Soft box, designed exclusively for use with a flash gun - who makes them!?

Naboo32

Naboo32

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Andy
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OK, I know that 'Google is my friend' and all that ;), but I haven't found the magic words yet, so I thought that I'd just come and ask the experts for some pointers ...

Basically, I want a very portable (but with at least an 18" square area) soft box to fit over a Nikon SB900 flash gun, mounted to the end of a monopod via a ball head. Simple enough? I thought so, but I'm not finding anything much on the WEX website. Everything I've seen appears to be designed for use with studio lights and I can't really see how any of them would fit tightly around a flash gun :shrug:!?

Could some of you kind folk just list a couple of brand and model names that I should be looking at, please? I'm not really up to speed with lighting equipment manufacturers, so I don't want to miss out on the best option due to ignorance :bonk:.

Budget would be up to about 100GBP, I guess (for an exceptional produce with several diffusion options) :thinking:.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions :thumbs:.

Andy
 
Here's a couple of options, both hotshoe flash compatible;

Westcott Apollo
Lastolite Ezybox
 
irelanst said:
Here's a couple of options, both hotshoe flash compatible;

Westcott Apollo
Lastolite Ezybox
Click to expand...

:thumbs: Genius!

The Lastolite model was the one that I saw somewhere last year, but couldn't remember who made it or what it was called. This model is exactly what I had in mind and the price (though high) is about what I expected to see ... http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-lastolite-ezybox-hotshoe-60x60cm/p1023457

I will investigate all other suggestions that come along, but the one above looks just about ideal so far :).

Thanks, irelanst :thumbs:!
 
Gareth_R said:
You need this
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-westcott-70cm-apollo-flash-kit/p1522440

as used in www.lightenupandshoot.com
Click to expand...

Thanks Gareth :)! That's another interesting option - I will have to read up on it.

The user feedback mentions 'flimsy' and 'no carry case', both of which concern me a little, as I want to use it for outdoor work near the coast (where it can get pretty windy, not too mention sandy, so something more rugged and weather-proof would be better).

Again though, thanks for the suggestion.
 
Naboo32 said:
Thanks Gareth :)! That's another interesting option - I will have to read up on it.

The user feedback mentions 'flimsy' and 'no carry case', both of which concern me a little, as I want to use it for outdoor work near the coast (where it can get pretty windy, not too mention sandy, so something more rugged and weather-proof would be better).

Again though, thanks for the suggestion.
Click to expand...

I have both the Westcott and the Lastolite and whilst I prefer the Westcott (I use the bag that came with a Calumet 60" umbrella to transport mine in) it does turn into a kite in even the lightest of breezes. I suppose it is a little flimsy, being essentially just a big umbrella, however when mine fell over (complete with SB900) all that happened was that the locking wire holding the struts to the main fitment came loose, an easy, if a wee bit fiddly repair, but certainly nothing to worry about.

The Lastolite folds down into a neat little blue bag and is very easy to erect/dismantle. It's still susceptible to being blown over (as with any softbox/umbrella) and doesn't give as much coverage (or as nice a light imho) as the Westcott, but for what you're wanting it might be a "safer" option....
 
Flash In The Pan said:
I have both the Westcott and the Lastolite and whilst I prefer the Westcott (I use the bag that came with a Calumet 60" umbrella to transport mine in) it does turn into a kite in even the lightest of breezes. I suppose it is a little flimsy, being essentially just a big umbrella, however when mine fell over (complete with SB900) all that happened was that the locking wire holding the struts to the main fitment came loose, an easy, if a wee bit fiddly repair, but certainly nothing to worry about.

The Lastolite folds down into a neat little blue bag and is very easy to erect/dismantle. It's still susceptible to being blown over (as with any softbox/umbrella) and doesn't give as much coverage (or as nice a light imho) as the Westcott, but for what you're wanting it might be a "safer" option....
Click to expand...

Hi Graham,

To be honest with you, the main application that I have in mind for a soft box is photographing the 'Masks' at the Venice Carnival. I did this in February and whilst the results were pleasing (with a straight flash), they were even better when I managed to move in closer with a hand-held SB900 and a Lumiquest Ultrasoft on. The only problem is, there's usually a bit of a 'scrum' to photograph these models and so I wanted a diffuser that I could hold out on a monopod (whilst holding the camera with the other hand), above the heads of other 'toggers (potentially). I can't have anything too bulky or anything which might blow away/fall apart in the strong breezes that often blow down by the canal side of St. Mark's Square :(.

