Lastolite Ezybox Hotshoe 38cm x 38cm (15” x 15”)

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Gordonmac

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I was wondering if anyone here has one of these, has used one of these, has any opinions about these or has any photos taken using one of these.

I quite fancy one for the portability, but I'm at this point undecided :)

Thank you in advance!
 
It doesn't actually sit on the hotshot flash, the flash sits on a stand to the rear of the soft box.

What should be the minimum size for a practical soft box?
 
Gordonmac said:
It doesn't actually sit on the hotshot flash, the flash sits on a stand to the rear of the soft box.

What should be the minimum size for a practical soft box?
Click to expand...

Ahh, sorry, I thought it was the really small version they do that fits onto the flash whilst on the camera hotshoe. For off-camera use the 60cm version is realistically about as small as you want to go.
 
I'd suggest, if you have the budget for the 60cm version, also taking a look at the Westcott Apollo...
 
The Apollo is the other one on my shortlist... :)

I think I will opt for something around the 60CM mark, it seems like a no-brainer to buy the biggest one you can afford.

Now, looking for pics taken with both these softboxes :)
 
Gordon - I've used this size for a few years now and I find it the key modifier I turn to when I can't use a static set-up. I didn't use the lastolite version - I bought a cheaper flea bay bobbie - so there could be some difference due to diffusion materials being used and number of diffusion layers.

Mine was a single diffusion layer on the front. I opted for this to retain some power when working outdoors. This size of soft box suits a single flashgun well because you get an even light source and you also get the benefits of the an increase in apparent light size when compared to bare flash.

I use mine for some full body stuff, but mainly half-body shots where it excels because it just modifies the light enough to get that soft light associated with soft boxes and an attractive drop-off of the light. Placed close I really like the quality of the light and even when set further back for full body, despite the loss of power over a bare flash, there is a noticeable modification of the light.

The size means it's easily hand-held; I just grabbed the speeding and used a wireless trigger system to allow me to move it around the subject while holding the camera in the other hand.

T be fair, my £30 box lasted pretty well (two years, used virtually every day in all conditions) but I'm on the lookout for another because mine is now totally knackered. I doubt a Lastolite one would have lasted any longer TBH.

These were shot with one (click through to see the lighting info):


Duncan (lighting test) by Pat MacInnes, on Flickr


My Partner In Crime.... (Explored) by Pat MacInnes, on Flickr


Rob's Big Chub by Pat MacInnes, on Flickr

One tip for these soft boxes that trap the speeding in position is to fix on some velcro loops that can be fixed around the speeding to keep it attached. :)

At the end of the day, it's about light source size relative to the subject. As a portable, handheld solution I'd go with a 40cm soft box but as a portable soft box to go on a stand, then I reckon 60cm may offer better quality of light. I also use a 28" Westcott Apollo, which is excellent, but it requires setup time and is something I really only use when I have the time, and mores when I'm shooting indoors.

Hope this all helps :)
 
Last edited:
Hi Pat.

Those pictures are fantastic! My faith has definitely been restored in the smallish softbox's ability to produce some fantastic lighting!

The 60cm option is definitely looking like the winner for me. I do want the portability, no faffing around and I'll be using with a stand anyway.

I've only got a Westcott brolly at the moment, but I'm really itching to try out a softbox and really want to get the best that I can afford at the time - that's pretty much been my mantra for all my photographic gear.

I'm really impressed by your Flickr images... brilliant!

Thank you so very much for taking the time to respond to this, I really do appreciate it!
 
Nice images Pat :thumbs:
I think my preference is the last one. Nice composition and nice light too.
With regards to the softbox, I use the 60x60 single diffuser, the same as Pat, if I'm using speedlights rather than the Safari kit.
Excellent little softbox, but it's known to be vicious the first time you open it. I nearly took my nose off! :gag:
 
Lastolite also makes a little softbox that attaches to the front of a flashgun, the front of it being about six inches square. That might seem too small but in use it actually works really well providing you are close to the subject. I think it might be mostly intended for macro photography but I found that one I borrowed from a friend is great for outdoor portraits too.

The main advantage over the larger exybox type softboxes is that its easy to handhold (using a radio trigger or long ettl cable). Good for outdoors on a windy day where using lightstands could be a problem.
 
Thanks for all the help guys!

Just hit the "order" button on the Lastolite Softboks Ezybox Hotshoe 60x60cm. I had a look at some reviews for the Westcott Apollo 28", but the main disadvantages (for me) was lack of easy access to the Speedlite once inside the box, and also not having an easy method of tilting the box when it's on a stand.
 
Thanks guys - appreciate the comments, although I wasn't posting for any other reason than to illustrate that small boxes can work. The ego massage is nice though ;) :lol:

Gordon - the Westcott is a great brolly; the recessed front helps control spill and the brolly construction means it's light and packs away with a stand very easily. But, the problems with the tilt are an issue that can frustrate many (solved with a boom arm) and the lack of external access to the flash can be a problem when working in manual (I use CLS with mine so it's not an issue).

60x60 is a good all-round size and won't overstretch a single speed light. Hoping to see some images soon once you receive it :D
 
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