Largest softbox for speedlite?

Marcus Geezer

Marcus Geezer

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Following on from another thread I'm looking at getting the biggest softbox that is practical for portable studio use.

So what is the biggest softbox I can use with my Canon 580EXII? I can only guess that if too big the output wont fill the softbox properly?

I've seen FITP 32" which would be bigger than my existing 24" but can I go bigger?
 
I have not seen anything bigger than the 32" ones that I can think of... I did have one for a while, and it was quite big and heavy. I think the problem you have going much bigger is stability and getting a bracket which will take more strain.

Hopefully someone else will be able to make some suggestions :)
 
72" x 54" in the Chimera range for strobes, and up to 9m x 3m for an overhead lightbank.

Speedrings for two camera flashes are available (part # 2785M, though shorten the poles by 1/2-inch). However, a composite speedring will flex noticeably with a large softbox, and the new QuickRing from Calumet is affordable and looks just the job.

Chimera also have their own range of stand adapters, for $50 or so.
 
EG used his 1.5m Octabox with the Nikon equivelent 'til his studio lights turned up. I think, ring him again and ask.
 
I'm gobsmacked that a speedlite can light such a large box! Thanks everyone for posting up.

I cant help but think that an Octabox is probably the way forward and although I want it to be sizable I think I need to balance size against stability?

I'll look at Photons solution but can anyone offer a linky to other suitable octabox with a speedlite bracket solution?
 
Here's a Chimera Speedring for camera flash: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/179134-REG/Chimera_2795_Speed_Ring_for_Canon.html

Note that it's better suited to the smaller (e.g. 16" x 22") softboxes, but you can substitute a ring for their OctaPlus and the bracket hardware is still of use. The thumbscrews are also female threaded, to mount on a stand adapter, but it would be better to use a beefier interface with a large modifier.

Chimera are the originators and still manufacture in the USA; consequently they're not cheap and not easy to find in the UK, but 2nd-hand stuff at reasonable prices crops up, occasionally.
 
photon said:
Here's a Chimera Speedring for camera flash: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/179134-REG/Chimera_2795_Speed_Ring_for_Canon.html

Note that it's better suited to the smaller (e.g. 16" x 22") softboxes, but you can substitute a ring for their OctaPlus and the bracket hardware is still of use. The thumbscrews are also female threaded, to mount on a stand adapter, but it would be better to use a beefier interface with a large modifier.

Chimera are the originators and still manufacture in the USA; consequently they're not cheap and not easy to find in the UK, but 2nd-hand stuff at reasonable prices crops up, occasionally.
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Thanks Photon for taking the time to post this up.

It would seem that FITP is getting strobist octaboxes in, so gonna see what he has to offer before looking at this route. I want to buy something that fully meets my requirements, so will be looking at all options and it wasnt a waste of your time to post up.

Thanks.
 
Marcus Geezer said:
Thanks Photon for taking the time to post this up.

It would seem that FITP is getting strobist octaboxes in, so gonna see what he has to offer before looking at this route. I want to buy something that fully meets my requirements, so will be looking at all options and it wasnt a waste of your time to post up.

Thanks.
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Not sure if it's going to work or not, but I've got some 95cm ones here to try, I think the 150cm ones might be a tad big for using with speedlights, but you never know :naughty:
 
Flash In The Pan said:
Not sure if it's going to work or not, but I've got some 95cm ones here to try, I think the 150cm ones might be a tad big for using with speedlights, but you never know :naughty:
Click to expand...

I'd like the 150cm one if it works with a speedlite, its gonna be big, but from what I've seen the bigger the softbox the better!
 
I'm a bit confused about how the softboxs tend to fit. I think I understand that normally a speedring will interface between the flash head and the softbox, and in the case of the speedlites a round circle bracket is provided to both attach the softbox to and allow the speedlite to poke through.

However I've seen that some studio softboxs are built to allow the flash to fire back at the softbox which then reflects it back to the subject through the diffusing material. Is this how a large softbox should really work and give a better and much even spread of light?

softbox.inside.jpg
 
Marcus Geezer said:
However I've seen that some studio softboxs are built to allow the flash to fire back at the softbox which then reflects it back to the subject through the diffusing material. Is this how a large softbox should really work and give a better and much even spread of light?

softbox.inside.jpg
Click to expand...

