soft box for off camera

[g-money]

Looking at some of Mike Fultons work posted in people recently he is using a softbox with his off camera lighting. I checked out the foldable softbox they were using http://www.dennymfg.com/store/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage&product_id=8916&category_id=393&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=26

I would like to try something like this but this box seems a little steep in price (or is it?) Any other alternatives out there anyone would recommend.

Also can you mount a flash on any monopod or does it take a special light stick for them. Thanks

Greg

[tim]

Try this one (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/90032-REG/Morris_32600_Soft_Box_15x18_.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114).

[g-money]

Thanks Tim, thats fits my budget way better!

[Orchids]

Try this one (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/90032-REG/Morris_32600_Soft_Box_15x18_.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114).

The B&H reviews on the Morris soft box seem pretty positive. Has anyone used it with a Canon 580EX? Thanks.

[Andrushka]

i have had good success with my Alzo portable 15x15 softbox - comes with a flash mounting bracket for an off camera speedlite and folds up in 5 seconds :-) i think im gonna get a second one!

http://alzodigital.com/online_store/alzo_porta_flash_soft_box.htm

[Orchids]

i have had good success with my Alzo portable 15x15 softbox - comes with a flash mounting bracket for an off camera speedlite and folds up in 5 seconds :-) i think im gonna get a second one!

http://alzodigital.com/online_store/alzo_porta_flash_soft_box.htm

Thanks for your input and link. I might give this a try.

[Andrushka]

Thanks for your input and link. I might give this a try.

yeah try it out - i love mine - folds up so small i'm on a 3 week/4 city trip and i have it in my suitcase without a problem :)

[Orchids]

yeah try it out - i love mine - folds up so small i'm on a 3 week/4 city trip and i have it in my suitcase without a problem :)

Can you describe your setup in the field. Do use light stands? What flash are you using? Thanks.

[tim]

I would've gotten the Alzo, but they don't ship to NZ.

The B&H reviews on the Morris soft box seem pretty positive. Has anyone used it with a Canon 580EX? Thanks.

I use it with a Speedlite, 550/580/580II they're all the same really. I have one in my hand right now. It's solid, well made, and does what you expect a soft box to.

[m3rdpwr]

Yup, use it with 580EX's all the time.

I can even put a medium Photoflex softbox on the Morris speedring.

-Mario

The B&H reviews on the Morris soft box seem pretty positive. Has anyone used it with a Canon 580EX? Thanks.

[m3rdpwr]

I use it with a Speedlite, 550/580/580II they're all the same really. I have one in my hand right now. It's solid, well made, and does what you expect a soft box to.

I would like to say the the 580EX plastic foot secures better to the Morris than the 580EX ii foot.

All my 580EX ii's feet have some slop with the Morris where as my 580EX's feet don't.

This can be easily fixed with a wedge or small washer/gasket.

I also recommend the Bogen 2905/026 umbrella swivel as it is quite strong...

-Mario

[Orchids]

Thanks Tim and Mario for your comments.

[viet]

I've seen the TriCoast's version from Denys. It is very well constructed and collapsible like an umbrella type softbox, which is a big plus if you don't want to fumble with rods and all that from the Morris version.

[g-money]

Thanks for the input everyone. Much Appreciated

viet, that is what attracted me to that one, but I think right now until my skills improve I will go with one of the lower cost models mentioned here as I just can't see paying an extra $200 plus.

Greg

[Orchids]

I've seen the TriCoast's version from Denys. It is very well constructed and collapsible like an umbrella type softbox, which is a big plus if you don't want to fumble with rods and all that from the Morris version.

Can you post a link to the TriCoast version?

[viet]

Can you post a link to the TriCoast version?

I should have clarified that I've seen that in person, and even took a few test shots. I think I might have seen a link somewhere too, lemme see if I can dig up.

If you want more details, shoot Mike a PM, he's here on POTN and a super nice guy.

[viet]

Here's the link on a different photo forum to the Deny's new softbox, you might need to register to see the pictures of the softbox.

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=88959

Here is the softbox in action with Jordan, one of the TriCoast guys.
http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=89081

Mods, please let me know if it's not allowed to post links to other photo forum & I'll be more than happy to remove it.

