48inch Octabox...ebay

It's basically an octagonal Westcott Apollo and that means you can get some good light from it but there are pitfalls:

First is that you can get even(ish) light from a single speedlight but you may have to think about mounting the speedlight horizontally so it's as central as it can be. Two speed light in an up-and-over bracket might work better. Also, that's a big old space to fill with light so you may be on either high ISOs to gain quick recycle rates, or you'll be on or near maximum power output if you want to use high f-stops.

The other key issue with type of softbox is that because the light stand goes inside the softbox, tilting can be a pain. There are ways around it - putting the stand in through the front and fastening the diffusion panel around it - or by using a boom arm and tilt mechanism.

The front lip doesn't look that wide, not as wide as an Apollo anyway, so spill may be an issue but you can only comnfm that by asking owners of it, or by buying one yourself. No sure how the effective the grid will be, never used one on a portable softbox like this.

I love my Westcott Apollo and I reckon this would be nigh-on an equal to it (albeit producing octagonal reflections/catchlights as opposed to square ones) but there are obviously compromises to be made, but it'll be compact and very light and great for quick setup.
 
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Actually, I just did the maths - 48" = 4FEET!!!!!! That is a mahoosive softbox... you might get some very 'creative' fall-off when using a single speed light;)

There was me thinking it'd be the same as my paltry 28" Westcott :lol:
 
Hehe...yep..it's huge...

They do a smaller size too which may be better..

I guess the only way to know for sure is to get one and experiment...

Just wondered if anyone had actually got hands on with one...
 
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