Archive 2013 · On Flash softboxes

Javier Crespin
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · On Flash softboxes

I purchased a low end softbox for my flash but I am struggling with it. Mostly inconsistent results. Do you use one for paid events and in what situations are they useful outside of a studio?

http://www.superdigitalcity.com/Westcott-Pocketbox-Max-8-x-12-Flash-Softbox-p/267-WST.htm?gclid=CJ7o68iCvrsCFcVQ7AoddhwABQ

Thanks in advance for your reply

Dec 19, 2013 at 11:32 PM

amonline
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · On Flash softboxes

I dislike them for on-cam work. I don't use or own them (because of the results I've seen), but I have a second that likes to. I usually tell him to leave them off. It might work well for portrait stuff off cam, but on cam results are less than desirable IMO compared to a simple bounce card. Additionally, they hamper performance in low light as they can cover the AF assist beam on some flashes.

What exactly are you struggling with?

Dec 20, 2013 at 01:11 AM

jeremy_clay
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · On Flash softboxes

It's gonna look like balls because a) it doesn't do much of anything to enlarge/soften your light source. b) your light is still mounted to your camera c) it's essentially light paying $20.00 to lower the power of your flash a few stops.

Dec 20, 2013 at 01:15 AM

AtelierPhoto
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · On Flash softboxes

These are great for Fill light in portraiture, when shooting the flash in manual mode. That's about it.

You cannot depend on TTL. Use sensing rounds and adjust fire.

Dec 20, 2013 at 09:20 PM

Javier Crespin
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · On Flash softboxes

Just to be sure, Id like to take this a bit further.

I would think that there is quite a bit more surface area and I would also think that TTL would handle the power. I agree that the results arent great and sometimes poor but I cant figure out how/why.

And by the way Merry Christmas

Dec 20, 2013 at 09:27 PM

AtelierPhoto
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · On Flash softboxes

Javier Crespin wrote:
I would also think that TTL would handle the power...

It's not about TTL being able to handle the power or not.. It has to do with camera not being able to calculate the "correct" power output relative to the random diffusion caused by the softbox. Once a modifier, such as a diffuser, is placed over the flash, Distance information goes out the window so to speak... Hence the "hit or miss" output of the flash.

Dec 21, 2013 at 12:14 AM

Javier Crespin
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · On Flash softboxes

Portraits-check
Manual mode-check

Thanks a million.

Dec 21, 2013 at 12:59 AM

D. Diggler
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · On Flash softboxes

Javier Crespin wrote:
I would think that there is quite a bit more surface area

I don't think it's enough more surface area to make a big difference.

Dec 21, 2013 at 03:15 AM

canon pants
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · On Flash softboxes

D. Diggler wrote:
I don't think it's enough more surface area to make a big difference.

flash would have to be about a foot away from the subject to be able to wrap the light around a bit. the more it moves away the more useless it wouls be.

Dec 21, 2013 at 06:02 AM

scottam10
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · On Flash softboxes

Pretty useless for on-camera flash cos it doesn't change the DIRECTION the flash is coming from, and direct flash usually gives poor results (and there's little point in using it if you're bouncing, it's just robbing flash power). It may help if the flash is off-camera and you can get the flash close to the subject.

Dec 21, 2013 at 07:06 AM

Chris Fawkes
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · On Flash softboxes

That thing would not do much if you could get the flash off camera either.

Something like a 45 inch softlighter with the flash off camera would be a better option.

Dec 21, 2013 at 07:56 AM


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