Softbox recommendations wanted

[KevinCarter]

I have Lumedyne Heads, curious is others have softbox recommendations for best bang for buck, good quality, small size softboxes. Thanks.

[David_Buzzard]

I really like the Photoflex model with the removable sides. You can go from a directional softbox, and then peel off the side panels and have a really soft lantern style light. I tend to leave the bottom panel in mine when I do interior shots with it, which keeps the floor from getting too much light.

It's also a bit more heavy duty than the regular nylon models, which tend to blow out the seams, bend the stays, and bleed light through the sides.

David Buzzard's Technical Blog

[KevinCarter]

David, do you have some links? and ok with Lumedyne?

[David_Buzzard]

Here's the link to the B&H Photoflex page. All you have to do mount the Lumedyne heads is get the proper speed ring attachment. If you're using the 200W Lumedye, it may not have enough power to light up one of the large boxes, so you might want to stick to the small and medium sized units. You might also want to get one with a silver lining, as that will be a lot more efficient.

David Buzzard's Technical Blog

[KevinCarter]

thanks David:
why silver more efficient. isn't white fine? my lumedyne can go to 400

also, from another thread here I got a photogenic umbrella. I noticed it had a better quality that cheaper umbrellas, and they said it has better fabric.

Think this applies to softboxes? ie that photoflex and budget ones are not as good as Chimeras etc.

[David_Buzzard]

Fabric is important. If it's cheaper material, the light goes through it, instead of reflecting back towards your subject. Silver is more efficient than white, but not as 'soft' looking. If you're using a 2000W pack, then you don't mind losing 15% of your light, but that's a way bigger deal with a 400W pack that runs on batteries.

A good way to test an umbrella is to open it up, and hold it up to a bright light. How much of it you can see through the umbrella will tell you how efficient it is. With a good silvered umbrella, you can almost see your reflection in it. If you're going to use the stuff a lot, then check to see how strong the shaft and stays are. I just had the shaft on one of my Eclipse umbrellas snap this evening, so they do eventually wear out.

David Buzzard's Technical Blog

[KevinCarter]

Thanks David:
On this test, is seeing through the umbrella good or bad, which side of the test wins? and why?

What about shooting through the umbrella, the point there is to go through.

Which umbrellas make best shaft? they all seem to break and unsnap from fasteners quickly no? actually I remember my speedatrons were more durable than wescotts, I with there was a list rating this.

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