Neewer NS1P vs NS7L Review: Which Compact Light Modifier Should You Buy?
Two Small Light Modifiers, Two Very Different Jobs
One thing I've noticed recently is that manufacturers are producing more compact lighting accessories to suit the growing range of portable Speedlight/Flashes & LED lights on the market. That's great news for photographers and content creators who don't necessarily want to lug around giant softboxes and bulky modifiers for every shoot.
Recently I had the opportunity to test two of Neewer's compact modifiers, the NS1P Mini Softbox and the NS7L Mini Lantern.
At first glance they look similar similar. They're both compact, portable, quick to assemble and designed to soften your light. But once you start using them, you quickly realise they're aimed at very different users.
If you're looking for a small softbox or lantern modifier, here's what you need to know.
The First Thing You Need to Know: They Use Different Mounts
This is probably the most important part of the review.
Despite looking like they belong in the same family, the NS1P and NS7P use completely different mounting systems.
The NS1P uses a standard Bowens mount, which means it can be attached to virtually any Bowens-compatible light.
The NS7L uses Neewer''s own compact mounting system designed for some of their smaller LED lights. During my testing it worked perfectly with the HS60B and HS60C. However, it did not fit the Mini Bowens mount found on my MS150, so compatibility is something you'll want to check carefully before purchasing.
Neewer NS7L
In short:
NS1P = Standard Bowens Mount
NS7L = Neewer Compact Mount (HS60 Series Compatible)
Knowing that alone will probably determine which modifier is right for your setup.
Neewer NS1P Mini Softbox
The NS1P is essentially a compact Bowens-mount softbox.
Rather than thinking of it as an accessory for small lights, I actually see it more as a portable alternative to a beauty dish or small studio softbox.
Because it uses a standard Bowens mount, it can be paired with a huge range of lights. Whether you're shooting with something compact like the Neewer CB200C or a more powerful light such as the Q4 or Q6, the NS1P feels right at home.
Captured with NS1P and Neewer Q120 Flash
Light Quality
The light produced is soft and directional, making it well suited to portrait work, product photography, food photography and creative still life setups.
Its smaller size creates slightly more contrast than a larger softbox, which can actually be an advantage when you want a little more shape and dimension in your subject.
I found it particularly useful for tabletop and still life work where a large modifier would simply be overkill.
What I Like
Standard Bowens compatibility
Lightweight and portable
Quick setup - quick release clips
Good directional control
Great for portraits and still life photography
Easy to travel with
Ideal For
Portrait photographers
Product photographers
Food photographers
Content creators
Anyone wanting a compact Bowens modifier
Neewer NS7L Mini Lantern
The NS7L takes a completely different approach.
Instead of directing light toward your subject, it spreads light in almost every direction, creating a broad, soft, ambient light source.
Think of it as a miniature version of the larger lantern softboxes often used in film production and video work.
Mounted on an HS60B or HS60C, it creates a surprisingly pleasing wash of light that fills a room quickly and evenly.
Light Quality
The light is soft, natural and forgiving. The above images were captured with Sony A7RV and Lensbaby Velvet56, the lighting was the NS7L and the Neewer HS60B.
Rather than creating dramatic shadows, the NS7L is designed to reduce them, making it ideal for situations where you want even illumination across a larger area.
For content creators, educators, podcasters and videographers, that's often exactly what you're looking for.
What I Like
Very soft, even light
Excellent for video work
Compact and lightweight
Fast setup
Great room-filling capability
Ideal For
YouTube creators
Streamers
Educators
Podcast setups
Behind-the-scenes video
Small studio environments
Build Quality
Both modifiers are well constructed and feel consistent with the quality I've come to expect from Neewer's recent lighting accessories.
The materials feel durable, the setup process is straightforward and both collapse down into compact packages that are easy to transport.
For photographers who regularly work on location, that's a definite advantage.
Final Thoughts
Although the NS1P and NS6P might look similar on paper, they're really solving two completely different problems.
The NS1P is a compact Bowens-mount softbox that works beautifully as a portable portrait, product and still life modifier. If you're already using Bowens-mount lights and want something smaller and easier to travel with, it's a very practical addition to your kit.
The NS7L is designed for users of Neewer's compact LED lights who want a simple way to create soft ambient lighting for video, streaming or educational content. But it is also great for stills. Paired with the HS60B or HS60C, it works exceptionally well. If you don’t have any of the Neewer smaller LED Lights, then this modifier probably isn’t for you.
So which one should you buy?
The NS1P is the modifier I'd choose when I want to shape light. The NS7L is the modifier I'd choose when I simply want to fill a space with soft, even illumination.
If you need directional light with more control, choose the NS1P.
If you need soft room-filling light for video and content creation, choose the NS7L, but only if you have compatible lights.
And if you're anything like me, you'll probably find a use for both.
You can check out the softboxes on the YouTube Channel
