I am planning to buy my first soft box to use with a 580 ex II. Can you help me pick one?
I was thinking about the Westcott Apollo and Photflex Q39 based on the research done on this forum. I am also considering other modifiers that are not necessarily soft boxes: Photek Softlighter II (would this be too large for a 580 ex?) and the Paul Buffet's new PLM (would the 42" wotk with the flash?)
I want to use the soft box or the Soflighter/PLM for portraits and maybe full body shots. Are these portable? Can you tell me how to attach them (especially the Photoflex Q39 seems to be tricky).
+1 on the Lastolite EzyBox Hotshoe. My M2 version has a greatly improved mount system. Quality and speed wise, I don't think anything compares. Although the Apollo puts out a very nice light due to it's indirect design.
These small softboxes are not adequate for full length, IMO. For that and small groups, it's easier to gang speedlights with a scrim, like a Lastolite SkyLiite or Westcott SrimJim in 3X3 or 3X6.
I typically only use a softbox with a speed light when I need soft light with directional control (the recessed front on the EZYBox works well for this), otherwise it's just as easy to use an umbrella or bounce/shoot thru a reflector panel for soft light with a less facile speedlight.
Joe McNally won't shut up about the EzyBox. The Softliter will block the signal from the camera unless you go wireless (PW). BTW, The Softliter / Softliter II offers AMAZING light. I have the 60" and the 36" version II. Keep in mind, w/the Softliter you get more than one shaping tool.
