Softbox suggestion.

[Mitchell]

I want to buy a softbox to use with one of my off camera flashes. Any suggestions for a reasonably priced model? I suspect I will also need a stand and a specialized bracket with a hotshoe type of mount.

Thanks

[Andy]

I want to buy a softbox to use with one of my off camera flashes. Any suggestions for a reasonably priced model? I suspect I will also need a stand and a specialized bracket with a hotshoe type of mount.

Thanks

lumiquest (http://www.lumiquest.com/lq925.htm)

but i actually prefer

gary fong's lightsphere (http://www.garyfong.com/popphoto/)

[Mitchell]

Thanks, Andy. I already have several lumiquest products. I am looking for a softbox that I can put on a flash on a separate light stand. I've been told about this product http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?page=searchresults&searchinfo=Photek%20Softlighter%20IIwhich looks interesting.

I can't get past how dorky the lightsphere looks.:dunno My kids and my wife already think I'm a photography geek/nerd.:rolleyes

[Andy]

Thanks, Andy. I already have several lumiquest products. I am looking for a softbox that I can put on a flash on a separate light stand. I've been told about this product http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?page=searchresults&searchinfo=Photek%20Softlighter%20IIwhich looks interesting.

I can't get past how dorky the lightsphere looks.:dunno My kids and my wife already think I'm a photography geek/nerd.:rolleyes

yabbut - lumiquest makes such a device - it's a softbox for your flash -

the lightsphere is way cool, excellent results, despite the geeky look.

[DavidTO]

the lightsphere is way cool, excellent results, despite the geeky look.


And it's a helluva conversation piece, too!

"What's that?"

"What IS that?"

"What's THAT thing?"

neverending....

[Mitchell]

yabbut - the largest lumiquest device is only 5x7. I'm thinking of a softbox that is greater than 24inches. I'm looking to do some in home portraits of my kids.

I walk around all day with a head mirror on my head. Like an old fashioned doctor (think Marcus Welby, MD). I look geeky enough now all day at work. The addition of that dorky lightsphere is probably more than I can take.:D

yabbut - lumiquest makes such a device - it's a softbox for your flash -

the lightsphere is way cool, excellent results, despite the geeky look.

[Mitchell]

The softbox I'm looking at is the Photek Softlighter II.

[Blurmore]

I use a http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&kw=WEHR45&is=REG&Q=&O=productlist&sku=62710
Westcott Halo for location work, all you need is a bracket http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=138156&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation
there are cheaper ones, and a stud mounted cold shoe or hot shoe if you are firing it through a cord. Westcott I think also makes a "Dennis Reggie" version that allows you to mount 2 flashes on a stand. The Halo is pretty much standard equipment for portrait/wedding photographers who need to set-up and tear down quickly and replicate soft studio light in the field without a AC mono strobe.

I also can recommend http://www.alienbees.com/softboxes_detail.html I purchased the 'large' one with my AB 800's and although it is not the easiest to put together softbox I've used it gives great soft even light, even without the optional baffle.


http://jknauer.smugmug.com/photos/31697844-M.jpg

This was one of the first shots I took with the lightgear (Alien Bee, Paul C. Buff White Lightning all the same guy) softbox. The large one is just that really frickin big.

Oh, and in response to the Gary Fong wonder revenue machine known as the lightsphere, I saw one in use by a photographer at another wedding in the same hotel I was working at, it looked goofy, really goofy, like tupperware on top of her flash. I'd rather wear one of these on my head. http://www.juergenspecht.com/truestories/?number=1&storypage=2