The 5 Best Softboxes for Speedlight

The 5 Best Softboxes for Speedlight

Photography is all about lighting, and a softbox for Speedlight will assist you take better photographs.

A softbox is, because the name implies, a box made from a soft material which will be folded down for straightforward transport. It’s wont to diffuse light from a man-made source, and make the spread wider and more even (Source).

Speedlight may be a term wont to describe a specific quite flash photography. Speedlight itself may be a Nikon name, but other companies have named their variations Speedlite – the implication being that the flash produced is shorter than standard flash photography, but also much brighter.

This makes for better-illuminated photographs, but it can bring strong shadows and harsh lighting, not bringing out the simplest within the subject.

A softbox will help make sure that the flash smoothly covers the scene within the photograph, and reduces the probabilities of getting one particularly harsh spot within the center.

Do you own alittle or medium photo studio? One among the foremost important belongings you should have may be a quality continuous lighting kit. They supply a balanced daylight light continuously which enables you to shoot high-quality photos.

What is a Speedlight Softbox?

Speedlights (aka speedlites) offers an external flash option for your camera. This will make it easier to figure in low-light conditions or create high-contrast images. However, sometimes you would like light but want to temper or concentrate these effects. That’s where a softbox comes in.

A softbox meant for speedlight or external flash photography gives you control over the lighting wont to create a photograph. The softbox is formed of a cloth which will diffuse or deflect light, supplying you with more choices and greater control of the general image.

What Should a Speedlight Softbox Cost?

A speedlight softbox will cost $20 to $30. However, purchasing mounts and other softbox kits can add $100 thereto price. If you have already got stands, mounts, or tripods, then you'll usually choose the less-expensive option.

Not all speedlight softboxes are an equivalent, albeit they’re within the same price range. Keep the fabric they're made from, durability, and shape in mind when making your selection. Square softboxes, for instance, still produce the softest light.

An octagonal softbox, however, can offer you the advantages of an umbrella also as a softbox. This suggests diffused light strong enough to illuminate your subject and stop deep shadows also because the ability to realize greater highlights.

What is the Simplest Soft Box For Speedlight Photography?

For anyone employing a speedlite or external flash, a softbox is important. However, the “box” element of a softbox might not be. If you would like to select up a flexible option as soon as possible, consider the Neewer Octagon Softbox. It’s received our highest recommendation.

The Neewer Octagonal Softbox is that the most suitable option for speedlight photography due to its large surface diameter, highly reflective surface, and adjustability. This product works with any external flash or maybe an on-camera speedlight.

In addition to those features, this is often the simplest softbox thanks to its adjustable shape, portability, and frame. Many softboxes have a bare-essentials wire frame. The Neewer Octagon Softbox features a folding frame with metal reinforcement.

However, during this guide, we'll check out five top-rated softboxes for Speedlight.

Comparing the Simplest Softboxes for Speedlight

1. Neewer Octagon Softbox – Best Overall

The Neewer Octagon Softbow is an umbrella-style softbox that's designed to be mounted on a studio stand.

This product is 32 inches; hence, it's suitable for variety of purposes, including portrait and merchandise photography. However, it's going to be a touch too small for full body photography.

This softbox is made from a light-weight metal frame (aluminum) with a nylon cover. Thus, it's partially weatherproof. Additionally, it's foldable in standard umbrella fashion and becomes quite small. Moreover, the outside is black, while the inside is reflective silver.

It also boasts of a detachable diffusing front cover that you simply can use as a reflecting umbrella. A zippered section is included to permit for insertion of stands or studio flashes, too.

Finally, it's light enough to be portable, are often quickly found out and brought down, and comes with a carrying bag.

Pros

• Lightweight and portable
• Detachable diffusing cover

Cons

• Cannot be tilted without a boom

2. Neewer Bowens Mount Softbox with Grid – Best for Adaptability

This softbox features a Bowen’s mount for compatibility with other equipment and stands. While not an entire traditional Bowens mount, it does attach firmly with a plastic grip.

This 24-inch square product is colored black on the surface, with a silver reflective surface on the within. Additionally, it pops up quickly and includes two different removable diffusers.

The first layer, placed in from of the reflective interior, may be a standard partially-opaque filter. Meanwhile, the second layer goes closer to the topic and may be a grid-style cover. Both are often used individually; thus allowing you to completely tailor the way the sunshine falls in your shot.

Moreover, without the diffusers, the softbox are often used as a reflector. However, despite being large enough for portrait photography, it's going to not provide enough light for full body shots.

Larger sizes that might be suitable for full body shots are often bought from the manufacturer, though.

Lastly, this particular softbox for speedlight comes with a carrying bag to assist portability and to guard accessories. It also can be folded down quickly.

Pros

• Lightweight and portable
• Two detachable diffusing covers
• Compatible with Bowens mounts

Cons

• Mount is plastic in construction

3. Godox Portable Octagon Softbox – Best for Size and Tilt

The Godox Octagon Softbox is sort of large at a 47.2 inches in diameter. It’s black on the surface and reflective silver on the within.

As with other softboxes, the diffusing layer is removable and allows for reflector use. The diffusing layer attaches with Velcro.

Additionally, its general found out is fast, because the softbox folds like an umbrella and has zip access for attaching to a studio stand. Once mounted, a degree of tilt are often achieved, too.

Finally, it are often used with flashes and a few studio flash lights with umbrella holes. It also comes with a cleaning cloth and a carrying bag.

