Softbox v Brolly box

[musicalbloke]

I'd like to eventually add to my lighting kit, once I've got basics under control, and am thinking a softbox, or similar, would be a good choice.

I'd like to know though, what the benefits are of a standard shoot through softbox against a brolly box, or similar reflector type softbox (terminology not great here, but hope it makes sense).

I can see that you'd get better light direction from the two of them, but would the reflecting light through a diffuser give a softer light than light straight through a diffuser?

 

[Phil V]

The biggest difference is in putting them up, taking them down.
Most soft boxes are a pain, but the brolly based ones are easy. It's also a nicer shaped catchlight (personal opinion) the precise quality of light will vary as much between manufacturers as it will between the 2.

A bigger difference will be had from getting one that takes a better quality grid. Apparently the cheap grids aren't as effective. (according to the experts on these things Richard and Garry)

So you might choose a better soft box and grid rather than a massive cheap umbrella box with a crap grid or no grid.