That's why one of the Lastolite boxes appeals - they seem pretty sturdy and quite easy to hold in a gust (I hope).

Thanks for your input - I will do some more research now ;).
 
And here is the Lastolite setup.

I opted for Calumet ultra compact stands but the kit is the same.
Comes with internal baffle too. Simply mount your flash (580exII & 430exII used here).
Not set up for ultimate shooting here just an example!

IMG_6046copy.jpg
 
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Naboo32 said:
Hi Graham,

To be honest with you, the main application that I have in mind for a soft box is photographing the 'Masks' at the Venice Carnival. I did this in February and whilst the results were pleasing (with a straight flash), they were even better when I managed to move in closer with a hand-held SB900 and a Lumiquest Ultrasoft on. The only problem is, there's usually a bit of a 'scrum' to photograph these models and so I wanted a diffuser that I could hold out on a monopod (whilst holding the camera with the other hand), above the heads of other 'toggers (potentially). I can't have anything too bulky or anything which might blow away/fall apart in the strong breezes that often blow down by the canal side of St. Mark's Square :(.

That's why one of the Lastolite boxes appeals - they seem pretty sturdy and quite easy to hold in a gust (I hope).

Thanks for your input - I will do some more research now ;).
Click to expand...

For that scenario (which I'd love to shoot) I'd use the Lastolite...
 
When I was there in February, one guy set up two portable studio lights and other photographers backed off giving him loads of space. I thought the lights would be lost in the usual melee.
 
Chris Y said:
And here is the Lastolite setup.

....
Click to expand...

They look just about perfect for me Chris, thanks for posting the pics :).

Just one question; which size are yours - 54mm or 76mm :thinking:?


Flash In The Pan said:
For that scenario (which I'd love to shoot) I'd use the Lastolite...
Click to expand...

Mmm, I'm trust their design and build quality, which is important for something that's going to used in a fairly 'intense' shooting situation.

Most of my shots from this year were just done with a bare (gelled), on-camera SB900 (like this one) ...

DSC_8044_1000.jpg


... but on a few occassions, I got up close with a wider lens and a hand-held SB900 and Lumiquest Ultrasoft diffuser one, producing a much softer lighting on the white, shiny areas of the masks ...

DSC_8115_1000.jpg


This is the kind of effect that I want to try and capture more of next year.

You should come along too, Graham - Venice is fantastic fun for photographers :naughty:.


OneTen said:
When I was there in February, one guy set up two portable studio lights and other photographers backed off giving him loads of space. I thought the lights would be lost in the usual melee.
Click to expand...

Hi Richard!

Yes, there were quite a few (professional?) photographers around when I was there, who set up various lighting rigs and spent a lot of time 'hogging' the models and making it impossible for any one else to get any pictures at all (as they were mostly using UWA lenses and standing 12" in front of the Masks) :'(. At certain times of the day, this is fine and just requires patience from the other 'toggers, but when there are only 2 or 3 minutes in which the sun first pokes up over the horizon and everyone wants to get a shot of their favourite Mask, this kind of behaviour is pretty seflish, IMO :thumbsdown:.

Personally, I want to be in and out as quickly as humanly possible and don't mind waiting my turn to do so. If I can get a diffused flash on the end of a long handle (monopod, I guess), then I figured that I could stand back a little and just dangle it out where it needs to be to make a few 'head & shoulders' shots and then quickly pull it out of the way again so that others can take their shots :shrug:. That's the plan anyway.

tdodd said:
May as well throw this one into the pot, at £40 delivered. I've got one...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/24-60cm-H...trols_Softboxes_Diffusers&hash=item2563e7e656
Click to expand...

Thanks Tim :thumbs:!

I'll have a closer look at those later. They don't offer delivery to Germany, which is slightly annoying, as they will have to go via my parent's place and be re-directed, but still represent quite a cost saving over the Lastolite brand.

Mind you, I tend to live by the motto; Buy right, buy once! ;)

Still, it's nice to have options, so thanks again :).
 
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Naboo32 said:
Thanks Tim :thumbs:!

I'll have a closer look at those later. They don't offer delivery to Germany, which is slightly annoying, as they will have to go via my parent's place and be re-directed, but still represent quite a cost saving over the Lastolite brand.

Mind you, I tend to live by the motto; Buy right, buy once! ;)

Still, it's nice to have options, so thanks again :).
Click to expand...