[tim]

I've seen the TriCoast's version from Denys. It is very well constructed and collapsible like an umbrella type softbox, which is a big plus if you don't want to fumble with rods and all that from the Morris version.

I agree, but my solution is to leave the Morris one assembled. I have a big house, and plenty of room on the back seat of my car at weddings. There's no way we have time to assemble a soft box before photos anyway, unless I have my assistant do it in advance.

[viet]

I agree, but my solution is to leave the Morris one assembled. I have a big house, and plenty of room on the back seat of my car at weddings. There's no way we have time to assemble a soft box before photos anyway, unless I have my assistant do it in advance.

The Denys' softbox that TriCoast showed took as much time as you pop open an umbrella to setup, which is just a few seconds.

It is however very pricey for a small portable softbox.

[tim]

The Denys' softbox that TriCoast showed took as much time as you pop open an umbrella to setup, which is just a few seconds.

It is however very pricey for a small portable softbox.

Yeah I know, but at triple the price for something that's not essential I think it's overpriced.

[g-money]

Yeah I know, but at triple the price for something that's not essential I think it's overpriced.

That was my thoughts as well, oh and guys the link to dennys and the softbox has been in the original post ;)

Greg

[GSansoucie]

yeah try it out - i love mine - folds up so small i'm on a 3 week/4 city trip and i have it in my suitcase without a problem :)


I looked at your Flickr stream, you have some great photos. Were you using this particular soft box for any of those photos? I was checking some of the keywords and didn't notice softbox listed.

[dmdctusa]

I would suggest you check out the 46 inch Photek Soft Lighter II, the price at B&H Photo is USD59.95

My reasons are:
1. Umbrella style...can be used with or without diffuser and also as a shoot through. Also has 10 panels for a more rounded shape.
2. 8mm shaft version - shaft section can be removed to get close, within 5 inches of the subject.
3. If you are using the latest Nikon, Canon, Olympus etc. flashes...the flash is mounted on the same side as the subject not behind as in softboxes with mounting rings. This should improve reliability of communication between flash and camera. B & H link:

http://preview.************/apvwld

If you check out some of the YouTube videos of Annie Leibowitz's shoots, particularly the one of the Profoto shoot of the Profoto's founder, she uses what a I am fairly sure is a Soft Lighter held by her assistant...at one point she ask for the light to be brought lower as she is making the shot.

I have no connection with Photek...just a satisfied user who thinks it a great value.

P. S. -- the 60inch 8mm shaft model is only USD10.00 more at B&H

David

[Orchids]

After digesting all of the good info in this thread, I decided that I'll try the Morris 15" x 18" softbox. On B&H, the softbox sells for $62.95 plus shipping. It includes a mounting ring. Do I need anything else to mount my 580EX speedlite to the softbox? Thanks.

[m3rdpwr]

After digesting all of the good info in this thread, I decided that I'll try the Morris 15" x 18" softbox. On B&H, the softbox sells for $62.95 plus shipping. It includes a mounting ring. Do I need anything else to mount my 580EX speedlite to the softbox? Thanks.

I think I mentioed ealier an umbrella swivel adapter.

I like and recommend the Bogen 2905/026 umbrella swivel as it is quite strong.

Pricier than most, but I think it is worth it...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546375-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_026_026_Swivel_Umbrella _Adapter.html

-Mario

[Orchids]

I think I mentioed ealier an umbrella swivel adapter.

I like and recommend the Bogen 2905/026 umbrella swivel as it is quite strong.

Pricier than most, but I think it is worth it...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546375-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_026_026_Swivel_Umbrella _Adapter.html

-Mario

Thanks Mario. Fortunately I already have the Bogen umbrella swivel. Do you know if the mounting ring that comes with the softbox includes whatever it takes to mount my speedlite or do I need to order something else?

[m3rdpwr]

Thanks Mario. Fortunately I already have the Bogen umbrella swivel. Do you know if the mounting ring that comes with the softbox includes whatever it takes to mount my speedlite or do I need to order something else?

I simply permanently attached the threaded spigot that comes with the Bogen to the L Bracket from the Morris.

The Morris has a type of wing-nut to attach to the plastic foot.

