soft box for sb-800, your recommendation

Greyhound Rick

Hi All,

Id like to know your recommendation for a softbox to use with an sb-800 for indoor portraits, single and small groups.

I have 3 sb-800s and would like to get as large a box as possible, however, do not want to configure with more than the strobe can handle.

Can you recommend a specific brand and size?

thank you for helping me.

my best,

Rick

ziggy53

I'm seriously looking at a Photek SoftLighter II for portable lighting instead of a softbox.

Because it uses a stem, like an umbrella, it can be used with both monolights and speedlights (using an "umbrella bracket").

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/298709-REG/Impact_3117_Umbrella_Bracket.html

Even the smallest size SoftLighter seems a bit larger in emitting area than the softboxes I've seen that are designed for speedlights (like the ALZO). The 60" version seems almost ideal for my work. (I am working on a DIY version using a standard 60" convertible umbrella with a translucent cover, which is why I haven't purchased the SoftLighter yet.)

http://www.photekusa.com/Softlighter.html

Trevlan

ziggy53 wrote:

I'm seriously looking at a Photek SoftLighter II for portable lighting instead of a softbox.

Because it uses a stem, like an umbrella, it can be used with both monolights and speedlights (using an "umbrella bracket").

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/298709-REG/Impact_3117_Umbrella_Bracket.html

Even the smallest size SoftLighter seems a bit larger in emitting area than the softboxes I've seen that are designed for speedlights (like the ALZO). The 60" version seems almost ideal for my work. (I am working on a DIY version using a standard 60" convertible umbrella with a translucent cover, which is why I haven't purchased the SoftLighter yet.)

http://www.photekusa.com/Softlighter.html

Ziggy, do you have sample pictures using your make shift Softlighter? I use an SB600 and SB800 in umbrellas. I purchased two softboxes, but I think I need another part to connect them to the flash. The softlighter, looks like It slides into place on a umbrella bracket and won't need an extra part to attach the strobe to it. The best bang for the money looks like the $100 one. Is that better than using a shoot through umbrella?

Some sample pics please!!!!!!

Art Scott

Greyhound Rick wrote:

Hi All,

Id like to know your recommendation for a softbox to use with an sb-800 for indoor portraits, single and small groups.

I have 3 sb-800s and would like to get as large a box as possible, however, do not want to configure with more than the strobe can handle.

Can you recommend a specific brand and size?

thank you for helping me.

my best,

Rick

for a softbox.... I use the Lumiquest large softbox.....as it will fit either my shoe mount or handle mount flashes.....the Gary Fong or Sto-Fen types are for a specific flash head type......
There are numerious tutes on here for making your own light modifiers and a ton if you goggle DIY LIGHT MODIFIERS should come up......I do like the Lumiquest as it attaches via a rubber / vel cro strap.

ziggy53

Trevlan wrote:

Ziggy, do you have sample pictures using your make shift Softlighter? I use an SB600 and SB800 in umbrellas. I purchased two softboxes, but I think I need another part to connect them to the flash. The softlighter, looks like It slides into place on a umbrella bracket and won't need an extra part to attach the strobe to it. The best bang for the money looks like the $100 one. Is that better than using a shoot through umbrella?

Some sample pics please!!!!!!

Frank,

Sorry, I haven't completed the design and construction yet. I want a removable stem and I don't know how I am going to accomplish that. It'll happen but that project is back-burner right now.

Travis

ziggy53 wrote:

I'm seriously looking at a Photek SoftLighter II for portable lighting instead of a softbox.

Absolutely love mine!

ziggy53

Trevlan wrote:

... The softlighter, looks like It slides into place on a umbrella bracket and won't need an extra part to attach the strobe to it. The best bang for the money looks like the $100 one. Is that better than using a shoot through umbrella?

...

I used the 60" convertible umbrella I have as a shoot through umbrella twice in late December. The advantages of the SoftLighter are:

1) Easy setup. You are correct that the SoftLighter can use the simple umbrella bracket I linked to above. It's also easier to assemble than any softbox I am aware of.

2) A flat surface. Compared to a shoot through umbrella the SoftLighter can be positioned relatively closer to the subject. The curved surface of a shoot through umbrella means that most of the surface of the umbrella has to be further from the subject than a flat surfaced modifier like the SoftLighter or a softbox. To use with a speedlight I recommend the version with the 8mm shaft, part of which is removable.

MDalby

Art Scott wrote:

for a softbox.... I use the Lumiquest large softbox.....I do like the Lumiquest as it attaches via a rubber / vel cro strap.

Art,

Could you help me understand which product you use/recommend?

http://www.lumiquest.com/products.htm

Thanks,

MD

angevin1

So for the purpose of this thread I popped a few photos courtesy of the precocious teen: My Photek Umbrella to the rear right of cam and He is holding a Demb Flip it attached to a SB800.

Don't cha just love a messy garage~~





~(Below)And this is using just the Flip-it on an SB800 mounted on the camera~



I like the portability of these items here. There small expense, and broad usability make them ideal for me, so far. I like the Demb Flip its' especially, but still prefer a cheap-o Shoot thru umbrella for the softest of diffuse light outdoors. The nice thing about the FLip-it is, they are so easy to use and add fill without detracting from the overall photo/lighting~~

cheers, tom

sweet caroline

I use a softlighter- the 60"- with my SB600 and get good results. You can remove the black cover and use it as a shoot through. Or you can use it with or without the diffuser. I also have a silver disc and a gold disc (came with a smaller softlighter that was killed by wind) that can fit inside the umbrella for other lighting options. It's very portable and very versatile, not to mention economical.

Caroline

Art Scott

MDalby wrote:

Art,

Could you help me understand which product you use/recommend?

http://www.lumiquest.com/products.htm

Thanks,

MD

Here is the one I use Lumiquest Softbox..........when I bought mine there was only the mini and Large softbox.....sorry I did not realize there were so many versions now.........mine attaches via a ruber and vel-cro strap around the flashes head.....fold completely flat for storage and weighs nothing much.....I do not even notice it being there.....

divamum

If you don't need a terribly large one, you can make one out of a 12-pack soda carton and save a few pennies, thread here (read through to the end of the thread, as I made some modifications and added some more pictures). It took me about an hour and cost maybe $3 or so. And I'm pretty happy with how it works (this was taken using one speedlite with the softbox and three foamboard reflectors strategically placed):