Recommended Softbox and Triple Flash Bracket set-up for outside use?

MalVeauX wrote in post #18161349
Heya,

Just a thought, but maybe trade in the three speedlites for a Wistro 360? Way more power, one light, a lot easier and safer to mount, less battery juggling, simpler.

Very best,

Wow, a lot of options here, will have to read through them in detail and see what makes the most sense to me
I have a question though. The newly released D2 from Profoto looks very nice. I wonder if that could be made somewhat portable or not a good idea?
Would you guys prefer a Profoto B1 or B2 over D2 for outside work?

P.S. MalVeauX, I will probably never sell my 600EX-RT's as they are still gorgeous lights to use. I use them indoors during reception hall scenes (I use all 3 lights when couples dance for nice rim effect).
I think having both speedlites as well as powerful strobes is the way to go to have apropriate light when the situation calls.

You have a history of just throwing money at stuff which is fine. Five cameras might seem excessive to some and not enough for others.

Profoto pretty much keeps you in their ecosystem, it's clearly awesome, I'm not saying you don't get what you pay for, if you want to pay the price. Bowens mount seems to be enough for most "normal" photogs with maybe a few specialty mounts on the side.

Left Handed Brisket wrote in post #18161657
You have a history of just throwing money at stuff which is fine. Five cameras might seem excessive to some and not enough for others.

Profoto pretty much keeps you in their ecosystem, it's clearly awesome, I'm not saying you don't get what you pay for, if you want to pay the price. Bowens mount seems to be enough for most "normal" photogs with maybe a few specialty mounts on the side.

Lol, no, not really I don't throw money at staff I don't need.
I have 5 cameras but because I am in both photography/videograph​y business and not just photography. Am am in a company along with 2 other people and believe me, especially for pro video work, what I have now is below minimum

That said, I do agree with you that throwing money around is not logical.
I do have a small problem though as far as spending is concerned. And that is often time until I actually buy something and use it for a while and try it first-hand I can't really say if I will like that item or weather that item will fit in my workflow fine. I can read all I want on-line, but unless I try it, it is not certain I will like it.
Because of this I have bought quite a few things that I never use. But I guess that is part of learning and discovering what works for one.

Right now my thinking is that unless I actually try strobe work I will not know. I might be missing on an amazing product that will really fit in my workflow.

I didn't say you threw money at stuff you didn't need.

Pay, use it, things are fine. Get into profoto and plan to keep paying, if it fits your business model do it.

Probably maybe unrelated:

If you can afford it, just go with the Profotos. I have a B1 and B2 (two heads) and loads of modifiers and spare batteries. Everything just works straight out of the box. I also bought two Remote Air triggers for Canon and can have one on each of two cameras (for weddings) and just switch between them. You can then get a couple of Air Syncs which will fire your 600EX-RTs (manual only) which you can use as fill or kickers.

You will notice there are very few questions on the forum about the Profotos as they are so simple to use and just work. Maybe Mary (happy2010) will chip in as she has been using Profotos for years and she uses 600EX-RTs with them.

AnnieMacD wrote in post #18162359
If you can afford it, just go with the Profotos. I have a B1 and B2 (two heads) and loads of modifiers and spare batteries. Everything just works straight out of the box. I also bought two Remote Air triggers for Canon and can have one on each of two cameras (for weddings) and just switch between them. You can then get a couple of Air Syncs which will fire your 600EX-RTs (manual only) which you can use as fill or kickers.

You will notice there are very few questions on the forum about the Profotos as they are so simple to use and just work. Maybe Mary (happy2010) will chip in as she has been using Profotos for years and she uses 600EX-RTs with them.

Thanks for comment.
Would you recommend B2/B1 or the newly released D2 for mostly on-location outside sessions?

As a test, I stuck three flashes inside a 3'x4' SB, facing forward, with angle set to 24mm. Even with both diffusers, hot spots were clearly visible. The rig was bulky and set-up a pain. The natural SB pairing is a single bare bulb—polar opposite of a flash. Since Profoto D1/D2/B1/B2 only approximates bare bulb with an (optional) dome, the better portable solution is probably the Godox line. Deploying a bank of flash to be softened says, to me, that the wrong tool was chosen. I do soften flash regularly, but only in a studio where panels and support gear is available.

