Lighting on location with speedlights

cuthbert

cuthbert

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If I want some diffused light on location I have a cheapy pop up softbox which to be fair works pretty well, but its a bit big to carry around for long periods, so just wondering if there are any more portable options that you guys use?

I've seen a couple of brolly kits designed for speedlights, anybody use them on location ?

My main aim is really just to get some diffused fill when out and about. My silver reflector is pretty good but its not always the best solution when the sun isn't in the right place, so just want something quick and easy to set up that's not as big as my softbox.

I've seen a few of those dome phong type diffusers online, but logic tells me that these a likely to be inaffective outside.

Any insights as always very much appreciated.
 
I've used small brollys a few times, the don't take up much room really.
 
I think what might help here too is knowing how much kit you actually want to take around - so are you talking OCF, perhaps with a lightweight stand - in which case, yes, small brollies or even a smaller softbox than your current one might be the best option [the whole lot can be carried in a small tripod bag]. On the other hand if you just want something for on camera axis fill, then some thing that attaches to the flash whilst camera mounted might be better, something that when not in use would drop in your camera bag. :thumbs:
 
Cheers everyone - the flash bender stuff looks very interesting - not something I'd come across before.

Yvonne - it will be mostly used off camera so it doesn't have to be really, really small but the softbox I have is on the large size - but the smaller softbox you suggested looks interesting too - that will easily just pop in my camera bag.

If I was going out with a specific shot in mind i would take the softbox if that's what I needed, but I'm thinking more along the lines of casual shots and shoots where I need to do a bit of walking to get where I want to be, its amazing how heavy all this gear gets.

but thanks again for the suggestions - will do some research and see if they give the results I'm looking for.
 
I use off camera flash with a light stand, umbrella/softbox & speedlight, using remotes to fire it or even a 12m cable if need to keep the shutter speed high or maintain ETTL. Yes carrying it can be a pain at times and if conditions are even slightly windy you either need something to weigh the thing down or someone to hold it for you. The benefits I think are that it gives you more control in that kit that other methods, ones that I've used anyway. I've not tried all mentioned here but I found something that works for me and stick to it.
 
Well, after much deliberations and research I've decided to get a large flash bender and the optional diffuser cover. I will let you know how I get on with it when it arrives!
 
The flashbender is what I use at weddings. It's a bit flat for on camera but it's perfect for evening shots where you are after *** having fun rather than having to be perfect lighting.

It's great though if you take it off camera and use it as a mini softbox. I recently lost mine at a wedding (i suspect someone nicked it!) and I replaced it straight away cos that's how much I like it.
 
If you have a diffuser as part of your reflector set try firing the flash through it, or bounce the flash off the reflector to get a diffused light.
 
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