In a word, yes. This is how the Elinchrom Octa works HERE I think it's fair to say that it's considered one of the softest soft boxes ever made. Personally if you're using speedlites which don't have the facility for bare bulb, like studio heads do, bouncing light of the back of the box is the only way to go. Not sure if there's a cheaper equivalent though.

Ah, I see you've found one!
 
Marcus Geezer said:
I'm a bit confused about how the softboxs tend to fit. I think I understand that normally a speedring will interface between the flash head and the softbox, and in the case of the speedlites a round circle bracket is provided to both attach the softbox to and allow the speedlite to poke through.

However I've seen that some studio softboxs are built to allow the flash to fire back at the softbox which then reflects it back to the subject through the diffusing material. Is this how a large softbox should really work and give a better and much even spread of light?

softbox.inside.jpg
Click to expand...

I haven't been able to source a cheap version of those, I'm trying to find a source for these though....

4425397474_036946010a.jpg
 
Marcus,

The OCTO 150 is designed to have the light fired at the BACK first, which then reflects the light through the single front diffusion panel. What I decided to do instead, when using the SB is HANG it using a hook, and angled the light squarly at the centre of the diffusion panel.

I was shooting ISO400 (still am mostly), and the light requirement ranged from full power down to quarter depending on aperture requirements.

My biggest problem was recycle times, & battery power. The recycle times were brutal at full power, and the SB900 would start moaning after 10 minutes about over heating. I turned the warning off and was prepared to let the bitch fry...she is still with me!

Erm, light was also inconsistent, if I shot before a full recycle, it would be far duller. Not sure why it let me shoot if it never had full whack to give....

In short, very frustrating but absolutely doable. I did more than 30 shoots on them.

G.
 
Marcus, I thought I read in an earlier thread you were trying to get as softer light as possible. Though I've not tried this in practice, I would imagine a speedlight in a softbox facing out will give a relatively hard light, because the speedlight is directional even on its widest setting, as opposed to a bare bulb flash.
If I were looking to get as soft a light as possible, with speedlights, I'd want to find a way of turning the flash around so it fires into the back first, then bounces all over the place in the box before oozing out in a lovely soft dollop :)

I think Wescott make them but are a bit pricey.


Need to type faster!
 
treeman said:
Marcus, I thought I read in an earlier thread you were trying to get as softer light as possible. Though I've not tried this in practice, I would imagine a speedlight in a softbox facing out will give a relatively hard light, because the speedlight is directional even on its widest setting, as opposed to a bare bulb flash.
If I were looking to get as soft a light as possible, with speedlights, I'd want to find a way of turning the flash around so it fires into the back first, then bounces all over the place in the box before oozing out in a lovely soft dollop :)

I think Wescott make them but are a bit pricey.


Need to type faster!
Click to expand...

I can't remember if this was an issue or not on mine.....you are probably right though.
 
EdinburghGary said:
Marcus,

The OCTO 150 is designed to have the light fired at the BACK first, which then reflects the light through the single front diffusion panel. What I decided to do instead, when using the SB is HANG it using a hook, and angled the light squarly at the centre of the diffusion panel.

I was shooting ISO400 (still am mostly), and the light requirement ranged from full power down to quarter depending on aperture requirements.

My biggest problem was recycle times, & battery power. The recycle times were brutal at full power, and the SB900 would start moaning after 10 minutes about over heating. I turned the warning off and was prepared to let the bitch fry...she is still with me!

Erm, light was also inconsistent, if I shot before a full recycle, it would be far duller. Not sure why it let me shoot if it never had full whack to give....

In short, very frustrating but absolutely doable. I did more than 30 shoots on them.

G.
Click to expand...

Sorry to hijack, but presumably the light quality was a lot better when you got the studio head in there?
 
treeman said:
Sorry to hijack, but presumably the light quality was a lot better when you got the studio head in there?
Click to expand...

I'm not sure the quality was a million time better, what did immediately transpire though - faster recycle, no stability issues, and 100% on the money light every time. The variation I was getting with the SB flashguns - brutal. I was also able to climb the aperture scale considerably.

G.
 
Thanks for posting up. So game plan is a whopping big softbox with a speedlite and some kind of bracket allowing the speedlite to stare at the back of the softbox. I think what I'm gonna do is get hold of a reasonably standard octa softbox hopefully from FITP with the standard bracket, then look at modifiying. I'm am an engineer by trade so hopefully perfectly do-able.

