier attachments. I can’t even fully remember why now… maybe I was already so used to the Bowens S-Fit that I just couldn’t be bothered adjusting to something else. Or maybe it really was just a bit of a faff. I’ve steered clear ever since, so maybe that says it all? Have you used Elinchrom recently? I’d love to hear how you got on with it!

Anyway, Bowens and Elinchrom mounts are still the gold standard - the two fits that most strobe manufacturers aim to make their lights and modifiers compatible with. Even third-party companies, especially those focused purely on modifiers or hoping to become the next Godox or Neewer, they often create adapter kits just to convert other mount types to Bowens or Elinchrom. Why? Because that’s where the demand is.

There’s already a huge ecosystem of modifiers available for those two systems. From softboxes to beauty dishes, and everything in between, so it makes sense. They're sturdy, easy to use, and widely supported. Most lighting brands now just stick with one of the two, and that popularity drives competition, which keeps prices more affordable, even as quality improves - especially at the budget end.

So, if you're planning ahead and want to future-proof your kit (particularly if you're on a budget), Bowens or Elinchrom is the smart way to go, unless, of course, something radical comes along to shake up the world of lighting mounts!

 A Bowens (or 3rd party Bowens fit) speedring.

Lighting companies that insist on using their own proprietary mount are, frankly, playing with fire. They’re either limiting their appeal to experienced photographers who already have shelves full of modifiers of a different mounting system, or they’re aiming to be the Apple of the photography world, and are trying to tie you in to buying solely their needlessly expensive ecosystem. That kind of strategy takes a hefty dose of confidence… and a loyal fanbase willing to buy into it.  But I guess there are plenty of fanboys of any given brand willing to keep it a float if they buy in to the bullshit enough.

Realistically, third-party converters will almost always pop up to bridge the gap anyway, unless, of course, the company has locked things down with trademarks to stop that happening. But even then, it’s a bit of a bold (some might say arrogant) move unless your product is truly unrivalled.

As you’ll have seen in the video, we’ve got a few converters kicking around at Splash Point Photo, some for the cheap, unbranded strobes, and others for the likes of Broncolor. Now, Broncolor sees itself as the Armani of the lighting world. They’re not too fussed about being accessible or compatible. Once you’ve bought in to their eye-wateringly expensive gear, you’re also expected to invest in their equally pricey modifiers just to get the most out of it.  After all, it's assumed that if you're rolling with the big boys, then money probably isn't an issue for you - but I can tell you, as a Broncolor user too.. it is for me!

An Einchrom (or 3rd party Einchrom fit) Speedring

Soo.. buying in to 'premium' brands.. me? I'm a sceptic.  Honestly, I also prefer the quality of light from Bowens!  And for the record, I'm a PC and Android user too.  Why would I want to pay more for something that works but costs less, plus it's far more compatible?  I personally don't get it.  If there’s a plug socket nearby, I’d genuinely choose the Bowens over the Bronnies every time.

That said, Broncolor cater to a very specific clientele. Unlike Bowens, who eventually folded under pressure from increasingly capable and budget-friendly Chinese manufacturers using their S-fit mounts, Broncolor seem to have carved out a niche that’s relatively untouchable. Their price point alone keeps them in the realm of high-end editorial and commercial professionals. 

Aptly, while we’re on the subject of modifier mounts, I have to also say that the Broncolor attachment system is truly awful too. It doesn’t feel premium at all. It's fiddly, and constantly spins on its axis, and lacks that satisfying, tactile click of the Bowens S-fit. Maybe Broncolor think the rotation feature is a plus, similar to how some speedrings allow adjustments, but in practice, it just feels loose and imprecise. Even if the mount isn’t trademarked, I doubt there’s enough demand to justify smaller companies manufacturing Broncolor-compatible modifiers. After all, who owns a Broncolor modifier without also owning a Broncolor head? It’s a closed system with a high barrier to entry, and that lack of openness just doesn't appeal to the broader market.

A Broncolor to Bowens converter (as seen in the video).

Let's talk speedrings!

Still confused? No worries, let’s break it down with a quick jargon buster. Metal dish-style modifiers, like reflectors and beauty dishes, usually have their attachment built in. But when it comes to softboxes - you know, those large rectangular or octagonal contraptions that some non-photographers think are the lights - they’re all based around something called a speedring. 

Those holes and lugs you see around the edges of a speedring? That’s where the flexible (but never quite flexible enough, so watch your eyes!) rods slide in. These rods form the structure of the softbox, holding out its reflective shell that’s covered with a white diffusion panel to spread and soften the light evenly. Essentially, it’s like a tent that attaches to your light, and the speedring is the bit that connects the whole thing to your strobe. It’s also where you’ll find the all-important modifier fit, which determines its compatibility with your lighting brand.

A converter simply adapts one brand’s speedring mount to another, letting you use modifiers across different systems. Because many speedrings are built specifically for particular softboxes, you may as well buy a whole new mod, or preferably save money and get a converter.