See my pic's here:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=444190&page=4&highlight=morris

My hand kinda' covers the threaded spigot, but you get the idea.

The Morris Kit, Bogen swiven, flash and lightstand should be all you need...

-Mario

[Orchids]

Thank you Mario. I appreciate the details in your photos. It would have been difficult to envision the setup without them. Thanks again.

[WillMass]

Interestingly, when I called B&H a couple years ago to order a Morris, they steered me towards this one.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/42119-REG/Photoflex_XT_1SLD293_LiteDome_Q39_Softbox_White.ht ml

Dunno why.

It works, I'm happy with it.

[craiglee]

Interestingly, when I called B&H a couple years ago to order a Morris, they steered me towards this one.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/42119-REG/Photoflex_XT_1SLD293_LiteDome_Q39_Softbox_White.ht ml

Dunno why.

It works, I'm happy with it.


what do you need to attach flash and to a stand?

[m3rdpwr]

My instructor recommended the Morris.

He mentioned that the L bracket that Photoflex sells is flimsy and cheap.

It is also known that the Morris is tough to keep in stock.

While the Morris is heavier, it's tough.

Just more of my thoughts...

-Mario


Interestingly, when I called B&H a couple years ago to order a Morris, they steered me towards this one.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/42119-REG/Photoflex_XT_1SLD293_LiteDome_Q39_Softbox_White.ht ml

Dunno why.

It works, I'm happy with it.

[tim]

The Morris feels like you'd have to run over it with a car to damage the metal parts. The fabric part is obviously more flimsy than that, but still feels pretty robust.

[WillMass]

My instructor recommended the Morris.

He mentioned that the L bracket that Photoflex sells is flimsy and cheap.

It is also known that the Morris is tough to keep in stock.

While the Morris is heavier, it's tough.

Just more of my thoughts...

-Mario

Yeah, the bracket works fine for the small SB. But now that you mention it, it occurs to me that the L bracket it a bit "springy" when used with a larger, say 24x36 SB. In fact I was thinking about trying to fabricate something beefier from Home Depot.

[m3rdpwr]

Yeah, the bracket works fine for the small SB. But now that you mention it, it occurs to me that the L bracket it a bit "springy" when used with a larger, say 24x36 SB. In fact I was thinking about trying to fabricate something beefier from Home Depot.

I've used a Photoflex Medium SB 24x32 with the Morris Speedring and L Bracket.

I have no problem in believing that it would be fine with the Large Photoflex as well...

-Mario

[g-money]

After digesting all of the good info in this thread, I decided that I'll try the Morris 15" x 18" softbox. On B&H, the softbox sells for $62.95 plus shipping. It includes a mounting ring. Do I need anything else to mount my 580EX speedlite to the softbox? Thanks.

Any reason you chose the Morris over the Alzo. I think the Morris is a tad bigger. I can't really decide and sure there is enough difference to lose sleep over.

Greg

[Orchids]

Any reason you chose the Morris over the Alzo. I think the Morris is a tad bigger. I can't really decide and sure there is enough difference to lose sleep over.

Greg

Hi Greg. I just went with the slightly larger box and the positive comments about its construction. Mario's pictures on how he put his box together further convinced me.

[stathunter]

Hey gang!

I hate starting new threads so after doing some searching I thought I would add to this one--- I am searching for a portable softbox-- something to use for off camera lighting-- but I wanted one that I did not have so assemble-- one that popped up like one of those kids tents--- folds small and pops up...... any recommendations?

Thanks!

[form]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Portable-Flash-Softbox-for-Nikon-Canon-Speedlight_W0QQitemZ360109697448QQcmdZViewItemQQpt ZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item360109697448&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

[stargazer77517]

I have this one and like it.

http://www.cowboystudio.com/product/c09/p0907-02.php

[stathunter]

Thanks-- I knew you guys would come to the rescue. :)

[form]

Virtually identical to the one I mentioned except the one on ebay is 20"x20"

[tim]

I use the Morris Soft Box (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/90032-REG/Morris_32600_Soft_Box_15x18_.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114), which I think is 15x18 and $63. It works well for couple photos, and seems quite a lot more efficient than a shoot through umbrella. Pretty sturdy too.