Do the eBay mini-softboxes actually work?

[996gt2]

I've seen many flash diffusers on eBay modeled after the Lumiquest mini-softbox:

Example (http://cgi.ebay.com/Flash-diffuser-for-Canon-580EX-430EX-II-420EX-380EX_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a12Q7c66Q3a4 Q7c39Q3a1Q7c72Q3a1205Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a0Q7c293 Q3a1Q7c294Q3a200QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZi tem19af4f99c2QQitemZ110315411906QQptZCameraQ5fFlas hQ5fAccessoriesQQsalenotsupported)

How well do these actually work? Are they any better than a Sto-Fen?

If these aren't good, what is a good, reasonably priced flash diffuser?

[pellepiano]

To get a good effect you need something a little bigger. I use a small shoot thru umbrella. Thats easy to carry around and you get nice light and soft shadows for portraits.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AirWc2oO-7k/SKdPGApdqzI/AAAAAAAAAYU/R-QA4DXuxQY/s800/fashion_view_pp_700.jpg

[gonzogolf]

I've seen many flash diffusers on eBay modeled after the Lumiquest mini-softbox:

Example (http://cgi.ebay.com/Flash-diffuser-for-Canon-580EX-430EX-II-420EX-380EX_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a12Q7c66Q3a4 Q7c39Q3a1Q7c72Q3a1205Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a0Q7c293 Q3a1Q7c294Q3a200QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZi tem19af4f99c2QQitemZ110315411906QQptZCameraQ5fFlas hQ5fAccessoriesQQsalenotsupported)

How well do these actually work? Are they any better than a Sto-Fen?

If these aren't good, what is a good, reasonably priced flash diffuser?

Work, is a tricky word. They do provide some softening effect, whether its enough for you is a matter of taste and technique. Keep in mind that the size of the light source is the primary determination of softness. So there only so much a small diffuser can do. I've used both the lumiquest softbox and the micro apollo in situations where direct flash was my only option. It helped, but in the end I wanted more.

[Mark1]

It all depends on what you are shooting and what result you want. David Hobby (strobist) swears by the small boxes that go on the flash like the one in your post. And you cant deny that he gets excellent results. That said, I would suggest that same as pellepiano. Get an umbrella and a stand. Mainly to get the flash OFF OF THE CAMERA.

I have a Sto-fen knock off ($3) and a Westcott miocro appalo. I use them both quite a lot. But when they are appropriate. I would not use either one for a shot like the one posted above. They are simply not the tool to do something like that.

Search here... http://www.dealextreme.com/products.dx/category.806 for cheep gadgets like the Sto-fen and such. Save some money and see for your self when you want it and when it is a waste of effort.

[ohansen]

I've seen many flash diffusers on eBay modeled after the Lumiquest mini-softbox:

Example (http://cgi.ebay.com/Flash-diffuser-for-Canon-580EX-430EX-II-420EX-380EX_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a12Q7c66Q3a4 Q7c39Q3a1Q7c72Q3a1205Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a0Q7c293 Q3a1Q7c294Q3a200QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZi tem19af4f99c2QQitemZ110315411906QQptZCameraQ5fFlas hQ5fAccessoriesQQsalenotsupported)

How well do these actually work? Are they any better than a Sto-Fen?

If these aren't good, what is a good, reasonably priced flash diffuser?

Sorry, I know times are hard but surely, at less than $10 - including shipping - why not just suck it and see :cool: ?

[cdifoto]

I have the genuine Lumiquest and its benefits are limited at best. They're neither better nor worse than a Sto-fen because they operate on an entirely different principle.