Van Gogh wrote in post #18162409
Thanks for comment.
Would you recommend B2/B1 or the newly released D2 for mostly on-location outside sessions?

D2 needs to be plugged in to an ac outlet. The B1 is battery only whereas the B2 may be used while charging.

RicoTudor wrote in post #18162690
As a test, I stuck three flashes inside a 3'x4' SB, facing forward, with angle set to 24mm. Even with both diffusers, hot spots were clearly visible. The rig was bulky and set-up a pain. The natural SB pairing is a single bare bulb—polar opposite of a flash. Since Profoto D1/D2/B1/B2 only approximates bare bulb with an (optional) dome, the better portable solution is probably the Godox line. Deploying a bank of flash to be softened says, to me, that the wrong tool was chosen. I do soften flash regularly, but only in a studio where panels and support gear is available.

In other words ganging speelites is not the ebst way to go. Makes sense.
Godox line? Which ones in particular?

AnnieMacD wrote in post #18162727
D2 needs to be plugged in to an ac outlet. The B1 is battery only whereas the B2 may be used while charging.

Well to Me B2 looks better as smaller and more portable but I have to say, B1 having 2x more power is kind of a big deal.
Really hard choice between the 2 options...

BTW, yes, D2 needs AC power, but can't I just take some kind of portable battery with me?

Van Gogh wrote in post #18160408
Hi everyone,

So I have 3x 600EX-RT's along with ST-E3 RT controller and want to gang up the 3 flashes together outside.
I shoot outside often and want to gang up my 3 speedlites and shoot through a softbox.
I don’t want to shoot through an umbrella but rather through a softbox as I find that umbrella doesn't look as good due to excessive light spill.

To achieve that, I need a triple flash bracket and a softbox that I can attach to triple flash bracket.
Any recommendations?

P.S. I already have the "Westcott Triple Threat Speedlite Bracket" but it is cheaply made and broke on me, will not buy it again.
How is the "Strobies Triple Flash Bracket" as an alternative?
Either way, is there any way and any softbox out there to which I would be able to attach the triple flash bracket directly?

Thanks for any help!

Van Gogh.
I have the Westcott Triple threat. However I don't use it for one main reason. It can back off the light stand as it does not lock on to it. It "marries" up but is not secure. If outside and somewhat windy or even bump into the modifier in the studio, it can back off easily. The added weight of the three 600 EX-RT's makes it even more so.
My go to is the Lastollite Tri -Flash.

https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …051677682%2C&Q=​&A=details.

Locks onto stand at bottom and will not back off if tightened properly.
Have been using this for four years now in conjunction with introduction of the Canon 600's
As far as modifiers with the Lastolite Tri-Flash, the Westcott Apollo line is ideal.
For a Tradional softbox four sided look, the Apollo Medium 28" is a great place to start. It also has a grid option as well, which I recommend.
I also have the Apollo Orb and Strip as well.

https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …051678762%2C&A=​details&Q=


https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …051677562%2C&Q=​&A=details

For about $250.00 - $275.00 you can keep utilizing the the Canon 600's you have already invested in financially.

Nick5 wrote in post #18162919
Van Gogh.
I have the Westcott Triple threat. However I don't use it for one main reason. It can back off the light stand as it does not lock on to it. It "marries" up but is not secure. If outside and somewhat windy or even bump into the modifier in the studio, it can back off easily. The added weight of the three 600 EX-RT's makes it even more so.
My go to is the Lastollite Tri -Flash.

https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …051677682%2C&Q=​&A=details.

Locks onto stand at bottom and will not back off if tightened properly.
Have been using this for four years now in conjunction with introduction of the Canon 600's
As far as modifiers with the Lastolite Tri-Flash, the Westcott Apollo line is ideal.
For a Tradional softbox four sided look, the Apollo Medium 28" is a great place to start. It also has a grid option as well, which I recommend.
I also have the Apollo Orb and Strip as well.

https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …051678762%2C&A=​details&Q=

https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …051677562%2C&Q=​&A=details

For about $250.00 - $275.00 you can keep utilizing the the Canon 600's you have already invested in financially.