Pros

• Lightweight and portable
• Velcro detachable diffusing covers
• Comes with carrying bag
• Can be tilted

Cons

• Mount is plastic in construction

4. Waka Flash Diffuser Light Softbox – Best for Portability

The Waka Flash Diffuser Light Softbox takes a really different approach. The package contains two softboxes: one rectangle, one octagon. The softboxes themselves fit over the flash that's mounted on the highest of the camera.

This makes it truly portable, but not necessarily great for larger subjects. The boxes are secured in situ by an integrated Velcro strap that tightens round the flash head. Different sized flash heads are compatible, because the base of the softbox features a stretchable opening.

Both softboxes are made up of black nylon, while the within is reflective silver PVC. Meanwhile, this box is collapsible and includes a bag for transportation.

It rectangle measures 8.46 inches by 6.69 inches, while the octagon features a diameter of 8.67 inches. Overall, they produce very even lighting, compared to even larger softboxes.

Pros

• Extremely lightweight and portable
• Detachable diffusing covers
• Includes carrying bag
• Attaches direct to the camera
• Needs no separate mounting system

Cons

• Attaches on to camera
• Tilt is directly proportional to amount of tilt available in flash attachment
• Unsuitable for giant subjects

5. MChoice Softbox Flash Light – Best for Portraits

The MChoice softbox may be a ring diffuser, which suggests it's shaped sort of a donut. Also camera mounted just like the Waka, the flash mount sits inside the ring while the lens of the camera pokes through the opening within the center of the softbox.

With a diameter of 17.71 inches, it's quite twice the dimensions of the Waka product. Hence, it's suitable for portrait and merchandise photography also as macro photography with even light and no shadows.

Additionally, this softbox folds down even smaller and pops up again in seconds with a really simple folding mechanism. Therefore, this will easily be utilized in a studio or on location.

Pros

• Very lightweight and portable
• Folds even smaller
• Quick to line up
• Attaches on to the camera
• Needs no separate mounting system

Cons

• Attaches on to camera
• Tilt is directly proportional to angle of camera
• Unsuitable for giant subjects

Which is Best for Speedlight – A SoftBox or an Umbrella?

Softboxes and umbrellas were traditionally used for 2 separate purposes. Now, however, you'll buy a product that gives the simplest of both worlds. Our highest recommendation is an Octagon Softbox, aka an “Umbrella Style” Softbox.

Traditionally a softbox was used once you needed to diffuse light onto a neighborhood. This is able to produce a soft, natural lighting effect and eliminate harsh shadows.

Umbrellas were for projects were you needed stronger light, almost like what you would possibly find outdoors. Now, with an octagon softbox and modern materials, you'll get the simplest of both techniques.

What Does a Softbox Diffuser Do?

Although a speedlight gives you greater control over what proportion light is employed and where it’s aimed, it can still end in harsh lighting. Maybe there isn’t anything around to bounce the sunshine off of or even you’re outside and therefore the natural light is leaving.

In these situations and lots of more, a softbox diffuser are often wont to provide a sort of lighting effects, when used with a speedlight. The fabric that the softbox is formed of will determine your range of options. A softbox meant to diffuse will assist you get soft light with broad coverage of your subject.

What you would like to understand Before Buying a Softbox for Speedlight

Any softbox will do the work, but quality often matters. Some softboxes spread the sunshine further than others.

On camera softbox for Speedlight is that the most essential gear when it involves photography. If you knowledgeable photographer or videographer, consider taking a glance at these camcorders. It’ll assist you do several things more effectively, like shooting at various angles and while in motion.

Softbox is that the most essential gear when it involves photography and videography. If you knowledgeable photographer or videographer you almost certainly need DSLR shoulder rigs. It’ll assist you do several things more effectively, like shooting at various angles and while in motion.

Aside from that, there are several factors to think about when choosing the simplest softbox for Speedlight photography.

Can it's Moved Easily?

Unless you're taking photos only in your own studio, you'll need a softbox that's quick and straightforward to maneuver around. This suggests that it should be lightweight, compact, and portable.

It also must be easy to line up – there’s no point in having the ability to pack it right down to the littlest possible size if it'll take an extended time to revive it to its original size.

Simple Adjustments

A softbox diffuses light – this suggests it makes the sunshine cover a wider area. How wide that area is and the way distant the sunshine falls are things that the photographer should be ready to decide.

A good softbox will have simple makeable adjustments to change the diffusion in angle, size, or distance.

A Material World

If the softbox is consistently being put up and down, transported, and adjusted, it should be made from strong materials which will last. Strong synthetic materials are good, like nylon and plastic. These also will provide a degree of waterproofing, which can be important during transit.

Another important feature is what the light-diffusing area is formed of – is it an honest diffuser of light?

Most diffusers are made from a semi-transparent fabric to permit the sunshine to undergo, often with a reflector behind them. Confirm the specifications of the softbox match the kinds of photographs you plan to require.

How Big Should A Softbox Be?

As a general rule, a softbox should be an identical size because the main subject of the photograph. For instance, if you're taking a headshot, the softbox would normally be 2 feet or less in size.

On the opposite hand, if you're taking a full-body shot, the softbox would wish to be a minimum of 4 feet in size, preferably larger.

This is not a tough and fast rule, as different effects are often achieved by using alternative sizes. The thing to recollect is, the larger the softbox, the more the sunshine is spread, and therefore the softer the sunshine appears.

Smaller softboxes that attach on to the camera often spread light also as larger boxes that attach to separate flashes. Also, softboxes that are directly attached to the special effects alright for product and macro photography, and may produce good results without having to put products during a separate lightbox.