Best softbox for portraits

First, I would like to thank all of you for all of your insightful responses and

advice for my previous post on using a single light source + reflector for

studio portraits. I am now seeking your advice regarding what you think is the

best softbox out there for portraits. I have read most of the previous posts on

this topic but was not able to obtain a definitive answer. Any input is greatly

appreciated. Please advise me as to the brand, size, and shape of the softbox.

Thank you again.

Ebay 31x47 inch softbox only $65.00!! Its the lowest costing univeral softbox ever! You wanna reflector... try 40 inches by 60 inches for $42.00! <A HREF=http://cgi.ebay.com/31-x-47-Softbox-Universal-Speed-Ring-New_W0QQitemZ120185051719QQihZ002QQcategoryZ30082QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem>Heres the link to the softbox</A> <A HREF=http://cgi.ebay.com/5-in-1-Multi-Reflecting-Panel-40in-x60in-NEW_W0QQitemZ120185227515QQihZ002QQcategoryZ30082QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem>the link to the reflector</A><div></div>

Heres an example that shows up!!! Sorry<div></div>

Another example that actually shows up<div></div>

Your softbox seems to have a hot spot based on the first sample.

best general softbox? A 36x48 inch Chimera Super Pro.

 

best softbox t oget results like Annie Leibovitz and MArk Seliger (and any other number of big

time celebrity portrait and advertising photographers? Elinchrom 72" Octa light (can be used

wit hvirtually any electronic flash.

Correction! Elinchrom Octa Light!2nd Choice... the 13ft jumbrella made by <A HREF=http://www.plumeltd.com/jumbrella.htm>Plume</A>

3rd Choice...ebay 7ft ocatabox by amvona! 4th choice ebay 31x47 inch softbox!

Hi Ellis: Thank you very much for your helpful response. I will definitely look into the Chimera and the Elinchrom.

A question for you Ellis... The Chimera Super Pro that you recommended has a silver interior which gives off a more contrasty light than that of a white interior. How much of a difference is this? Thanks for you input.

I'll add one other consideration, (a suggestion also previously made by Ellis that I followed

up on and LOVE ! ) ... Plume Wafer Hex Oval either in a 53" or 71" versions with oval

masked diffuser.

 

I like it better than my 72" Elimchrom Octabox because the eye highlights are pleasantly

oval shaped and the Plume is much more manageable, especially in a smaller studio

because it is relatively light weight and not as deep as the Octabox ( not as expensive as

the Octabox either).

 

www.plumeltd.com/waferhex.html

Thanks Marc, for your helpful input. I will read on the Plume.

I'd love to chime in-- but I personally don't feel there is an answer for "best soft box for portrait". More information, and I'll be back w/ my suggestions. Group portraits, differ greatly from single portraits. Then single portraits vary GREATLY depending on the style you want. Silver interior does offer more contrast, and a great feather. A flush box, even greater feather-- this w/ a smaller (28" or 36") box allows for a different look entirely.

 

My personal choice, though I do 1/2 and 3/4 portraits (though mainly editorial and modeling portfolios), a 17x46" strip softbox.

Hi Nathan,

I would greatly appreciate your input. I plan to do mostly 1/2 and 3/4 single portraits. I

would like to achieve photos with softness, warmth, and that looks classical. Would a

stripbox really be sufficient light?

Thank you

Hoang, I'll expalin some differences, and you'll have to guess to what matches your style. For "classic" a medium softbox will mimic the window light that classic painters used for portraits. Wescott also has two different "Master Light Brush" kits (one umbrella version, one box) which is made for this purpose-- though I've never used it, and can't tell you how well it works.

 

The strip box will give you tight control of the light, w/ a rapid fall off. When used close for butterfly or loop lighting, this will give soft light, and deeper shadows on the outside edges. This w/ a reflector gives me the control I like.

 

A 36x48" (medium) softbox will give you larger coverage, and a very soft light-- I'd be more inclined to use this for rembrandt lighting, as it will have more wrap around light-- but I find it has less modeling in the other two positions I formerly mentioned. Theirs a few versions of this one too. A recessed front will have faster light fall off, and a flush front will have a larger feathered area-- for this size, this probably won't be as important. A silver one is more contrasty (and somewhat brighter... and more spill). Both of these work well for 1/2 and 3/4 portraits.

 

You can also use a flushed face smaller soft box (e.g. 24x32") to get fall off that is more rapid than an umbrella. It will have more spill than the other soft boxes mentioned. A reflector set up for clam (shell) would be something I'd try here for a head shot-- too small by itself to do anything other than a head shot.

 

The large Octa-banks (the other I've not had a pleasure of using) should give you some of the softest light, w/ a lot of wrap around effect. Useful as both a key light and fill. It will suck some light from your strobe, so it requires the most power of these, and you should have some studio space to move it around to get its full effect. Very useful for a full body shot or a group shot.

 

The difference is size= coverage and softness. The larger the source (and closer), the softer the light. And spill control. All these expensive toys are for controlling spill and mixing hard and soft light (mola setti beauty dish, e.g.).

Thank you, Nathan, for your insightful input. I found your advise very helpful and

informative. Thank you again.