The "ultimate convenient" softbox?

2WheelPhoto · Nov 14, 2011

I'm shopping for a soft box. I'd like one (without using a brolly option) that throws itself together in the field with no troubles and will accommodate both a studio light plus a speed light.

1) I recently met up with and joined a local strobist group, they seem to be haters of anything remotely separate of speed lights.

2) I also want to use the box on my Elinchrom light (both indoors and in the field) at times I'm shooting someone (mostly used for this application)

The soft boxes I've watched some strobist folks put together have taken them a lot of time, fumbling, and effort compared to popping an umbrella.

Paul Bluff advertises his soft boxes come together rather fast but i just dunno?

Am I asking too much?

c.cloudwalker · Nov 14, 2011

Obviously, it is never going to be as fast as an umbrella but there are no umbrellas made for some jobs I do

I've never lost much time to putting a softbox together but, in a way, that is neither here nor there. What matters is what you are shooting. That, most of the time, will dictate what gear you will use.

CCericola · Nov 14, 2011

I actually use these: Westcott Apollo Speedlight Set 2202 B&H Photo Video
There is also a 50" version. I use them with both my speedlights and my photogenic strobes.

Dao · Nov 14, 2011

I also have a Westcott Apollo (not the one shown in CCericola's link) softbox. It is just silver lining umbrella that has a shape of a softbox. (with the shoot through white material Velcroed in the front. It is as easy as setup an umbrella.

AustinPhotographer · Nov 14, 2011

I've been shooting almost exclusively with speedlights and softboxes for about four years now. I even use the setup in the studio when I need to move quickly. I bought a Lastolite Ezybox when they first came out (I think I paid around $350.) They're down to around $200 now - like most photography accessories, pretty overpriced given the components, but still well worth it in my opinion. They include a small (about ten inch diameter) case that the box folds up into almost like a reflector. Great for throwing in a backpack. It takes a bit to set up at first, but with a little practice, you'll have it set up in less than 30 seconds.

I'm not absolutely sure it will accommodate a studio light as-is, but I'm sure they provide a plastic snap-on adapter ring for $99.99

Lastolite Ezybox Hot Shoe Softbox Kit - 24x24" LL LS2462M2

2WheelPhoto · Nov 14, 2011

Thanks for the options!

cgipson1 · Nov 14, 2011

I have several of the Ezyboxes also... they work great, and are very easy to transport and setup. Currently have the 8x8 and the 24x24. Considering the 36x36.... but checking other options first (some of the Duff stuff looks really tempting...)

MReid · Nov 14, 2011

I use a shoot through umbrella style softbox. Sets up just like an umbrella in seconds, cost $40. I always use it with my speedlights.
Does a fine job....and when the wind blows it over I just say....oh well

.

gsgary · Nov 14, 2011

One that fits your speedlight will be too small for a studio light and one for a studio light will be too big for your speedlight

ghache · Nov 14, 2011

Save yourself the money, the 50 bucks ebay 24X24 speedlight softbox are as dureable and create the same light (buy one that has the internal baffle) as the more expensive lastolite small softbox for speedlight. for 200 $ you can get 4 including the ring and stand mount.

Meking Photo Studio Photography Softbox 80cm / 32" Flash Speedlight Softbox | eBay

here a 32 inch.

here a dish that you can use on your flash heads.
you can also interchange the mount and use the speedlight mount provided with the ebay softbox and use your speedlights with the dish. beautifull isnt?

this is what use but with a bowens mount.

White Beauty Dish 55cm 22" & Honeycomb Grid for Elinchrom Flash Strobe NEW | eBay

Village Idiot · Nov 14, 2011

Check out Elinchrom's Rotalux brand. If the softboxes assemble the same way as the octa, it would be perfect. The octas have speedrings with hinges on them that the rods connect to the hinges are faced forwards and the fabric is put in place. From there, you move the hinges with the poles in them back into place so that they lock. After you're done with it, the hinges can be unlocked and will move forward. I don't even do anything else after unlocking the hinges and it goes right into it's bag.

If that won't work, photoflex makes some nice gear. I have a large strip box that I use for cars. Their version is similar to the Rotalux, except the poles are physically removed from the speed ring. The fabric has velcro pieces that facilitate removal without having to remove the fabric from the poles and lets it fold up into the bag with poles and fabric as one piece and the speed ring as the other. Very convenient and IIRC, they have a 4-6 year warranty on their gear. Their website has all that info for you.

Village Idiot · Nov 14, 2011

gsgary said:
One that fits your speedlight will be too small for a studio light and one for a studio light will be too big for your speedlight

It depends with what you're shooting with. There's several gear heads on POTN what have shown that larger softboxes can work with speedlights. Of course, this isn't something you'd be able to shoot with during daylight hours under a sunny sky.