I'll be looking to seal up the back 'hole' with some silver material and leave an aperture for a bracket to poke through for the speedlite. Bit of work but hopefully will pay dividends. Gary do you have any pics at all?

If anyone can offer pics or specific solutions to this without me spending a fortune be much appreciated.

EDIT: Alpina, I need to type faster. Thanks for posting.
 
Marcus Geezer said:
I think what I'm gonna do is get hold of a reasonably standard octa softbox hopefully from FITP with the standard bracket, then look at modifiying. I'm am an engineer by trade so hopefully perfectly do-able.
Click to expand...

If I'm right, and as I said earlier, this is just my thoughts as opposed real trial, but if the light quality is better with it facing the back, and you can produce a bracket. Go into production mate, you could be onto a winner!


P.s 10% please :naughty:
 
alpina said:
I use the Lencarta 120cm folding octobox with my sb800 with one of these...

http://www.fotosense.co.uk/media/ca...06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/i/n/int326.jpg

int326.jpg


Bowens S fit, very well made out of solid metal and has a neat rubber collar to prevent the speedlight being marked.

Brilliant kit and comes with a 7inch reflector

Edit.....Link with price

http://www.fotosense.co.uk/interfit-int326-strobie-xs-bracket.html
Click to expand...

That should be a nice combo :thumbs:

I use one of these, 40in Lastolite Umbrella Box, £38 and really easy to put up http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-lastolite-1m-umbrella-box-8mm-stem/p12388 580EX fills it nicely due to reverse firing - I use the diffuser panel just to make sure.
 
HoppyUK said:
That should be a nice combo :thumbs:

I use one of these, 40in Lastolite Umbrella Box, £38 and really easy to put up http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-lastolite-1m-umbrella-box-8mm-stem/p12388 580EX fills it nicely due to reverse firing - I use the diffuser panel just to make sure.
Click to expand...

Although it is indeed an umbrella, becuase this reverse fires and by the fact it has a diffuser would it give out softer more even light than an equivalent front firing octabox?

40in equals about 100cm, so would this £38 umbrella box give out similair if not better light to a same size octabox?

And do they come even bigger?

Comments anyone?
 
alpina said:
I use the Lencarta 120cm folding octobox with my sb800 with one of these...

http://www.fotosense.co.uk/media/ca...06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/i/n/int326.jpg

int326.jpg


Bowens S fit, very well made out of solid metal and has a neat rubber collar to prevent the speedlight being marked.

Brilliant kit and comes with a 7inch reflector

Edit.....Link with price

http://www.fotosense.co.uk/interfit-int326-strobie-xs-bracket.html
Click to expand...

What is the 7 inch reflector? Does it sit in front of the flash output and reflect all light back into the softbox before that pings it out the front?
 
No, its a standard reflector that some people call a spill kill. It comes with the adaptor and has the usual recess at the lip that honeycombs-grids fit into.

It takes brolly's too. For less than £40.00 you really get the bones of a kit that gives you the ability to use studio attachments for speedlights.
 
alpina said:
No, its a standard reflector that some people call a spill kill. It comes with the adaptor and has the usual recess at the lip that honeycombs-grids fit into.
It takes brolly's too. For less than £40.00 you really get the bones of a kit that gives you the ability to use studio attachments for speedlights.
Click to expand...

I'll be honest enough to say your selling this to me Alpina but I have no idea about the bit in bold. A picture would save a thousand words, have you one you can post up?

Also, now can you or anyone else explian to me about the different speedring fittings?
 
Heh heh, I am confusing you now.

The pic I posted is the adaptor and the reflector is included in the price.

Take a look at this link and read up about strobies stuff.

http://www.fotosense.co.uk/interfit-int326-strobie-xs-bracket.html.

If you think of light bulbs.... The two common types are BC. bayonet cap and ES edisson screw, both give light but both different fittings.

Studio kit is the same, I use Bowens S type fittings as I find they are easier to source second hand and most of my mains flash kit use it.
 
Forgot to say that you can fit ANY S type fitting to the Strobie adaptor despite what you read.
 
I'd like to see what this reflector looks like.

So what you are saying this is S type fitting. Is this specific to a manufacturer (Bowens) or is it a standard fitting across manufacturers? Could I for example buy any manufacturers kit and fit it as long as it is an S type fitting it would work?
 
Marcus Geezer said:
I'd like to see what this reflector looks like.

