A question of size

digitalfailure

digitalfailure

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Brian
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What's the biggest softbox you've managed to use with good results when using a SINGLE speedlite (580ex2 / 866)

I have a smallish softbox (s type fitting) which I use outdoors, but as due to it's size the results are always a little too hard for my liking. I don't want to start changing the mounting systems and buying kit that's specific for speedlites so that rules out using the ezybox type boxes and I don't want to have to start using multi flashes on a single box. But I do love being able to use my kit in any situation be it location or studio, so retention of the s fitting is a must.


Thoughts?
 
Thanks for that Michael, I didn't realise Lencarta did those :)

I only own 3 speedlites though and putting them all inside the one modifier leaves me with a choice of having no background and hair / accent light or buying more speedlites and triggers :gag:

At the moment I don't do enough outdoor work like that to justify the cost, so I wanted to go as large as possible with the one flash.
 
The limitation of one flash isn't so much power (which can be compensated for by ramping up the ISO at the cost of some IQ) so much as the spread of the light, which is the main reason why the 3 gun S-fit holders are important.

But if you don't want to use all 3 of your flashguns it would still be better with 2 fitted than 1, and to some extent you can improve the spread of light by fitting a flash diffuser over the heads.
 
Don't forget the Yongnuo YN560 mk2 that is now out. similar output as your EX580mk2 at around £50. Excellent value and very, very reliable and consistent. I recommended them to Stuart Little and he's using them pretty much daily now. Although the mk2 wasn't available at the time he purchased.

Is there anyone in your neck of the woods with a range of mods you can actually try with your own adapter and speedlight? That would certainly give you the definitive answer regarding light quality and usability.

Another alternative may be something akin to this. It's been on my shopping list for the last 12 months, but I just haven't gotten around to it as yet. That's mainly due to the fact that should I need larger mods, I tend to use the Safari anyway. No doubt I'll need the fine adjustment or short flash duration of speedlights along with a bigger box at some juncture, and then I'll wish I'd already bought the damned thing! :bang:
 
Garry, I hear what your saying..... Do you think lencarta will loan me an adaptor for long term evaluation :D

The safari / ranger situation is one I'm desperately trying to avoid .... I'm buying too much gear and running out of space in the house to store it all :eek:

I have a couple of 60x80 boxes that came with my bowens heads, so I might try one of those.
 
:gag: what incredibly bad timing !!!!!

I've got to go to Northampton for a course then :bang: it would have been a perfect op !
 
Doesn't matter, I tend to run around like a ruddy loon anyway, so chances are I'll end up not too far from you at some point.
I'll PM you my location, answer with your (and I don't mean just Chestershire!!!) and I'll see what i have on the horizon.
An awful lot of my commercial work is in the Preston area, and I still need to get across to Park Hall near Chorley to finalise their wedding brochure with them. So I'm often that side of the M6 anyway.
 
Garry, I hear what your saying..... Do you think lencarta will loan me an adaptor for long term evaluation
Click to expand...
No:)
The safari / ranger situation is one I'm desperately trying to avoid
Click to expand...
No and yes. No you shouldn't avoid the Safari, yes you should avoid the others:)
 
The sanctity of my isa and more bits of gear than I can honestly use says avoid..... The gadget freak in me says buy :D
 
OP original question. Used a 110cm strobist brollybox with a single 580EXII loads for over a year and got great results. These things are about £15 to £20 e-bay and well worth the money as they produce great light! Moved on to Lencarta lights now but kept a brollybox for those strobist moments if/when they happen.
 
Sounds interesting, got a link?

A brolly type box would probably be easier to manage in the field as it were.
 
Here's a link to a typical product that seems to match what I have. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/42-reflective-UMBRELLA-SOFTBOX-studio-strobe-flash-/300503078277?pt=UK_Photography_StudioEquipment_RL&hash=item45f7611585#ht_3347wt_1139

It mounts like a brolly so can be used with a strobist cold shoe or mains lighting gear as you like. It also folds like a brolly so very very portable and quick to put up.

And here's a typical pic taken with it, with a 480EX used as fill in a reflector brolly.


Nathan 'de lick' Graham - Pro Boxer by Marcus Charter, on Flickr
 
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