How to Use a Softbox Light Tent Cube for Product Shots
By Borge's Imaging — Shop Photography, Printing and Studio Gear in Melbourne Borge's Imaging | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to set up and use a collapsible softbox light tent cube for clean, professional product photography at home or in the studio.
Quick answer
A softbox light tent cube gives you a portable mini studio for small product shots. Set it up near a window or with external lights, place your item inside, and shoot through the front opening to get evenly lit, shadow-free images.
Why choose a collapsible light tent over a traditional softbox?
A softbox light tent cube is designed specifically for product photography, not portraits. Its enclosed cube shape diffuses light from all sides, eliminating harsh shadows and reflections on shiny surfaces like glass or metal. Traditional softboxes are better for lighting a person or a single object from one direction, but they can't wrap light around a product the way a tent cube does.
The trade-off is size. A 40cm cube works well for jewelry, watches, or small electronics, while an 80cm cube can handle larger items like shoes or small appliances. If your product is too big for the tent, you'll struggle with framing and reflections, so measure your subject before choosing.
Step-by-step setup and shooting guide
- Assemble the cube: Unfold the collapsible light tent and let it spring open. Place it on a flat, stable surface. Attach the front flap using the Velcro fasteners, leaving the top or side opening accessible for your camera lens. Make sure the tent is fully expanded and the seams are straight to avoid creases showing in your image.
- Choose and position the background: Select one of the included background cloths (black, white, blue, or green) and drape it inside the cube so it curves smoothly from the back wall to the floor. Smooth out wrinkles with your hands or a steamer. A wrinkled background is one of the most common mistakes. Use a wrinkle-free cloth or iron it on low heat before inserting.
- Set up your lighting: Place one or two external lights (or a window) on either side of the cube, pointing inward through the diffusing fabric. For a softer look, keep lights at a 45-degree angle to the cube sides. Avoid pointing lights directly at the product through the front opening. If you use only one light, the opposite side may fall into shadow. Add a white foam board on the dark side to bounce light back in.
- Position the product: Place your product on the background inside the cube. Use small stands, putty, or clear acrylic blocks to hold it in place if needed. Check the camera viewfinder to ensure the product is centered and the background fills the frame. Avoid touching the fabric walls — any contact can create visible shadows or reflections on the product.
- Shoot through the opening: Mount your camera on a tripod and position the lens at the front opening of the cube. Use a remote shutter or self-timer to avoid camera shake. Set your white balance to match your light source (daylight for window light, tungsten or custom for studio lights). If you see the camera or tripod reflected in a shiny product, move the camera slightly to one side or use a longer lens to shoot from farther away.
Product facts
- Phottix Softbox Light Tent Cube 40cm Collapsible: 40x40x40cm, includes four background cloths, collapsible for easy storage. Ideal for small items like rings or lenses; the included backgrounds let you switch colors without extra gear.
Phottix Softbox Light Tent Cube 40cm Collapsible - Phottix Softbox Light Tent Cube 80cm Collapsible: 80x80x80cm, made from photographic nylon fabric, includes four background cloths, collapsible. The larger size fits bigger products such as shoes or kitchen gadgets, and the nylon fabric holds its shape under continuous lighting.
Phottix Softbox Light Tent Cube 80cm Collapsible