I think you'll find they do. There is a "Zone 2" listing for deliveries to EU countries outside the UK. It does cost an extra £3 though.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/24-60cm-H...trols_Softboxes_Diffusers&hash=item2563e88393

If in any doubt just double check with Trevor at Cotswold. Price isn't always about quality. Sometimes it's about paying for the name, or not.
 
I've just noticed that Lastolite make two 54x54cm EzyBoxes - one with a silver lining and (a Joe McNally model) with a white lining.

Does anyone here have experience with both, as I was just wondering if there would be much difference between the 'warmer' light from a standard flash in the white box, compared to a warm-gelled light in a silver box :shrug:!?

I suppose that it's the same principle as shooting up into an umberalla, but I haven't even dome enough of that to know how a gelled/silver compares to an un-gelled/white.

Any opinions, or are we just splitting hairs here ;)?
 
tdodd said:
I think you'll find they do. There is a "Zone 2" listing for deliveries to EU countries outside the UK. It does cost an extra £3 though.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/24-60cm-H...trols_Softboxes_Diffusers&hash=item2563e88393

If in any doubt just double check with Trevor at Cotswold. Price isn't always about quality. Sometimes it's about paying for the name, or not.
Click to expand...

Thanks Tim, that's very helpful (again) :thumbs:.

I particularly wanted to use the special braket, which Lastolite make to accomodate the SB900 (and others) flash (Link ..), as it looks very sturdy and seals in the light that could escape from the back very well (useful when using it in low light and in a crowd of other toggers, I thought :naughty:) .

I'm not sure that this bracket would fit any other brand of soft box, but again, I'm still researching it and haven't decided on any particular model yet.
 
tdodd said:
Price isn't always about quality. Sometimes it's about paying for the name, or not.
Click to expand...

There is, regardless of what Trevor, or any other seller may say, a difference in quality between the Lastolites and the Chinese copies. You'll get essentially the same light from both, however when it comes to packing them away again the Lastolite can simply be grabbed and folded up quickly, even if you get it wrong and twist the frame (which is very easy to do) it's no problem to bend it back into shape.

Try the same with the Chinese version and due to the cheaper materials used you'll find it doesn't spring back into shape and repeated attempts at folding it mean that all you end up doing is either destroying the frame or tearing the material, or both. I'm not saying don't buy one, or that they aren't good value for money, just that you have to treat them with a lot more care than the "real" deal...
 
Naboo32 said:
Thanks Tim, that's very helpful (again) :thumbs:.

I particularly wanted to use the special braket, which Lastolite make to accomodate the SB900 (and others) flash (Link ..), as it looks very sturdy and seals in the light that could escape from the back very well (useful when using it in low light and in a crowd of other toggers, I thought :naughty:) .

I'm not sure that this bracket would fit any other brand of soft box, but again, I'm still researching it and haven't decided on any particular model yet.
Click to expand...

You realise that what you get for £35 isn't that full assembly, but just the hotshoe clamp? A £12 Stroboframe or one of the £4 ebay clones will do exactly the same job....
 
Flash In The Pan said:
There is, regardless of what Trevor, or any other seller may say, a difference in quality between the Lastolites and the Chinese copies. You'll get essentially the same light from both, however when it comes to packing them away again the Lastolite can simply be grabbed and folded up quickly, even if you get it wrong and twist the frame (which is very easy to do) it's no problem to bend it back into shape.

Try the same with the Chinese version and due to the cheaper materials used you'll find it doesn't spring back into shape and repeated attempts at folding it mean that all you end up doing is either destroying the frame or tearing the material, or both. I'm not saying don't buy one, or that they aren't good value for money, just that you have to treat them with a lot more care than the "real" deal...
Click to expand...

Good to hear from one who knows ;). This kind of 'hands on' knowledge is what I came here to find :thumbs:.

Flash In The Pan said:
You realise that what you get for £35 isn't that full assembly, but just the hotshoe clamp? A £12 Stroboframe or one of the £4 ebay clones will do exactly the same job....
Click to expand...

No Graham, I didn't realise that :(.

The pictures on Lastolite's website make it really hard to understand what you actually get with the kit. The product shots for the 54x54 show one shot where the opening on the back is circular with jagged metal edges and a different bracket arrangement, whereas there is another shot where an SB900 is fitted through an oblong shaped slot in the back and with a height adjustable, sliding bracket (or so it appears).

I think that I should go to You Tube and search for some video clips of one in use, because I really can't get my head around this :thinking:.

