What about the Lastolite Ezybox Speed-Lite Softbox?

Box Brownie

Box Brownie

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Hi All

I have used the larger Rogue flashbender and though good it is rather unwieldy (especially when using the setup in portrait orientation I found the flash head being forced off its set position because of the weight) so was looking at other modifiers and the Gary Fong Lightsphere I recalled being mentioned a while back but it gets some fairly damning reviews..................so I came upon the Lastolite Ezybox Speed-Lite Softbox and for the few reviews does seem like a decent bit of kit. What with the outermost diffuser 'window' being almost (depending on the lens used) in line with the front element.

Now as I read it this should do well for portraiture, product shoots, and possibly some macro setups but what about small groups in confined spaces i.e. from say 15 to 20 feet back? Would I get enough output from my Canon 430EX if/as needed with +FEC added? Also how sturdy is the setup if turned 90degrees for portrait orientation shooting?

TIA for the user insight and feedback :)

Edit ~ just found two variant kits ~ one s the Joe McNally one but all that seems to include is a couple of extra diffusers (a gold and a silver) that adds about £20 to the cost. And a "kit" (Canon or Nikon) that includes a OCF cable and a holder but that costs approx. £95 compared the basic softbox at £45.

Are either of those kits worth going for, I have some thoughts on both but would welcome any added insight? :)
 
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For what you want to do, rather than me explaining why on camera flash with a softbox is of very limited use, buy this book:
The speedlighters handbook by Syl Arena.

Whilst you're waiting for it to turn up, look for the Strobist blog, and start from the beginning.

Short answer: get your flash off your camera!

It doesn't matter whether you use it bare, with a brolly, softbox, with bodged bits of foil or a shower curtain, it's not an effective key light if it's on the camera axis pointing at your subject.
 
Hi Phil

Thanks for the reminder about Syl's book there is a new (second) edition due in June which I will put in a pre-order :)

As for OCF, yes as stated above there is one kit that includes wired accessories to do just that and in the Joe McNally video on the Lastolite website he shows such use with wireless control.
 
I have the McNally version. Like it a lot. It adds an extra layer of diffusion compared to the other one.

I ALWAYS use it off camera as I followed Phil's advice and bought the Syl Arena Book
 
Box Brownie said:
Hi Phil

Thanks for the reminder about Syl's book there is a new (second) edition due in June which I will put in a pre-order :)

As for OCF, yes as stated above there is one kit that includes wired accessories to do just that and in the Joe McNally video on the Lastolite website he shows such use with wireless control.
Click to expand...
Someone posted a link once to a PDF of the book, I won't re-post because there may be copyright issues. But I'd guess you could make a start on reading it, then buy the new version later and be guilt free.

My guess though, the new edition will add details of the 600 ex-rt and st-e3 rather than anything 'light' related. The rules for that haven't changed recently ;)
 
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