Softbox options for budding amateur

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darkeeboy

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So, Ive got myself a couple of Yongnuo 560II's and a brolly. Now I need to source a softbox for home use, mainly of the family. Has anyone any recommendations / experience with either of the following, or can suggest some alternative that doesn't break the bank?

Lencarta - http://www.lencarta.com/lighting-store/non-folding-softboxes/non-folding-softboxes/60-x-60cm-24-x-24-square-softbox £68 inc flash holder

Smick - http://www.smick.co.uk/sonline/strobist-softbox/prod_475.html £52

EZ-fold http://www.amazon.co.uk/EZ-Fold-Diffusers-Ballhead-Portable-Speedlite/dp/B002W9G8VM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2CV6L6MSFM3OY&colid=7VQKIG7ZYSXQ £60
 
I've ordered a cheapy-cheap job from China, I don't expect much from it, but at €24 it's worth a punt I think.. I'll report back when it arrives.
 
its that age old question, money V quality... would be good to hear your review tho, got a link to the one you've bought?
 
Two recommendations for the neewer, recon I might take the plunge and go for the cheaper option first, then on to bigger and better things when time and knowledge allows.. thanks all
 
Buy cheap - Buy twice. The Lencarta range of equipment is great and the backup service (if required) is always first class. Cheaper equipment will have a far more limited life and possibly no backup at all.

Malcolm
 
I have the Phottix - can't fault it and it comes with an egg crate grid too.
 
Thanks all, will continue to look at all options, I guess I need to weigh up the intended usage..
 
There are a few different things that make some softboxes better than others...
1. Design. It needs to be designed properly, so that
a. the light bounces all around it properly, otherwise the light will be uneven
b. the inner diffuser needs to be far enough back from the outer diffuser to allow proper diffusion
c. the front lip needs to be properly recessed, so that the light can be feathered and to reduce/avoid flare
d. it needs to be easy to take apart/put together
e. any honeycomb needs to be deep enough and to have small enough 'holes' to actually work.

2. Build quality.
a. The 'walls' need to be dense enough to prevent light spilling back towards the lens
b. The diffusers need to be thick enough to diffuse the light properly
c. The colour temperature needs to be neutral.
d. It needs to last for a reasonable length of time.

It can sometimes be worth buying a cheap softbox, but there are usually compromises on build quality, the quality of the light and the design - mostly, they are copies of copies of copies, with each copy made more cheaply than the last.

At the same time, paying top dollar for the most expensive makes may buy you nothing more than the name painted on it.
 
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