Westcott 2830 40-Degree Egg Crate Grid Stripbank

The Westcott 2830 is a 40-degree egg crate grid designed to mount directly onto the Westcott 12x36 Stripbank and 1x3' Switch light modifier. An egg crate grid works by introducing a honeycomb cell structure across the face of the softbox — each cell allows only light traveling within a 40-degree angle of the modifier's axis to pass through, physically blocking off-axis rays that would otherwise spill beyond the intended area. The result is a strip source that retains its soft, wrap-around quality at close range while dramatically reducing the lateral and forward spill that makes an ungrided Stripbank difficult to control in tight spaces. For photographers who use their Stripbank for rim lighting or edge separation, the 2830 transforms a broadly-spilling modifier into a precise tool.

In practice, this grid earns its place in a portrait, fashion, or product photographer's kit the moment you need to light a subject without lighting the background behind them, or when you're working in a space too small to physically flag the strip's output. It's equally valuable on location — hotel room editorial shoots, venue event work, or any scenario where you can't control the ambient environment and need the Stripbank to illuminate only exactly what you point it at. The 1 to 1.5 stop light loss is a real consideration: shooters who are already at maximum flash power with their Stripbank will need to close distance or add a second head. For those working with power headroom, the trade-off is unreservedly worth it.