Softbox/umbrella

MTVision · Dec 5, 2011

I know there is no right answer to the soft box vs. umbrella question but I just needed some opinions. I have a small shoot thru umbrella and I was thinking about buying a larger one. I was reading some stuff online and it said in a few places that a soft box is better to use in a smallish room. Is this true?

What would you guys recommend - a large umbrella or a soft box? If a soft box - what would be a good size? It would be mainly to practice portraits with OCF.

Thanks!

radiorickm · Dec 5, 2011

I think the soft box is recommened becase of the 'light spill' from the umbrella; The box is more easily controlled. I have a 24x24 and a 24x36. But honestly I want one bigger yet.

As fare as recomendation, they are pretty inexpensive on the bay.....get one of each and decide what YOU like. lol

raphaelaaron · Dec 5, 2011

it doesn't really matter about room size. that should be the last of your worries. you have to go with what has better results. i hate to start some umbrella/softbox fight, but i really like the light fall-off of the soft box. like radiorickm said, it also gives you control to your shots.

the Westcott Apollos are nice.

tirediron · Dec 5, 2011

Best of both worlds... brolly box.

KmH · Dec 5, 2011

With a shoot through umbrella you can tape paper over the open side of the umbrella to help control spill.

Or you can use a brolly , instead of a more expensive and smaller softbox.

Softlighter II, 46" Umbrella with Diffuser.

Photek has a hot shoe adaptor kit with a 46" brolly, but you can probably get the hot shoe adptor kit separately - Photek OP54 46" Hot Shoe Diffuser, Shoe Mount Adapter & Velcro

Village Idiot · Dec 6, 2011

What light are you connecting it to? I'm a fan of photoflex for their warranties, quality, and ease of use. You'd have to adapt those to a speed light though, I don't think they sell a bracket with a hot shoe on it.

Kerbouchard · Dec 6, 2011

KmH said:
With a shoot through umbrella you can tape paper over the open side of the umbrella to help control spill.

Or you can use a brolly , instead of a more expensive and smaller softbox.

Softlighter II, 46" Umbrella with Diffuser.

Photek has a hot shoe adaptor kit with a 46" brolly, but you can probably get the hot shoe adptor kit separately - Photek OP54 46" Hot Shoe Diffuser, Shoe Mount Adapter & Velcro

I was also going to recommend the Softlighter...it really is a neat bit of gear at a very affordable price.

cgipson1 · Dec 6, 2011

I have one of these.. and really like it!

SL6000 Photek Softliter 60" Diffused Umbrella It does require a little more power than some though..... but even a speedlight will work if you put it closer to the subject.

Derrel · Dec 6, 2011

LU3226 Lastolite 40" White Umbrella Box with 8mm Shaft

I wrote the review there...I have been a big fan of the Lastolite Umbrella Box since the mid-2000's.

unpopular · Dec 6, 2011

The only thing I don't like about umbrellas and brolly boxes is that you cannot create a flat backlight.

If you are using a speed light, don't forget that the larger the diffuse area the less effective your flash will be.