Thanks a lot, exactly what I was looking for.
Since I can't try it myself before buying, a quick question.

How does Apollo softbox actually attach the the light stand/Lastolite Tri-Flash?
Is it secure and no wiggle? I am just looking for setup to be decent in terms of stability that's all...
I see it probably attaches like an umbrella? My only concern is that based on my experience diffusers that attach with some kind of rings are more sturdy/secure but I could be wrong...

As for softbox, I see you recommend the 28'' Apollo. But I would probably prefer just a tad bit bigger softbox if they have one!
Just saw that you also have an Orb, and Apolo's orb looks to be 43'' big, which seems plenty big
I might just get the 43'' Orb as I want bigger/softer light source. Not sure if having both the 28" softbox and 43'' Orb will be a little too redundant?

Thanks again, great advice!

P.S. What do you think about this tri-flash instead of the Wescott one? I just don't have good record with Wescott Triple Threat after it broke on me...
https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …trobies_Triple_​Flash.html

Van Gogh wrote in post #18163544
Thanks a lot, exactly what I was looking for.
Since I can't try it myself before buying, a quick question.

How does Apollo softbox actually attach the the light stand/Lastolite Tri-Flash?
Is it secure and no wiggle? I am just looking for setup to be decent in terms of stability that's all...
I see it probably attaches like an umbrella? My only concern is that based on my experience diffusers that attach with some kind of rings are more sturdy/secure but I could be wrong...

As for softbox, I see you recommend the 28'' Apollo. But I would probably prefer just a tad bit bigger softbox if they have one!
Just saw that you also have an Orb, and Apolo's orb looks to be 43'' big, which seems plenty big
I might just get the 43'' Orb as I want bigger/softer light source. Not sure if having both the 28" softbox and 43'' Orb will be a little too redundant?

Thanks again, great advice!

P.S. What do you think about this tri-flash instead of the Wescott one? I just don't have good record with Wescott Triple Threat after it broke on me...
https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …trobies_Triple_​Flash.html

Van Gogh.
You are very welcome.
Unfortunately I have never seen the Interfit version above, so I can not give you advice. Also the handle may or may not extend into the Apollo diffuser panel. For me, the Lastolite just works, works well, Go for it.
Unfortunately the image of the Lastolite Triflash does not show the hole for Umbrella shaft clearly. The Apollo shaft is held securely when tightened, like anything do not over tighten.
The weight of the Apollo is not heavy at all. The weight of the Speedlites is on the Lastolite which is attached to the included light stand. Very secure.
More to this reply later.

Nick5 wrote in post #18163822
Van Gogh.
You are very welcome.
Unfortunately I have never seen the Interfit version above, so I can not give you advice. Also the handle may or may not extend into the Apollo diffuser panel. For me, the Lastolite just works, works well, Go for it.
Unfortunately the image of the Lastolite Triflash does not show the hole for Umbrella shaft clearly. The Apollo shaft is held securely when tightened, like anything do not over tighten.
The weight of the Apollo is not heavy at all. The weight of the Speedlites is on the Lastolite which is attached to the included light stand. Very secure.
More to this reply later.

Ok Nick makes sense, thanks .
I will go ahead and order the Lasolite Triflash along with probably the Apolo 43'' Orb.
That should be fine for a while as far as outsie portrait sessions.

Later down the road I might still end up getting into the Profoto line when I have enough spare cash

Van Gogh wrote in post #18163855
Ok Nick makes sense, thanks .
I will go ahead and order the Lasolite Triflash along with probably the Apolo 43'' Orb.
That should be fine for a while as far as outsie portrait sessions.

Later down the road I might still end up getting into the Profoto line when I have enough spare cash

Sorry to get back with reply so late Van Gogh.
Regarding which to buy first is a tough one. Depending on what I am lighting determines which Apollo I go to as a Main (Key) Light. The Medium or the Orb is a great go to.

Advantages are.

Medium.
Square shaped catch light
4 inch recessed diffuser panel, great for "feathering" the light.
More control, less spill.

Orb.
Round catch light
One inch recessed panel.
More wrap around lighting