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Archive 2012 · Best small speedlite softbox for traveling?

  
 
jzucker
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p.1 #1 · 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.




Jul 20, 2012 at 12:52 PM
RichCoyle
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p.1 #2 · 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.


Jul 20, 2012 at 01:01 PM
jzucker
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Best small speedlite softbox for traveling?


I wondered about those rogue reflectors. How much light do you lose and is the light soft enough?


Jul 20, 2012 at 02:01 PM
lifthard2001
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Best small speedlite softbox for traveling?


For the money the cheetah is good
http://www.cheetahstand.com/servlet/the-38/Cheetah-Qbox-24/Detail



Jul 20, 2012 at 03:49 PM
cgardner
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Best small speedlite softbox for traveling?


I recently created a MkII version of my DIY reflector out of a plastic cutting board overlay I found at TJ MAXX for $3:

http://super.nova.org/MP/DIYmk2_01.jpg

Folds flat, weighs next to nothing, takes about 30 sec to install and remove. Even simpler to make than the original foam version and larger.

These are the results using two speedlights indoors and outdoors:

http://super.nova.org/MP/NewDIY/NewDIY03.jpg
http://super.nova.org/MP/NewDIY/NewDIY01A.jpg

For the indoor shot my fill was casting a shadow on the wall so I bounced it off the ceiling.



Jul 20, 2012 at 05:22 PM
brett maxwell
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p.1 #6 · 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.



Jul 20, 2012 at 11:23 PM
unknown_photog
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p.1 #7 · 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.

http://unknownphotographer.net/index.php/photographers/portrait-photographers/29-portrait-inspiration/110-street-shooting-at-comic-con-2012

Hope it helps!

Andy



Jul 21, 2012 at 12:42 AM
jzucker
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Best small speedlite softbox for traveling?


thanks andy. Great work!

This will be my 3rd trip to singapore. I love it there



Jul 21, 2012 at 05:52 AM
Stephaniespix
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Best small speedlite softbox for traveling?


The Foursquare kit folds up small and short, easy to fit in luggage and can handle up to four speedlights :

http://www.lightwaredirect.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=LightwareDirect&Category_Code=FSK



Jul 21, 2012 at 05:01 PM
jrscls
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Best small speedlite softbox for traveling?


Large Rogue Flash Bender with diffuser makes a very compact softbox for an off camera speedlight.




Jul 21, 2012 at 10:16 PM





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