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).

Thank you,
George

See this thread: http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/829857/0#7710138

I use the Lastolite Ezy-Boxes. Very portable, easy to set-up. Much better IMO than the Westcott Apollo (which I also have).

+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.

Good luck.

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.

i have both softliter II in the 60" and the lastolie ezybox. i dont know which one i like better.

Thank you guys, I will probably get both the sofliter and the ezybox. I am using 2 flashes on pw tt5.

I've gotta toss out the love for the 28" Westcott Apollo. Fantastic modifier.

Much love about it from me in this thread: http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/687870/5