Qbox 24 vs Softlighter II 46

As much as I like Qbox24, It's just not that portable compare to umbrella. Is there any disadvantage using the Softlighter 46 other than more spill?

I can almost fit the qbox in my pocket. What about it isnt portable?

I dont own a softlighter but I have both 16 and 24 qboxes. IMHO, theyd work better in most situations over an umbrella.

Qbox for me, love it, and can fit it in minimal spaces...Its hard to beat IMO

In my opinion the Qbox is far more portable then most umbrellas. Light is beautiful too, although so is the SLII's.

I guess the SLII is slightly faster to set-up though.

I never disassemble my QBox24" I just pick it along with the flash and ready to shoot. Takes me 5-10mins to setup my SL46".

Finally got to try the Softlighter 46. My 430EX II need to work a lot harder when using Softlighter 46" compares to Qbox24. Is that normal?

I like them both. I use the Softlighter more with strobes, and the Qbox more with speedlites.

ching wrote in post #12524506
Finally got to try the Softlighter 46. My 430EX II need to work a lot harder when using Softlighter 46" compares to Qbox24. Is that normal?

Yes, I've also found that the Softlighter is less efficient than the Qbox.

The 46" Softlighter II is a larger and less efficient light modifier than a Qbox24. It's got a satin white interior as opposed to the silver interior of the Qbox.

So, yes, it's perfectly normal.

I have a 24" Ezybox which is very similar to the qbox and I also have a Softlighter II and I prefer the Ezybox as a more compact and travel friendly.

Softlighter II is completely unusable during any windy condition. Even though the softlighter is easy to setup, it takes longer than the Ezybox.

Two different modifiers for different affects.
If you are picking the modifier based on its portability rather than its light control capabilities you are going to have the wrong modifier most of the time. (one man's view)

Regarding setup and breakdown time.....

I don't get all the comments about faster or slower setup time.

I set up my Softlighter quickly. I have no idea of how much time it takes and I've never had reason to question it or make comparisons.

The Qbox24 goes up quickly and if the bracket is preconfigured then it's fast and easy. Again, I have no idea of how long it takes.

Both take 30 seconds (roughly) longer than a standard umbrella. Who cares?

I can set up a Speedlight in an umbrella faster than I can an Elinchrom strobe in an Octa. Who cares?

I use the tool(s) that get the job done as best as possible and I find it so interesting that for some people, those small variations in setup time are making a difference. If we were talking about minutes instead of seconds or many minutes compared to seconds then I could understand that, but the difference between 20 seconds or 40 seconds. Or 30 seconds vs. 1 minute.

Really? Does it really matter? I have many more important things to sweat over before I worry about whether I can set up a Qbox or Softlighter faster.

JMHO

TMR Design wrote in post #12528331
Really? Does it really matter? I have many more important things to sweat over before I worry about whether I can set up a Qbox or Softlighter faster.

JMHO

Agree. Not sure what these guys shoot they setup time is that big an issue.

You have to stay ahead of security.

bobbyz wrote in post #12528381
Agree. Not sure what these guys shoot they setup time is that big an issue.

Ezybox / Qbox - You can leave the inside baffle and the front diffuser still intact when you collapse it. All you have to do is pull out the rear bracket.
This literally takes seconds.

Softlighter - While it's an umbrella style, the front diffuser cover fits directly onto the tips of the umbrella. 10 tips total.
You also need to make sure the front diffuser cover is wrapped around the umbrella on the correct side where it wraps around the umbrella.
Setup on this can take at least a minute or so depending on the size of your Softlighter.

Like I said above, the time difference is VERY small but if you're really nit picking "setup time", the Ezybox / Qbox is faster. Is it a deal breaker? No.

But, like someone else mentioned above, it's purpose is different and I usually carry the Ezybox for on location shoot vs. softlighter due to windy conditions. Ezybox is more stable than the softlighter.