p.1 #1 · Best small speedlite softbox for traveling?
I'm traveling to singapore in a couple months and can't take my 39" Deep Octa or my BXRI Flash so I'm planning on taking my Canon 580EX and possibly a speedlite softbox. I'm planning on shooting some models with combined ambient/flash (I'll be shooting in manual mode using phottix Strato II wireless system (non e-ttl, manual only)
Never really tried to use my speedlite for portraits with a softbox. Any hints would be appreciated.
p.1 #2 · Best small speedlite softbox for traveling?
The Westcott Apollo is a softbox that folds down like an umbrella, very portable. Also, the Rogue reflector set up on the large Rogue works like a softbox. Both are very effective with speedlites.
p.1 #6 · Best small speedlite softbox for traveling?
I find the Apollo style softboxes to pack much smaller than the Ezybox style because you don't have the "lollipop" to deal with and the softbox folds into a better shape (imo) like an umbrella rather than a reflector.
the big advantage of the Ezybox style is that you can easily access the speedlight controls. the Apollo style will also make it more difficult to use the optical flash communications if you do that, but it sounds like not since you mentioned Stratos.
so if you tend to make a lot of power adjustments to the flash, I would go with the Ezybox style (like the Cheetah linked above), but if you tend to set a power and make exposure adjustments with aperture or distance, the Apollo style is definitely my preference.
p.1 #7 · Best small speedlite softbox for traveling?
@jzucker, I love Singapore, just got back from there. Honestly you have a couple of options, you can spend the extra bucks and get the Apollo, or you can buy from Phottix. Same exact thing, only that the phottix isn't recessed but it does come with a grid. Both pop open like an umbrella.
If you want total portability and awesome light...the Rogue flashbenders are my new favorite portable light.
Here is a link to some street shooting I did while at Comic-Con...all with the Rogue Flashbenders.