So what you are saying this is S type fitting. Is this specific to a manufacturer (Bowens) or is it a standard fitting across manufacturers? Could I for example buy any manufacturers kit and fit it as long as it is an S type fitting it would work?
Click to expand...

Yes if it is a S you are sorted

newreflector_umbrella.jpg


A standard reflector fitted to a Lencarta flash head. They mount and unmount with a quarter turn. The Strobie unit mimics the Flash body and the speedlight provides the light:thumbs:
 
Have a look at Lencartas web site, Gary has made up some cracking guides on attachments and shapers.

He is also on youtube showing the basics to the advanced. Everything that applies to mains flash applies to speedlights too.
 
Thats great Andy. Thanks for taking the time to post the info and I'll go and have a look.

EDIT: right I've had a look and feel a bit informed now as to what my options are but still a little confuddled.

It seems like I have some good options for a large softbox using a speedlite and if I go as large as I would like then I would push my speedlite to its limit, so think a 120cm octabox is the way forward, using one of the speedlite brackets offered, but I think the one that allows S type fitting may give me the most versatility. (Unless FITP pulls something out of the bag!)

Hopefully my last question on this before I decide to spend money? The key to my work at the moment is portability. I watched the video for the assembly of the lencarta octabox and thought ok not rocket science but too fiddly possibly so do I have either ezy pop up options or a brolley type assembly options?

Think I'm nearly there so please indulge me on this!
 
Marcus Geezer said:
Thats great Andy. Thanks for taking the time to post the info and I'll go and have a look.

EDIT: right I've had a look and feel a bit informed now as to what my options are but still a little confuddled.

It seems like I have some good options for a large softbox using a speedlite and if I go as large as I would like then I would push my speedlite to its limit, so think a 120cm octabox is the way forward, using one of the speedlite brackets offered, but I think the one that allows S type fitting may give me the most versatility. (Unless FITP pulls something out of the bag!)

Hopefully my last question on this before I decide to spend money? The key to my work at the moment is portability. I watched the video for the assembly of the lencarta octabox and thought ok not rocket science but too fiddly possibly so do I have either ezy pop up options or a brolley type assembly options?

Think I'm nearly there so please indulge me on this!
Click to expand...


I bought the folding softbox from Lencarta and whilst it was £130.00 it is worth it in its ease of use. Seriously massive and substantial. It is a 120cm octo and perfect for full length.
 
Marcus Geezer said:
Although it is indeed an umbrella, becuase this reverse fires and by the fact it has a diffuser would it give out softer more even light than an equivalent front firing octabox?

40in equals about 100cm, so would this £38 umbrella box give out similair if not better light to a same size octabox?

And do they come even bigger?

Comments anyone?
Click to expand...

I get very good even soft light out of the Umbrella Box. With the wide angle diffuser down on the gun, or a Stofen fitted, it should be as even as any conventional softbox. However, of course it has the flash gun mounted in front on the shaft which means you can't put it as close, and you can see this in catch-lights in the eyes. This doesn't affect the quality of the light to any noticeable degree at all if you keep it at 1m or greater distance, but it is a factor. The advantage of the Umbrella Box is that it is cheap and quick to put up, and gives good light.

The best solution looks to me like the Lencarta 120 Folding Octa with the Strobies bracket, as Alpina suggests. It's much more expensive of course, but it's a good size with fabulous light, no compromises, and a doddle to put up. I wish they'd make it with an Elinchrom fitting (hint ;) ).
 
Marcus Geezer said:
Thats great Andy. Thanks for taking the time to post the info and I'll go and have a look.

EDIT: right I've had a look and feel a bit informed now as to what my options are but still a little confuddled.

It seems like I have some good options for a large softbox using a speedlite and if I go as large as I would like then I would push my speedlite to its limit, so think a 120cm octabox is the way forward, using one of the speedlite brackets offered, but I think the one that allows S type fitting may give me the most versatility. (Unless FITP pulls something out of the bag!)

Hopefully my last question on this before I decide to spend money? The key to my work at the moment is portability. I watched the video for the assembly of the lencarta octabox and thought ok not rocket science but too fiddly possibly so do I have either ezy pop up options or a brolley type assembly options?

Think I'm nearly there so please indulge me on this!
Click to expand...

Why not leave the soft box up all the time?

Mine are and go in the back of the car no problems.
 
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