Softbox for hotshoe flash

<p>I would like to get a softbox for my Canon 580EX II flash. This will be my first and likely my only softbox so I would like one suitable for general use. Should it be square, rectangle or some other shape? Also, what size would be good? My studio is my living room (roughly 10'x10'x8' high) so I can't go too big, but I don't want it to be so small that I lose the point of having a softbox in the first place. Portability and setup convenience/ease of use would be nice, so I can match the flash's portability and so I would be more willing to use it often.</p>

<p>I would like to spend $100 or less, but will go to ~$200 if all the budget models are false economy, especially given my priorities.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>If you want to keep the flash mounted on the camera (not a good idea) the little Lumi-Quest softboxes will work OK so long as the subject is very close to the camera. Much better results can be had with one of the speedlight softboxes from Chimera or Photoflex that are meant for off- camera mounting on a stand. The bigger the better is the rule here, so get at least 12"x16". 24"x24" is better.<br>

My personal preference is for a bigger umbrella-style softbox like those made by Photek or Paul Buff, which are also very easily transported. They will eat more light, though, so restrict your range with a shoe flash. Perfect with a small studio strobe, however.<br>

Another option I like to use is the little Lowel 27" white umbrella as a shoot-through light modifier. I think they call it the Tota-brella. Very easy to stow and set up on a small stand, and a perfect size for a hot shoe flash.<br>

Lastly, I'd suggest reading through Dave Hobby's Strobist.com for all the information you'll ever need about how to get great lighting results with small flashes. His Lighting 101 tutorial should answer all your questions.</p>

<p>Oh yes, I should've clarified. The softbox is definitely for use off-camera. Studio strobes/monolights are out of the question for me right now, which is why I'm sticking to the hotshoe flashes. Desired subjects are product, food and portraits, in that order of importance. I <em>think</em> I would prefer a rectangular or square softbox for their catchlights, and any thoughts regarding the shape would be welcome.</p>

<p>I am already a Strobist reader, thanks! :D David has only really discussed umbrellas in depth (or at least that's what I remember). There's too much stuff (not mine) in the living room so I want less spill light than an umbrella. That's why I'd like something convenient to set up; I only have free use of the space after midnight and I'd like to still have time left over to sleep.</p>

<p>Jeffery,<br>

Have you considered a shoot through umbrella?<br>

I use one and I seem to get decent results.</p>

 

<p>People's opinions on box shape vary quite a bit - it's a personal taste thing. Some prefer square/rectangular because it mimics the catchlight produced by natural window light, while many portraitists say round is a more natural shape for catchlights in the eye. For product. food and similar photos, you often don't want any catchlight at all, especially on very shiny surfaces, so tent diffusion is frequently preferred. If you just want one box for all, perhaps square is the best compromise, and as I mentioned earlier, favor the larger sizes. A 580 will handle a 24x24 softbox adequately. The one other thing I would add to the lighting kit is a larger reflector ranging from a simple white foamboard piece to a big collapsibe silver/white reversible from Photoflex. You can do a great deal with one softbox and one big reflector.<br /> <br /> By the way, the best solution in this category I have used is the Lastolite Ezybox, which is quick to snap open/closed, and of high quality with lots of great accessories like grids etc. Unfortunately its also very expensive at over $200 to start, but it is kind of a gold standard in this category to which others may be compared.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>By the way, the best solution in this category I have used is the Lastolite Ezybox, which is quick to snap open/closed, and of high quality with lots of great accessories like grids etc. Unfortunately its also very expensive at over $200 to start, but it is kind of a gold standard in this category to which others may be compared.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>A cheaper alternative (although I can't vouch for its quality) can be found at www.alzodigital.com. I do know that a number of folks have used it and seem to be satisfied.</p>

<p>There are also ebay knock off of the ezybox hotshoe which sells around 50USD. I have one and have been very happy with it.</p>

<p>Thanks for the recommendations so far.</p>

<p>The Lastolite Ezybox series and the largest Westcott Apollo (28" square) are the models I am most interested in due to their collapsible designs. Any thoughts about these two? It seems that the Ezybox is the "oddball" among collapsibles in general since it seems to be based on a folding reflector design rather than umbrellas. (So expensive. :/ )</p>

<p>The eBay alternatives are interesting too, though it seems most aren't bigger than 24" square. I'll keep my eye out for bigger ones.</p>

<p>+1 for the EzyBox. Expensive, yes, but well worth it. No ribs to bend or break, no vulnerable folding umbrella joints. Very, very portable: it's light enough, it packs incredibly small, and sets up in a flash (pun intended). It's tough, too - definitely what you want if you'll use it away from the house. Just get one. You'll thank yourself later. I'd recommend the 24" x 24". Introductory tutorials <a href="http://www.lastoliteschoolofphotography.com/tag/ezybox-hotshoe/page/3">here</a> . It's $216.89 <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/542683-REG/Lastolite_LL_LS2462M2_Hot_Shoe_EZYBOX_Softbox.html">here</a> . Even <a href="http://www.joemcnally.com/blog/2009/07/21/heading-west/">this guy</a> uses one.</p>

<p>Hi Jeff,<br>

I don't know how your Canon flash compares with the Nikon SB800 flash, but Julia Greer has a nice discussion of using the latter with softboxes here <a href="http://www.juliagreerphotography.com/sb-800-article.htm">http://www.juliagreerphotography.com/sb-800-article.htm</a>. In the article, Ms. Greer says that she's used softboxes as large as 50"x50" with a hotshoe flash, which leads me to my question: Have you considered the size of the softbox you need based on the dimensions of your subjects? Smaller softboxes are good for head shots, etc., but not full-body portraits, which benefit from larger softboxes. Sorry about muddying the water.<br>

Phil</p>

<p>Phil, that's a great link. Good reading. I don't think I could work with a 50x50", but I was thinking 36x36", which is the largest I think I can reasonably work with in my space. That also happens to be the size of the largest Ezybox, so it's a convenient measurement.</p>

<p>Thanks for all the advice!</p>

<p>Check out Paul Bluff's new PLM reflector system before you make a final decision. They have a front diffuser available. I have the smaller unit (without the front diffuser)...the light output is amazing, especially the evenness from edge to edge. With the diffuser I can't see why it would not work as well a softbox. I think the PLM + diffuser would give you more output with a hotshoe flash than a more traditional softbox.<br>

I also have the Apollo 28" and it works with my hotshoe flash but I mostly use it with a bare bulb strobe head.</p>

<p> </p>