Luckily, I'm in no hurry to buy.
 
Naboo32 said:
I think that I should go to You Tube and search for some video clips of one in use, because I really can't get my head around this :thinking:.
Click to expand...

OK, now I think I get it ;).

The old version of the product had a different back (the part where the flashhead pokes through) and the SB900 bracket is just an 'upgrade' to convert those old models. The latest model comes with the new style bracket, which is made of plastic, has more height adjustment for the SB900 and appears to be a snugger fit around the flash head.

At least, this is what I have been able to glean from the comments on You Tube and the product reviews on WEX :shrug:.

So, all being well, I don't need to buy anything other than the EzyBox itself, which is lucky because it is only just within my budget.

(Anyone) Please feel free to chime in and correct me if I'm wrong about that, though ;).
 
I'm sorry but Lastolite stuff is over priced tosh. The ones Cotswold sell are much better quality, made out of better materials and are less than half the cost.

I've got two now, they fold really easily, haven't deformed or broken at all and work really well. I'm a big fan of JM but I'm not paying extra just to have his name on the product!
 
Ste Manns said:
Not anymore, the lastolite broke and went back for a refund after a week
Click to expand...

Oh, what broke? Both of mine have survived well for years. The frames on the Chinese ones are made of a much thinner and much less pliable material, which doesn't go back into shape the way that of the Lastolite does. As I said before, treat them carefully and they're fine, but in no way are they of a better quality than the Lastolite product.
 
Naboo - if you do go with a (cheaper) fleabay option, just be aware that the ball heads can be hit or miss. One of mine is fine, albeit it doesn't get that much use these days, but the other gave up the ghost within about two weeks. The balls aren't high quality in some cases so A) don't lock properly, and B) don't support the weight of the softbox and flash.

FITP stepped in to help me with a non-tilt version (I bought an angle tilt additionally) and it's been brilliant. :)
 
Ozei said:
Andy - I don't suppose a Lumiquest Softbox III is large enough is it? Smaller than the others above but easier to handhold.

http://www.morrisphoto.co.uk/ProductDetails~productID~8409~categoryid~266.html - on the left in the video here: http://www.lumiquest.com/products/softbox-iii.htm
Click to expand...

Thanks Ozei, that's another good suggestion :). I like Lumiquest's small, on-camera accessories, but I want something bigger even than this (their largest 'soft box') for what I have in mind. I agree that it might be sturdier though, being smaller and more compact than the 54cm Lastolite (and less likely to be blown into any lagoons ;) ).

specialman said:
Naboo - if you do go with a (cheaper) fleabay option, just be aware that the ball heads can be hit or miss. One of mine is fine, albeit it doesn't get that much use these days, but the other gave up the ghost within about two weeks. The balls aren't high quality in some cases so A) don't lock properly, and B) don't support the weight of the softbox and flash.

FITP stepped in to help me with a non-tilt version (I bought an angle tilt additionally) and it's been brilliant. :)
Click to expand...

Hi Pat!

Thank you for your valuable input - I must admit, I quite liked the look of the ball head (as opposed to the early Lastolite design), but the new Lastolite design (Link ...) looks plenty good enough to me, as I'm planning to attach the bracket like this ...


1.) Take a 1/4 thread spigot ...

Spigot2.jpg


2.) and (with thread-locking compound) attach it to an Arca QR plate, like this one ...

Plate2.jpg


3.) Then, clamp the QR plate into my small Giottos ball head :naughty: ...

Ballhead.jpg


4.) Finally, screw the ball head to this (187cm) monopod ....

Monopod.jpg


... et viola ! A very strudy set up, fully adjustable, eminently hand-holdable, able to double as a monopod for the camera and ... very useful for whacking across the knuckles of any would-be camera thieves :lol:.

I tested it out last night, with the SB900 and Lumiquest diffuser on and it's not too heavy (especially if I rest the rubber foot of the monopod on my leg or on my belt :) ).

Mind you, it's pretty hard to operate the camera properly with just one hand :|.

Thanks again for all the help on this one.
 
Naboo32 said:
Thanks Ozei, that's another good suggestion :). I like Lumiquest's small, on-camera accessories, but I want something bigger even than this (their largest 'soft box') for what I have in mind. I agree that it might be sturdier though, being smaller and more compact than the 54cm Lastolite (and less likely to be blown into any lagoons ;) ).



Hi Pat!

