LumiQuest Softbox for Shoe-Mount Flashes opinion

[tim]

These look interesting, has anyone tried them, and if so do you have an opinion on them? I use my LightSphere II with the dome on most of the time, I don't really like to bounce the flash much as I don't often like the effect.

Linky (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=32690&is=REG).

[robertwgross]

Yes, I have one. They work.

For that low price, I would not have earth-shattering expectations, but they do function as described.

---Bob Gross---

[tim]

Can you compare it to a LightSphere or anything else? I suspect it could be more efficient than a lightsphere, and possibly better if used off camera.

[Todd Jacobsen]

Can you compare it to a LightSphere or anything else? I suspect it could be more efficient than a lightsphere, and possibly better if used off camera.


In comparison with the LSII, I like the Lumiquest products better.

I own the following:

LSII:
LSII is essentially a milk carton, let's be honest, but a good diffuser none the less

Lumiquest Promax System
Consists of the 80-20, mulitple colored inserts (white/silver/gold) and diffuser front

Lumiquest Softbox
Essentially a flash size softbox.


1) LSII with dome is (personnally) no different than an omnibounce if flash pointed at subject. I took multiple self portraits and did not get variances in the lighting output. In addition Omni x 2 was preferrable over LSII.

2) Lumiquest ProMax system (80-20+insert+diffuser) does a better job than the LSII, projecting the majority of the flash output to the subject, providing better distance separation, allowing me more options with my 85mm (vs 50mm)

3) Lumiquest Softbox does a better job (and looks more professional) than the LSII on lighting subject

4) I prefer the Lumiquest 80-20 (ProMax) over the LSII (without dome)

5) Lumiquest products are easier to store/carry (they fold up)

6) Of the Lumiquest products, I prefer the Softbox.

[tim]

Thanks Todd. Bouncing has never worked overly well for me, maybe if it were 50/50 it'd be better for me. I might give the softbox a try some time.

[bolantej]

i like mine also. it is very convinient they way they designed it.

[nat869]

I love mine!!

[blundar]

I use my Lumiquest MiniSoftbox with my Newton flash rotator bracket most of the time when I shoot events. I like it much better than my Omnibounce.

[dave_bass5]

Im thinking of getting something for my 420EX and 350d. its mainly for indoor shots of the kids. i usually bounce the flash but sometimes when i bend down with the camera i end up bouncing off cloloured walls instead.
Would the LumiQuest UltraSoft or Softbox suit my needs beter? i have a omni-bounce but dont really use it. im leaning towards the Softbox as there seems to be less loss of light from the flash.
Thanks for any advice

Dave.

[RTMiller]

I bought the LumiQuest ProMax Bounce Flash System... http://www.adorama.com/LQPM.html?searchinfo=LumiQuest&item_no=27
It cost about $15 more than the item Tim linked to but this system is a little more versitile. The basic unit allows 80% of the light to bounce off the ceiling while 20% is redirected forward as fill light. This gives a really nice soft light effect. If there is no ceiling, you put in the white insert (or gold, or silver), and 100% of the light is reflected forward. Then if you want to soften that up a bit, you put on the frosted diffusion screen. Or you can put on the frosted diffusion screen without an insert. Or you can, well you get the idea.
It also moves the flash light source away from the camera (the flash is pointed straight up and this unit sits on top of that) so red-eye is not an issue.

[SkipD]

The best overall solution, in my opinion, is the LumiQuest ProMax System (see http://www.lumiquest.com/lq931.htm ). It allows you to select from several different bounce solutions as well as a mini-softbox solution (which can be done WITH bounce). Thus, you pick the solution for the job at hand.

The package folds up into a very nice thin wallet that stuffs into most camera bags nicely.

[Digital Prophet]

In comparison with the LSII, I like the Lumiquest products better.

I have to agree with this. I don't own a LS but I have played with one and while it seems to work really well indoors, outdoors it is worthless. At least from what I have seen. Maybe it isn't made for outdoor use. I don't know. What I do know is that my LQ Softbox works fairly well in and out and for the price and size it is hard to complain. Plus it fits real nice into my camera box. That is always a requirement.

- Digital Prophet -