Help choosing a softbox?

Redstreak

Redstreak

Active member
Hey guys, I've never owned a softbox before but have often felt that I needed one. I'm mainly shooting short films and usually provide all the gear myself. I'm pretty good at getting creative diffusion with silks, reflectors, umbrellas, etc, but I just want the control that a softbox gives you. So, I have a few questions before I buy:

1. I have an Arri 650 Fresnel and a Lowel Tota 700w flood (and miscellaneous smaller lights). Which would be better to use with the softbox? Or better yet, can I buy one softbox that can be used with either if I get the right bracket/adapter? If I had to pick one, I'd rather pair it with the Lowell Tota.

2. This will be the only softbox in my kit currently. What size should I go for? I was thinking something around 24" by 32"?... Is that too small?

3. I'm pretty lost among all of the different brands and options. I definitely want one that's collapsible. Prices seem to range from around $115-$400 for the sizes I'm looking at. Is there a popular general-purpose brand/model that's not too expensive but is also well-made? Westcott seems to have models that are lower priced but have good reviews... any thoughts?

Thanks!
- David
 
Why not get a stand alone softbox/light? I like the "octo" lights, they make great eye lights, and with the softbox off you have a good light to use anywhere you want.
 
Redstreak said:
Hey guys, I've never owned a softbox before but have often felt that I needed one. I'm mainly shooting short films and usually provide all the gear myself. I'm pretty good at getting creative diffusion with silks, reflectors, umbrellas, etc, but I just want the control that a softbox gives you. So, I have a few questions before I buy:

1. I have an Arri 650 Fresnel and a Lowel Tota 700w flood (and miscellaneous smaller lights). Which would be better to use with the softbox? Or better yet, can I buy one softbox that can be used with either if I get the right bracket/adapter? If I had to pick one, I'd rather pair it with the Lowell Tota.

2. This will be the only softbox in my kit currently. What size should I go for? I was thinking something around 24" by 32"?... Is that too small?

3. I'm pretty lost among all of the different brands and options. I definitely want one that's collapsible. Prices seem to range from around $115-$400 for the sizes I'm looking at. Is there a popular general-purpose brand/model that's not too expensive but is also well-made? Westcott seems to have models that are lower priced but have good reviews... any thoughts?

Thanks!
- David
Click to expand...

Hi David,

I've used softboxes quite a bit and actually am not using them as much lately. I don't know if I'd go as far as you and say they give any special control. I mean obviously they do 'box' the light in and make it kind of go in one direction, but thats about it. That said, if you get a grid to go with one, THAT will give you lots more control! And unfortunately it'll also run you more money. I get where you're coming from on the Money front, I do, but my rec is to rent one if you can find one to see what it gives with a grid and without. If not, do like you're doing here and spend wisely and once. Don't be afraid to get on the phone with rental houses or stores and find what fits your gear!

Often the price differences will be in the gear itself. For instance, there are quite a few SB's out there that have no internal diffusion. And that may or may not bother you. Additionally Since I couldn't find grids to fit my SB's, I built my own. The Grids are killer for directional control and lack of spill. And they were cheap as hell to build.

Personally I think you're target-on being as creative as you sound using silks, reflectors and umbrellas.

Good Luck~
 
Don't be surprised if it doesn't do what you're imagining. They're great for tabletop, a medium or large is good for faces in a sit-still situation. But to get big, soft light, you need a big source. Like bounce off a wall or hanging diffusion between stands. For fashion on white seamless (stills) I'll often have a 9'x9' square on either side of the camera.

Softboxes do excel at controlling spill though. They're pricey when you buy for the heat your lights will be generating. The cheap ones you'll see for video usually have a spider of flo bulbs.
 
Maybe try the rifa light. Small, compact, easy to setup, and maybe the only thing Lowell has done right. Also a lot cheaper than a chimera box.
 
I agree with J Michael. I have a photoflex soft box and ring for a junior fresnel and I just don't use it. It's really deep so in small locations you'd do better with that Chimera. The grid will help with spill. For soft light with fresnels, bouncing or using a silk as your doing is how I go too. I kind of like that Chimera as it seems pretty shallow.
 
Thanks, guys. I think I may go for a Photoflex brand and will use it with the Tota light instead of the fresnel. The Photoflex boxes are a good $100 cheaper than the Chimeras, and they seem to be well-made.

I understand that the softbox won't solve all of my problems, but I'd like the ability to control light in practical situations - I'm rarely shooting in a "studio," so it can be tricky. I think that the softbox will just enable me to move more quickly (I'll be able to avoid setting up flags a lot of the time, I think).
I'll grab a grid, too.

I'd rather do this than get a dedicated softbox just because it helps me travel light and compact.
 
To expand on what Michael Carter said, re they're good for tabletop/faces- the closer the softbox is to the subject, the softer the light is. The further, the less soft.
And they don't throw very far. But in close, especially with a grid to control spill, they're very nice.

I use Lowel Rifas (which open quickly umbrella style), and which take tungsten or cool 56K high CRI (93+) CFLs.
Good luck!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top