Thank you for your valuable input - I must admit, I quite liked the look of the ball head (as opposed to the early Lastolite design), but the new Lastolite design (Link ...) looks plenty good enough to me, as I'm planning to attach the bracket like this ...


1.) Take a 1/4 thread spigot ...

Spigot2.jpg


2.) and (with thread-locking compound) attach it to an Arca QR plate, like this one ...

Plate2.jpg


3.) Then, clamp the QR plate into my small Giottos ball head :naughty: ...

Ballhead.jpg


4.) Finally, screw the ball head to this (187cm) monopod ....

Monopod.jpg


... et viola ! A very strudy set up, fully adjustable, eminently hand-holdable, able to double as a monopod for the camera and ... very useful for whacking across the knuckles of any would-be camera thieves :lol:.

I tested it out last night, with the SB900 and Lumiquest diffuser on and it's not too heavy (especially if I rest the rubber foot of the monopod on my leg or on my belt :) ).

Mind you, it's pretty hard to operate the camera properly with just one hand :|.

Thanks again for all the help on this one.
Click to expand...

The alternative is one of these rather than lugging a monopod around as well.

There is also a more compact alternative to the monopod, but I can't post details of it here without breaking the forum rules re selling outwith the classifieds :rules:
 
specialman said:
Naboo - if you do go with a (cheaper) fleabay option, just be aware that the ball heads can be hit or miss.
Click to expand...

Recognising that complaint with the older/cheaper designs the version now sold by Cotswold has been upgraded for 2011. To quote (bold is my emphasis)....

This is a twin diffuser version, and it is a new design for 2011. The inner diffuser panel is made of a lighter material and so causes less light loss. The inner seams of the softbox have four elastic hoops and the new diffuser has four metal clips to attach, keeping the panel stretched and flat. Of course, you can still use the box with just the outer panel by removing this inner panel. This version also includes the Stroboframe type Clamp Style Flash Cold Shoe - worth £4.99 - that fits the Nikon SB-900. The 2011 version now features a screw to secure the L-bracket to the slider on the slider rail, and is easier to bend the side wires back in to shape. LATEST NEWS!!! Our re-designed version, due for Summer 2011 has arrived early. Oh dear! This new version has a longer slide rail (the rail that comes down from the softbox speedring) to accommodate the new taller flashes, and to give more headroom for the bigger modern wireless trigger systems. It has has a much bigger, stronger ballhead to hold more weight, more securely. Still no price increase despite it weighing 130 grams more!
Click to expand...
 
tdodd said:
Recognising that complaint with the older/cheaper designs the version now sold by Cotswold has been upgraded for 2011. To quote (bold is my emphasis)....
Click to expand...

Yeah, the one of mine that broke said something similar!!! :lol: ...but I know a lot of people rate the stuff sold by Cotswold as being a step up from the off-the-shelf HK stuff. :thumbs:
 
specialman said:
Yeah, the one of mine that broke said something similar!!! :lol: ...but I know a lot of people rate the stuff sold by Cotswold as being a step up from the off-the-shelf HK stuff. :thumbs:
Click to expand...

Umm, it's exactly the same stuff, from the same factory......;)
 
Flash In The Pan said:
The alternative is one of these rather than lugging a monopod around as well.

There is also a more compact alternative to the monopod, but I can't post details of it here without breaking the forum rules re selling outwith the classifieds :rules:
Click to expand...


Ozei said:
How about this - http://www.fotosense.co.uk/lastolite-extended-handle-for-ezybox-hotshoe-2400.html.

Pic of it in use here - http://www.laymansreviews.com/assets/lr_113-ezybox-hotshoe.jpg.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestions guys :thumbs:. The price is pretty reasonable (for Lastolite) and it would be just the job for close up work.

As it goes though, I already have all of the parts that I need for the 'monopod solution', so I think I'll go with that for Venice, as I need to take the monopod along to use with the camera anyway.
 
specialman said:
Good to know it's not just the angling trade that suffers this problem :lol:
Click to expand...

It's not just the unbranded stuff, Pat the likes of Interfit and Calumet get their stuff from the exact same factories too. What you're paying for buying from the likes of them (and Trevor as well, I would imagine) is a UK seller to return the goods to if/when they go wrong, but any patter (from any of the retailers) about items being "specially developed" or "made exclusively for" is just that, patter.

They may well have commissioned the first batch of something, but you can pretty much guarantee that within a few weeks/months every seller that deals in the same stuff will have them as the Chinese producers only loyalty is to the dollar.....
 
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