Speedlite softbox any good ?

[Ralphmyster]

Fancy having a play,see what images they produce. If you have one what make and size, are they worth the money.
Thanks

 

[onform]

I'm going to be really annoying here and tell you exactly what you don't want to here..

At the price of these things you should just get one and see for yourself! You have made your mind up already anyhoo! your at the stage where you have experimented as much as you can with the flash as is and you have decided, Correctly, that to improve you need to increase the efective size of your light source and get it off camera! Be careful though as it is expensive ground you are treading!!! or it will be once you get bitten...

 

[Ralphmyster]

Tell me about it LOL, I spent £3000 in the last few months.I could buy a travel pak but don't really fancy lugging tons of gear about. The lastolite kit £180 looks handy size and portable, and everyone seem to have or want one.I use the 580exii and the 430exii off camrea and get some nice images. just fancy having a play with a softbox.

 

[digitalfailure]

I have the interfit strobies xs kit, great little soft box with an S type fitting on it so it'll even go on the bowens.

 

[Ralphmyster]

I did look at them, what sort of results you had from yours?. The lastolite in images do seem better quality. but s type would be a bonus. thanks

 

[digitalfailure]

It's a tad smaller than the Lastolite box so you don't quite get the same spread but it's fine for single portraits.

The interfit has a double diffusion, not sure if the lasto does.

All the lighting accessories we have are s fit so we can swap between the bowens and speedlites, tis a great advantage.

 

[damo.s]

IMO one of the best softboxes currently available is Westcott Apollo 28" or a really big 50" which due to its size may not be that "portable". Both give excellent soft light.
Have a search on google or see this website: www.lightenupandshoot.com
Like someone above mentioned you are entering "wallet in danger" area
You will also need some wireless triggers for your flashguns, light stands, brackets and a good looking model

 

[damo.s]

Here is a video showing Apollo softbox and some description.

http://lightenupandshoot.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=23

The best feature is that the flashgun is directed towards the back of the softbox and the light bounces back towards the subject. It really is rather unique design and gives even soft light.

 

[treeman]

The best feature is that the flashgun is directed towards the back of the softbox and the light bounces back towards the subject. It really is rather unique design and gives even soft light.

This is the only way to go if you want the softest light and portable. Any front firing speedlite in a softbox, will inevitably have a hotspot in the middle, however that's fine if thats what you want, but true softness from a speedlite can only be achieved by bouncing off the back first, or if you've got some sort of bare bulb speedlite.

 

[Hacker]

I've used the Lastolite with some very pleasing results and whilst the speedlight is front facing I've never had an issue with hotspots. I like using it for portability, ease of setting up and the soft light it gives out.

Here are a few images that have been lit by the softbox: