Soft Box or Umbrella - Classic portraits shots in the home/outdoors

[AussieCat]

Just a really general question,

im looking at getting either this softbox:

ELINCHROM SOFTBOX ROTALUX 100x100cm

The Rotalux softbox ,design has been proven for its quality and speed of use over many years. Internal diffuser panel ensures even distribution of light. As the name hints, it rotates on the mount allowing easy and precise positioning. Optional deflectors allow further modification of softness/hardness and colour balance. Fits any Elinchrom/Prolinca head.
AddQty.PriceTotal $ 550.00


or this




ELINCHROM D-LITE 2 KIT

The new D-Lite combine Elinchrom's legendary flash expertise with unsurpassed quality and lighting control to allow photography enthusiasts to experience advanced lighting technology without breaking the bank. Unlike other entry-level studio flashes, the Elinchrom D-Lite is designed to work perfectly with digital cameras.

They are extremely lightweight with a sleek compact design, and incorporate state-of-the-art features commonly found on higher-priced units. In addition, the D-Lites offer amateurs and enthusiasts alike something that other budget-priced studio flashes can't control.
AddQty.PriceTotal $ 950.00
or this:

umbrella........

ELINCHROM STYLE RX 600/600 KIT ( FREE Skyport for a limited time )
Buy a 600RX Kit before June 30th and get a FREE RX Skyport Kit valued at $350.00

The Digital Style RX series is Elinchrom’s true answer to the strict demands of the Digital Photographer. Applying the renowned Elinchrom reliability, consistency and colour temperature, the new RX series is even more precise! With output control in truly-accurate 1/10th stop increments and the ability to interface with Mac or PC systems, the new Digital Style RX monoblocs out perform the competition.

Add Qty. Price Total
$ 00000


please dont go by pricing

i want to know about whicj lighting is better for my puposes overall

[DC Fan]

General rule: umbrellas are less expensive, easier to set up and can cover a larger area. Softboxes offer more directional control. A white, translucent "shoot-through" umbrellas offers much of the lighting effect you'd get from a softbox, but you'll get less control of the area covered by the light.

[AussieCat]

hi

im a tad confused

im told that umbrellas cover less area and they may not cover an area as "evenly"

wherar as

softboxes are showcase a more even distribution and tend to show more balanced light area?

no

?

also

any reason why soft boxes tend to be dearer?

is it cause they look better / more stursy?

Originally Posted by DC Fan

General rule: umbrellas are less expensive, easier to set up and can cover a larger area. Softboxes offer more directional control. A white, translucent "shoot-through" umbrellas offers much of the lighting effect you'd get from a softbox, but you'll get less control of the area covered by the light.

[tdodd]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMQeBVCJzoE

[Rudi]

Originally Posted by AussieCat

hi

im a tad confused

LOL, no kidding! Several people advised you to get umbrella in this thread: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=521447

[AussieCat]

ok

fair enough

it seems the 3 people that advised me to get an umbrella seem to prefer it

.

im not fussed about $$

so i still hope umbrella is the choice is money is not an issue!

Originally Posted by Rudi

LOL, no kidding! Several people advised you to get umbrella in this thread: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=521447

[TMR Design]

I think that it depends on how you look at things and who you speak with about it.

For instance, a college student just getting in to photography or lighting might want the least expensive solution that will yield good results. Well, an umbrella fits the bill.

Some want ultimate simplicity and portability. An umbrella gives them that. Some people are shooting large groups and a giant umbrella makes more sense than an enclosed light box. They get a fairly efficient light source and the lack of directionality works in that situation.

I think anyone that owns or has used both modifiers would prefer the quality of light from the softbox to the umbrella. I also think that anyone that has the money and doesn't care about the box taking 30 seconds more to assemble than an umbrella would choose the softbox.

I've never seen anyone weigh out the pros and cons and pick the umbrella as a better modifier. It's only better if you want to save some cash or need the fastest possible setup with ultimate portability.

[Rudi]

Well, if you're not fussed about $$$, and you're planning on large groups, I will repeat myself and tell you to buy this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Bank_for.html Now remember, that is just the softbox, NOT the light as well! You will have to purchase that separately.

It's simple - lots of money and perfect light or a reasonable money and reasonable light. For large groups, I think that a bounced umbrella is a good way to go, and most people would not pick the difference in the final image (unless viewing them side-by-side). A large umbrella is much easier to transport and set up, too.

[AussieCat]

wow

ok

interesting....

it all sounds good

i think ill just get both

haha

as - i wanna do the odd shoot on a beach / outdoors locations so a huge softbox might be a bit much outdoors...

Originally Posted by TMR Design

I think that it depends on how you look at things and who you speak with about it.

For instance, a college student just getting in to photography or lighting might want the least expensive solution that will yield good results. Well, an umbrella fits the bill.

Some want ultimate simplicity and portability. An umbrella gives them that. Some people are shooting large groups and a giant umbrella makes more sense than an enclosed light box. They get a fairly efficient light source and the lack of directionality works in that situation.

I think anyone that owns or has used both modifiers would prefer the quality of light from the softbox to the umbrella. I also think that anyone that has the money and doesn't care about the box taking 30 seconds more to assemble than an umbrella would choose the softbox.

I've never seen anyone weigh out the pros and cons and pick the umbrella as a better modifier. It's only better if you want to save some cash or need the fastest possible setup with ultimate portability.

[AussieCat]

ok

this ounds dumb but...

if i wanted to create a sophisticated look infront of clients

do u think the soft boxes look more slick / professinal . modern on the whole....

Originally Posted by Rudi

Well, if you're not fussed about $$$, and you're planning on large groups, I will repeat myself and tell you to buy this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Bank_for.html Now remember, that is just the softbox, NOT the light as well! You will have to purchase that separately.

It's simple - lots of money and perfect light or a reasonable money and reasonable light. For large groups, I think that a bounced umbrella is a good way to go, and most people would not pick the difference in the final image (unless viewing them side-by-side). A large umbrella is much easier to transport and set up, too.